Douglas Olsen
International students in Australia can seek financial assistance through various scholarships, grants, and bursaries offered by the Australian Government, educational institutions, and other public and private organisations. The Australian Government's Endeavour Leadership Program, for instance, offers opportunities for high-performing individuals to engage in short or long-term study, research, and professional development in priority partner countries. Additionally, international students can work part-time jobs, with Australia's minimum hourly wage being AUD 21.38, allowing students to earn up to AUD 855.20 per fortnight during school terms. Students can also save money by opting for public transportation, buying second-hand textbooks, and comparing prices for essentials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scholarships | Offered by the Australian Government, education providers, and other public and private organisations. |
| Grants and bursaries | Available through the Research Training Program and other organisations. |
| Exchange programs | The Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program and the Endeavour Leadership Program offer mobility opportunities for inbound and outbound students between Australia and select countries. |
| Australian Awards | Prestigious international scholarships and short courses run by the Australian Government. |
| Tuition fees | International students often pay full fees, but scholarships and grants can help offset costs. |
| Living costs | Scholarships, stipends, and part-time work can help cover living expenses. |
| Work opportunities | On-campus jobs, retail, hospitality, administration, tutoring, delivery, construction, and labouring are common job options for international students. |
| Minimum wage | Australia's hourly minimum wage is AUD 21.38, and students can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the school term. |
| Tax refunds | International students often qualify for tax refunds based on their earnings. |
| Health insurance | International students need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and comparing providers can help find a better deal. |
| Savings | Choosing low-fee bank accounts, buying second-hand textbooks, using public transportation, and taking advantage of student discounts can help save money. |
| Student visa requirements | Applicants must demonstrate genuine access to funds, which can include scholarships, loans, or money deposits. |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships, grants, and bursaries
The Australian Government offers several prestigious and competitive scholarships for international students. The Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) program offers government-funded grants to students from select developing countries who demonstrate leadership qualities and a drive for change. The Australia for ASEAN scholarships are available for students from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, providing an opportunity to pursue a master's degree. The Research Training Program (RTP) supports both domestic and international students pursuing research doctorate and research master's level degrees, with scholarships available as tuition fee offsets, stipends for living costs, or allowances related to research degree costs. The Endeavour Leadership Program (ELP) facilitates short and long-term study, research, and professional development opportunities for high-performing individuals between Australia and its priority partner countries.
Education providers in Australia also offer scholarships to qualifying international students, often based on academic merit. These scholarships can assist with tuition and living costs. Additionally, some universities provide a wide range of scholarship options for international undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, and research students.
International students from specific countries may also have access to scholarships for studying abroad. For example, US students can often bring their US Financial Aid to Australia, and the Fulbright program offers scholarships for international study. The UK's Turing Scheme provides funding for learning opportunities at select education providers, and the Northcote Postgraduate Scholarship enables UK students to undertake higher degrees at Australian universities for up to three years.
It is recommended to discuss your options with your education provider's admissions team or international office, as they can provide guidance on the scholarships, grants, and bursaries available, as well as application processes.
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On-campus jobs
When looking for on-campus jobs, it is important to consider your skills, availability, and the type of job you want. Networking and utilising university resources can be helpful in finding suitable opportunities. Remember to carry an updated CV when applying for jobs.
There are various on-campus job options available for international students in Australia. These include:
- Retail sales jobs in supermarkets and departmental stores
- Administrative and office positions, such as customer service agents, data entry clerks, and receptionists
- Aged care worker, providing assistance and companionship to elderly individuals
The pay rates for on-campus jobs can vary depending on the role and industry. International students in Australia can expect to earn at least the minimum wage, which is currently AUD $23.23 per hour. Some jobs may pay more, especially in sectors like hospitality and retail.
It is important to be mindful of the rules and regulations associated with student visas when considering on-campus employment. International students on a student visa are typically allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester. During holiday periods, there are usually no restrictions on working hours, allowing students to increase their income.
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Government funding
The Australian Government offers various scholarships, grants, and bursaries to international students. These include:
Australia Awards
The Australia Awards are prestigious international scholarships and short courses run by the Australian Government and managed through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Awards are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to return home and contribute to their nations' development upon graduation.
Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
The AAS program is highly prestigious and competitive. It offers government-funded grants to students from a selection of developing countries who can demonstrate leadership qualities and a drive for change.
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
The RTP supports domestic and international students pursuing research doctorate and research master's level degrees. Students can receive scholarships as a tuition fee offset, a stipend for general living costs, and/or allowances related to the ancillary costs of research degrees.
Endeavour Leadership Program (ELP)
The ELP supports two-way mobility with Australia's priority partner countries for short and long-term study, research, and professional development opportunities for high-performing individuals. The program provides emerging leaders with the opportunity to build international networks, strengthen educational and research engagement, and enhance Australia's commercial success and economic prosperity.
NCP Mobility Program
The NCP Mobility Program is a signature initiative of the Australian Government that provides funding to Australian universities and consortia to support undergraduate students studying and undertaking internships across the Indo-Pacific region. The program aims to deepen Australia's relationships in the Indo-Pacific region and is open to Australian university undergraduates aged 18 to 28, with some capacity to include older students.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) Outbound Mobility Program
The VET Outbound Mobility Program provides funding for VET students and staff to undertake international study or work placements. Participating students must be citizens or permanent residents of Australia and reside in Australia. Students may be eligible for subsidies of $2,000.
In addition to these government-funded opportunities, international students in Australia can also explore scholarships offered by education providers and other public and private organisations. These scholarships are often based on academic merit, and it is recommended to discuss options with the admissions team or international office of the relevant education provider.
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Tax refunds
International students in Australia are required to pay taxes on their income. The average tax paid by students working in Australia is 15.5% of their income. However, international students can claim tax refunds at the end of the financial year. The Australian financial year runs from July 1 to June 30, and the deadline to lodge your tax return and claim your tax refund is October 31.
To be considered a resident for tax purposes in Australia, you must have resided in the country continuously for at least 183 days (6 months). If you are enrolled in a course that is less than 6 months long and plan to leave Australia after completion, you will likely be considered a non-resident for tax purposes. Non-residents are taxed at a higher rate than residents.
If you are a non-resident, you will not be charged the Medicare levy and will not need to apply for a Medicare Entitlement Statement. However, if your income is over the Medicare Levy Threshold ($27,222 for the 2025 year) and you are a resident for tax purposes, you will be charged the Medicare levy when you lodge your tax return. If you are not entitled to Medicare benefits, you can apply for an exemption from the levy.
To lodge your tax return and claim your tax refund, you will need your payslips, particularly your final payslip from each job. You can also claim a refund of your superannuation contributions when you leave Australia. Superannuation is a retirement pension contribution that employers are legally required to pay if you earn over $450 per month. The average superannuation refund is $1,908. You can apply for your superannuation refund online or through a tax agent.
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Savings and expenses
As an international student in Australia, you can save money by taking advantage of student discounts, choosing affordable transportation options, and making smart purchases. Here are some detailed tips to help you save money and manage your expenses:
Savings
- Scholarships, grants and bursaries: There are many scholarships, grants and bursaries available to international students in Australia, offered by the Australian Government, education providers and other public and private organisations. These can help cover tuition fees and living expenses. The Research Training Program, for instance, provides block grants to eligible universities to support domestic and overseas students pursuing higher degrees by research.
- Student discounts: Always carry your student ID and ask about student discounts wherever you go. This can help you save on purchases and services.
- Transportation: Public transportation is the most economical way to get around in Australia. Take advantage of city-specific cards like Opal in Sydney or Myki in Melbourne for discounted fares. If your university provides a free shuttle service between campuses, utilise that option. Walking or cycling is also a great way to save money and stay healthy.
- Phone plans and bank accounts: Compare providers for the best deals on phone plans. Choose a bank account with low fees, such as those offered by ING or CommBank, to optimise your savings.
- Textbooks: Textbooks can be expensive, but you can save money by buying second-hand books from campus bulletin boards or online marketplaces like Gumtree.
- Insurance: Only purchase insurance if you need it. For example, if you don't drive, skip the car insurance and use public transportation instead.
- Clothing and essentials: Visit thrift stores or factory outlets for discounted items. Wait for seasonal sales to find deals on essentials.
Expenses
- Living expenses: The cost of living in Australia can vary depending on location and lifestyle, but on average, you can expect to spend between AUD 20,000 and AUD 25,000 per year.
- Tuition fees: International students typically pay full fees for their studies, but scholarships can help offset these costs.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): International students in Australia need OSHC, so be sure to compare providers to get the best deal.
- Taxes: International students pay tax on their part-time work earnings. Calculate your income and expenses properly to determine the correct tax amounts and remember that you may qualify for refunds based on your earnings.
Remember to review eligibility requirements and discuss your specific circumstances with your university's admissions team or international office to explore all your options for financial assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can get funding through scholarships, grants, and bursaries offered by the Australian Government, education providers, and other public and private organisations. The Research Training Program, for example, provides block grants to eligible universities to support domestic and overseas students undertaking higher degrees by research.
Some scholarships international students can apply for include the Australia Awards, the Endeavour Leadership Program, and the Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program.
International students can save money by working part-time or full-time, using public transportation, buying second-hand textbooks, and comparing prices for essentials and services such as car insurance, phone plans, and bank accounts.
