Exchange fees

While the primary mission of the exchange programme is non-profit, the committees still need to sustain themselves and cover operational costs. (IAESTE By-laws, Article 1 (4) and Article 7 (5).


Being a non-profit organisation does not mean students and/or employers do not pay anything. It means the committee can not make a profit from students/employers. Committees can find other ways to fund the programme, without charging students/employers, but they can also have a financial model to keep the programme running, as long as it’s fair and not profit-driven. Non-profit here is about fairness and transparency, covering the costs of the operational work and not making a profit from the programme.


The IAESTE Committees establish the exchange programme fees and payment deadlines. Students are given details regarding the mandatory fees, their due dates, and the circumstances under which fees, or a portion thereof, can be refunded. These fees are structured in a manner that aligns with the non-profit nature of the programme.


The exchange programme fee policy of the committees is transparent within the network and is accessible on the Exchange Platform, under the committee profile.. 


Regarding  the receiving (incoming) students, a fundamental principle within the exchange programme is that they must not be charged any fees. Instead, they are entitled to receive remuneration to cover the basic accommodation, food and local transportation costs during the internship. This policy ensures that incoming students are not financially burdened and are fairly compensated for their contributions during their international experience.


Determining the fee structure within the exchange programme varies among committees, and they employ different approaches. Some committees maintain a consistent, fixed fee for all students, while others calculate fees based on the internship duration. Additionally, some committees operate without requiring any payment from students/employers. It's important to note that any of these business models is considered acceptable within the programme, reflecting its flexibility and adaptability to meet the diverse needs and circumstances of students and host organisations (employers).