Opportunities to help you get there
Whether you’re set on immersing yourself in a new culture with an exchange, exploring global industry on a study tour or interning with one of our international partners, we offer scholarships and funding opportunities that could help you make it happen.
For Overseas Exchange programs at one of our partner universities, you won’t need to pay international tuition fees (as you will continue to pay your tuition fees to Swinburne). Overseas Study Tours and Overseas Internship programs will have a program fee you need to pay.
However, for all programs, you’ll need to consider additional program fees, airfares, insurance, accommodation, living expenses and visa costs. Plus, living and travel costs will vary considerably depending on your program length, destination, lifestyle and the current exchange rate in your host destination’s currency.
Read on to find out if you’re eligible for one of our grants, loans or scholarship options to help you cover the costs.
Loans, grants and other funding
OS-HELP is a loan available for credit-bearing international experiences, including exchange, study tours and overseas internships and is the most applied for form of funding.
This government scheme provides loans for Australian students of up to $8,442 (for study outside of Asia), or $10,130 (if you study in Asia), depending on your destination and study program. You may also apply for an extra $1,345 if you do Asian language study in preparation for study in Asia. These amounts are current for 2026.
This loan is added to your HECS debt, which you do not have to repay until your income reaches the minimum repayment threshold.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the OS-HELP Loan, you must meet the minimum eligibility criteria below:
- have been selected by your provider to receive an OS-HELP Loan;
- be an Australian citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the residency requirements
- have not received an OS-HELP Loan on more than one other occasion
- be enrolled with an Australian provider in a Commonwealth supported place and have completed one equivalent full-time student loan (EFTSL) — usually one year of full-time study
- be studying full-time overseas and this study will count towards the course requirements for the Australian course you are enrolled in
- have at least 0.125 EFTSL of your course left to complete once you have finished your overseas study — usually one unit of study
- have a valid tax file number (TFN) at the time of applying
- have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) prior to the first census date (for new enrolments from 1 January 2021)
- have submitted an OS-HELP debt confirmation form to your provider; and have read the OS-HELP statement of terms and conditions.
For more information on OS-HELP visit the Study Assist website.
How to apply
OS-HELP Loans are applied for and paid only after you have been accepted into your overseas program. If you’re eligible, you will be given more information from the Swinburne Abroad team on how to apply as your application progresses.
Note: This is a loan and will need to be paid back through your HECS-debt. Therefore, students can still receive a scholarship or grant in addition to this loan.
-
New Colombo Plan (NCP) funding
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) initiative, including the NCP Mobility Grants and the prestigious NCP Scholarship, could help you get overseas sooner than you think.
Overseas and virtual internships
Swinburne Abroad Travel Grants are offered to students undertaking an approved overseas experience and are designed to help support your travel and living expenses while overseas.
Eligibility to apply
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a domestic or international student
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate course
- Be participating in an overseas internship program in Winter 2026
Grants available
Winter 2026
| Eligible destinations | Program period | Grant amounts |
|---|---|---|
| All program destinations | Winter 2026 | AU$500 |
How to apply
There is no separate application required. Eligible students will automatically be assessed for the Swinburne Abroad Travel Grant once they have accepted their offer for an eligible program through Swinburne Abroad.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Several travel grants are available for the respective internship programs above and will be assessed on a rolling basis.
Please note that students cannot receive this travel grant if they are also receiving a New Colombo Plan Grant.
Overseas exchange
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Semester Program provides funding to help support Australian undergraduate students to study overseas in the Indo‑Pacific. It provides funding through Australian universities to support one or two semesters on exchange, with opportunities to build regional knowledge, develop language skills, and take part in activities like internships.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this grant, you must:
- be an Australian citizen
- be currently studying a bachelor or bachelor (honours) program onshore
- not have dual citizenship or residency for the project destination
- be able to receive credit (37.5 or 50 credit points) for the overseas exchange program
- be aged between 18-28 years at the commencement of the program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students do not need to be aged between 18 and 28);
- not have received more than two NCP student grants (Mobility or Semester Program) during your undergraduate study
- be undertaking a semester exchange program at an eligible partner university during the specified eligible period and meet any additional listed requirements.
Grants available
Semester 2, 2026 / Semester 1, 2027
A range of New Colombo Plan travel grants are available for students taking part in a semester exchange program at select partner universities, as listed below.
