Hi everyone. I'm a student from Papua New Guinea, and I'm looking for honest advice because I'm feeling really lost about my university plans.

I've been applying to universities in the United States for Fall 2027. I've submitted applications to several universities, including Notre Dame, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Amherst, Dartmouth, Williams, and others. I've spent months working on my applications, essays, and financial aid research because studying in the US has been a dream of mine.

My main interests are psychology, sociology, and political science. I want to study psychology because I'm interested in understanding the human mind, mental health, and how people's experiences and environments shape their lives. Eventually, I'd love to use what I learn to help people in Papua New Guinea, where mental health is still heavily stigmatised.

However, I've recently run into a serious problem. My parents have told me to find a scholarship that doesn't involve them.

To clarify, they don't intend to contribute financially towards my education. They also don't want to participate in the application process or provide financial documents, including the information universities might require for financial aid applications.

As an international student, I can't afford American university tuition and living expenses on my own. I was relying on substantial financial aid, but I've realised that some universities require parental financial information even when parents aren't willing to pay.

I've already started completing the CSS Profile, and the process has been incredibly stressful. I'm trying to be honest about my family's finances, but I'm worried that I won't be able to complete the required documentation without my parents' cooperation.

I'm now wondering whether I should continue pursuing my American university applications or focus on fully funded scholarships in other countries, such as government scholarships in Türkiye, Japan, South Korea, or New Zealand.

I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has experienced something similar, especially international students who funded their education without financial support from their parents.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone successfully attended a US university on a full financial aid package when their parents refused to contribute financially?
2. What happens if your parents refuse to provide the financial documents required by the CSS Profile? Are there legitimate alternatives or exceptions?
3. Are there American universities that offer full scholarships to international undergraduate students without requiring parental financial information?
4. Are there fully funded undergraduate scholarships available to Papua New Guinean students that cover tuition, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, and flights?
5. If you were in my position, would you continue pursuing US universities while applying for government scholarships elsewhere?
6. For anyone who studied abroad without parental financial support, how did you make it happen?

I'm not looking for anyone to promise me that everything will work out. I just want realistic advice from people who understand how difficult it can be to finance an overseas education when you don't have family support.

I've worked hard to get this far, and I don't want to abandon my dream without exploring every reasonable option. At the same time, I need to be realistic about my circumstances and find a path that I can actually afford.

Thank you to anyone who takes the time to respond. I genuinely appreciate any advice, resources, or personal experiences you can share.

I think I’m just cooked but I’m applying to Hanyang and I didn’t know I need my passport number to apply and silly me doesn’t have my passport yet. I have had my appointment for tomorrow because it was the soonest day. I’m going to expedited it but I don’t think it will come in time because it due the 31st but more like 30th due to time zones. Since I don’t have like my travel outside the country in 14 day I don’t think I can qualify but is there anyway I can get this passport in time.

Hello everyone

I am studying in 11th grade and I am currently studying physics chemistry and maths and thinking to take AI or cybersecurity field for my future paths

But I am confused between Germany and korea

I am willing to learn a new language (Korean or German)

But the thing is my university degree value and future plans

Before this i was bent towards germany but the current situation of Germany (anti immigration party) is forcing me to rethink my decision.

I have basic knowledge about both countries like all mandatory requirements of both like the 13th year in germany and all but still I am confused

So what should I do

Help me please

Thank you ....

How difficult is it to get into the two-week Winter School over January?

Actually I am an Indian studying BBA LLB. I am also learning French. So which countries should I consider? Accept USA, Australia…….UK is fine. I am fine with Europe.

Hello guys. I postponed this post for a long while because I was expecting to find some proper answers online, however most of the information circulating seems to be outdated.
So I was wondering if RSU is a great uni, what are the future prospects, if many post graduates do find a job outside of Riga and how in general the environment is there (in the uni).
I‘m planning to apply to the uni next semester/winter semester and I‘m really curious to know if the uni is a good choice. :)

Hi! I'm a Spanish law student going to KGU for the spring semester. I'd love to hear about your experiences!

How are the classes, workload, professors, and social life?

Hey everyone,

I am planning to apply for the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship for an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences (Political Science / International Relations / Sociology). I wanted to get some realistic feedback on my chances.

Here is my profile:

• Intended Major: Social Sciences

• SAT Score: 1500

• IELTS: 8.0 Band

• 12th Grade/High School Percentage: 77%

I know my high school percentage (77%) is a bit average, but I worked really hard to secure a 1500 on the SAT and an 8.0 in IELTS to back it up. I am aiming for top-tier universities like Boğaziçi, METU, or Galatasaray University.

I have a few specific questions for current scholars or seniors:

1. Will my high SAT (1500) and IELTS (8.0) scores compensate for my 77% high school grades for a Social Science major?

2. How competitive is Social Sciences in Türkiye Bursları compared to STEM fields?

3. Are there specific Turkish universities that give more weight to SAT scores rather than just high school GPA?

Would love to get some guidance on how to frame my Letter of Intent (LOI) to make my profile stand out. Thanks in advance

Hi all. I'm a CU boulder student studying abroad in Auckland through CIEE and I was wondering what your experiences were with the program, the people, the nightlife, and the travel. Any travel recommendations are welcome. Thanks!

Hello everyone

I am thinking of going to germany for my bachelors in the Cybersecurity field

My current age :-16 years

And currently in class 11th

I am thinking of developing some skills which would make my impression good for the visas and universities process.

Not the basic survival one

As i am already learning those skills like cooking, cleaning, groceries shopping etc

But as i think that as the process is getting tougher so I need some skills that will also make my resume more impressive except academics

And the main point is i am not doing this just for visa and portfolio but i really want to learn new things.

I know coding is one of the skills but except this can you suggest some more.

Thank you in advance

Just curious

Ei bochor undergrad complete korechi from an agricultural University in Agricultural Economics.

Process kivbe ki start korte hobe

Pls enlighten me 🙂

I’m an international student from Bangladesh, and I’m considering joining a graduate program at Chungbuk National University (CBNU). Before making such a big decision, I’d really appreciate hearing from current international students, alumni, or anyone familiar with the university.

I’ve received an opportunity to join a research lab, but I’m concerned about the financial side of studying in South Korea. I don’t want to accept an offer based on assumptions and then find myself struggling to cover basic expenses or tuition.

Here is my current situation:

i. The initial monthly stipend would be around ₩1.2 million, with a possible increase later depending on performance.

ii. My professor would initially cover my first-semester tuition, but I would have to repay that amount in monthly installments.

iii. Tuition for subsequent semesters would be my responsibility unless I receive additional funding.

iv. I’ve heard that IELTS scores may qualify international students for tuition discounts (possibly 15% for 5.5 and 40% for 6.5), but I haven’t confirmed the exact rules for my program.

v. I may be eligible for G-Cruit funding, but nothing is guaranteed yet.

I’m trying to understand what life would realistically look like under these conditions.

Most importantly, would you personally accept an offer like this, given the financial uncertainty? Would you consider it a reasonable risk for the research experience and future career opportunities, or would you wait for a more secure funding arrangement?

I’m not expecting everything to be easy, and I’m willing to live frugally. I just want to make an informed decision rather than arrive in Korea and discover that the numbers don’t work.

I’d be grateful for honest experiences, advice, and even things you wish you had known before joining CBNU as an international student.

Thank you!

I want to do MS in IT from US or UK

I am in 4th year of my Btech

I am from lower middle class family, my father passed away 2 month before jee exam prep but after all of struggle i got into NIT. My mother is a housewife

Is there any advice for me to do MS from UK or US
How can i pay for that MS
Is part time job available there? after MS, can i get job there if i will do well?
I have freelancing and startup job experience

Applying from Pakistan, did o levels in which i have 8A*s and a 1490 SAT currently. Thought of canada but i need financial aid so it isn't a great option. Not interested in east asian countries either. Is turkiye the only option? What about Europe.

