Smart Ways To Fund Your Degree

Many people dream of furthering their studies after graduating from high school. Although everyone should be granted the right to further their studies, only a handful of high school graduates get to realize that dream.

This is because going to university or college is very expensive. Many people do not have the privilege of belonging to well-off families that can afford to send them to varsity. Remember that in addition to paying for the course itself, you will also have to cover textbooks, accommodation, transportation, food, etc

Although, there are several things you can do to drastically reduce or completely cover your tuition fees without going into debt. But first, you will need to find a reasonable degree. Browse through the uni course finder site and identify courses that will not cost an arm and a leg.

Now that you have found your course. Here are five clever ways to fund your degree.

Apply For A Bursary

Getting a bursary is not an easy task. Bursaries are typically awarded to students with outstanding academic performances and an inherent need for financial assistance.

A bursary will cover everything from tuition fees to accommodation, food, and textbooks. While you may not have to pay your bursar back, you will have to work for them once you complete your degree. 

Apply For A Scholarship

A scholarship is similar to a bursary, but their awarding criteria differ. Scholarships are usually awarded to students with either outstanding academic performances or sporting excellence.

Scholarships are awarded by Universities or Colleges, while corporate companies or research institutions award bursaries.

Like a bursary, a scholarship will cover all expenses incurred during your study. Afterwhich, you may have to work for the institution or play for their sports team.

Apply For A Government Grant

Government grants are often called financial aid. Similar to bursaries, they are awarded to students with good academics and a need for financial assistance.

Outside of government-funded grants, some universities have internal financial schemes where they may award financial aid or low-interest loans to needy students.

Note that financial assistance is not free money. You will be expected to reimburse the institution once you've completed your studies. The good news, though, is that the institution will only expect payment when you start working. You can make the payments in monthly installments.

Find Work As A Teacher's Assistant (TA)

TA positions are often offered to postgraduate students, but universities may hire undergraduates if they qualify. To become a TA or tutor, you need an excellent academic track record.

TAs get a lot of perks for the work they do for the university. Some get huge discounts on their tuition fees, while others receive a stipend or hourly salary. 

Regardless of the contract, you can drastically reduce your tuition fees by working as a TA.

Work And Study Part-time

If you are unsuccessful at attaining all the four tips mentioned above, your best option will be to study and work part-time. This option is similar to working as a TA or a tutor. Thus you will need to manage your time very efficiently.

Although many may shun the idea of part-time study, it can be very beneficial. If you align your part-time job with the course you are studying, you will be gaining hands-on field experience. 

With all the solutions to afford tertiary education, it's possible to achieve your career goals, even if you don't clear financial assistance from a lender.

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