*Funding varies by specific field of study and country.
| Eligible partner institutions | Destination | Eligibility criteria | Grant amounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Must be currently enrolled in or undertaking studies in one of the following fields of study: Management and Commerce, Society and Culture | AU$15,000 |
|
| Japan | Must be currently enrolled in or undertaking studies in one of the following disciplines: Management and Commerce, Society and Culture, Asian Language or Cultural studies | ||
| South Korea | Must be currently enrolled in or undertaking studies in one of the following disciplines: Management and Commerce, Information Technology and Innovation, Society and Culture, Creative Arts, Asian Language or Cultural studies | ||
| Taiwan | Must be currently enrolled in or undertaking studies in one of the following disciplines: Management and Commerce | ||
| Malaysia | Must be enrolled in the International Business minor at the partner institution | ||
| Vietnam | Must be enrolled in the International Business minor at the partner institution |
How to apply
Swinburne students will be prompted to apply for the New Colombo Plan Travel Grant as part of their online application for the Overseas Exchange program.
Students applying for the NCP Travel Grant may also be assessed and considered for the Cheung Kong Travel Grant for their exchange program; but can only receive one of these grants.
Note: Payment is generally made within 2–4 weeks of program departure. Students should not rely on these funds to cover upfront program costs, such as deposits or balances, which may be due before departure.
.Scholarships are subject to change at any time. Please check with the Swinburne Abroad team for the most up-to-date information.
The Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program (DACKEP) offer scholarship opportunities for eligible outbound Australian students studying in select Asian countries.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this grant, you must:
- be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident
- have not previously received a grant under the Cheung Kong Exchange Program.
- be participating in an approved overseas exchange program at an eligible partner university
Grants available
Winter 2026
Cheung Kong Travel Grants are available for students taking part in a short-term exchange program in Winter 2026 at select partner universities, as listed below.
Note: Scholarships are subject to change at any time. Please check with the Swinburne Abroad team for the most up-to-date information.
| Eligible partner institutions | Destination | Grant amounts |
|---|---|---|
| Akita International University | Japan | AU$3,000 |
| Hong Kong Baptist University | Hong Kong | |
| SungKyunKwan University | South Korea | |
| Nanyang Technological University | Singapore |
How to apply
Swinburne students will be prompted to apply for the Cheung Kong Travel Grant as part of their online application for the Overseas Exchange program. Applications for this grant will be assessed on a rolling basis.
Note: Students applying for the Cheung Kong Travel Grant may also be assessed and considered for the NCP Mobility Grant for their exchange program; but can only receive one of these grants.
Payment is generally made within 2–4 weeks of program departure. Students should not rely on these funds to cover upfront program costs, such as deposits or balances, which may be due before departure.
Swinburne Abroad Travel Grants are offered to students undertaking an approved overseas experience and are designed to help support your travel and living expenses while overseas.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a domestic or international student
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate course at Swinburne
- Be participating in an approved overseas exchange program at an eligible partner university
How to apply
There is no separate application required. Eligible students will automatically be assessed for the Swinburne Abroad Travel Grant once they have accepted their offer for an eligible program through Swinburne Abroad.
Please note: Eligible students may be considered for multiple funding opportunities but can only receive one of the following: Swinburne Abroad Travel Grant, New Colombo Plan (NCP) funding, or Cheung Kong funding.
Grants available
| Eligible destinations | Program period | Grant amounts |
|---|---|---|
| All program destinations | Winter 2026 | AU$500 |
| Swinburne Vietnam Alliance Program | Semester 2 2026 | AU$5,000 |
Note: Payment is generally made within 2–4 weeks within program departure. Students should not rely on these funds to cover upfront program costs, such as deposits or balances, which may be due before departure.
Scholarships are subject to change at any time. Please check with the Swinburne Abroad team for the most up-to-date information.
The Yeap Scholarship aims for recipients to develop a deeper understanding, engagement and appreciation of Asian cultures and opportunities. To achieve this, the scholarship offers students the opportunity to participate in a semester exchange to study at Swinburne's Sarawak campus.
This opportunity will allow scholarship recipients to immerse themselves in the flavours and culture of Kuching, as well as the opportunity to live and socialise with local students whilst completing course subjects. Internships will be determined on a case-by-case basis for individual students.
We encourage the recipient, whilst on exchange, to invesitate the opportunity of an internship whilst in Malaysia. This can be done via our partnership with The Global Student Internship Experience in Malaysia | Swinburne.
