How to study English abroad for international students?

Taking extra classes or practicing with friends in your free time is a great way to learn a language. But truly becoming fluent often takes full immersion. And studying abroad isn’t just about improving your language skills — it’s a chance to experience a whole new culture, meet people from around the world, and give your professional profile a serious boost. Of course, as appealing as that sounds, not everyone can afford it. But does that mean you should give up on mastering the language of Shakespeare? Not at all — there are scholarships available that can help you study English abroad.

In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most exciting options out there — financial aid that lets you improve your English while exploring the streets of London, Dublin, Sydney, and other English-speaking cities. Oh, and we’ll also share a few tips to help you land one of these scholarships. Spoiler alert: one of them has a lot to do with Holafly’s global data plans. Ready to find out how to fund your English studies abroad?

How much does it cost to study English abroad?

English speaking countries have very different living costs. So, as you might expect, the costs will vary greatly depending on which one you choose to take your course in. 

If you’re considering countries like the U.S., the U.K., or Australia, be prepared — intensive English courses can cost anywhere from $1,080–3,240 per month, depending on the city and the school. Big cities like New York or London tend to be on the pricier end, while smaller cities like Brisbane or Manchester are usually a bit more affordable. Looking for a more budget-friendly option? Countries like Malta or Ireland offer courses starting at around $756 per month.

But, naturally, the course is not the only expense you have to take into account. Other things you will have to pay for are:

• Accommodation: The type of accommodation you choose will have a big impact on your budget. Renting a place in cities like New York or London can easily cost over $1,620 a month. On the other hand, if you go for student housing in cities like Dublin or Malta, prices typically range from $648–1,296 per month.
• Transportation: Public transportation in cities like London can cost around $140 per month. But in smaller cities with shorter distances—like Malta—you’ll likely spend much less, roughly $54 a month.
• Meals: Eating out can be pricey in cities like Sydney, where food costs can add up quickly. If you cook at home, your monthly grocery bill might range from $216–432, depending on your habits. Preparing your own meals can save you a good amount of money in the long run.
• Academic materials: Books, digital materials and other resources needed for your studies will add up to approximately $108 or more.
• International medical insurance: In most destination countries, having international health insurance is a mandatory requirement for international students. Costs can range from $54–162 per month, depending on the level of coverage and the country. Beyond meeting local regulations, having proper insurance gives you peace of mind and protects you in case of medical emergencies or unexpected situations during your stay.
• Student visas: Depending on where you’re planning to go and how long your course lasts, you’ll likely need to apply for a student visa. For instance, the U.S. student visa (F-1) costs around $200. If you’re heading to the U.K., a student visa will set you back about £490 – roughly $620.

In summary, studying English abroad can cost between $1,944-3,780 per month, depending on factors such as the city, type of accommodation and your lifestyle.

The best scholarships to study English abroad

Does covering all those monthly expenses sound out of reach? Scholarships might be the key to making it happen. These financial aids are designed to help with major costs like tuition, housing, and living expenses — so you can focus on what really matters: learning the language while experiencing life in a new country. We’ve put together a list of some of the best scholarships from around the world:

1. English Language Training Assistance (ELTA) Scholarship – United Kingdom

For those looking to boost their English in one of the world’s top destinations, the ELTA Scholarship offers a standout opportunity. Backed by leading UK educational institutions, this program is designed to give international students full language immersion while experiencing British culture firsthand.

• General requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age, show evidence of an intermediate level of English by means of an official certificate and be enrolled in a course recognized by institutions in the United Kingdom.
• Coverage and benefits: It offers scholarships to study in England and across the UK, covering tuition either partially or in full, access to advanced academic resources, and in some cases, financial support for housing.
• Type of study offered: Intensive English language courses, language skills workshops, and international exam preparation programs.
• Aimed at: International students of any nationality seeking to improve their command of English for academic or professional purposes.
• How to apply: You must register on the official website of the British Council, submit a personal essay, certificates of previous studies and a letter of recommendation.
• Opening date: January of each year.
• Closing date: March, although it is recommended to check the exact dates on the official website to make sure.

