Support to broaden your horizons – literally as well as figuratively.
Interested in studying or volunteering overseas through one of the University's exchange programs, but worried about the costs involved?
Apply for funding through one of the University of South Australia's many financial support schemes and your dreams of having an overseas experience may soon be a reality. All you’ll need to do is pack your bags and make sure your passport is valid.
Where would you like to go?
We have an agreement with more than 80 overseas partner institutions, so take a look and investigate your options. Some of the funding schemes for students are offered via particular universities, so your eligibility for this support may dictate where you go.
Travel grants
Minimise your out-of-pocket travel expenses by applying for one of University's international travel grants. If you are approved for one of our exchange programs you are eligible to apply.
There are a range of different types of travel grants available, including:
- Full semester exchange (minimum 13.5 units of credit) or the Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience Program, worth AUD $2500
- Full semester exchange to Nagoya University of Foreign Studies (Japan), worth AUD $1800
- Short term international study or placement (minimum 4.5 units of credit required), worth AUD $1000
- International study tour (minimum 4.5 units of credit required), worth AUD $1000.
Scholarships
In addition to our international travel grants there may be other scholarships for which you are eligible. Some of these are listed below. Also, check for other scholarships on the University's scholarships announcements page.
Please contact the exchange team via student.exchange@unisa.edu.au for more information on these scholarships.
Business scholarships
UniSA Business School offers Student Mobility Grant for students undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate coursework business programs at the University of South Australia. Please contact us for more information.
ISEP scholarships
UniSA International offers additional scholarships known as International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) Scholarships, funded by the Australian Government. These opportunities are available to Australian citizens only and are advertised as they arise via the exchange website, facebook and email announcements.
Country-specific travel scholarships
- Germany: DAAD Scholarships – DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service). Click here for more information.
- Germany: Baden-Wurttemburg Scholarships – If you apply to participate in an exchange at Nürtingen Geislingen University you can apply for the scholarship which is a monthly allowance towards living expenses.
- Japan: JASSO Scholarships – Contact the exchange team for information.
- Japan: Nagoya University of Foreign Studies Stipends – Students selected for an exchange to Nagoya University of Foreign Studies are eligible to receive an allowance for the duration of their stay. For more information please contact Janene Pellarin.
- Sweden: Linkoping University – Linkoping University offers three scholarships for UniSA students (from the Division of Information, Technology, Engineering and the Environment) wishing to study in the Faculty of Technology. Each student will receive a AUD $5000 scholarship for use towards their exchange at Linkoping.
- Malaysia: The Malaysia Australia Colombo Plan Commemoration (MACC) Scholarships – Visit the Malaysian Australian Alumni Council website for details.
OS-HELP
You may be eligible to receive an OS-HELP loan. OS-HELP is an Australian Government loan that assists eligible students to study overseas. Students may receive up to $6051 (adjusted annually) per six-month study period for one or two overseas study periods. Your OS-HELP debts will be added to your accumulated HELP debt (including HECS or HECS-HELP debts). Please note that you do not need your letter of acceptance from the host university before applying for OS-HELP.
There are a number of eligibility requirements. To find out if you are eligible for OS-HELP, visit the Australian Government’s Study Assist website.
Closing dates for OS-HELP applications
31 March for study in the first half of the year (Study Periods 1, 2 & 3).
31 August for study in the second half of the year (Study Periods 4, 5, 6 & 7).
To apply for OS-HELP or for further information contact the UniSA Student Finance department: StudentFinance.Enrolment@unisa.edu.au
Budgeting for your overseas adventure
Even with all of these funding options available, to ensure you get the most out of your overseas experience you should plan ahead and start saving as early as possible. Due to visa restrictions it is unlikely that you will be able to undertake paid employment while on exchange. Prepare a budget appropriate to the country that you plan to study in. Remember that some countries are more expensive than others; if you are on a tight budget it may pay to rethink your chosen destination. Many host institution websites provide information regarding basic costs for students studying on exchange. You should also keep an eye on the exchange rate, as costs will vary depending on the strength of the Australian dollar. Make use of an online currency converter to help with your budget.
Major expenses to consider include:
- Airfare (round-trip)
- Accommodation
- Food
- Local transportation
- Health/travel insurance
- Entertainment costs
Further information
Contact us for more information.