Practical guide: studying abroad in 2026 — fund, prepare, go
Erasmus grant, international student housing, health insurance, Wise account, eSIM, visa — the complete guide to preparing your departure abroad in 2026. Checkl
🌍 All countries🇪🇺 EU / EEA (Erasmus)● Americas● Asia-Pacific● Africa / MENA
Some programmes (Erasmus+, Fulbright, New Colombo Plan...) are restricted to specific nationalities. Host country scholarships (MEXT, KGSP, MoE Taiwan...) are open to all. Visa conditions vary by nationality — always verify with the relevant embassy.
Three parts of this series answered the question "where." This fourth answers the question "how" — the one everyone has once their eyes have been opened to the destinations. How to fund a semester in Prague or a year in Taiwan. How to find an apartment in a city you've never been to. Which insurance to get when you leave the Schengen area. How not to lose 200 euros in currency fees over a year. This guide is operational, in order, leaving nothing out.
J-9
9 months before departure
Foreign government scholarship applications (MEXT, KGSP, Taiwan MoE...)
The major Asian scholarships open their application windows between January and April. Processing time: 3 to 6 months. For the MEXT (Japan) and KGSP (South Korea), embassy-track applications often open in January for a September departure.
J-7
7 months before departure
Direct application to host university + housing
Once your Erasmus place or acceptance is confirmed, submit your enrolment application to the host university. This is also the time to apply for student residence — waiting lists form now, not three weeks before departure.
M-4
4 months before departure
Visa (non-EU destinations) + EHIC + insurance
Request your EHIC from your national health insurance provider if you're an EU/EEA national (processing: 2–4 weeks). Submit visa applications for destinations that require it: Japan (8–12 weeks), South Korea (4–6 weeks), Canada (6–10 weeks). Take out private insurance for stays outside the EU.
M-1
1 month before departure
Wise account, eSIM, flights, document copies
Open and fund your Wise account. Book your Airalo eSIM. Check passport validity (6 months after return date). Scan all important documents to a cloud drive. Notify your national social support body of your departure if applicable. Final housing confirmations.
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02. Funding your stay — all available sources
Funding a study abroad stay is often perceived as an obstacle. In reality, it's a stack of layers that most students don't pile up enough. In almost every country, available scholarships can be combined — Erasmus, national scholarship, regional or institutional top-up — and the combination can cover a large share of the budget, provided you know all the sources available in your country.
Erasmus+ grant (base) 🇪🇺 EU / EEA
450–700 €/mois
Depends on the destination country group. Group 1 (Spain, Cyprus…): ~€650/month. Group 2 (Central Europe, Baltics, Slovenia…): ~€470/month. Tax-free.
Your national scholarship 🌍 All countries
+ 100–800 €/mois
Most countries have a national scholarship system based on social or academic criteria — maintained during an Erasmus or other exchange. Check with your home institution: in the majority of cases, the scholarship continues to be paid.
Regional & institutional grants 🌍 All countries
+ 50–300 €/mois
Many regions, provinces or local authorities offer an international mobility top-up for their students. Your university may also have its own mobility funds. Always check with your international relations office.
Host country government scholarships 🌍 All countries
Full ride possible
MEXT (Japan), KGSP (South Korea), MoE Taiwan: cover tuition + monthly allowance of $500 to $950. Competitive but accessible with a strong application.
International student loan 🌍 All countries
Varies by country
Most countries offer guaranteed student loans at reduced rates, repayable after graduation. Organisations like MPOWER Financing or Prodigy Finance offer loans specifically for international students, with no local guarantor required.
Bilateral scholarships & country agreements 🌍 All countries
Variable
Your country may have educational cooperation agreements with the host country, giving access to additional scholarships. National mobility agencies manage these programmes. Check with your institution's international relations office.
The stacking logic — a universal example
A European Erasmus-eligible student who combines the Erasmus+ grant (~€470/month for Central Europe) + a national scholarship from their home country (~€200–600/month depending on the system) + a possible institutional top-up can cover 80 to 100% of their budget in Prague or Krakow (€650–900/month). This stacking logic works in most European countries — the mechanisms layer up. The rule: never leave without checking with your international relations office for all available sources. Most students only activate one.
Mobility programmes by region — international equivalents
Erasmus+ is not the only mobility programme in the world. Here are the main regional equivalents, depending on your home country.