2. EF – Education First Scholarship

If you’re after a more hands-on experience, the EF Scholarship from Education First — one of the most well-known study abroad organizations — might be just what you’re looking for. This program blends practical language learning with cultural activities in some of the top destinations for studying English. With a strong focus on communication, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to improve their English while fully immersing themselves in a new culture.

• General requirements: Must be over 16 years of age, prove a basic level of English and complete the application form on EF’s official website.
• Coverage and benefits: Includes free tuition for selected courses, discounts on accommodation and access to extracurricular activities organized by EF.
• Type of studies offered: Intensive and semi-intensive English courses, focusing on practical communication and preparation for international exams.
• Aimed at: Students of any nationality interested in improving their English while enjoying an international cultural experience.
• How to apply: Access the EF website, complete the application form and submit the required documents, such as academic transcripts and a short essay about your learning objectives.
• Opening date: March of each year.
• Closing date: June, although vacancies usually fill up quickly, we recommend applying as soon as possible.

3. Erasmus+ Scholarships

Erasmus+ isn’t just a benchmark for academic exchange in Europe — it’s also a great way to learn English in a truly multicultural setting. This scholarship is perfect for students and professionals looking to sharpen their language skills while studying or working abroad. It’s a program designed for those who want to grow both personally and professionally.

• General requirements: You’ll need to be a citizen of an Erasmus+ participating country, be enrolled at a higher education institution, and submit an academic or professional project related to your course.
• Coverage and benefits: Includes financial assistance for tuition, transportation, room and board. Amounts vary according to the country of destination.
• Type of studies offered: Intensive English courses, specialized workshops and integrated academic programs at universities in the most popular study abroad destinations.
• Aimed at: University students, recent graduates and professionals who wish to improve their English in an international academic or work environment.
• How to apply: Check with your university’s international relations office or the official Erasmus+ portal for specific steps and documents required.
• Opening date: It varies, but generally between January and February.
• Closing date: Between April and May, depending on the country and the participating institution.

4. Argo Scholarships

The Argo Scholarships offer a unique opportunity for those looking to improve their English in a professional, international setting. Aimed at recent university graduates, these scholarships combine language immersion with hands-on work experience in English-speaking countries — an ideal choice for anyone looking to boost their career while refining their language skills.

• General requirements: Must be a Spanish citizen, have obtained a university degree within the last three years and not have participated in similar programs in the past.
• Coverage and benefits: Includes travel expenses, medical insurance and monthly financial support for living expenses.
• Type of studies offered: English internships that combine professional training with language learning.
• Aimed at: Spanish university graduates who wish to improve their English while gaining professional experience abroad.
• How to apply: Register on the official Argo Scholarships website, complete the form and send the requested documents, such as your CV and a cover letter.
• Opening date: October each year.
• Closing date: December, although places are limited, so early application is recommended.

5. Eurolingua Scholarships

Another great option for those looking for a fully immersive experience is the one offered by Eurolingua. Their programs include homestays with local families and cultural activities, making them perfect for learning English in a real-world setting. It’s a practical and effective way to level up your language skills.

• General requirements: Must be at least 16 years old, have a basic level of English and complete the online application process.
• Coverage and benefits: It covers tuition, homestay accommodation with host families, and access to cultural activities. Some programs also include a stipend to help with extra expenses.
• Type of studies offered: Intensive English courses and full immersion programs with practical activities.
• Aimed at: Students of all nationalities interested in learning English in a fully immersive environment.
• How to apply: Head over to the Eurolingua website, choose the program that best fits your needs, and submit the required documents — typically including academic transcripts and a personal essay.
• Opening date: January.
• Closing date: May, although some calls may be extended depending on availability.

6. Scholarships from the Spanish Ministry of Education (MEC)

Last but not least, the well-known MEC Scholarships provide valuable support for Spanish students who want to study English abroad. They offer access to intensive courses in English-speaking countries, significantly lowering costs and making cultural immersion much more accessible. It’s an opportunity that has helped thousands of students over the years.

• General requirements: You must be a Spanish citizen, currently enrolled in an official course or have successfully completed the previous one, and meet the financial criteria set by the Ministry.
• Coverage and benefits: These scholarships for studying in the U.S. and other English-speaking countries offer financial support to cover tuition, travel expenses, and in some cases, accommodation.
• Type of studies offered: Intensive English courses at recognized academies.
• Aimed at: Spanish students of intermediate or advanced level who wish to improve their English for academic or professional purposes.
• How to apply: Access the Ministry of Education platform, complete the application and attach the required documents.
• Opening date: March of each year.
• Closing date: May, although the exact dates are published each year on the official website.

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Tips on how to obtain scholarships for studying English abroad

If you’ve made it this far, chances are you already have a few scholarships in mind that suit your needs. But since these opportunities offer the rare chance to learn a language while immersing yourself in a new culture, they can be pretty competitive. Meeting the basic requirements won’t be enough — you’ll need to stand out. The good news? There are a few key things you can do to strengthen your application and boost your chances. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you get closer to your goal.

1. Define your learning objectives

Before applying for anything, take a moment to reflect: Why do you want to study English abroad? What aspects of the experience excite you most? Having a clear goal in mind won’t just help you choose the right scholarship — it’ll also make it easier to explain in your application how the program aligns with your ambitions. For instance, if you’re aiming to work for an international company, mention how improving your English will help you collaborate with global teams. This kind of focus shows both motivation and a serious commitment to your future.

2. Invest time in a solid cover letter

Your cover letter is your first chance to make an impression, so make it count. Aim for a tone that’s friendly but professional, and share personal experiences you’ve had with English — maybe you had to speak it while traveling, or you’ve gotten into reading books or watching films in the language. Add details that make your story stand out. Avoid generic lines like “I’ve always liked English,” and instead, try to connect your journey with the values of the organization offering the scholarship.

3. Highlight your academic and extracurricular achievements

Don’t just list your grades. If you’ve taken part in English-related activities — like debate clubs, exchange programs, or academic competitions — be sure to mention them. For example: “In high school, I joined an English book club that helped me improve my language skills and sparked a real passion for literature”. Details like these strengthen your application and show your genuine commitment to learning.

4. Make sure you meet all the requirements

It might sound obvious, but it’s a step many people overlook: read the scholarship requirements carefully — things like language level, age, nationality, and required documents. If they ask for an English certificate like the TOEFL or IELTS, take the time to research how to prepare and hit the target score. Also, make sure to submit everything in the right format and before the deadline — missing even one detail could automatically disqualify your application.

5. Participate in language-related activities

Show that your interest in English goes beyond the classroom. If you’ve taken part in international volunteer work, cultural workshops, or exchange programs, make sure to mention it. For example: “I took part in an exchange program where I helped international students settle in — an experience that improved both my English and my intercultural communication skills”. Selection committees really value this.

6. Customize your application for each scholarship

Avoid sending the same letter or application to every scholarship. Take the time to research what each organization values and tailor your application accordingly. If a scholarship emphasizes cultural immersion, highlight your interest in the country’s culture. If another focuses on technical language learning, explain how you plan to use English in your academic or professional life.

7. Highlight your interest in the culture of the destination country

If you’re applying for a scholarship in Australia, try mentioning your interest in the country’s landscapes, history etc. For example: “I’ve always been fascinated by how Australian English includes its own expressions, and learning the language in that cultural context would be an incredibly enriching experience”. Details like this make your application for an English study abroad scholarship feel more genuine and memorable.

8. Prepare a convincing interview

Many scholarships include an interview as part of the selection process. Get comfortable with common questions like why you chose that particular scholarship or where you see yourself in five years. It’s also a great chance to confidently talk about your goals and achievements. If nerves tend to get the best of you, try practicing in front of a mirror or do a mock interview with a friend.

9. Make sure you have a good internet connection

If you’re applying for international scholarships, chances are part of the process will happen online. A poor internet connection could cost you a great opportunity. Consider getting Holafly Plans or a Holafly eSIM to make sure you stay securely and reliably connected, no matter where you are. It’ll come in handy especially if the scholarship involves virtual interviews or extra online steps.

10. Be persistent and don’t give up

You might not land a scholarship on your first try, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Learn from each application process—ask for feedback if you can and refine your approach. With every application, you’ll build a stronger profile and boost your chances of success.

Frequently asked questions about scholarships to study English abroad for international students

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