Looking for distance education (university) in Computer Science. Grants, loans?

I live in Lithuania, this year I am finishing the 12th (last) grade of secondary school, so it's time to choose where to study after school. Due to some disabilities traditional classroom-based education is not suitable for me, therefore I am looking for an university/college which offers distance education.

I am interested in programming, software development, so I think my education should be in the field of computer science.

I would be grateful if someone could share his experience about distance education in CS. I have googled a lot but so far found only UK Open University (open.ac.uk), Australian Universities (open.edu.au), Phoenix University (Online College Degree Programs) and few unknown universities like Hertfordshire.

Additionally, there is financial problem — fees are too high, I and my family can't afford it. As I understood most of the tuition grants/loans are available only for citizens of the country where the university is or at least for those who live there. So I would appreciate information about "international" grants.

 

Have a similar problem. Want to switch universities but don't know where to go. Open univ seems another option but I feel there is too many students and I would be just one number.... I come from a university like that already and I am tired of that. Any suggestions? Fees are also an issue..

 

Alex - Here's a 3-year Bachelor of Computer Application. http://www.dbuglobal.com/site/Bachelor_of_Computer_Applications The total fee for the full three years is $1,600 US, or 1,182 Euros. This is a distance program from a fully-accredited Indian University, run by a Roman Catholic religious order. The price I quoted is for foreign nationals. Indians, of course, pay less.

Laura - The school also teaches a BBA and a variety of Master's programs, by distance learning, none of which costs more (for foreigners) than about $2,200 (1,625 Euros) complete.

Regarding loans /grants, I fail to understand why any country would subsidize foreign students. There is no reward in it. If they did so, it would take resources away from their own students. However, at these prices, you won't need it, so...

Johann

 

Laura - an MBA from Don Bosco University (above) can be earned for about $1,450. That's 1,075 Euros, complete. That buys you the 2 years of distance study needed, fully accredited University. Several MBA specializations.

Johann

 

I know that there is a number of distance education universities situated in India, But i can't decide that which one provide the best educational system and environment than the other. If you have any tips about it then feedback me.

 

If your goal is to just get a degree which is equivalent of "RA" and economic, then think of distance education from India.

DO NOT EXPECT
- Great (customer) support - it simply doesn't exist
- A very highly relevant syllabus. Most universities doesn't update for years.
- Frills - live class rooms, great interactions with teachers/students etc. They don't have budgets/resources for all that.

DO EXPECT
- Delays, issues, glitches.
- Talking to people with bear minimum communication skills.
- Bureaucracy, Red-tapism.
- Huge ILD bills on your cell phone (unless you are wise and take the VOIP route)

 

Taking loans for distance education is not a good idea as you may fall into debt. If you don't have money for further study search for free scholarship program run by various university and colleges.