Student Exchange Australia New Zealand offers high school exchange scholarships worth up to $3,500, plus Early Bird, sibling and hosting discounts.
Next deadlines
Deadlines & amounts updated November 2026
31 March, 2027
Classic programs departing between
October 2027 – March 2028
31 October, 2027
Classic programs departing between
April 2028 – September 2028
At a glance
| Offer | Value | Who’s it for | Combined with other offers? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird discount | $1,000 off 10-12 month programs $500 off 2-6 month programs | Apply and pay your first 30% by the deadline | Applied automatically if you don’t win a scholarship |
| Scholarships | $3,500 (Academic Year) or $2,500 (Academic Semester) | Students in Years 8 to 12 who meet all other eligibility requirements | Early Bird applies if you don’t win a scholarship |
| Sibling discount | $500 off Academic Semester and Year; $250 off Short Programs | Families with a sibling who has joined a program | Can’t be combined with other offers |
| Hosting discount | $1,000 (hosting 10 months) or $500 (less than 10 months) | Host families | Yes, in addition to Early Bird or a scholarship |
Early Bird Discount
Apply early and you will automatically get a discount:
- $1,000 off 10-12 month programs
- $500 off 2-6 month programs
To lock it in, submit your application and first 30% payment (with the discount applied) by the deadline. Two more instalments follow once you are officially accepted.
- Saves families money
- Helps secure limited program places
Early Bird + Scholarships aren’t available for High School Choice or Classic Japan. Normal cancellation rules apply if you withdraw before departure.
Check the Terms & Conditions for details.
Worth up to $3,500
Student Exchange Scholarships
Scholarships are available for Classic Semester and Academic Year programs.
Open to students in Years 8–12.
Value: $2,500 (Semester) or $3,500 (Year).
Choose your pathway:
- Digital Scholarship: create a short video
- Written Scholarship: write a 1,000‑word essay
- Indigenous Scholarship: choose Digital or Written
If you don’t win, you will automatically receive the Early Bird Discount.
To receive a scholarship, submit your application and first 30% payment by the deadline.
Open to students in Years 8 to 12 who meet all other eligibility requirements. Scholarships are for Classic Academic Semester and Year programs, and not for High School Choice, Classic Japan or Short Programs.
Normal cancellation rules apply. Read the Terms & Conditions for full details.
Digital Scholarship
Create a short video (up to 3 minutes) that shares your story, what inspires you, and why you want to go on exchange.
Show your personality, your goals, and what this experience would mean for your future. It doesn’t need to be super polished: just be you.
Winners are featured on our socials and get to share updates from their exchange journey.
Written Scholarship
Write a 1,000‑word essay on one of these topics:
Non‑English speaking countries: Why learning another language appeals to you and what you hope to gain.
English‑speaking countries: What diversity means to me.
Winners may be featured on our website and in social media or newsletters.
Indigenous Scholarship
For students of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or Māori descent. Choose Digital or Written – whichever suits you.
You must identify as Indigenous and be recognised by your community, with written confirmation from an Indigenous organisation, Land Council, or iwi/hapū authority.
Winners may be featured on our website and socials.
Sibling discount
We love supporting families who’ve already experienced the life‑changing impact of student exchange. If a sibling has joined one of our programs, you may be eligible for:
- $500 off Academic Semester & Year programs
- $250 off Short Programs (6 weeks–3 months)
Available for all Classic programs. Applications must meet the program deadline, and this discount can’t be combined with other offers.
Please read the Terms and Conditions for details.
Hosting discount
If your family hosts one of our inbound exchange students, you may qualify for a Hosting Discount:
- $1,000 for hosting for 10 months
- $500 for hosting less than 10 months
This rebate can be used in addition to any Early Bird Discount or Scholarship. All host families must meet our standard eligibility requirements, including Working With Children checks.
Contact our team to learn more about upcoming arrivals.
Ready when you are
How to apply
To start your Scholarship application, book a chat. Our team will check your eligibility and then give you access to your online application portal.
Once your portal is open, you can submit your scholarship application:
- Digital: Upload your video link and complete the forms. Make sure the link is viewable.
- Written: Upload your essay and complete the forms.
- Indigenous: Submit either a Digital or Written entry, plus your confirmation of Indigenous identity.
Please email your scholarship submission to
info@studentexchange.org.au before the deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Can high school students get a scholarship to go on exchange?
Yes. Student Exchange Australia New Zealand offers Digital, Written and Indigenous scholarships worth $2,500 for a Semester or $3,500 for an Academic Year. Students in Years 8 to 12 can apply if they meet all other eligibility requirements.
How much does it cost to be an exchange student in high school?
The cost depends on your destination and how long you go. See the program prices page for the current price of each program. Scholarships and discounts reduce what you pay.
Is there a free exchange program?
Exchange programs are not free, but scholarships and discounts can reduce the cost.
How do I apply for an exchange scholarship?
Book a chat. Our team checks your eligibility and opens your online application portal, where you submit a video (Digital), an essay (Written), or either one with confirmation of Indigenous identity (Indigenous).
What is the difference between the Early Bird discount and a scholarship?
The Early Bird discount is applied automatically when you apply and pay your first 30% by the deadline. A scholarship is a larger amount you apply for with a video or essay. If you don’t win a scholarship, you automatically receive the Early Bird discount.
Can I combine discounts?
The Hosting Discount can be used in addition to the Early Bird discount or a scholarship. The sibling discount can’t be combined with other offers.
What if I miss the deadline?
Don’t worry – if you miss a Scholarship or Early Bird deadline, there’s another one coming up. We run these rounds every year on 31 March and 31 October. Just keep in mind that each deadline applies to different program departure dates, so check which one matches your preferred travel window.
