Compare scholarships from other countries: which country should you choose when your budget is limited?

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Comparing scholarships from other countries is an important step if your family has a limited budget but still wants your child to study abroad. Instead of chasing famous destinations with high tuition fees, you can choose a country with low public school tuition, many government scholarships for Vietnam, or legal part-time jobs. The article provides a practical comparison framework for you to decide.

Criteria for comparing scholarships across countries

Don't just look at the scholarship value. A 50% scholarship in a high-tuition country may still be more expensive than studying abroad on your own in a low-tuition country. Let's compare according to five criteria:

1. Public school tuition for international students.
2. Government scholarships for Vietnamese citizens and number of slots per year.
3. Cost of living in the study city.
4. Legal right to work part-time during study time.
5. Language requirement: learning in the local language is often cheaper but requires investment in learning the language first.

If you are not familiar with the types of scholarships, read the article first Full and partial study abroad scholarships and Are full scholarships truly free?.

Comparison table of budget destinations

The table below summarizes general trends according to the most recent official information; Specific levels vary by year and by school.

Details for each country: Germany – DAAD, Hungarian – Stipendium Hungaricum and other articles in the scholarship category by country.

Suggestions based on budget and level of education

Budget is very limited

Priority is given to full government scholarships with large numbers for Vietnam (Hungary, China, part of Taiwan), Agreement scholarships through the Ministry of Education and Training, or tuition-free countries like Germany if the family is eligible to prove financial means. Reference Vietnamese Government scholarships for international students.

Average budget

Japan, Korea, and Taiwan allow legal part-time work, combined with school scholarships. Italy with DSU scholarships, France with public schools and fee exemptions are also worth considering.

Master's and doctoral degrees

This is the level with the most full scholarships: Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, paid research students in Northern Europe, Netherlands, Switzerland. See Erasmus Mundus.

“Hidden” costs are often forgotten

• Proof of finances: some countries require large amounts of money even when there is a partial scholarship.
• Compulsory health insurance and residence extension fee.
• Deposit for house and expenses for the first month before receiving benefits.
• Airfare: Europe and North America are much more expensive than Asia; The number of times you return home also affects the budget.

See more Parents need to plan their study abroad budget. Regarding air tickets, VeDuHoc's team of more than 30 Bookers hunts for multi-carrier tickets, continues to monitor prices even when prices are high, and if a better price is found after you have paid, HVSC transfers the excess amount back. This is a way to reduce a significant amount of your budget; see air tickets to study abroad.

Decision-making process

1. Determine your target major and level of study.
2. Filter 3–4 countries by budget and language requirements.
3. List specific scholarships and application deadlines for each country.
4. Calculate the total actual costs and backup plan if you do not pass the scholarship.
5. Apply for multiple scholarships in parallel to increase your chances.

Frequently asked questions

Which country is the cheapest to study abroad for Vietnamese people?

There is no single answer. With full scholarships, Hungary, China, and Taiwan have many places; For self-financing, Germany (tuition free at most public schools) and Asian countries that allow part-time work are popular choices.

Should I choose a country just because of the scholarship?

Shouldn't. Consider your field of study, job opportunities, languages ​​and adaptability. Scholarships are just one factor.

What are the benefits of learning in the local language?

Tuition is often lower, more scholarships and easier to integrate and find a job. In return, you need 1–2 years of learning the language.

Should we rely on part-time work to make ends meet?

You should only consider part-time work as support. Limited working hours and study pressure make income unstable, especially in the first year.

Comparing scholarships from other countries soberly helps you find a destination that is affordable but still has quality. Once you have chosen your country and school, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 to get advice on the most economical flight route.

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