Student Visa (Subclass 500) Tax Calculator

Tax Guide for Subclass 500 International Student Visa Holders in Australia

International students studying in Australia on a Subclass 500 visa often work part-time or casual jobs during semester terms and full-time during study breaks. Navigating the tax system ensures you maximize your take-home earnings and claim all legitimate tax refunds.

#

1. Tax-Free Threshold ($18,200)

If your course duration is 6 months or longer, the ATO considers you an Australian Resident for Tax Purposes. When starting a new job, complete your Tax File Number (TFN) Declaration form and tick "Yes" to the question: "Do you want to claim the tax-free threshold from this payer?"

The first $18,200 you earn in any Australian financial year (1 July to 30 June) is 100% tax-free.

Any income between $18,201 and $45,000 is taxed at the low Stage 3 rate of 16%.

#

2. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) & Medicare Exemption

All international students are required to maintain private OSHC for the entire duration of their student visa. Because you fund your own private health insurance and are not entitled to public Medicare services, you are legally entitled to a 100% Medicare Levy Exemption (MES). Without an MES, the ATO will automatically charge you a 2.0% levy on your taxable income.

#

3. Superannuation Guarantee for Students

Employers must pay 12.0% Superannuation on top of your hourly wage regardless of how many hours you work per week. When you permanently finish your studies and leave Australia, you can claim these funds back via the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).