Can I afford an overseas exchange?
To exchange or non-exchange?
The first step is to decide whether you’re going to do an exchange or non-exchange program. Generally speaking, exchange means you continue to pay your tuition fees to the University of Sydney. If you’re a Commonwealth-supported student, it’ll be deferred to HECS – you’ll need to budget for your flights, accommodation, meals, entertainment and any additional travel plans.
Non-exchange programs generally require you to pay your tuition fees upfront, which is often combined with accommodation, food and other campus services. The advantage is that you’ll know exactly how much you need to pay, and can budget accordingly.
Take advantage of our enormous pool of scholarships and grants
What’s better than free money? There is a vast pool of millions of dollars in travel funding schemes, waiting for you to claim your stake – and they are not hard to secure. For example, all you need is a WAM over 70 and you’re already eligible to pick up a Vice-Chancellor’s Global Mobility Scholarship, worth $1,500 – and you don’t even need to apply for it. That’s just the tip of the iceberg when you consider all the other programs with funds that individual faculties, governments and partner universities are willing to throw at you.
OS-HELP Loans
If you’re a Commonwealth-supported student planning to study overseas, you may be eligible for an interest-free OS-HELP Loan of up to $8,000 for a six-month period, depending on destination. It’s also available for short-term programs and you can take out two loans in your lifetime. The best part about OS-HELP is that unlike a loan from a bank, the amount is added to your student HECS debt, meaning you won’t have to pay it back until you’re earning over the threshold.
Government support increases when you’re on exchange
You should always double-check if you’re eligible for government support payments, especially if you’ve recently turned 22. Youth allowance is for full-time students between 18 and 24 who meet certain eligibility conditions. If you currently qualify for Centrelink payments, or will qualify due to a change of circumstance while on exchange, you’ll receive the higher away from home rate as long as your overseas studies contribute towards your Australian-approved course. The only caveat is that if you continue to travel after your exchange finishes, your payments will be stopped until you return to Australia.
Work when you’re there
Did you know you might be able to work while you study overseas? If you’ve left it too late to start saving, or if you want to gain experience and top up your account with extra euros, check the visa allowances of your destination country. If you’re relying on this to fund your exchange, make sure you get expert advice to make sure you’re legally able to work, and don’t exceed the limit of how many hours you can work per week.
Get entrepreneurial
If you’re really motivated to bulk up on some spending money before you go – roll up the sleeves and get to work. Do you have textbooks from last semester laying around that you can sell? Are you a maths whizz who can tutor local HSC students? Babysit your neighbours’ kids one night each week? Help coach a local soccer team or teach a dance class? Sell some designs online? Kickstart for funds from friends and family? The small amounts add up quickly over time and will help you afford that day trip to Versailles or a show in New York City.