How much will the Student Exchange Programme cost and what funding assistance is available?
- Student Exchange Programme fees
- StudyLink loans and allowances
- Estimated budget and tips for reducing the cost of exchange
- Scholarships available
Student Exchange Programme fees
While on exchange you remain enrolled in a degree programme at Massey University. All students pay tuition fees (60 credits per semester) to Massey when participating in the Exchange Programme. The tuition fees at the host university are waived.
In addition to the tuition fees payable to Massey, you are responsible for all associated costs of the exchange, including return airfare, living costs, travel and medical insurance, visa application costs, and non-tuition fees and course materials. With most of our partner universities, students pay enrolment fees to Massey and any other non-tuition fees (such as student services and student association fees) to the host university. With some partner universities, students pay all tuition and compulsory non-tuition fees to Massey for their exchange semester.
The cost of the exchange is the difference between the cost of living in New Zealand (rent, food, daily transport) and the cost of living in the host country, plus a return airfare, insurance, and immigration-related fees. These costs vary by location, and students need to research the estimated expenses at their chosen location. Many of our partner universities provide estimates for living expenses on their website for prospective international students.
Most students wish to undertake some sightseeing while on exchange, so you need to think about what additional funds you will need to do this. Students intending to go on exchange for an academic year (two semesters) commencing in January should remember that additional funds will be required for the northern hemisphere summer break (June - August).
While some countries permit students to work part-time while on exchange, you should ensure you have enough income to support your exchange without having to rely on being able to obtain work in the host country.
StudyLink
It is possible to retain your entitlement to StudyLink student allowances and loans while on exchange. You need to complete the Overseas Study Application Form once you have been accepted by your host university. Massey will verify with StudyLink that you are participating on an approved exchange programme and are still enrolled at Massey University. Refer here for more details.
Budget Worksheet
As part of the formal application process you need to complete a budget worksheet. It is strongly recommended that you be realistic when completing this, and also think about a contingency plan if, for example, the currency exchange rate changes while abroad.
Ask a travel agent or check directly with airlines for estimates of airfares. Remember that you may not be able to purchase your airfare well in advance, because you will need to wait for confirmation of your acceptance from the host university before you purchase your airfare.
Check the host university website for estimates of living expenses - e.g. accommodation, meals, local transport, etc. Some partner universities may require students to purchase their default health insurance policy, and if so, they will have information about the cost of the insurance policy. If the host university has no particular insurance requirement, you can obtain quotes for travel/medical insurance from travel agents or insurance companies. Remember to also factor in the cost of a visa, if required, and any extra travel you may want to do while on exchange.
You will be required to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support your living expenses, before a Student Visa will be issued by the host country embassy or consulate. Most American universities require you to provide evidence of your financial support when you apply for admission (i.e. several months before you will actually depart on the exchange).
Tips for Reducing the Cost of the exchange experience
- Choose a host university in a smaller city or town, as normally the cost of living is lower than in the bigger cities.
- Live in the host university’s halls of residence as meals are normally included (especially in North America). This will also save you on daily transportation costs.
- The ISEP exchange programme is a great way to fix your housing and meal expenses in New Zealand dollars (instead of paying in US dollars, which are liable to change with currency fluctuations). See here for more details.
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology heavily subsidize their halls of residence to exchange students - on-campus accommodation costs approximately NZ$1000 per semester!
- Some Japanese universities provide a monthly stipend for exchange students. See here for details.
- Get a bike if on exchange in Scandinavia. It is the fastest and cheapest way to get around!
- The currency exchange rate may impact the cost of living in your chosen destination. The NZ dollar goes further in some countries.
- Before you go on exchange, get an ISIC card. This international student card can offer deals on accommodation in youth hostels when sightseeing.
