Studying and training

Researching what’s available will often start with your current place of education or training.

• Many universities and institutions have established exchange programs with leading tertiary institutions around the world.
• You’ll have to be a student at one of the institutions to take part in their exchange or study programs, and often there is a required amount of course work that has to be completed for eligibility.
• Attend an information session at the university or place of training about what is on offer in terms of overseas study.
• Choose your program, whether it’s an exchange for a semester or two, a study tour or a seasonal program.
• Research the overseas university or institute, and make sure it offers what you’re looking for.
• Make sure the prospective host institution has qualifications that are recognised in Australia.
• Understand the application process, the deadlines, and allow plenty of time to apply once you decide.
• Have a backup plan in case you miss out on your first choice.

Finding the money for your overseas study or training may appear daunting. You may need to work while you are overseas to help pay your expenses but depending on the course there’s help available.

Everyone's situation is different but if you're studying at a recognised Secondary or Tertiary educational institution you may find there are:

• no extra tuition fees for most exchanges and any Youth Allowance continues during the exchange
• loans, grants and scholarships to offset your costs  
• government loan schemes through Os Help for up to two, six month study blocks
• scholarships offered by the government to students through the Endeavour Awards to further student education or vocational training overseas
• funding options via ABSTUDY if you are an Indigenous student wanting to study overseas. 

Travel and living costs will still be your responsibility, so plan exactly how you're going to finance your study trip.

For more information about managing your financial affairs while studying, you may like to contact Centrelink's free Financial Information Service. 

Check to see what information is available from your educational institution or business body. You may be surprised at the assistance available.

For example, the Institute of Chartered Accountants Program allows trainees to apply to go overseas for up to 18 months and work in an approved location gathering practical experience, while completing set modules of their graduate diploma of Chartered Accounting. Fees apply and there is still a commitment to exams.

If you’re studying, some places to start include:

Study overseas – the Australian Government site  

Going to uni – has information for tertiary students looking to study overseas

Even if you’re studying elsewhere you’ll also find helpful tips at:

• Monash University
• Deakin University
• University of Western Sydney
• Murdoch University

ANZ has a number of options to help if you’re planning to study or train overseas.

ANZ Travel Insurance – can protect you from the financial impact of a cancelled trip, lost luggage, theft along with illness and injury. Medical expenses overseas can be financially beyond reach. Ask yourself this, if I can’t afford travel insurance, can I really afford to travel? Find out more about ANZ Travel Insurance.

Then there is the security of your funds and the flexibility of having multiple ways of accessing your money. ANZ can help with the following.

ANZ Travel Card – a secure and convenient way to access your money while you’re abroad, with no transaction fees on purchases. You can load funds in up to 10 different currencies on a single Prepaid Visa card which is accepted at more than 29 million locations worldwide. Find out more about ANZ Travel Card.

ANZ Access Visa Debit card¹ – allows you to use your own money, online, over the phone or in store anywhere Visa is accepted. Find out more about ANZ Access Visa Debit.

Foreign exchange – you may need some cash in the local currency for the things you can't pay for using any other method. See current exchange rates.

ANZ International Money Transfers^* – if you do need help while you are away, then you can arrange for a family member or friend (who is an ANZ account holder) to transfer money directly to an account held by you overseas. Find out more about ANZ International Money Transfers.

And remember all ANZ Credit and debit cards come with the added security of ANZ Falcon and ANZ Fraud Money Back Guarantee.

Everyday Banking – don't forget we have fee waivers for full time students.

Saving for the trip? Or need help to pay for it? We have a range of options that may suit you.

• ANZ Online Saver – pays interest and still gives you 24/7 online access to your funds².  Find out more about ANZ Online Saver. Find out more about ANZ Online Saver.
• Graduate loans – if you are a graduate, then depending on your circumstances you may qualify for a loan to help with things like a trip overseas or just getting ready for your new job. Plus there is no need to make a repayment in the first 12 months.  Find out more about ANZ Graduate loans.
• Personal loans – we could hep you find the money to fund your journey. Find out more about ANZ Personal Loans.