Tax Refund for Students in Australia

Studying university in Australia means studying at undergraduate or postgraduate level at universities in Australia. Australia is a popular study destination offering high quality educational institutions and a variety of programs. Many students choose Australia to complete their higher education or to study short-term through international student exchange programs.

Studying university in Australia usually involves the following steps:

Program and University Selection: First, you need to research the program you are interested in and the universities in Australia. Different universities offer different programs and specializations.

Application and Admission: You need to apply to the university for your chosen program. This can be done through online application or directly through the university's website. In case you are accepted, you will receive the official acceptance letter.

Student Visa: International students need to apply for a student visa to study in Australia. This visa allows the student to legally study in Australia.

Accommodation and Living Arrangements: It is important to plan about accommodation and living costs before you go to Australia. There are different options such as university dormitories, private accommodation options or house sharing.

Study Period: The start dates of the study year in Australia are normally between February and July. The duration of study varies depending on the type and level of the program. Undergraduate programs usually last 3-4 years, while postgraduate programs can last for several years.

Study and Social Life: During your university studies you will have many experiences both academically and socially. Various experiences such as studying, attending events, making friends will be waiting for you.

Some of the advantages of studying in Australia include the availability of internationally recognized universities, the possibility to have diverse cultural experiences, improve language skills, the chance to specialize in areas of interest and the possibility to build a global network. However, it is important to be careful about the cost of study and living expenses and to follow visa and other procedures properly.

Insurances for Students

While studying in Australia, students are recommended to take out various insurances. These insurances protect students against risks related to health, accidents and study. Here are the types of insurance recommended for students studying in Australia:

Health Insurance: International students are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is a valid health insurance policy in Australia. OSHC provides students with basic coverage for medical services and hospitalization costs. Health insurance is a required document for the student's visa application and must be valid for the duration of study.

Travel Insurance: Before arriving in Australia and while traveling in the country, it is important to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Travel insurance provides protection against medical assistance, trip cancellations, lost luggage and other travel-related risks during unexpected events or emergencies.

Education Insurance: Some universities may require education insurance to cover certain risks associated with students' studies. Such insurance can protect the student's tuition fees or other academic expenses.

As health insurance is mandatory in Australia, students will need to arrange OSHC before applying. This insurance must be renewed and kept up to date throughout the duration of study. It is also important that travel insurance is in place before the student leaves for Australia and is valid for the duration of their studies. Study insurance may differ depending on the university's policies, so it is important for students to contact their university and find out what insurance is required.

Can International Students Work While Studying in Australia?

Yes, international students can work while studying in Australia under certain conditions. However, there are some conditions and limitations to obtain a work permit. Work permits for international students studying in Australia are examined in two different categories:

1- Right to Work Related to Educational Status:

• University students (Undergraduate and Graduate): Full-time students are permitted to work 40 hours per week (outside of semesters or semester breaks) and 20 hours per week (within semesters) during their course period.
• Language school students: Allowed to work 20 hours per week.
• These work rights are valid provided that the students' educational institutions explicitly approve and that the work permits are compatible with the visa conditions.

2- Graduate Work Visa:

Students who graduate after completing their master's or doctoral programs in Australia can apply for a visa category called "Graduate Work" to work in certain professions. Graduates with this visa category can be authorized to work in Australia for a certain period of time.

Before applying for a work permit, it is important for students to obtain up-to-date information on work rights and visa conditions from authorized migration advisors or the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Also, it is necessary to keep up to date with the current policies as there may be various changes regarding work permits during the study period.

Do Working Students Have to File Tax Returns?

Yes, international students working in Australia, like everyone else, must file a tax return at the end of the financial year. This is especially important for international students earning income in Australia. International students may be intimidated by this, but the good news is that by filing your tax return you can claim your tax refund!  However, there is another point you should keep in mind. You need to be in Australia for at least six months before you can claim your Australian tax refund. 

Studying in Australia offers students unique opportunities. For more information about these opportunities and to get detailed and direct information about student insurance, please contact our expert education consultants.