From Language Study Abroad to a Degree Abroad: Degrees, Costs and Career Planning Explained

Language Study vs. Degree Study Abroad: Degrees and Career Planning Explained

Following up on my last post about short-term language study abroad, this time I want to draw on my own experience, a language program in the Philippines and a degree in Canada, to walk you through what studying abroad for a degree actually involves. A lot of people ask me, “Should I do a language program or a full degree?” The two are very different, and they suit different people. In this post I cover what degree study abroad is, the costs, what each country is like, language requirements and common questions, and I’ve put together my most honest observations and advice from real experience.

What Is Studying Abroad? An All-Round Challenge of Degree, Life and Growth

Put simply, studying abroad means going overseas for a formal degree program, such as a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD; some professional certificate programs count too. Unlike the short-term experience of a language program, it usually takes one to several years, and at the end you get a local qualification, which helps a lot with finding jobs, applying to grad school and even immigrating.

When I was studying in Canada, the thing I felt most clearly was this: it isn’t just about learning a language, it’s an all-round life challenge. You have to adjust to classes taught entirely in English, work with classmates from all over the world, and handle everything in daily life on your own. It was hard, but the experience really helped me grow a ton, and it added solid international experience to my résumé.

• Earn a formal degree (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD)

• Credits recognized internationally

• Chances to apply for local internships, jobs or immigration

• Solid academic training and stronger professional skills

• Much greater adaptability in daily life

A Complete Guide to Costs, Program Length and Choosing a Country

What most people care about is money and time. Costs vary a lot depending on the country, the city and the type of school. Below are average figures for 2025; amounts vary with exchange rates and school type:

• US, UK, Australia: tuition + living costs about 1.5–2 million

• Germany, France and other European countries: most public universities charge no tuition or only a registration fee; living costs about 500,000–800,000

• Japan, South Korea: tuition + living costs about 1 million, and living costs are easier to keep under control

Program length:

• Bachelor’s: 3–4 years

• Master’s: 1–2 years

• PhD: 3–5+ years

In my experience in Canada, living costs were higher than in Asia, but the school’s resources were really rich: the library, labs and career services were all excellent. Of course, tuition is a real burden, so many students work during breaks or apply for scholarships to ease it.

• Tuition may go up every year, so check the latest information

• Living costs vary a lot by city; big cities are usually more expensive

• Some countries let international students work, which can help cover living costs

The country you choose really affects your quality of life and direction for the next few years. Based on my own and my friends’ experience, here’s what some popular countries are like:

• US: flexible programs, free choice of courses, tons of academic resources, many research opportunities, strong emphasis on internships and industry partnerships, good career prospects, high living costs, fierce competition

• UK: short master’s programs (usually one year), saves time, rigorous teaching, high international recognition, many historic universities, rich cultural atmosphere, high living costs and tuition

• Australia / New Zealand: pleasant climate, slower pace of life, legal to work, less day-to-day pressure, diverse schools, high share of international students, chance to apply for a work visa after graduating

• Canada: bilingual environment (English and French), multicultural, safe, high quality of life, tuition somewhat lower than in the US, moderate living costs, open work permits after graduation, many immigration opportunities

• Germany: most public universities charge no tuition, only a registration fee; world-famous in engineering and technology; more and more programs taught in English; living costs lower than elsewhere in Western Europe

• Japan / South Korea: reasonable tuition, manageable living costs, strong cultural appeal, convenient daily life, some programs taught in English, higher language barrier, need to adapt to local culture

I’d suggest choosing the country that fits you best based on your field, budget, language skills and future plans.

English Tests, and a Quick Comparison of Language Study vs. Degree Study

Most overseas schools require proof of English proficiency, and the most common tests are IELTS, TOEFL and PTE. Preferences differ by country and school, so be sure to check before you apply.

• IELTS: common for schools in the UK, Australia and Europe

• TOEFL: the main test for the US and Canada

• PTE: increasingly common in Australia and New Zealand

IELTS Academic is the main test for admission in the UK and Australia, while most US schools accept either TOEFL or IELTS scores. If your English isn’t yet at the admission level, don’t worry too much. Many schools offer “Pathway programs” that let you build your language skills first and then move into the degree program. Pathway programs are usually run by a university’s language center or a partner institution, and once you finish you can go straight into the degree program.

• Required scores differ by school, so check the latest information on the official website

• Some schools accept several tests; pick the one you’re most confident in

• Pathway programs are a great transitional option

People sometimes mix up language study abroad and degree study abroad, but the two differ a lot in goals, time and budget.

Main goal:

• Language study: improve your language, experience the culture

• Degree study: earn a degree, build a career

Duration:

• Language study: 2 weeks to 12 months

• Degree study: 1 year or more

Budget:

• Language study: about 50,000–150,000

• Degree study: about 1 million or more per year

English level:

• Language study: beginner to intermediate is fine

• Degree study: IELTS/TOEFL scores required

Course flexibility:

• Language study: high

• Degree study: relatively fixed

What you end up with:

• Language study: a certificate of completion

• Degree study: a formal degree

If you’re not sure whether long-term study abroad is right for you, you can start with a short language program, get used to the language and environment, and then think about applying for a degree. That makes the transition smoother and less stressful.

Common Questions and Experience

Q1: Does a language program give you a qualification?

A: Not a formal one, but you get a certificate of completion, which can serve as proof of your language skills and international experience.

Q2: How much does a year of study abroad cost?

A: About 600,000–800,000 in Asian countries and mostly over 1.2 million in Europe and North America; the actual cost depends on the city and school.

Q3: Can I go straight to a degree abroad if my English isn’t good?

A: I’d suggest taking a language course or a short language program first, then applying for a degree once your English improves. Your study pressure will be much lower that way.

Q4: Do I need a very high English score to study abroad?

A: Don’t worry too much. Many schools offer Pathway programs that let you build your language skills before moving into the degree. If you’re committed, taking it slowly is fine!

Looking back on going from a language program in the Philippines to a degree in Canada, my biggest gain wasn’t better English. It was learning to be independent, to solve problems, and making friends from all over the world. Studying abroad really shows you a bigger world, and it helps you get to know yourself again.

• Do your homework: every country, school and program is different, so research thoroughly

• Plan a realistic budget: include tuition, living costs, insurance and flights

• Prepare your language skills early: it’s not just test scores; speaking and listening matter too

• Keep an open mind: when you hit culture shock or setbacks, learn to adjust

• Make good use of school resources: the career center, counselors and the international student office are all very helpful

Whether you end up choosing a language program or a degree, there’s no absolute right or wrong. A short language program lets you experience life abroad quickly, while a degree abroad lets you grow more deeply, professionally and personally. The most important thing is to be clear about what you want from the experience: language skills, an international perspective, or professional growth?

(This post is based on my own experience and information I gathered.)