How Superannuation Works for International Students in Australia

How Superannuation Works for International Students in Australia

Superannuation is money that your employer is legally required to set aside for your retirement. It sounds distant when you're a student, but it's actually your money, and you need to understand how it works right now, while you're earning.

This is general information only, not financial or tax advice. Afrovo is not a licensed financial adviser. For specific questions about your super, contact the ATO at https://www.ato.gov.au or ASIC MoneySmart.

What Is Superannuation?

When you work in Australia, your employer doesn't just pay you a wage. By law, they must also contribute a percentage of your salary into a superannuation (super) account held in your name. You cannot touch this money until you reach preservation age (usually 60), but it grows over time and is yours to keep.

As of 1 July 2025, employers must contribute 12% of your ordinary time earnings into your super account. This is called the superannuation guarantee rate. It sits there, invested, and you pay no tax on the earnings until you withdraw it after retirement.

Who Gets Superannuation?

If you are an international student working in Australia and earning more than AUD $350 per week, your employer must pay super. It doesn't matter if you're on a student visa (subclass 500) or any other temporary visa: if you work and meet the threshold, super contributions are mandatory.

Your employer should start paying super from day one. Some employers incorrectly believe they don't have to pay super for international students. That's wrong, and it's a red flag if yours says this.

How Much Will Your Employer Contribute?

Your employer contributes 12% of your ordinary time earnings. If you earn AUD $20 per hour and work 10 hours a week, your weekly gross pay is AUD $200 before tax. Your employer then adds 12% of that (AUD $24) into your super account.

You do not pay this amount yourself. Your employer pays it on top of your wage. It's not deducted from your pay.

How to Check You Have a Super Account

When you start work, your employer should ask you for your Tax File Number (TFN). If you don't have one, apply for it free at the ATO. Give your TFN to your employer within your first 28 days of work.

Your employer then registers you with a superannuation fund (a company that looks after super accounts). Within a few weeks, you should receive a letter or email confirming your super account details and your account number.

If you haven't received confirmation within 4 weeks of starting work, ask your employer or contact the ATO.

How to Find Your Super Account Details

You can find your super in two ways.

First, log into your myGov account (linked to the ATO) and check your Tax File Number record. This shows all super accounts registered to you.

Second, contact the super fund directly. Your employer should have told you which fund they use. Call them and quote your TFN to find your account.

Keep these details safe. You'll need them later.

How to Check Your Super Is Being Paid

Every pay period, your employer should list your super contribution on your payslip. Look for a line that says "Super" or "Superannuation Guarantee" and a dollar amount.

If you're paid weekly and earn AUD $600 gross, you should see about AUD $72 in super (12% of AUD $600). Check this every pay. If the amount looks wrong, ask your employer.

You can also check your super account statement directly. Log into your super fund's app or website using your account number and TFN. You'll see a running total of your balance and all contributions.

If your employer hasn't paid super for more than a month, this is serious. Report it to the Fair Work Ombudsman at https://www.fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94.

Common Super Mistakes Students Make

Many international students accidentally open multiple super accounts. This happens if you change jobs and your new employer registers you with a different fund without checking if you already have one.

Multiple accounts mean your money is scattered, fees add up, and it becomes a headache later. To avoid this, always give your employer your existing TFN and super account number when you start a new job. Tell them: "I already have a super account, please add my contributions to this one."

You can check for lost or multiple accounts online via the ATO's super search.

What Happens to Super When You Leave Australia?

When you permanently leave Australia, you can claim your super. You'll need to apply for a Temporary Resident Final Exit (TRFE) payment, which is only available once your visa has ended and you've actually left the country.

Tax is usually taken from your super at a flat rate before you receive it. The amount depends on Australian tax law at the time of your withdrawal.

Do not try to claim super while you're still in Australia or on a valid visa. It doesn't work, and attempting to do so may cause problems.

Once you've permanently left and your visa has ended, contact your super fund or the ATO for the application process. Keep your account open and linked to your TFN so you don't lose track of it.

Is Super Affected by the 48-Hour Fortnight Work Limit?

Yes. If you work beyond 48 hours per fortnight during your study term (which you must not do on a student visa), your employer must still pay super on all hours worked. However, working beyond the limit breaks your visa conditions and could lead to cancellation. Never do this.

During official breaks (holidays between semesters), the 48-hour limit does not apply, so you can work more freely and your super still accrues normally.

Super and Your Tax Return

Super is not taxed in your hands as a student, so you don't declare it on your tax return. Your employer reports super contributions to the ATO separately.

When you lodge your tax return, you'll only report your wage income, not your super. The ATO knows about your super from your employer's records.

For more on tax returns, see our guide on /do-your-first-tax-return-international-student-australia.

Scams and Fake Super Requests

Be wary of emails or calls claiming to be from your super fund asking for personal details, passwords or money. Your super fund will never ask for this.

Also, never let anyone pressure you into moving your super to a different fund they recommend, especially if they promise high returns. This is often a scam. Your employer chooses the fund; you have some rights to change it, but do this only after checking ASIC MoneySmart.

If anything feels wrong, report it to Scamwatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I get access to my super while I'm studying?

A: No. Superannuation is locked away until you reach preservation age (usually 60). You cannot withdraw it early just because you need money. There are rare exceptions (severe financial hardship, terminal illness), but these almost never apply to students.

Q: What if my employer says they don't pay super to international students?

A: They must. It's the law. If they refuse, report them to Fair Work at https://www.fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94. You can also lodge a claim with the ATO.

Q: Can I move my super to a different fund?

A: Yes, you can request a super rollover. However, do this only after researching alternatives on ASIC MoneySmart. Moving super frequently can cost you money in fees and lost investment growth. Only move it if there is a clear reason (much lower fees, better investment options, or to consolidate multiple accounts).

Q: What happens to my super if I take a gap year or pause my studies?

A: Your super continues to be paid if you continue working. However, if you stop working, your employer stops contributing. When you return to work, contributions resume. Your existing balance stays invested and grows. You do not lose it.

Q: Is there tax on super investment earnings?

A: Yes, but at a low rate (15% in most cases). This is deducted by the super fund before your earnings are added to your account. You do not pay this tax yourself; it happens automatically.

Q: What if I have super in my home country as well?

A: Australian super is separate and does not affect super in other countries. Each country has its own system. Keep both accounts and, when you leave Australia, claim the Australian super as described above. Consult a tax professional in your home country about any tax implications there.

Summary

Superannuation is 12% of your wage that your employer must pay into an account for your retirement. It's your money, invested and growing, but you cannot access it until you reach 60. Understand your account, check every payslip, and avoid multiple accounts.

When you leave Australia, you can claim it as a lump sum. For now, focus on earning fairly and ensuring your employer pays what they owe.

Learn more about managing your money as a student on the /student-finance hub, and check the ATO website for the latest super rules.