Visas
Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is responsible for making decisions on student visa applications and administering the Student Visa Programand other immigration-related legislation. The ESOS Acts and Regulations set out the legal framework for the delivery of education to overseas students. For information relating to the regulations serving overseas students in Australia, please see: ESOS information.
Student Visa conditions
International students are required to inform the Institute of any changes to their visa status.
It is important that you understand the conditions of your Student Visa.
Student Visa conditions
8202:You must remain enrolled in a CRICOS registered program and make satisfactory academic progress in each semester of your program
8101:You cannot work. If you wish to work while studying you need to obtain permission to work (See: Condition 8105)
8501: You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while you are in Australia
8202:You must remain enrolled in a CRICOS registered program and make satisfactory academic progress in each semester of your program
8105:You cannot work for more than 20 hours per week while your course is in session
Breaching a visa condition may result in the cancellation of your visa. An overview of all mandatory and discretionary conditions is available from DIAC: Student visa conditions
Extending your visa
If you do not have a No Further Staycondition on your current student visa, you may be able to extend your stay in Australia in order to complete your studies
Further study
If your student visa is about to expire and you have not yet completed your studies, you may be able to renew your visa in Australia. In preparation of your student visa application, you will need to obtain a new Confirmation of Enrolment (COE).
Working while studying FAQs
When can I start working?
You can start working as soon as you receive email confirmation from DIAC that you have been granted your Student Visa with Permission to Work. Print DIAC's confirmation email and keep it with your passport until you go into the DIAC office to have your new visa label inserted into your passport. You will also need to apply for a tax file number (see below).
How long will my permission to work visa last?
Your Student Visa with Permission to Work will be issued for the same duration as your original Student Visa.
How many hours a week will I be allowed to work?
Students, who have been granted a Student Visa with Permission to Work, can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during semester and unlimited hours when your course is not in session. Work restrictions may vary for family members of international students. Please refer to the Conditions for work while studying
What if I extend my visa?
If you apply for a visa extension in order to complete your program, you will automatically be given permission to work (provided you already had permission to work. However, if you get a new visa for a new program, then you will need to re-apply for a new Student Visa with Permission to Work.
Do I need Permission to Work visa for voluntary/unpaid work?
Yes, a work visa is required for any voluntary or unpaid work
Can I work unlimited hours during Summer Semester?
You can work full time, however, if your course includes a compulsory summer/winter semester, you can only work 20 hours per week.
Taxation Information
All students who wish to work while studying will require a Tax File Numbers. The table below sets out key information in regard to Tax in Australia. For more comprehensive information, please refer to the Australian Taxation Office website.
| Tax file number (TFN):
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| What is a tax file number
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A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique number issued by the Tax Office to individuals and organisations for identification and record keeping purposes. Only one TFN will ever be issued to you. Once you have a TFN, you don't need to re-apply for one if your circumstances change, for example, if you change your name or claim government benefits. For more information read Tax File Number information
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| Do I need one?
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You need a Tax File Number if one of the following applies:
You plan to work while in Australia |
| How do I apply?
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To apply online, you must be in Australia to lodge your application. Click here for more information Apply for a tax file number online For more information, visit the Australian Taxation Office |
Resident for tax purposes
To understand your tax situation, the first thing you need to do is to work out whether you are an Australian resident for tax purposes. It is important to note the following:
As an International Student, if you are studying in Australia for 6 months or more, you are classified as residents for tax purposes only.
If you are not sure whether or not you are a resident of Australia for tax file purposes, check you residency statuson the Australian Taxation Office website. Also see: Residency - overviewThe amount of tax you have to paydepends on your taxable income and whether or not you are a resident of Australia for tax purposes
Tax Return
The financial yearin Australia is from 1st of July to 30th June of the following year. If you pay tax on income or bank interests, you must lodge an income tax return with the Taxation Office at the end of the financial year (30th June).
Do I need to lodge an Tax Return?
As an International Student, you have to lodge an income tax return if any of the following applies to you: You had tax deducted from income you received or earned in your casual employment You had an earned income exceeding the tax-free threshold amount of
AUD$6000
You had amounts deducted from interest, share dividends or unit trust earnings because you did not quote your Tax File Number to the banking or investment body. Also see: Do I need to lodge a tax return?
The ATO will accept your tax return prior to the end of the financial year (30th June), as long as:
You are leaving Australia permanently;
You are a non-resident of Australia for tax purposes or will cease to be a resident of Australia for tax purposes; and will no longer derive Australian sourced income.
For more information on how to lodge an early tax return, visit the ATO website on Leaving Australia - lodge your return
Useful links:
How do I lodge a tax return?
Australian Taxation Office (Phone: 13 28 61)
Superannuation
If you and/or your spouse are working in Australia and your monthly wage is more than AUS $450, your employer will generally contribute an amount equal to 9% of your wage into a superannuation account for you. If you entered Australia on a Student Visa, you can claim any superannuation benefit you accumulated during your stay, as long as you have permanently departed Australia. For more information, click here
As an eligible temporary resident, you can apply for your departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP). You can apply online at no cost, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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