Budgeting for Study Abroad Applications & Visa Fees

Ever imagined stepping into a university abroad? Exploring a new culture and meeting new students from all over the world? It’s thrilling! But soon, reality hits. You’ll face application fees, visa charges, medical tests, and endless small payments that can drain your savings.

To manage these costs, many students use Blitz. Blitz helps you track every dollar you spend on the journey, from university applications to travel bookings, so you don’t lose sight of your budget while chasing your dream.

In this blog, you’ll uncover the hidden costs of study abroad preparation, learn how to manage visa fees, and see how Blitz makes the entire budgeting for study abroad applications easier. Ready to plan smarter and keep your study abroad dream within reach? Let’s dive in.

The Real Costs of Applying to Study Abroad

Studying abroad may look like one big cost, but in reality, it’s a set of smaller but steady expenses. Even before your flight ticket, money goes into applications and documents. Knowing these costs beforehand makes it easier to plan and track them with Blitz. Here are some costs:

Application Fees

Most universities charge a fee simply to process your application. On average, this amount ranges between $50 and $100 per university. Some prestigious schools require more. Students will apply to several universities, and the fees add up quickly. Applying to six universities could already cost $300–$600 in fees alone.

Standardized Test Costs

Entrance exams come with their own price tags:

• TOEFL: around $200.
• IELTS: close to $250.
• GRE/GMAT: between $200 and $250.

If only one more time you are allowed to take the exam, the fee would be the same. This means one careless mistake or an unprepared attempt can double your expenses.

Document Preparation

Getting documents ready also carries expenses, such as:

• Transcripts: Some universities charge for official copies
• Notarization: Required certifications may add extra costs
• Courier Services: Delivering documents overseas may run $30–$50 per package

Budgeting for Visa Fees and Related Costs

After finishing your applications, the visa step feels like crossing the final gate. But visas come with their own set of expenses that you should prepare for in advance. These include the application itself, health requirements, and identity checks.

Read: The Ultimate Guide to Budgeting for College Students: Save Money, Reduce Stress, and Thrive

Visa Application Fees

Getting a student visa isn’t free, and every country has its own charges. Here are some costs:

• US visa: Approx. $185.
• UK visa: About $450+.
• Canada visa: Approximately $150.
• Australia visa: Nearly $500.

These fees are non-refundable. If your application is rejected, the money does not come back.

Medical Tests & Insurance

Health-related expenses are part of most visa applications and cannot be skipped.

• Medical tests often cost between $100 and $250.
• Travel or health insurance can add another $50 to $200.
• Both are required to protect you while living abroad.

These may sound like extra charges, but they also provide peace of mind about your safety while studying overseas.

Biometric & Processing Charges

The visa process involves identity checks through fingerprints, photos, and background screenings.

• Expect an extra $50–$100 for biometrics.
• If you use faster or premium processing, the cost increases.
• Some countries also add handling or service charges.

Although smaller compared to application or medical costs, these steps are just as important because they complete the security checks needed for your visa.

Planning for these visa-related costs early makes the process easier to handle. With Blitz, you can monitor every payment, remind yourself of looming deadlines, and plan without urgency.

Hidden Costs Students Often Forget

When planning for study abroad, students usually think about big costs like applications, tests, and visas. However, there are smaller hidden expenses that do not occur to you but become visible when you need them. Here are some of them:

Translation & Attestation of Documents

Your documents in a certified format is the requirement of some universities or embassies.

• Translations of transcripts or certificates must be done by a professional if the language is not English.
• Attesting or approving important papers is a paid service offered by embassies or consulates.
• The fees may vary significantly, and the more you have, the more it will cost in total.

Although it may seem like a minor step, this is necessary to make your application legal for foreign use.

Currency Conversion & Bank Fees

Sending money abroad isn’t free, and banks apply extra charges.

• Currency conversion fees are taken every time money is exchanged for another currency.
• International transfers and bank drafts can have service charges.
• Even credit or debit cards often add 2–4 percent for overseas use.

Such charges are not that big, but if you do not track them, they might gradually eat up your savings.

Pre-Departure Costs

Before traveling, some expenses need to be managed as part of your move abroad.

• Purchasing flight tickets may range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the destination country.
• Additional baggage or luggage tends to have additional fees.
• Housing deposits or advance rent payments may be required before you travel.

These expenses tend to be overlooked when one is concentrating on applications, but they are necessary for your eventual relocation.

Also Read: Meet Your AI Deals Assistant-Faster, Smarter Savings in College

How to Build a Study Abroad Budget

Being on a budget doesn’t necessarily mean that you cannot enjoy life. It means that you are planning your spending, so when the time comes to pay the bill, you avoid getting shocked by the amount.