Eligibility and how to apply
Eligible students participating in an approved semester exchange program to Swinburne Sarawak can apply for this scholarship to receive A$10,000 towards their program.
For more information regarding eligibility and application, see the Yeap Scholarship.
The Giles Family Foundation Study Abroad Program has been established by Swinburne alum Michael H. Giles, who is passionate about supporting students eager to broaden their horizons through international study.
As a former recipient of a study abroad scholarship during his time at Swinburne, Michael understands first-hand the transformational impact that studying overseas can have. His own experience inspired him to create this opportunity for others.
Eligibility and how to apply
Eligible students participating in an approved semester exchange program can apply for this scholarship to receive A$7,000 towards their program.
For more information regarding eligibility and application, see the Giles Family Foundation Study Abroad Grant.
Overseas study tours
Swinburne Abroad Travel Grants are offered to students undertaking an overseas experience, providing valuable financial support towards your travel and living expenses.
Eligibility to apply
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a domestic or international student
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate course
- Be participating in an overseas study tour program in Winter 2026
Grants available
Winter 2026
| Eligible destinations | Program period | Grant amounts |
|---|---|---|
| All program destinations | Winter 2026 | AU$500 |
How to apply
There is no separate application required. Eligible students will automatically be assessed for the Swinburne Abroad Travel Grant once they have accepted their offer for an eligible program through Swinburne Abroad.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Several travel grants are available for the respective study tour program above and will be assessed on a rolling basis.
Please note that students cannot receive this travel grant if they are also receiving a New Colombo Plan Grant.
All overseas programs
Swinburne Abroad offer a unique grant opportunity for eligible outbound Indigenous students. These grants can be used to support participation in any of Swinburne Abroad's programs (Exchange, Study Tours or Overseas Internships).
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- participate in an overseas program while enrolled in an undergraduate or a postgraduate (Coursework) Swinburne degree
Note: If you meet the eligibility criteria above and are keen to take your degree overseas, but cannot find a suitable Swinburne Abroad program for your needs, please contact the team via exchange@swin.edu.au.
We can discuss your options in more detail and support you to find a suitable program.
How to apply
Swinburne students will be prompted to apply for the Indigenous Student Travel Grant as part of their online application for their chosen overseas program.
Butex International Scholarships, UK
This scholarship is open to all exchange students going to select UK partner institutions. To be eligible you must have been offered an exchange place at a BUTEX-affiliated UK university.
The value of each scholarship is GBP£500 and will be paid to you once you have arrived and registered at your host university.
The Nicolas Baudin Scholarship
The Embassy of France offers scholarships of $2500 for travel fees for students going to France on exchange. There is also a dedicated internship program for students to undertake an internship in France and receive 5000$ in a shared grant between the embassy and the university. Applications are open from May - June. Learn more about The Nicolas Baudin Scholarship.
Baden-Württemberg Scholarship
The Baden-Württemberg Scholarship provides financial support for study abroad by university students at Baden-Württemberg institutions (south-west of Germany). You may be nominated for the scholarship by Swinburne as an exchange student studying at an eligible partner university in Germany. Scholarship can amount to €600 to €1,400 per month.
Other countries
Check with the consulate or embassy of your proposed host country to explore other scholarships that may be available.
Partner institutions
Some of our partner institutions may also offer their own scholarships for incoming exchange students - see a list of some scholarships below. We recommend checking out the partner institution's website for up-to-date information on any funding or scholarships you may be able to apply for.
- School of Management Fribourg, Switzerland - mobility grants awarded to students.
Mangold Study Abroad Scholarships
Eligible students who have reached certain levels of language proficiency can apply for this scholarship to receive funds towards an approved exchange semester abroad.
For more information, visit the Walter Mangold Trust Fund website.
Eligible students studying Aviation or Aviation Management can apply for this scholarship to receive A$5,000 towards an exchange semester abroad at selected partner universities.
For more information see the Piers Fowler Exchange Scholarship.
Recipients of this scholarship are eligible to receive a one-off payment of A$2,000 towards an international study experience.
For more information, see the Vice Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship.
If you currently receive Austudy or Youth Allowance from Centrelink, you may still be eligible to continue receiving these benefits while on your overseas study program.
For exchange programs, you will need to provide Centrelink with evidence that you will be studying full-time in an approved student exchange program that will be credited to your Swinburne degree. Swinburne Abroad can provide you with a letter to meet Centrelink requirements before you depart.