You're in university, but not old enough to go by yourself, and another two years before your parents would let you?
Who are you? Doogie Howser? (although based on what you've said you probably are too young for that reference).
I don't mean to offend, i'm legitimately curious how a university age student would need parental consent to go overseas - I think american kids call it a Gap year. Snooty american kids call it a sabbatical... no doubt you could probably find others through Parkz, or TPR who would go on a trip - and if you look into it, TPR trips tend to be nice and easy.
Cost wise yes, still prohibitive, but where there is a will, there is a way... especially with HECS\HELP programs and the like...