How to finance a Semester Abroad at ICMS in Sydney – experience report from Jette A.
About Me
My name is Jette, I am 24 years old, originally from Flensburg, and I study International Business Administration in Hamburg. I am currently spending my semester abroad at the International College of Management Sydney (ICMS).
Three years ago I fell in love with Australia during a Work-and-Travel stay and decided that I will come back one day. With a scholarship and sufficient organisation, I‘ve now made this dream come true.
Financing My Semester Abroad
A semester abroad in Sydney comes with relatively high costs. Nevertheless, I want to encourage others that with good planning, patience, and a combination of different funding options, it is absolutely manageable. I finance my entire semester independently. One resource that has been especially helpful for me is the platform “stipendienkompass.de”, which provides a great overview of funding opportunities. For example, I continue to receive support from a small foundation in my hometown, which helps me a lot. Additionally, I receive financial support for my accommodation through the Housing Scholarship from the International Student Office.
The DAAD scholarships also offer many opportunities. It‘s important to know that you don‘t necessarily need top grades to receive a scholarship. Many programs consider factors such as social engagement, personal background, or creativity. That‘s why I would recommend everyone to apply, regardless of their GPA. My experience has shown that there are suitable funding options for many different profiles. Even though applications can be time-consuming, they almost always pay off in the end.
Auslands-BAföG is another great way to cover costs. I applied for it even though I do not receive domestic BAföG. Auslands-BAföG is often significantly higher and can even cover part of the tuition fees. Although the application process takes time, retroactive payments are possible, making the wait worthwhile.
Before leaving for Australia, I worked a lot and saved money. I also use the KfW student loan, which is independent of parental income and very flexible. I receive a one-time payment for tuition fees and a monthly allowance of 300 euros, which is a great relief.
Working in Australia
One major advantage of Australia is that international students automatically receive a work permit. I am allowed to work up to 24 hours per week, and the pay is very good. In hospitality, the hourly wage during the week is around 33 AUD, and on weekends even 40 to 45 AUD. I work as a waitress behind the bar in a Mexican fine-dining restaurant in Manly.
Tijuana´s Manly
Besides the income, working locally is an excellent way to meet new people, step out of my comfort zone, and improve my English. Many of my closest friendships started through my job.
For most hospitality jobs, you need an RSA certificate, which proves that you have been trained in Responsible Service of Alcohol. I completed mine online; the cost is about 110 AUD. After passing the exam, I received a card valid for five years. With that, nothing stood in the way of working in hospitality anymore. For my job search, I prepared a CV with a photo and relevant experience. The most effective method is to walk into restaurants, cafés, or bars in person and introduce yourself, as face-to-face applications often work better in Australia than online ones.
Bank Account and Tax Number
To work in Australia, you need a Tax File Number (TFN). I applied for it online after my arrival and received it by mail within one to two weeks. With my passport and TFN, I easily opened a free bank account with Commonwealth Bank, which was quick and straightforward. Having an Australian bank account is essential, as salary payments are only processed through it.
Everyday Saving Tips
The cost of living in Sydney is high, especially for groceries. One very practical aspect is that ICMS campus housing offers three meals a day, which saves a lot of money and time. Additionally, thanks to my job in hospitality, I can often eat for free, which also helps keep expenses manageable.
Conclusion
A semester abroad in Sydney is undoubtedly an investment, but one that is absolutely worth it. With the right preparation, initiative, and a bit of flexibility, the financial aspect can be managed well. Through a combination of scholarships, BAföG, the KfW loan, savings, and working locally, I am fully funding my semester myself. Working alongside my studies not only helps financially but also provides unforgettable experiences and friendships. At the same time, studying at ICMS offers plenty of time to balance work, university, sports, and leisure.
I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and can only encourage everyone to apply for scholarships, work, and prepare thoroughly. A semester abroad in Australia is worth every effort.