Erasmus+ 🇪🇺 EU / EEA
450–700 €/mois
33 participating countries (27 EU + Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia). Waiver of host university tuition fees + monthly grant.
Fulbright Program ● USA
Full ride
The US's flagship mobility programme. Open to American students going abroad and international students coming to the US. Fees covered + flights + allowance. Highly selective. 160 countries.
New Colombo Plan ● Australia
Partial full ride
Australian programme (DFAT) funding mobility for Australian students to Asia-Pacific. 40 regional destinations. Tuition fees + living allowance. Reserved for Australian nationals.
Commonwealth Scholarship 🌍 54 countries
Full ride
For students from 54 Commonwealth member countries wishing to study in the UK. Tuition fees covered + flights + monthly allowance. Managed by the CSC.
Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme ● Africa
Fees + per diem
African Union / EU programme encouraging mobility between African universities. Tuition, accommodation and per diem covered. Primarily master's and doctoral level. For nationals of AU member states.
Host country scholarships 🌍 All countries
Full ride possible
MEXT (Japan), KGSP (South Korea), MoE Taiwan, MIS Malaysia, SINGA Singapore — open to all nationalities. Cover tuition + monthly allowance. Often the best option for non-EU students.
If you don't have access to Erasmus+
Non-EU students (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Brazil, Mexico, India...) don't have access to standard Erasmus+. But they can apply for all host country government scholarships — MEXT, KGSP, MoE Taiwan, SINGA — which are open to all nationalities. These are often a better deal: higher amounts, tuition covered, and less competition than EU-only programmes.
Net monthly budget after scholarships — by region
Region
Total budget / month
Base Erasmus grant
Personal need (after grant)
Central Europe (Prague, Krakow...)
650–900 €
~470 €
180–430 €
Southern Europe (Valencia, Cyprus...)
850–1,200 €
~650 €
200–550 €
Asia (Taiwan, South Korea...)
600–1,300 USD
Not Erasmus
Full budget if no national scholarship
Americas (Buenos Aires...)
300–1,500 USD
Not Erasmus
Very low in Buenos Aires (UBA is free)
Morocco, Georgia...
380–600 USD
Not Erasmus
Among the lowest in the world
· · ✦ · ·
Prepare your move
The tools you actually need to relocate
🛡️
From $45/mo
SafetyWing
Global health insurance built for nomads. Activate from anywhere.
This is the real logistical battle of going abroad. Signing a lease in a city you've never visited, in a language you may barely speak, in a rental market that's tight in most major university towns. There is a clear strategy, in order of priority.
Priority 1 — University residence
Apply for university residence housing as soon as you receive the acceptance letter — not after. Most universities reserve spots for Erasmus and international students, often at rates 30 to 50% below market price. In Taiwan (NTU), residences are virtually guaranteed for Erasmus students at 80–120 USD/month. In Prague, Ljubljana, Tallinn: apply as soon as you're accepted, before the deadline stated in the letter. After that, spots go fast.
Priority 2 — HousingAnywhere for 3–12 month stays
When student residences are full or unavailable, the platform best suited to long student stays is HousingAnywhere. Designed explicitly for international students and Erasmus participants — not holidaymakers —, it offers furnished shared flats and studios in over 400 cities worldwide, with verified contracts, secure payments and tenant protection policies. Booking remotely without the risk of being scammed is its core argument: payment only goes to the landlord after your check-in is confirmed.
🏠
🏠 International student housing · Recommended by WiggMap
HousingAnywhere — Shared flats & studios for 3 to 12 month stays
The main challenge with housing abroad is signing a lease without seeing the place, with no local network, in a potentially competitive market. HousingAnywhere is built exactly for this: the platform holds the payment and only releases it to the landlord after your check-in is confirmed — if the property doesn't match the listing, you get a refund. 400+ cities covered, including Prague, Krakow, Valencia, Tallinn, Ljubljana, Montreal, Kuala Lumpur. Specific filters for long student stays (3–12 months), verified landlords, contracts adapted for international tenants. For a student booking from their home country six months ahead, it's the difference between a calm arrival and a first week spent scrambling for a roof with jet lag.
For shared flats between students, Facebook groups like "Erasmus [city] [year]", "International students [city]" and local Reddit forums are direct sources and often more affordable than platforms. Less secure, but prices are often 15 to 30% cheaper. Ideal for students comfortable with negotiating remotely and who have a safety net (Airbnb for the first few nights if housing isn't ready on arrival).
