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How to fund your overseas experience

Are you thinking of adding some international experience to your degree?  Here are some handy tips to consider so that you can manage your funds.

Traveling internationally with a FASS degree

What do you need to budget for?  

  • Transport to and from your destination (flights, buses, taxi, train etc.)  

  • Accommodation 

  • Cost of the program (study, volunteering, conference etc.)  

  • Daily costs (food, transport, activities)  

  • Travel insurance and medical support overseas 

  • Covering the cost of your rent while you’re away (if applicable)  

  • Cost of anything you need to take (medicine, vaccinations, suitcase, special clothes/shoes)  

  • Internet/phone access overseas  

  • Emergency cash.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry. There are a number of different ways that you can get help with the financial burden of going abroad to study.

International Studies support  

As part of the year abroad taken in the combined International Studies degree, there are a few major forms of financial support provided by UTS: 

  • You continue paying your UTS fees (which can be deferred using HECS) and you will not normally need to pay class fees for your foreign university. Of course, there may be admin and other fees that your host university requires you to pay.  

  • UTS will provide transport to and from your host university. This includes plane tickets, which can be very expensive! Note that this is only usually available if you travel on the flight/day booked by UTS (so you can’t arrange your own flight). 

  • UTS will usually cover the cost of travel insurance and overseas medical assistance, which can be expensive if you have to purchase them on your own. 

Scholarships and grants  

UTS has a huge number of scholarships available and you might be eligible for many of them! Remember to look for any scholarships being offered by your destination country, as well as from your host university overseas.  

If you’re travelling to Asia or the Indo-Pacific, learn about the New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program, as well as the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants.  

OS-HELP Loans  

OS-HELP Loans are similar to HECS, but are available for travelling overseas as part of your degree.  

OS-HELP is a Commonwealth Government-funded loan scheme designed to assist you to pay for overseas study. Check out the full terms and conditions. 

And keep in mind that the amount you can apply for is higher if you consider studying in Asia.  

See OS-HELP loans for study in Asia. 

Global Short Programs

Our modern world calls for global citizens to face global challenges. Experiencing different cultures and cultivating new perspectives will provide you with a broad range of skills that will help you thrive in the future. Each university session break, in collaboration with our international partners, our Global Short Programs offer short-term overseas programs that will broaden your horizons, including:

  • Summer/Winter schools at partner universities
  • Experiential learning programs
  • International internships.

The majority of these programs are supported and endorsed by faculties. If eligible, you may receive academic credit towards your studies at UTS along with financial support.

Centrelink 

Full-time students who are going on exchange may be eligible for Centrelink payments. Check with UTS International at your pre-departure sessions to find out more.  

Get a job and save up

If you aren't already working, secure some paid work to save up for your time abroad. Check out job opportunities available.  

Author: Stephanie Newman
Current student – Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Sciences) and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.