Major: CS

Any international student who is currently enrolled in UTSA university of taxes at San Antonio?

would you recommend an international student to study in russia as a last resort or stay in their home country, im hoping to get a full ride scholarship and i was considering hse moscow for my undergrad. I know absolutely no one in that country and it would be a completely new experience. I know racism might be a problem, but honestly in terms of appearance i would fit right in, im unsure about every other aspect.

I have officially made the decision to move to another country and study abroad when I
get older. I have done my research and managed to limit my choices to
Malaysia and Germany. But now I am stuck on which of them to choose. Germany
has greater job opportunities but Malaysia has lower living costs. So this is
a huge life-changing decision I have to make and I need the help of other
people to make the right choice. I am not joking, this is a very serious matter;
so if you can, please help me.

Hey everyone!

I'm a high school student from India, and I'm looking for someone interested in participating with me in the Diamond Challenge!

A little about me: I'm a beginner coder currently learning Python, and I'm eager to improve my skills by working on real-world problems and building something meaningful. I have also achieved national-level recognition in the iCode Global Hackathon, which motivated me to explore more competitions and develop my entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills.

I'm looking for a motivated person between 14 and 18 years old who would be willing to volunteer and team up with me for this competition. You don't have to be an expert coder! I'd be happy to collaborate with someone interested in entrepreneurship, business, technology, innovation, or developing solutions to real-world problems.

I'm hoping to find someone who's enthusiastic, willing to learn, and ready to work together as a team.

Interested? Feel free to comment below or DM me! I'd love to connect, discuss ideas, and see what we can build together. 😄

Looking forward to meeting potential teammates!

Hello! So, I am a 19 years old latin american student, currently undergraduate who wants to study abroad in a double degree program in Germany, however I am having trouble with funding, my parents hate the idea and don't support me at all, so I am on a complicated situation, I would work but I do have a survivors benefits as a full-time student, meaning that if I get some legal work they will take m it off from me, I have been thinking about using it as My way of insurance but I am not sure if it is enough (I am Even studying in my normal uni with a loan since it isn't enough for it); DAAD and Erasmus+ are not avaliable either, most of scholarships are for students who are already studying there or for master's degree/doctorate, here in my uni or country are not any avliable options either, so I was thinking of some kind of loan, does anyone have any suggestion, thank you very much.

Hi all, I’ve recently been contemplating applying to study in America (I live in Sheffield, England) however I am conscious about how, right now, it isn’t a great place to live. What do you guys think, is it likely that America will get worse/ there will be a huge conflict that will endanger my life in the future? Thanks

Hi!

I'm from Italy and have the possibility of attending an exchange program in Canada next year.

As per title I'm unsure where to go. I'm from the northernmost region of Italy and love trekking, skiing and in general spending time in nature. My other hobbies include photography, FPV flying, and cycling. I also play violin and cello and it would be great if I found somewhere to play.

The agency proposed Langley, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. For the last two, they can't tell me the exact city yet.

I did some research and so far Langley seems like the most promising option.

In your opinion where would I have a better experience and be able to practice my hobbies? And if anyone has already been to these places, how was your experience?

Thanks in advance

https://youtu.be/8Oqzh_iNSfU?is=uSGE4g-289HNe7XU

I am a Dutch student that will go on exchange next year. I am torn between the 2 options and I would appreciate any opinions! (Speak neither language)

I have heard countless great things about exchange in HK from fellow students that did exchange. I heard its super international and fun.

I personally am slightly more interested in Toyko, simply due to the fact that I am interested in fashion, which Toyko has lots to see and do, and also more interested in the Japanese culture. But I have also heard Tokyo is less international and harder to get by if you dont speak Japanese!

The HK universites are all better ranked for what I study (economcis), but the Tokyo unis are not super far behind (if this matters at all for exchange).

Overall I am just trying to have a great fun time in an interesting city, also important that there is good nightlife!

Anyone have any experience with either?