The transitional Airbnb — a useful backup
Whichever solution you choose, always book accommodation for the first 3 to 7 days after arrival — even if you have confirmed housing. Late arrivals, unreachable landlords, residences that open on Monday when you land on Sunday: these situations are common. A transitional Airbnb costs 30 to 80 euros/night depending on the city and prevents you from starting your stay in chaos.
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04. Visa & documents — by region
The main rule: the official acceptance letter from the host university is the triggering document for almost every student visa. Without it, no embassy will process your application. The gap between acceptance and visa submission must be planned ahead — some countries take 8 to 12 weeks.
🇪🇺
Europe (EU / Schengen)
No visa for EU citizens · Local registration advised beyond 3 months · EHIC recommended
No visa
🇹🇼
Taiwan — Student Resident Visa + ARC
Visa obtained through the embassy · ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) obtained on-site after arrival · Acceptance letter required
4–6 weeks
🇰🇷
South Korea — D-2 Student Visa
Application through the Korean Consulate in your country · Acceptance letter + financial statement + photos · Renewable on-site
4–6 weeks
🇯🇵
Japan — College/University Visa (留学)
Prepared by host university via Japanese immigration · Then apply at the Japanese Consulate in your country · Among the most rigorous to prepare
8–12 weeks
🇲🇾
Malaysia — Student Pass (EMGS)
Managed by the university via EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services) · Fully online process · Medical insurance required
4–8 weeks
🇸🇬
Singapore — Student Pass (SOLAR)
Online SOLAR system managed by the ICA · The university initiates the process · Annual renewal
4–6 weeks
🇨🇦
Canada — Study Permit + CAQ (Quebec)
Two separate steps: federal Study Permit (IRCC) + CAQ if studying in Quebec · Acceptance letter + proof of funds
6–10 weeks
🇬🇪
Georgia — Visa-free up to 365 days
Most EU/Western nationals visa-free for up to 1 year · Long-term residency obtained locally through the university
Visa-free
🇦🇷
Argentina — Student visa (temporary residence)
Visa-free entry up to 90 days for most Western nationals · Temporary student residence obtained via RENAPER on-site · Documents: acceptance letter + apostille
On-site
The digital reflex — essential before any departure
Before departure, scan and upload to an accessible cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox): passport + ID card, visa or residence permit, university acceptance letter, EHIC or insurance certificate, housing contract, emergency contacts for family + your country's embassy on-site. These copies will save you time and stress in case of loss or theft — which happens even in the safest destinations.
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05. Health insurance — what the EHIC doesn't cover
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is free, useful, and systematically misunderstood. It covers urgent and medically necessary care in EU/EEA countries — under the same conditions as local residents. It is not a blank cheque: it does not cover planned treatments, medications outside the local reimbursement list, medical repatriation, civil liability or trip cancellation. It is a baseline, not a complete solution.
For stays within the EU
EHIC (mandatory, free) + supplementary travel insurance (often included with Visa Premier or Mastercard Gold bank cards — check the conditions before departure). For Erasmus students, many universities require an up-to-date supplementary insurance certificate at enrolment.
For stays outside the EU
Outside the EU, your national public coverage generally no longer applies — or only partially through bilateral agreements. A private international insurance is the most reliable solution. The go-to for students and long-term travellers is SafetyWing Nomad Insurance: worldwide medical coverage, monthly renewal with no commitment, priced around 1.50 euros/day for under-30s. It covers hospitalisations, emergency medical consultations, medical evacuations and repatriation. It does not cover planned treatments (check-ups, non-urgent dental) — a limitation worth knowing.
🛡️
🛡️ International health insurance · Recommended by WiggMap
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — What it covers, what it doesn't
Around 1.50 euros/day for under-30s — monthly renewal with no commitment, activation in minutes online. What it covers: hospitalisations, emergency medical consultations, medical evacuations, medical repatriation, COVID care. What it doesn't cover: planned treatments, non-urgent dental, optical, undeclared pre-existing conditions. For a student in Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Tbilisi, Buenos Aires or Dubai, it handles 95% of real medical situations. The one serious limitation to know: if you have an ongoing treatment before departure, check the pre-existing condition clause before subscribing. 185 countries covered — including every country in this series.
