Affording the Dream: Australia Financial Aid

Although studying abroad in Australia is often one of the most affordable options for international students, it still comes with a certain price tag. Between tuition, books, and living expenses, international students do need to think about how they will pay for their study abroad experience. However, the cost should never deter any student who wishes to enhance their knowledge by studying in Australia. The key is to understand what Australia financial aid options are available to international students.

Applying for financial aid can be somewhat more difficult for international students, but it is possible as long as these students know where to look. Students with demonstrable financial needs can often receive some form of financial assistance form their home governments to help subsidise a study abroad experience in Australia. In this way, students should first see if they qualify for this type of subsidised international financial aid, which is usually offered to students with fewer strings attached than other types of aid. It is important to make sure that the Australian university of interest is eligible for this type of study abroad financial aid, since not all foreign universities may be approved for international financial aid.

Beyond this type of study abroad financial aid, students may wish to pursue scholarships. There are a number of scholarships available for Australia financial aid, many of which are geared specifically to support international students studying in Australia. These scholarships may be offered through the student's home country, while others may be offered by international organizations or Australian schools themselves. Students interested in scholarships should contact their school of interest and check out various online international financial aid databases. These resources are designed to help students get connected with scholarships they need to finance their education in Australia. Students should also remember to keep looking for scholarships even after they have started their education. Some scholarships and other Australia financial aid options are offered only to students in their second or third year of studies.

Another type of Australia financial aid is a student loan. These loans are available to students who do not qualify for subsidised international financial aid. Students should check with their home governments to see what options are available and what requirements must be met to apply for this style of loan. When applying for a study abroad financial aid loan, students need to look seriously at the amount and length of the loan in order to ensure that the long term impact will not be too difficult to manage.

Though these international financial aid options can be completed prior to beginning the coursework, there are other options for study abroad financial aid that are more work based. Students who choose to study in Australia on a regular student visa should remember that they are eligible to work part time. This part time work can be a wonderful way to help earn a little extra money during a study abroad experience, and can also be a unique opportunity to understand the Australian culture better. Before applying for any part time job, however, students need to look carefully at what kind of visa they hold and what working restrictions may apply to them. Students who do not have a student visa and who are studying for a shorter period of time are likely not eligible to work during their time in Australia.

Many students will use a combination of international financial aid options, relying both on student loans as well as scholarships when possible. Spreading out the study abroad financial aid can be a smart approach, especially if students do need to apply for student loans. Part time work and scholarships can reduce the amount needed in student loans, which can have an important reduction in the long term impact for students. Therefore, when considering Australia financial aid, it is essential that students keep all their options open and be vigilant to pursue all possible avenues.

Overall, students interested in Australia financial aid have multiple options, making it easy for students to get the financial support they need. Because of this, no student needs to shy away from an exciting study abroad experience due to money. With international financial aid options, students can get the money they need to pursue the education of their dreams.