Tuition fees and living expenses
In general, you do not need to pay tuition fees at your host university while on a student exchange. Instead, you continue to pay your UNSW tuition fees.
You need to pay for all your living expenses, such as accommodation, travel and food. Living costs vary according to your destination so it is important to prepare a budget. The international student sections of the partner institution websites often have information on the cost of living for their city to which you can refer.
Demonstrating financial resources
As part of your application you need to demonstrate to the UNSW Global Education and Student Exchange Office that you have adequate financial resources for your exchange. On average, you need to have AUD2200 for each month you are overseas. Some universities and the consulates of many countries may have requirements that are higher than this amount, and they require you to demonstrate adequate financial resources before they issue you a student visa.
Ongoing entitlements while on exchange
If you receive Youth Allowance, you can arrange to have your payments continue while you are on a student exchange. You should notify Centrelink before you leave Australia, otherwise your payments may stop. Note that rent assistance is not generally paid while you are on exchange.
Many scholarships and traineeships also continue while you are on a student exchange. Please contact your sponsoring body for details.
Working while on exchange
Most countries restrict the amount of paid work exchange students are allowed to do. Even if restrictions don’t apply, part-time work is generally hard to find and poorly paid. You should not rely on part-time work to finance your student exchange.