The special case of Argentina and Georgia
Buenos Aires and Tbilisi have functional healthcare systems, but coverage for foreigners without private insurance can create complex and costly administrative situations. In Buenos Aires, public hospitals legally accept all patients — but quality of care varies significantly by facility and speciality. Private insurance is strongly recommended for stays of several months. SafetyWing covers both destinations.
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06. Bank account & managing money abroad
A student using their regular bank card abroad loses 3 to 5% on every foreign currency transaction. On an €800/month budget over 9 months, that's €200 to €360 lost. The solution is simple and takes 10 minutes to set up before departure.
💳
💳 Multi-currency account · Recommended by WiggMap
Wise — Why it's different from a traditional bank
Most traditional banks apply a 3 to 5% exchange margin on every foreign currency payment. Wise applies the real interbank rate — the same one you see on Google — with a transparent fixed commission (typically 0.4 to 1% depending on the currency). Over 9 months at €800/month, the difference is €200 to €360 saved. In practice: physical and virtual card accepted worldwide, ATM withdrawals in most countries at low cost, multi-currency account (EUR, USD, GBP, JPY, KRW, TWD, SGD, ARS, MAD and 50+ more), fast international transfers. For Argentina in particular: keeping savings in EUR in Wise and converting progressively is the only sensible budget management in a high-inflation context. Open in 5 minutes — do it before you leave.
Despite their technological level, Japan and (to a lesser extent) South Korea remain economies where cash is widely used — particularly in small shops, markets, regional transport and restaurants. Always plan to have 100 to 200 USD worth of yen or won in cash on arrival. Japan Post and Seven-Eleven ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards — most others do not.
Argentina — managing inflation
Never keep large sums in Argentine pesos. Keep your budget in a EUR or USD account (Wise), and convert progressively through the legal exchange channels available since 2024. The golden rule: never convert more than one month's budget at a time.
Singapore and Dubai — card for everything
Two cities where cash is virtually useless — card and mobile payments are universal. Wise works perfectly in both. Only carry a few notes for informal taxis or local markets.
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07. SIM card & connectivity — arriving without hassle
Arriving in a foreign country without mobile data is unnecessary stress — especially to find your housing, contact the university and navigate from the airport. The simplest solution for the first few hours: an eSIM activated before departure.
📱
📱 International eSIM · Recommended by WiggMap
Airalo — The eSIM to arrive connected, not lost
The classic scenario without an eSIM: arriving at 11pm at Seoul or Tokyo airport, SIM counters closed, limited WiFi, the housing address in an email you can't open. Airalo prevents that. The eSIM is purchased and activated from your phone before you even board your flight — coverage in 200+ countries, rates from 3 USD for 1 GB to 15–20 USD for 5–10 GB, regional plans for "Asia", "Europe", "World" available. Compatibility: iPhone XS and later, the vast majority of Android phones since 2020. Note: some phones purchased in China or South Korea with carrier locks do not support eSIMs — check beforehand. The recommended strategy: Airalo eSIM for the first 48 hours, then a local SIM within the first week for the rest of your stay.
For a stay of 3 months or more, a local SIM is generally cheaper than a travel eSIM. Time to obtain: 15 to 30 minutes at a local carrier shop. Indicative rates: South Korea (unlimited data ~25 USD/month), Taiwan (~15 USD/month unlimited data), Malaysia (~8 USD/month), Japan (data-only SIM ~20 USD/month, calls separate), Thailand (~10 USD/month). The optimal strategy: Airalo eSIM for arrival + local SIM within the first week.
Campus WiFi — no need to worry
Nearly all universities covered in this series — NUS, NTU, UTokyo, Kyoto, Charles University, UBA, McGill — offer quality campus WiFi and often eduroam (the inter-university WiFi network recognized across thousands of institutions worldwide). For classes, libraries and residences, data coverage is generally sufficient. Mobile data is mainly needed for getting around the city.
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The ultimate departure checklist
Everything that needs to be done before you close your suitcase — in chronological order of preparation.
