Financing Medical Study

Medical education is expensive. Even for CSP and domestic students in Australia and New Zealand, tuition, accommodation fees, and other living expenses mount up. Fortunately, even for students without a massive 'parent fund', there are plenty of ways to fund your studies.‍

Australia

In Australia, a number of financial support is available for domestic students. These include:

• FEE-HELP: A loan scheme for full-fee paying students to help pay their tuition fee. 
• HECS-HELP: A loan scheme for CSP students to help pay their student contribution amount.
• SA-HELP: A loan scheme for students to help pay their amenities and student services fee.
• Student payments (usually through Centrelink): A range of payments, including Youth Allowance, that can assist with living costs.

You may be eligible for one or more of the above. To find out more, refer to the official StudyAssist web pages: 

• Higher education qualifications
• Student payments
  

Of course, there are various merit-based and need-based scholarships that are funded by the government, private organisations or universities. Start by checking scrolling through the website of the university you're interested in applying to. Note that often you don't need to apply for university scholarships separately to your application, as they are awarded automatically if you meet the criteria.

New Zealand

New Zealand also has a number of financial support schemes available for domestic students. These include:

• Student Loan: A loan scheme for students to help pay their tuition fees, living costs, and course-related costs.
• Student Allowance: A payment that can assist with living costs.
• Fees Free: One year of free education.

You may be eligible for one or more of the above. To find out more, refer to the official StudyLink and Fees Free websites.

There are many merit-based and need-based scholarships in New Zealand that are funded by the government, private organisations or universities.‍

Working while studying 

You can consider working part-time during your studies to cover some living expenses. While working longer hours (e.g. over 10 hours a week) is not recommended due to the intense nature of medical study, there is no harm in working a few hours a week especially if the job will complement your study or life nicely. Here are a few examples:

• Tutoring usually offers a great hourly rate, especially if you teach a group. If you tutor final-year high school students in subjects like biology or chemistry, you can also revise your basic knowledge in these subjects that may have slipped away after sitting your final high school exams!
• Working as a medical receptionist in a general practice clinic can be a valuable opportunity to get used to interacting with patients and doctors in primary care. It may help you feel more comfortable working in a healthcare setting when you go on placements. It will also give you a better understanding of general practice, helping you to decide if that might be an area where you’d like to work in the future. 
• Working as a babysitter is a relatively stress-free and easy way to earn money, and you can spend the time studying once the kids are in bed.
• Participating in various research projects can give you a glimpse of what medical or scientific research is like, and provide you with cash or grocery vouchers in exchange for a small amount of your time. Most of these studies are conveniently conducted at university campuses.
• Waiting or participating in bar staff opportunities one or two nights a week is a great way to make money. However, it is important to note that working once or twice a week will depend on the flexibility of your employer and the demand of your coursework.