Financial Planning for International Students in Australia

Studying abroad involves more than just tuition fees. You're balancing accommodation costs, visa requirements, daily expenses, and probably wondering how to make your budget stretch across an entire semester. We help international students understand the financial landscape in Australia so you can focus on your studies instead of constantly checking your bank account.

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Student Visa Financial Requirements

Students reviewing financial documents for visa application

Proof of Funds Documentation

Australian student visas require evidence of financial capacity. That means bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor declarations. We walk you through what immigration actually wants to see—not just what you think they want. And yes, the amounts change based on your course length and family situation.

Calculator and financial planning documents on desk

Living Cost Calculations

The official estimate sits around AUD 24,505 per year, but Brisbane and Sydney can feel different than regional areas. Rent varies wildly depending on whether you're sharing or going solo. We help you build a realistic monthly budget that accounts for groceries, transport, phone plans, and the occasional coffee that keeps you awake during exams.

International student working part-time in cafe

Work Rights & Income Planning

Most student visas allow 48 hours of work per fortnight during semester. That can help with expenses, but it's not meant to cover everything. We discuss how part-time income fits into your overall financial plan and what happens during semester breaks when you can work unlimited hours.

Creating Your Australian Budget

Your financial situation is different from the student sitting next to you in the lecture hall. Maybe you're getting family support. Maybe you've saved for years. Maybe you're on a partial scholarship. Whatever your circumstances, you need a budget that reflects your actual income and expenses—not some generic template.

We sit down with you (usually over Zoom, because who has time between classes?) and map out your entire financial picture. That includes tuition payment schedules, accommodation costs, textbooks that somehow cost more than rent, and those unexpected expenses that always pop up during your first semester.

Monthly cash flow tracking tailored to student schedules
Emergency fund recommendations for visa compliance
Currency exchange timing strategies for international transfers
Banking setup guidance including transaction accounts and savings options
Tax return assistance for international students with Australian income

One student we worked with in March 2025 had overlooked the health insurance requirement—OSHC isn't optional, and it needs to cover your entire visa period. Another had budgeted for rent but forgotten bond money upfront. These aren't huge disasters, but they're stressful when you're trying to settle into a new country.

The goal isn't to scare you. It's to help you arrive prepared so you can actually enjoy your experience here instead of panicking about money every week.

Beyond the First Semester

Financial planning doesn't stop once you've paid your first tuition installment. Your second year looks different from your first. Maybe you've found cheaper accommodation. Maybe you're working more efficiently. Or maybe unexpected costs have shown up—like needing a laptop repair right before assignment deadlines.

We offer ongoing check-ins throughout your study period. Some students book quarterly reviews. Others reach out when circumstances change—like moving cities for a placement or adjusting to reduced family support. There's no judgment here, just practical help.

And if you're thinking about staying in Australia after graduation? That's a whole different financial conversation involving visa costs, professional registration fees, and building credit history. We can help you plan for that transition too, usually starting in your final year.

Financial Wellness Workshop

We're running a workshop specifically for international students at our Robina office. It covers banking basics, tax obligations, superannuation (yes, even students deal with that), and financial planning for post-graduation.

Next Session: August 2025

Student Success Stories

Read about how other international students navigated their financial journey while studying in Queensland. Real experiences from students who've been exactly where you are now.

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