Tax

For taxation purposes, international students are classified as residents if they are studying in Australia for six months or more. You will have to pay tax on any income received from taking up a job or other sources including interest on savings accounts and investments while you are in Australia. Sponsorship or scholarships may also be taxable. Allowances and pocket money received from parents and relatives are not income however, and therefore not taxable. Tax is usually deducted on behalf of the Australian Tax Office (ATO) from your pay by your employer before you receive it.

After the end of the financial year (30 June), you will be required to submit a tax return statement. The ATO will then either issue a refund if too much tax has been paid or you will be required to pay more.

If you need help regarding your status for taxation purposes, please visit the ATO website and enter resident tool. This site will also give you reliable information about all taxation enquiries.

Tax File Number (TFN)

If you would like to work while studying at ECU, you will need a tax file number issued to you by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You can do this quickly and easily online by visiting the ATO website, selecting 'For Individual' then clicking on the link 'Apply for a tax file number'. Alternatively, you can fill in a Tax File Number Application for Permanent Migrants and Temporary Visitors to Australia form and return this to the ATO.

When applying for a tax file number you will need a valid passport or relevant travel documents and your Student ID card. Applications can take from 10 to 28 days to process.

See also

Australian Taxation Office