Plan the true cost of international training

Separate income from costs

Programmes fund fellows in different ways: a salary under an employment contract, a stipend or grant, a travelling award with a fixed cap, or no funding at all. State clearly which one applies and what it covers. A grant is not the same as a salary, and an educational award may not cover living costs. Programme profiles on this site show funding as published by the host, and mark it as unknown when it is not stated.

Costs to include

• Before you go: application and examination fees, language tests, document translation and certification, registration or licensing fees, visa fees and health checks.
• Travel and relocation: flights, shipping, temporary accommodation, deposits and set-up costs.
• Living costs: rent, utilities, food, local transport, health insurance and communications.
• Professional costs: indemnity or malpractice cover, memberships, courses, conference fees and uniforms or equipment.
• Family costs: visas, schooling, healthcare and childcare for dependants, if any.
• After the placement: return travel, repeat registration or recognition fees at home.

Check what the funding actually covers

Ask whether the amount is gross or net of tax and contributions, whether it is paid monthly or in a lump sum, when payments start, and what happens if the placement is shortened. Some travelling fellowships state a cap that does not cover all travel and accommodation, so calculate the gap before you accept.

Look for outside support

Societies, foundations, home institutions and employers sometimes fund training abroad, and some require a signed host offer before you can apply. Check each funder's own rules for who may apply, what it pays for and when decisions are made. Keep the application timeline in mind, because funding decisions can come after programme deadlines.

Link funding to immigration and employment

Whether you are paid, and how, can affect which visa category applies and whether you may work. Confirm this with the host and the immigration authority before assuming a route. See the guide on checking visa and work rights.

Related guides

• Check visa and work rights
• Compare offers beyond prestige
• Build an application timeline