Victoria University (VU) offers a variety of funding schemes to current students going overseas either on exchange or a short term overseas study program. Read more about the funding options that could save you thousands of dollars.

Travel grants at VU

Travel grants are available on the condition that you must complete the scheduled pre-departure sessions prior to leaving, and the re-entry program upon your return. Please note that you are only entitled to one travel grant during your studies at Victoria University.

It is expected that VU will be providing financial support to students intending to go on exchange. The level of  support is currently under consideration and will be announced later in the semester.

Complete and submit the following forms to the Victoria Abroad team with your application:

• Victoria Abroad Student Agreement
• Victoria Abroad Travel Acceptance and Payment Form

University Mobility in the Asia Pacific (UMAP) exchange program

If you meet the UMAP scholarship selection criteria, you may be eligible to receive A$5000 in financial assistance. Opportunities in this program are limited:

• Mexico: 9 places

Read more about University Mobility in the Asia Pacific (UMAP).

Endeavour Awards

An internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship program; the Endeavour Awards provide opportunities for Australians to embark on study, research and professional development abroad in:

• Fiji: 4 places
• Malta: 6 places
• Turkey: 2 places
• Vietnam: 6 places

Read the Endeavour Awards scholarship selection criteria to see if you are eligible. More information about Endeavour Awards.

Partner institution scholarships

Ludwigsburg Pädagogische Hochschule, Germany

Scholarships of approximately EUR1600. Two places available with choices available during:

• Winter Semester
• Summer Semester

Universite Francois-Rabelais (TOURS), France

TOURS are providing up to EUR1500 towards the expenses of two students and the French government will reimburse 25-30% of your rent if you’re in France for 3 months. Two places available with choices available during:

• Winter Semester
• Summer Semester

Jönköping School of Education and Communication, Sweden

Scholarships of approximately SEK5,000 (approximately A$900). 1 place available per semester with choices available during:

• Winter Semester
• Summer Semester

Aalborg University, Denmark

Scholarships of up to approximately DKK8,000 (approximately A$1750). Choose between:

• Spring Semester - submit nominations by 1 October (1 February - 30 June)
• Autumn Semester - submit nominations by 1 May (1 September - 30 January)

Soonchanhyang University, Republic of Korea (suitable for students interested in Asian studies)

Scholarships of US$800 (approximately A$1200) towards airfare and 150,000W per week (approximately A$150 per week) for living expenses.

Host Government funding

Ernst Mach Grant for Applied Sciences, Austria

There is an opportunity of a grant, given by the ministry, in Austria. A monthly grant rate of EUR 940 is available for studying overseas at an Austrian university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). The deadline for all 2012 entries is March 1, 2012.

Find out more about the Ernst Mach Grant. 

OS-HELP loans

A cash payment loan from the Australian Government, this loan scheme offers you financial assistance as part of your overseas exchange program. Full eligibility criteria are outlined in the OS-HELP Loan Application Form, but generally to be eligible you must be either a:

• Commonwealth-supported Australian citizen, or
• permanent humanitarian visa holder

As an applicant from Victoria University, approved payments range from A$1000 to A$5824 for a six-month study period. The maximum amount you can apply for is A$5824.

To apply for an OS-HELP Loan, complete and forward to the Victoria Abroad team:

• OS-HELP Loan Application form
• OS-HELP Debt Confirmation form (cannot be issued electronically, available from the Victoria Abroad office)

Find more information on the OS-Help Loan at the Australian Government's Study Assist site.

Youth allowance/Austudy

If you currently receive Youth allowance or Austudy you:

• are eligible to continue receiving payments while you study overseas
• will need to provide evidence that you will be studying full-time on an approved exchange program that will be credited towards your degree

Stay up to date with any changes to Youth Allowance/Austudy through Centrelink.

Faculty scholarships

Sometimes your faculty offers scholarships to students going on exchange. Contact your faculty to find out if you’re eligible for these scholarships.