Affording Australia- Turing scheme and how to get a job….

By Nina Vincent, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

Getting offered Australia for an exchange program is such an amazing and exciting opportunity. While the country offers stunning nature, rich diversity, and plenty of incredible cities to explore, it’s definitely not the most budget-friendly destination. I was super worried about the costs before I came, but there are a lot of options to help make it affordable. 

Firstly, your student loan might get a boost if you’re heading to Australia. Since it’s a higher-cost country, student finance often offers extra support. For example, I got a max loan of £11.5k instead of the usual £9k, but check with your own student finance provider because this can vary year to year. This extra funding can really help with the cost of living.

Another huge help is the Turing Scheme, which applies to all exchange students and has been a lifesaver for my travel costs. The Turing Scheme is a grant (so no need to pay it back), and the amount you get depends on your household income and your destination. Australia is in the highest cost band, so if you qualify, you’ll get the maximum amount. Turing also covers your travel expenses – including a return flight and any domestic travel to get to your destination (buses, planes, taxis and even hostels). Just remember to keep your receipts, as you’ll need them to claim expenses back at the end of the year.

To help manage living costs, I recommend getting a casual part-time job. In Australia, you need a Tax File Number (TFN) to work, which is easy to apply for on the government website (although it can take a few weeks, so consider applying before you arrive). With a TFN, you’ll get paid directly and contribute to “superannuation,” Australia’s version of a pension, which is mandatory for every worker. If you want to work in a bar or anywhere that serves alcohol, you’ll also need an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) license. I got mine through Galaxy Training for only $22, which you can do online.

When it comes to job hunting, you can apply through platforms like Indeed or Seek, but handing out your CV in person works wonders. That’s how I found my job, and it’s a great way to make a positive impression.

The wages in Australia are amazing compared to the UK. In hospitality, the average pay is around $30 per hour (about £15), and on weekends, it jumps to $40 (£20). You also get double pay on public holidays, and there’s a legal wage bump after 6 pm. The exchange rate is pretty easy to get used to – everything feels like it’s half-price, which is tempting but also helps keep things affordable.

So, don’t let the cost scare you off – Australia can definitely be affordable with the right planning.