Costs and funding

Interested in a short term overseas program, but worried about the costs involved?

Interested in a short term overseas program, but worried about the costs involved? Look below for information specific to short term funding options! You should also check our main funding and scholarships page for more general information on OS-Help loans, Centrelink payments, New Colombo Plan grants, and other scholarships.

Where would you like to go?

Depending upon where you’re going and what type of program you’re planning to do, costs will vary. For students going on short term exchange (to one of our partner universities) or a UniSA-led study tour, you will be enrolled and pay tuition fees only to UniSA. Some short term exchange programs may also have a program fee, separate to tuition, and may include things such as accommodation. For all other short term types, you need to pay any tuition and program fees to the host institution/provider.

If you’re worried about budgeting, consider travelling to countries where the Australian dollar is worth more, or where the cost of living is lower. Additionally, some UniSA study tours and Third Party Provider programs in the Asia/Indo-Pacific region may offer the New Colombo Plan grant (see below), so it’s a good idea to take this into account when planning your experience!

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 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.

Short Term Program students 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.

Country or program specific scholarships:

International placements: UniSA Cowan International Placement Grant – available to full-time students who are undertaking a professional experience placement in an overseas location as part of their program.
Other UniSA scholarships: Other scholarships are available on an ad-hoc basis. Keep an eye on the Study Overseas website, Instagram and student announcements for details.
Other external scholarships: Scholarships and awards are sometimes offered by destination countries, host institutions, or other organisations to support Australian students.

Third Party Provider scholarships

If you’re going on a short term program with one of our approved Third Party Provider, you should see what scholarships they have to offer as well. Often they’ll have various discounts and grants available, so make sure to do your research!

Budgeting for your overseas adventure

Most short term programs are far cheaper than full semester exchange, so utilising the various funding schemes can help you cover most of your expenses. However, to ensure you get the most out of your overseas experience, you should plan ahead and start saving as early as possible.

Prepare a budget appropriate to the country and city that you plan to study in. Remember that some countries are more expensive than others; if you are on a tight budget it be good to rethink your chosen destination. Many host institution websites provide information regarding basic costs for students studying on short term programs. 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. Due to the duration of most short term programs and visa restrictions, it is unlikely that you will be able to undertake paid employment while overseas.

Major expenses to consider include: