Costs and Financial Aid

There are costs associated with studying overseas but you may be eligible for a scholarships and assistance available from the government and Flinders University to help fund your international experience.

Costs

Flinders Travel Insurance

New Colombo Plan (NCP) funded opportunities

Scholarships

OS-HELP

Centrelink

Costs

There are a number of costs associated with studying overseas. Creating a preliminary budget before embarking on your international experience will ensure you can afford and get the most out of your time overseas.

Tuition fees

Student Exchange

As a student exchange participant, you will continue paying your tuition fees at Flinders University while you're on exchange and will not have to pay tuition fees at your exchange university.

Study Abroad

Students undertaking studies at a university that does not have an exchange agreement with Flinders University will pay tuition fees directly to their host university.

Short-term Program

Tuition fees are typically included in the overall program cost of many short-term opportunities.

Living costs

This varies greatly depending on your destination, the duration of your exchange and any additional travel you may undertake while overseas.

Many universities will ask you to show a proof of funds demonstrating that you have enough money to sustain yourself while on exchange. For example, if you apply to go on exchange in the USA, the host university will ask you to produce a letter from your bank which shows that you or your parents have a certain amount (generally anywhere between $4000-$10000) available for your expenses overseas.

You will need to submit a financial plan which is included in your student exchange application form. Most students budget around AU$8,000-$10,000 for a semester. You can view a sample financial budget.

Research living costs in the country you'd like to visit. Numbeo is a useful website for comparing the cost of living in different cities and countries.

Costs to consider will include:

accommodation
food
additional travel costs if you plan on travelling on weekends/in study breaks etc
books and stationery
health and travel insurance
personal expenses

Make sure that you're familiar with exchange rates when you're calculating living costs.

You may also like to view the returned student reports from past exchange participants which detail their monthly expenses.

Visas

Student visa costs will vary based on the country they are travelling to.

Students travelling to the US should note they are required to travel domestically to a US Embassy (Located in Melbourne, Sydney or Perth) to acquire a US Student Visa and will need to pay the associated costs of acquiring a US Student visa.

UK visa rules are changing for short-term visitors arriving in the UK on or after 8 January 2025 - the UK is rolling out Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETA). Please consult the official gov.uk website for the most up-to-date information: Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

NOTE: Visas are not the responsibility of Flinders University.

Flinders travel insurance

Flinders students are eligible to obtain no cost Flinders travel insurance to study overseas.
Register online through the Student Travel Insurance portal once you've received college credit approval.
Log an insurance query or call on 8201 3793 if you have questions about cover for pre-existing conditions.

New Colombo Plan (NCP) funded opportunities

Explore the Indo-Pacific with the New Colombo Plan

Ready to expand your horizons and create unforgettable memories? The New Colombo Plan is your ticket to a life-changing experience in the Indo-Pacific region!

This amazing Australian Government initiative empowers undergraduate students to study, learn a new language, and gain hands-on work experience through internships across the Indo-Pacific.

Why join?

Immerse yourself in new cultures.
Build international connections and friendships.
Gain valuable skills to boost your career.
Be part of a growing community of students strengthening ties between Australia and the region.

Since its launch in 2014, the program has already supported over 1,300 students to study and work in incredible destinations like Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong. Now, it’s your turn!

Take the leap and discover how the New Colombo Plan can be a transformational chapter in your education and future career.

Other NCP funded mobility opportunities for Flinders students are advertised as they become available via the Global Experience website, on our Instagram, Facebook, Flinders Screens, Ping! or via email. Funding is available only for specific Study Overseas programs, which differ each year.

In which locations can NCP students study?

There are nearly 40 eligible host locations for New Colombo Plan supported study across the Indo-Pacific region. View the link to DFAT website with country listing https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/new-colombo-plan/about

Is a New Colombo Plan Scholarship for you? Visit our NCP Scholarships page for more information on eligibility and the selection process.

What’s in it for You?

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is your chance to take your education beyond the classroom and into the Indo-Pacific.

Mobility Grants: Flinders offers short- or long-term study and internship programs in incredible destinations like Singapore, China, Vietnam, or the Pacific. Imagine learning from world-class academics, experiencing vibrant cultures, and gaining hands-on experience—all while earning credit toward your degree.
Prestigious Scholarships: If you’re a high-achieving student, you could secure a scholarship to study at a top university in the Indo-Pacific for up to a year. Plus, you’ll have the chance to take optional language training and complete an internship, helping you build in-demand skills and broaden your career prospects.

Why Join the New Colombo Plan?

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) has a big goal: to strengthen Australia’s connections with the Indo-Pacific region. It’s all about creating a diverse and talented group of Australian students and alumni who have a deeper understanding of the Indo-Pacific and strong networks within the region.

Here’s what the NCP aims to achieve for YOU

More opportunities for Australian students: Get the chance to study, work, and build your skills in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
Build meaningful connections: Form lasting relationships with people and institutions in the Indo-Pacific—whether it’s students, universities, or future employers.
Expand your horizons: Connect with leaders in government, business, and civil society, paving the way for incredible career opportunities and personal growth.

Be part of a program that’s all about learning, connecting, and making a real impact in the Indo-Pacific.

Scholarships

There are a number of scholarships and financial assistance available from the government and Flinders University to help fund your international experience.

Country specific scholarships

Available to students travelling to:

Country	Scholarship	Funding	Availability	More information
China, Hong Kong SAR (PRC), Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore	Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program	Scholarships available $2,000 - $7,000 AUD	AY 2024/2025	No separate application required, if students apply to and are accepted into the exchange program for 2025/2026 for a maximum of one semester. Eligible Universisites: The University of Hong Kong, University Gadjah Mada, Chuo University, Hiroshima University, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), The National University of Malaysia (UKM), LASELLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Technological University.
France	Universite de Tours partner scholarship	1 x up to 500 EURO grant	AY 2024/2025	No separate application required, if students apply to and are accepted into the exchange program in 2024. (subject to eligibility and availability).
France	Nicholas Baudin Travel Grant	Up to the value of $2,500 AUD to cover a return flight ticket between Australia and France	S2 exchange only	Apply directly to Campus France *note opening and closing application period. Subject to availability, Campus France will administer the Baudin Travel Grant. (subject to eligibility and availability).
Germany	DAAD Scholarship for European University Viadrina	360 EURO per month	AY 2024/2025	DAAD Scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive additional Flinders scholarships. No separate application required, provided students apply to and are accepted into the exchange program.
Indonesia	New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant	$3,000 - $7,000 AUD grants (subject to availability) administered by ACICIS Australia	AY 2024/2025	Available to Flinders students participating in ACICIS programs (Indonesia). No separate application required, provided students participate in an approved for credit ACICIS program (subject to eligibility and availability).
Japan and Hong Kong	New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant (Semester)	1 x up to $7,000 AUD grants (subject to availability)	S2 2024	Available to eligible Flinders students participating in an exchange to a Japanese or Hong Kong exchange partner during 2024.
United Kingdom	Matthew Flinders Statute Scholarship	1 x up to $5000 AUD, each semester	AY 2024/2025	Available to an eligible Flinders student participating in an exchange to Manchester Metropolitan University or University of Leicester (UK). No separate application required, provided students apply for an exchange.
USA	Northern Arizona University Scholarship	USD $700 scholarship	AY 2024/2025	No separate application required, if students apply to and are accepted into the exchange program. (subject to eligibility and availability).

RA Simpson International scholarship

The RA Simpson International scholarship was established to assist students to undertake part of their course of study overseas. Subject to the availability of funding, one or more scholarships valued at either $1,000 (for semester) or $500 (for short term) will be awarded in each semester.

Learn more about RA Simpson International scholarship

Government assistance

The Australian Government's OS-HELP loans, allowing eligible students to receive funding to assist with the costs of their travel/study expenses.

OS-HELP loans are then repaid with your accumulated HELP debt (including HECS) after your graduation from Flinders University.

For more information regarding eligibility and how to apply, click the OS-Help link provided

OS-HELP loan

Need help?

Submit an Ask Flinders request to the finance & scholarships team.

Centrelink

Can I still receive Centrelink payments?

If you receive Centrelink payments (Austudy or Youth Allowance), you may still be eligible for payments while you're on exchange. However, it is important to check how your overseas travel might affect your payments. For specific details, visit the Services Australia website. If you have any concerns or need clarification, we recommend contacting Centrelink directly.

Once you're accepted into the exchange program and officially enrolled at your host university, we will provide a confirmation letter for Centrelink. This letter will confirm:

You are enrolled full-time at Flinders University
You will be completing a full-time study load overseas
Your overseas study will be credited towards your home course
We approve your overseas study.

You must remain enrolled full-time through FLO for the duration of your approved overseas course to keep receiving Centrelink payments. Please note that enrolment in Semester 1 and 2 does not automatically extend to periods outside these dates. If your program falls outside of semester dates, you will not be considered enrolled. Your enrolment for a specific period must be reflected on your transcript.