Students across Africa typically finance their degree with some combination of savings, earnings, company sponsorship, institutional scholarships or fellowships, or loans. Loans are usually available, because lenders feel confident that people getting graduate business degrees will have the earning power to pay them back. Terms vary from country to country. A good GMAT score can increase your chances of winning a scholarship or fellowship.

Start Your Planning Early

Even while you’re thinking about applying to a business or management programme, you should start to get your finances in order—consider saving some money to pay for at least a part of the cost of your education.

Consider the Pros and Cons of Borrowing

There are two big “ifs” in the financial aid process:

  • The school has to approve your application for financial aid
  • A lender has to loan you the actual money
  • Before you apply, you should reduce as much of your personal debt as possible and make sure you are up to date on all credit card payments and outstanding loans

Even if you are a credit risk, a school may or may not allow you to borrow the maximum a lender will approve. The school uses an estimated cost of education and living expenses to figure out what you should borrow, which may be less than the maximum you could borrow. If you decide to spend more than what the school estimates you should spend, you will be responsible for those extra expenses.

Take a Closer Look at Loans

Loans can be a good way to finance your business education, but avoid borrowing more than you actually need. Remember that loans are paid back over time, with interest accruing, so be careful and don’t borrow so much that it’s a struggle to make the monthly repayments after you graduate.

Review Your Financial Big Picture

Look at your total costs:

  • Total cost of tuition and related academic expenses—compare the costs of each school you are considering in order to make the best choice
  • Total cost of living—factor in the location of each school
  • Availability of financial aid
  • Opportunity costs—estimate a modest starting salary and compare your projected earnings over the next several years with and without a graduate business degree