Gap year fundraising
How to pay for a gap year
Raising money for a gap year
Gap year fundraising is the first exciting step towards your trip, but many people are unsure how much a gap year costs, and how they can raise the funds they need. At The Gap Year Hub our team of experts have supported many gappers, and we’re here to tell you that raising the money you need for your dream trip is very achievable, and you can have fun at the same time!
How much is a gap year?
If you’re wondering how much gap years cost, unfortunately we can’t give you a magic figure, as it depends on what you want to do. Are you booking a round-the-world ticket, staying in hostels and working along the way? Or are you planning to stay in one destination and volunteer? Do you want to spend money on a gap year program, or plan everything yourself?
Your gap year will be unique to you, and your budget will be determined by your choices.
Gap year budgets normally contain most of the following key elements. By researching these you can start to create a working budget for your gap year:
- Flights
- Transport while overseas
- Accommodation
- Gap year programs and activities
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Vaccinations and medicine
- A bag
- Clothes, boots and equipment
- Food
If you are on an organised gap year trip many of these things will be included, but always check when you first enquire.
Once you have a rough idea of your gap year costs, you may find it helpful to create a spreadsheet where you can log your predicted budget.
How to start saving money for your trip
If you’re ready to start saving for your dream gap year, here are The Gap Year Hub’s top tips:
- Firstly, set up a GoFundMe page so friends and family can donate money to your trip, especially for your birthday or if Christmas is around the corner. You’ll need to set yourself a target and hopefully you have already considered all the potential costs for your gap year.
- Find the best savings account and set yourself a target to save a certain about each month towards your trip.
- Look for a cashback/reward credit card to help you save as you spend. These are a great way to hit your gap year savings goal!
- Use a cashback website whenever you shop online – it could be one or two pounds each time but that will all add up and help get you closer to your gap year!
TOP TIP: If you’re signed up on a Gap Year program, ask for their fundraising advice and tips
Ways to raise money for a gap year
Your gap year fundraising is likely to involve these three key areas. You may find that one area is much more fruitful than others, but keep going, you can do it!
Gap year fundraising ideas
When it comes to hosting fundraising events for your gap year, you are limited only by your imagination! If you are sporty, opt for a sponsored run or sports challenge; if you love to plan, organise a fundraiser like a barbecue or quiz night; or if you’re particularly artistic, create some artwork or craft items to sell locally or online.
Be creative, put your business head on and get out there to raise money for your gap year!
Gap year sponsorship
When you’re raising money for a gap year don’t overlook gap year grants and sponsorship. There are lots of funds available for gap year students, which could contribute several hundred pounds to your savings.
There are pots of money you can access, which can help you get closer to jetting off on your gap year!
Discover how you can secure sponsorship for your trip from gap year grants and scholarships.
Paid work
If you’re wondering how to pay for a gap year, paid work is one of the quickest ways to rack up a healthy gap year fund. Whether you choose to get a job at home before you travel, or plan to work while you’re away, a gap year job can help provide vital cash for your trip.
Knuckle down and earn those pennies – every day you work will help you boost your gap year bank balance!
Get top tips on finding the perfect gap year job, either before you head off or while you are on your gap year.