Step 1 – Make a Cost Checklist

Start by writing down every possible expense. This includes:

• Application fees
• Visa charges
• Medical tests
• Document translation
• Bank fees
• Pre-departure expenses

When you have all the items listed in a single location, it not only helps you have a complete view, but it also prevents you from missing any item of significance.

Step 2 – Prioritize Essentials vs. Optional Expenses

When you have your list, categorize it as essentials and extras.

• Essentials: Application, visa, and required medical tests.
• Optional: More university applications, courier dispatches at a higher rate, and a coaching program with premium services.

By starting with the must-haves, you can be sure that the most important phases of your trip have already been covered before spending on extras.

Step 3 – Set a Timeline for Savings

Once you figure out what costs are necessary and what the least priorities are, assign deadlines to them. Instead of paying all your expenses for one month, you can spread them across 6 to 12 months.

When you set aside certain amounts of money each month leading up to a deadline, you ensure that you have enough funds when the time comes.

Smart Money Hacks to Cut Application & Visa Costs

Smart planning can save you a lot of money. Just a few small sacrifices will let you have money for other parts of your journey.

Apply Selectively

It’s easy to send applications to a lot of universities, but that can cost a lot. Instead, look around carefully and make a short list of schools that meet your objectives and price range. Applying selectively is cheaper and leaves you more time to write good applications for schools that count.

Use Student Discounts & Waivers

Many universities give fee waivers or discounts. For instance, students who are worthy might get TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT tests at a discounted price. Taking a few minutes to look over these options would save you a lot of money without even trying.

Share Resources With Peers

If your friends are also applying to study abroad, consider sharing some costs. Splitting courier fees for sending documents or booking group travel can lower expenses for everyone.

Using Tech & Tools for Smarter Budgeting

Technology simplifies it more than ever before. With the proper tools, you can monitor costs, save regularly, and eliminate anxiety about lost payments. Here are some ways to use tools for smart budgeting.

Budgeting Apps for Students

A budgeting app helps simplify money management during the busy preparation stage.

• Blitz enables you to bucket all expenses, such as applications, tests, or travel.
• You can have all your financial activities in one, brief, and clear primary screen.
• Spending in real-time can let you become more aware of your money situation, and fixing unnecessary spending is also very easy.

Create a “Study Abroad” Fund Envelope

Dedicating a separate fund for application and visa expenses keeps your savings organized.

• Blitz lets you create a digital envelope only for study abroad costs.
• You can schedule weekly or monthly deposits and see the balance build up.
• This prevents mixing school application money with regular living expenses.

Having a dedicated fund makes it clear that your savings are moving toward a specific goal.

Track Deadlines Along With Expenses

Keeping up with deadlines is as critical as having enough money.

• Blitz enables you to schedule reminders for payments, such as test registrations and visa appointments.
• Alerts prevent you from missing important dates, which prevents additional late fees.
• Tracking deadlines in conjunction with costs keeps you financially and practically prepared.

Example Budget Breakdown – Study Abroad Prep

Here’s a sample budget for one student:

• Applications (5 universities): $400
• Standardized Tests (IELTS + GRE): $450
• Visa & Biometric Fees: $350
• Medical & Insurance: $200
• Miscellaneous (documents, courier, travel deposits): $300

Total: $1,700–$2,000

This is an estimated range. Actual amounts may increase depending on the destination and the number of applications.

Quick Checklist – Budgeting for Study Abroad & Visa Costs

Here is the checklist for managing your budget.

• Research all university & visa fees in advance: Research application fees, test fees, and visa fees for every college. This way, you’re prepared.
• Create a separate savings plan: Save money, especially for studying abroad. Keep it away from daily spending.
• Take advantage of fee waivers and discounts: Search for fee waivers from universities and test administrators. They can reduce your overall charges.
• Track all expenses in Blitz: Track payments, set deadlines for reminders, and categorize using Blitz.
• Keep a 10–15% buffer for surprises: Things do come up, and it saves your budget.

Conclusion – Plan Ahead, Stress Less

Planning to study abroad is not the most difficult thing. Through Blitz, it becomes a reality to track every cost involved with minimal effort. You will no longer have to be bothered with unexpected charges or last-minute cash top-ups.

Blitz avoids the delays and stress of money transactions. Instead of being stressed, you will be able to concentrate on your future abroad.

Start using Blitz today and make budgeting a simple part of your prep. Your dream of studying abroad is nearer than you can imagine—make it a reality with smart planning and the right tool.

FAQs on Budgeting for Study Abroad Applications