StudyLink, Scholarships, and Funding for Global Experiences
Get the low down on tuition fees, budgeting, funding and more.
Having a global experience is without a doubt life-changing, but we understand that the financial element can be overwhelming. This page helps to break down the costs involved and outlines what funding options you may have. Most students fund their global experience through a combination of scholarships, StudyLink and personal savings.
StudyLink
Eligibility for allowances and loans is based on the duration and total EFTS of your programme (i.e. full-time status).
While our global internships are non-credit bearing, if you are able to arrange credit through your division, you could also be eligible for student loan and/or student allowance support while on your programme.
Scholarships and Awards
Extra shifts in retail, hospitality, or campus jobs are one of the most reliable ways to save. Casual tutoring, note-taking, peer mentoring, and casual or short-term work during university breaks 鈥� such as events work, fruit picking, or temporary office roles 鈥� are all worth considering. If possible, keep your exchange savings in a separate account so you always know exactly how much you have saved.
If you have skills in writing, design, editing, social media management, or data entry, freelance platforms offer flexible earning options that fit around study. Some of this work can continue while you're overseas, which means it can support you beyond just the savings phase.
Platforms like allow you to set up a personal fundraising page and share your story. The more specific and personal your story, the more effective it tends to be: explain why the global experience matters to you academically, professionally, and personally, and let people know exactly what their contribution will go toward. Small gestures of thanks, like postcards from overseas or a photo update when you arrive, go a long way.
Study guides, templates, and art prints can all be sold through platforms like . If you've already created materials for your own study, selling them to others is a low-effort way to earn a little extra.
The communities you're already part of 鈥� whether cultural, religious, sporting, or civic 鈥� are often willing to support members pursuing meaningful opportunities. Consider reaching out to iwi, church communities, service clubs like Rotary, or cultural organisations you're connected to. Asking for contributions toward your global experience instead of birthday or holiday gifts is also worth considering.
Before you go, have a clear-out. Clothes, textbooks, furniture, and other items you won't need while you're away can be sold through Facebook Marketplace or TradeMe.