✦ Study abroad departure checklist 2026
Check off in order — from 12 months out to D-1
Administrative & funding
Erasmus application submitted to the international relations office
Foreign government scholarship application filed (if not Erasmus)
National scholarship maintenance confirmed with your institution
Regional supplementary grant application sent
University acceptance letter received
Visa applied for (if required) with all documents
Passport valid 6 months after return date
Digital copies of all documents uploaded to cloud
Social support organisations notified of your departure if applicable
Health & insurance
EHIC requested from your national health insurance provider (processing: 2–4 weeks) — if EU/EEA national
SafetyWing activated (for stays outside the EU)
Bank card coverage checked (travel insurance)
Regular medications in sufficient quantity + prescription
Vaccinations up to date for your destination (consult your doctor)
Housing & settling in
University residence applied for as soon as accepted
Accommodation confirmed for the first few nights (Airbnb or residence)
HousingAnywhere explored if residence unavailable
Local address known (required for some visas)
Money & connectivity
Wise account open and funded
Airalo eSIM purchased and ready to activate
Local cash prepared for the first 48h (if cash-heavy country)
Emergency numbers saved (embassy, local emergency services)
University & life on-site
University enrolment completed online
Learning Agreement (Erasmus) signed by both institutions
Local ESN contact identified (Erasmus Student Network)
First class / orientation noted in your calendar
WiggMap comparison tool checked for up-to-date country data
· · ✦ · ·
Frequently asked questions
Can you keep your national scholarship during an Erasmus exchange?
In most countries, yes — and this is the least-known fact about Erasmus funding. National scholarships based on social or academic criteria are generally maintained throughout a recognized Erasmus exchange. This scholarship stacks on top of the Erasmus+ grant itself.
How to do it: notify your national financial aid body (your country's equivalent of a student grant office) of your Erasmus departure, providing the host university acceptance letter. Regional or institutional grants from your home institution may also stack. Always ask your international relations office — most students don't claim everything they're entitled to.
Which health insurance should you choose for a stay outside the EU?
For stays within the European Union, the EHIC (free, from your national health insurance provider if you are an EU/EEA national) is the recommended baseline coverage. For stays outside the EU, private insurance is essential — the EHIC does not work outside European territory.
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the most widely used option by students and long-term nomads: worldwide coverage from around 1.50 euros/day for under-30s, monthly renewal with no commitment. It covers emergency care, hospitalisations and medical evacuations. Supplement with your bank card coverage (civil liability, cancellation).
Which bank account should you use to avoid fees abroad?
A traditional bank card generates 3 to 5% currency conversion fees on every foreign transaction. Over 9 months with an 800 euros/month budget, that's 200 to 360 euros in unnecessary fees.
Wise is the recommended solution: a multi-currency account with the real interbank exchange rate, a card usable worldwide, and the ability to hold funds in 50+ currencies. Particularly useful for Argentina (convert progressively to manage inflation) and Asia (JPY, KRW, TWD natively available). Revolut is an alternative with similar features.
How do you find student housing remotely before arriving?
The order of priority: first, university residence, to be requested as soon as you receive the acceptance letter. Many universities reserve spots for Erasmus and international students at preferential rates — but waiting lists form early.
If the residence is full, HousingAnywhere is the platform best suited for long stays (3 to 12 months): furnished shared flats and studios in 400+ cities, with verified contracts and secure payment — designed for booking from abroad without risk. Local student Facebook groups and Reddit are also useful for direct listings.
Which SIM card should you use when arriving in a foreign country?
For the first few hours abroad, an Airalo eSIM activated before departure is the simplest solution — no physical card, activation in minutes from your phone, coverage in 200+ countries.
For longer stays, a local SIM is generally cheaper in the long run — buy one within the first week at a carrier shop. Data rates in Asia are particularly competitive: unlimited data for 15 to 25 USD/month in South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
How far in advance should you prepare your departure?
For an Erasmus: the application at your home university is submitted between October and December for a September departure the following year — that's 9 to 12 months ahead. For foreign government scholarships (MEXT, KGSP, Taiwan MoE): plan for 12 to 18 months.
Housing is often the most urgent variable. Visas (Japan: 8 to 12 weeks, Canada: 6 to 10 weeks) are prepared 4 to 6 months before departure. Practical documents (EHIC, insurance, Wise, eSIM) are handled in the final month.
Sources & data: European Commission — Erasmus+ regulation and grant amounts 2025-2026 · EHIC — European Health Insurance Card (for EU/EEA nationals) · IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) — Study Permit conditions 2026 · Relevant embassies and consulates — visa processing times · SafetyWing — Nomad Insurance coverage conditions 2026 · Wise — multi-currency account conditions · Airalo — eSIM coverage and rates 2026 · HousingAnywhere — platform conditions. Scholarship amounts, visa timelines and financial product terms are indicative and subject to change — verify official conditions before any decision. Data verified and updated: March 2026.
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