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How to pay for student exchange
A guide to funding your student exchange
Don’t let the cost of student exchange put you off applying. You may be eligible for a number of financial support benefits, and once nominated, you will automatically be considered for a merit based exchange scholarship.
While on student exchange you will continue to pay tuition and student fees to the University of Sydney. You will also be responsible for other costs including:
- airline tickets
- accommodation
- living expenses
- food
- some additional language programs and other university activities
- additional travel.
When you start planning your student exchange, you should consider the above and research the potential host institution and country to find out more about the costs of living. Once you search and find an exchange program in the Global Mobility Database you can click on the 'Living' tab to find more information on the costs of living in that program location.
Funding
Centrelink support, an Australian government loan scheme and several scholarship options are available specifically for students selected to participate in the international exchange program.
Centrelink
Eligible students can continue to receive Centrelink benefits while studying full-time overseas.
- To check your Centrelink entitlements, visit their page on payments for students and trainees.
- You should also read up on payments while outside Australia.
OS-HELP loans
You don't need to wait to save the full amount before going on exchange. The OS-HELP loan can get you overseas faster.
OS-HELP is a loan available to eligible Australian students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place who have been approved to undertake some of their study overseas for credit. The loan is put on your HECS and is non-interest incurring. Strict eligibility criteria and conditions apply. FEE-HELP students do not meet the eligibility requirements for OS-HELP.
Travelling scholarships
The University, in conjunction with the Australian government, has a range of scholarships to help get you overseas.
- Take a look at the Australian Mobility Grants page to find out more on scholarships provided by the Australian government.
- Some scholarships are also administered at the faculty level. Take a look at the exchange scholarships for current undergraduates for more information.
- You can also have a look at International Exchange Scholarships available to nominated outbound exchange students.
