Payment of living expenses for visiting academics

International visitors invited to observe and participate in research at UNSW, who have had an Academic title conferred upon them, may have a financial contribution made towards their living expenses in the form of a per diem.

The per diem will be paid in accordance with the below conditions, and will only be paid if approved by the Head of School (or other authorised delegate). There is no entitlement to a per diem. Per diems can be made at an amount less than the rates specified below, but cannot exceed these rates.

Per Diem Allowance conditions:

Initially, per diems can only be made for a maximum of six months.

In limited circumstances per diems may be paid to an Academic Visitor for a further period (up to two years), provided that the visitor is not residing in Australia, and therefore not a resident for tax purposes. This must be assessed by the University's Tax section prior to any payment being made.
Per diems are based on calendar days and destination.

Per Diem rates for Visiting Academics to Sydney

From 1 to 21 days, the allowance rate is $293.35 per day (maximum of $6,160.35 total).

For a stay greater than 21 days up to 183 calendar days the allowance rate is $146.68 per day (maximum of $146.68 x 183 days = $26,842.44 total).

When paying living expenses for a stay more than 21 days up to 183 days the lower rate must be used from day one.

Payment of living expenses should be made on the relevant financial services form. When completing the AP01 form please state the period you are paying living expenses for, as Accounts Payable will verify that the rates are within the guidelines. Mark it clearly (for audit purposes) as "Living Expenses Visiting Academic" and use GST codes EXCL.

A Living Away from Home Declaration should be filled in by the Visiting Academic if the stay exceeds 21 days in an FBT year(1st April to 31 st March ). A declaration is required for each FBT year. The declaration has to be sent to the Tax section, Corporate Finance for the FBT lodgement and filing.

-Link for LAFHA declaration (Employment Related Benefits - Section 16.16 - Declarations - LAFHA Declaration - FBT 20

-HR20- Request to Confer an Academic Title form (RTF or PDF)

How can I obtain more information?

To obtain rates for destinations other than Sydney or for stays longer than 183 days the transaction has to be assessed for tax implications.