Raising funds for your placement doesn't have to be hard
Applying for bursaries and grants is one of many ways of getting the cash together. There are quite literally hundreds of grants and bursaries relevant to funding a healthcare placement, and the more you apply for, the better your chances.
On this page you'll find all the information you need on:
- OS-Help loans
- When to apply
- Application criteria
- How much to apply for
- How to write a strong application
- University requirements
- Grant and bursary lists
Getting an OS-HELP Loan
OS-HELP is an educational loan available to students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported location. The loan allows you to undertake some of your studies overseas, using the funds towards airfare, accommodation, and other related expenses on the condition that you’re studying in Australia at an approved educational provider.
To find out more about how much you could get towards your Work the World placement, check out this page on the government's Study Assist website.
WHEN SHOULD I START EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES?
As early as possible. We advise doing some solid research before whittling down your options. Keep in mind that sometimes policies and procedures change, so be sure to refresh your knowledge closer to the time of your application.
You can book your placement dates up to two years in advance, so you'll have plenty of time to research. We recommend securing your space as early as you can to give you plenty of time to raise the funds you need.
Start by speaking to your course supervisors and university bursar. Your university may even offer bursaries for overseas electives so start close to home.
WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA?
Each funding group, bursary, and prize has different application criteria. Our advice is to focus on one funding body at a time to maximise your chances of receiving a grant.
Most groups will require you apply with the specific details of your overseas placement and your reasons for undertaking one. They’ll also want to know how the work you’ll be doing will support them as an institution. Others will ask you to conduct work to support your application, do specific project work while you’re abroad, or even write reports back home.
A lot of funding bodies will ask you to work on ‘data collection projects’ or ‘reflective essays’ whilst on your elective. It’s worth noting that as data collection projects will almost certainly involve lab and clinical research, this type of funding might not be suitable for you.
On the other hand, reflective writing projects work well with the type of electives we offer at Work the World. This is because they encourage you to think over how your time practicing in a developing country has affected both your personal and professional development.
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I APPLY FOR?
Some bursaries award fixed amounts, but under certain circumstances you’ll have to apply for the amount you think you’ll need. You can use the list of bursaries and grants at the bottom of this page to get an idea of how much you might be eligible to receive.
If you’re travelling with Work the World the process will be easy — we’re very clear about the cost of our programs and the money you’ll need for whichever destination you choose.
For a detailed breakdown of our prices and what they include, head to our prices page or read our FAQs.
PRICES
HOW DO I MAKE MY APPLICATION STAND OUT?
You first need to get clear on why you want to go to a developing country, what you hope to learn there and when you’re planning on making it happen. If you’re familiar with the above, your application is more likely to be clear and concise.
If the funding body asks you to complete a reflective project, you should write up a project outline that has a title relevant to the placement you’re undertaking. With it you should provide a brief background summary relevant to the area they’ve asked you to focus on.
Do some background reading and exclude external references for extra points. Remember, this isn’t only for their benefit — having a pre-written plan when you’re in-country will remind you what you need to pay attention to. When it comes time to write up what you’ve learned, the project outline will speed up the process.
Your CV
Although it might seem like an unnecessary formality, bursars will want to get familiar with the students they’re funding. While your CV might not fully encapsulate the unique and wonderful individual that you are; it will help the funding bodies make a better informed decision as to aiding your funds.
With this in mind, polishing up your personal statement to include any relevant experience you might have, your ambitions in healthcare and attaching a transcript of your grades is a small price to pay for what you could gain in return.
WHAT WILL MY UNIVERSITY ASK FOR?
Regardless of whether you’re working overseas or not, your university will likely ask you to provide a comprehensive summary of your placement plans and then ask you to discuss them with your supervisors.
If you’re applying for a grant from your university, the above process is more or less a given.
We work with a large number of universities all over the world and each has different requirements when it comes to placements. Because we know this can be a hassle, we do everything in our power to provide you with as much information as possible on your placement, in-country supervisors and the hospitals you’ll be working in.
We also supply signed and sealed supporting documents which bring validity to your placement (useful if you’re applying for a grant, too).
IS IT WORTH THE EFFORT?
You'll probably only get one chance to undertake an overseas placement, so don't let a lack of funds stand in your way. Getting hands-on experience in an overseas setting is one of the most beneficial ways you can develop as a healthcare professional.
There’s every reason to think you stand a good chance if your application is well thought out. Approach each application with time and consideration, and you’ll stand a better chance than those who’ve hammered out hundreds. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the narrower the niche, the less competition you’ll have. Up your chances by applying to smaller organisations local to you. Lastly, presentation is paramount, so slip your final copy into a new folder and send it off with plenty of time to spare.
After a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to contact the organisation to confirm they’ve received your application, but don’t go so far as to hassle them. You can also use this opportunity to find out how long you can expect to wait for a response.
Grants and Bursaries
*Please note that Work the World are in no way affilliated with any of the below bursaries or grants. The summaries below are advisory — you need to thoroughly check each grant or bursary website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
GRANTS AND Bursaries exclusive to particular universities:
Other grants, bursaries and scholarships:
MEDICAL
MIGA
$1,500 to assist in funding your personal placement costs, including travel, accommodation and vaccinations.
Nursing
New Zealand Nurses Organization
NERF's mission is to promote excellence in nursing and health care by providing funding opportunities for education and research.
ACN
Here you'll find multiple grants, bursaries and scholarships relevant to nurses.
All disciplines
OS-Help Loans
OS-HELP is a loan for students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) who want to study some of their course overseas.
Colombo Mobility Program
The New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program provides opportunities for Australian undergraduate students to undertake semester-based study and internships or mentorships in 40 participating Indo-Pacific locations.
