Funding and Scholarships

Studying overseas can be more affordable than you think!

Are you interested in studying or volunteering overseas through one of our Study Overseas programs, but worried about the costs involved? Apply for funding through one of UniSA's many financial support schemes, and make your dream of having an overseas experience a reality.

Where in the world would you like to go?

Take some time to look at your options. We have agreements with over 80 overseas partner institutions, with even more study overseas options available through short term programs. Keep in mind that some funding schemes are only available for particular regions, partners or programs, so this may influence where you want to go. It’s a good idea to take these factors into account when planning your experience.

UniSA International Travel grants
Minimise your out-of-pocket travel expenses with a UniSA International Travel Grant!

If you are approved to participate in an in-country Semester Exchange or Short Term program, delivered by one of UniSA’s established mobility partners in 2023, you will automatically be considered for a UniSA International Travel Grant.

Semester Exchange students can receive: A$1,250

Short Term Program students (excluding Study Tours) can receive: A$500

To be eligible for the UniSA Travel Grant you must:
- Meet all standard study overseas eligibility criteria
- Be receiving credit for your overseas program towards your UniSA studies, or be meeting a mandatory program requirement
- Not be in receipt of an alternative travel grant or scholarship (e.g., NCP Mobility Grant)
Students can receive up to a maximum of $1,500 total in UniSA travel grants over their student life at the University of South Australia. This figure may be reviewed in the future.

Award of Travel Grants is subject to availability and is at the discretion of the Pro Vice Chancellor: International.
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 on exchange, study tours, clinical placements and internships.

In 2024, students may receive up to $7,921 (if you do not study in Asia) or up to $9,504 (for study in Asia) with the amount adjusted annually. An additional $1,263 is available to undertake Asian language study in preparation for your overseas study in Asia.

Students can receive only one OS Help loan per six month period, and up to only two OS Help loans over their lifetime. Once paid, the loan cannot be adjusted, so it's important to budget properly to ensure you apply for the amount you require.

Your OS-HELP debts will be added to your accumulated HELP debt (including HECS or HECS-HELP debts). The Global Opportunities team can give you advice on what requirements you may need to complete before you can receive payment of your OS-Help loan.

To find out if you are eligible for OS-HELP, visit the Australian Government’s Study Assist website.

OS-HELP loans are subject to the availability of Government funding.

Applications must be submitted before you leave for your overseas study, however no more than 6 months before the departure date.

Apply for OS-HELP via the myScholarships link on your myUniSA student portal.

Contact StudentFinance.Enrolment@unisa.edu.au if you have any questions.
Centrelink

If you currently receive payments from Centrelink, it may be possible to continue receiving payments while you are studying overseas. You must notify Centrelink that you will be studying overseas and submit the required paperwork. The Study Overseas team can provide you with a letter to support this. Find more information by contacting Centrelink directly.
Australian Government Scholarships

UniSA International also offers scholarships/grants for specific short-term or full semester programs which are funded by the Australian Government, via programs such as the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants.

These opportunities are only available to Australian citizens and are advertised as they become available, via the Study Overseas website, on our Instagram, or via email announcements. Grants/scholarships are only available for specific Study Overseas programs, which differ each year.

Each year UniSA also supports nominated students to apply for funding the prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship. This opportunity is for the best and brightest students. Find out more here.

Current Scholarships and Grants

See below for summary of currently available scholarships/grants. Standard mobility eligibility requirements apply to all. Additional eligibility requirements and application dates vary.

Please contact student.exchange@unisa.edu.au for more information on funding opportunities.

Scholarship/Grant	Experience type/s	Open to:	Amount	How to apply?
Short term – New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants	Various – programs vary year to year	UG students Australian citizens only Under 28 years old Many opportunities are restricted to students from particular UniSA Program/s	$1000 - $3000	Contact your Program Director for current opportunities in your Program. Or the Study Overseas team for general information.
Full semester exchange – New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants	Exchange semester in Asia	UG students Australian citizens only Under 28 years old	$7,000	All applications for full semester exchange will be automatically assessed
New Colombo Plan Scholarships	1 to 2 Exchange semesters, plus an internship of up to six months, in one of 40 possible destinations in Asia-Pacific region	UG students Australian citizens only Under 28 years old GPA of 6.0 or above	Up to $87,500, including a $2,500 monthly allowance and other grants	Click here
Cowan International Placement Grant	Internship/placement	Students who can show evidence of financial disadvantage	$2,000	Click here
Asia Experience Grant	Overseas Internship	Bachelor of Business (Property) students	Up to $12,500	Click here
Nagoya University of Foreign Studies Scholarship	Semester exchange at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies (NUFS), Japan	Students will be invited to apply by NUFS Conditions apply and limited availability	Monthly stipend of ¥60,000 Yen	Click here for more info Application by invitation from NUFS as part of exchange process
JASSO Scholarships	Semester exchange in Japan	Students will be invited to apply by Japanese University Conditions apply and limited availability	Monthly stipend of ¥80,000 Yen	Click here for more info Application by invitation from Japanese University host as part of exchange process
Nicholas Baudin Internships in France	Research internships	Honours, Masters or PhD students Must have support from UniSA for research supervision Requirements vary dependent on specific internship	$5000 travel grant plus monthly stipend (varied)	Click here for more information. A call for applications will also go out during application period.

Budgeting for your overseas adventure

Even with all of these funding options available, it makes sense to start saving as early as possible to ensure you get the most out of your overseas experience.

It's unlikely your visa will allow you to undertake paid employment while on exchange. Some countries are also more expensive than others. It's a good idea to plan a budget appropriate to the country and city where you plan to study. If you are on a tight budget, choose your destination wisely.

Many host institution websites provide information regarding basic costs for students studying on exchange. Remember to 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.

Some costs to consider: