Superannuation (super) is Australia’s mandatory retirement savings system. As an international student working part-time, you’ll build a super account. Here’s how it works, what happens when you leave, and how to access your money via DASP.
What is Superannuation?
Superannuation is a tax-advantaged retirement savings system. Employers are legally required to contribute a portion of your earnings to a super account in your name.
Current contribution rate (April 2026): 11.5–12% of your gross pay (set to rise to 12% by mid-2026).
Example: If you earn A$15,000, your employer contributes A$1,725–$1,800 to your super account (you don’t pay this; it’s additional to your salary).
Who Gets Superannuation?
You’re eligible for employer super contributions if:
- You earn more than A$360 per week (A$18,720/year).
- You’re 18 years old or older (super before age 18 can be complex).
- You’ve been employed for 6 months or more (first contributions may be delayed).
- You’re paid by the employer (not self-employed or casual without meeting thresholds).
If you don’t meet these criteria, employer is not obligated to contribute.
How Super Works While You’re in Australia
Opening a Super Account
When you start work:
- Employer asks: “What’s your super fund?” (or “SuperStream details”).
- If you have one: Provide the details (fund name, membership number).
- If you don’t: Employer will register you with a default super fund (varies by employer).
Most international students end up with a default fund chosen by their employer.
Tracking Your Super Balance
How to check:
- Visit your super fund’s website (ask employer which fund you’re in).
- Create an account online.
- Log in and view your balance.
Alternatively:
- Visit MySuper (https://www.mygov.au).
- Link your ATO account.
- View all super accounts (you may have multiple if you’ve worked for different employers).
Super Contribution Examples
| Annual Earnings | Employer Contribution (11.5%) | Employer Contribution (12%) |
|---|---|---|
| A$15,000 | A$1,725 | A$1,800 |
| A$20,000 | A$2,300 | A$2,400 |
| A$25,000 | A$2,875 | A$3,000 |
Your super balance grows over time as you work and earn. If invested in growth funds, it may also earn returns (though past returns don’t guarantee future ones).
Super Contribution Rates: Current and Planned
| Year | Contribution Rate |
|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 11.5% |
| 2025–26 | 11.5% (rising to 12% mid-year) |
| 2026–27 | 12% |
The government is gradually increasing the rate to boost retirement savings.
Using Super While in Australia: Restrictions
You cannot access your super while in Australia, except in rare hardship cases:
Hardship Withdrawal Rules
You can apply for an early super withdrawal only if:
- You’re in severe financial hardship (rent arrears, debt stress, etc.).
- You’ve been unemployed for 13+ weeks.
- You’ve received social security payments for 39+ weeks.
Most international students don’t qualify (you’re expected to have savings/support).
If You Do Qualify
- Contact your super fund directly.
- Request a hardship application form.
- Provide evidence (letters from landlord, utility companies, etc.).
- Fund assesses your claim (takes 2–4 weeks).
- If approved, you can withdraw (subject to tax).
Leaving Australia: Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP)
DASP is the mechanism for accessing your super when you leave Australia.
Who Can Apply?
- You must be a non-resident of Australia for tax purposes (left Australia, not returning).
- You’re no longer on a working visa or student visa in Australia.
- Your visa has expired or been cancelled.
How to Apply for DASP
- Check your visa status: Must be truly departed (no further work in Australia expected).
- Contact the ATO:
- Call: 1300 362 728 (from Australia) or +61 2 6216 1111 (international).
- Or visit: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/super/in-detail/leaving-australia/
- Provide:
- Full name, date of birth.
- Passport number and expiry date.
- All super account details (or let ATO search their database).
- Overseas bank account details (for payment).
- ATO processes: Takes 4–8 weeks.
- Payment issued: To your overseas bank account in AUD.
DASP Tax Withholding
Here’s the critical part: DASP is taxed at a flat rate of 37% (as of April 2026).
Calculation:
- Your total super balance: A$2,000
- Tax withheld (37%): A$740
- You receive: A$1,260
This is punitive tax designed to discourage early withdrawal. However, it’s the only way to access your super as an international student.
No refund: Unlike working income, you typically can’t claim a refund on DASP tax. The 37% is final.
Comparing DASP Scenarios
| Super Balance | Tax Withheld (37%) | You Receive | Annual Benefit (if left invested) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A$1,000 | A$370 | A$630 | Forgone ~A$50–$100/year (5–10% growth) |
| A$2,000 | A$740 | A$1,260 | Forgone ~A$100–$200/year |
| A$3,000 | A$1,110 | A$1,890 | Forgone ~A$150–$300/year |
Reality: If you only work 1–2 years, your super balance is small (A$1,000–$3,000). DASP gives you back ~60% after tax, but it’s better than leaving it in Australia.
Should You Request DASP or Leave It?
Reasons to Request DASP:
- You need cash after leaving Australia (moving home, travel, settling).
- You won’t return to Australia to work.
- You’d rather have 60% now than 100% in 30+ years in an Australian account.
Reasons NOT to Request DASP:
- You plan to return to Australia (keep your super invested).
- You want long-term retirement savings (super grows tax-advantaged over decades).
- You prefer to avoid the 37% tax hit.
Reality for most international students: You’ll request DASP because you need the cash and don’t plan to retire in Australia.
Multiple Super Accounts: Consolidation
If you’ve worked for multiple employers, you may have multiple super accounts.
Consolidation (merging accounts) is optional but recommended:
- Benefits: Lower fees (fewer accounts = lower administration fees).
- Process: Choose one super fund; request others transfer their balance to it.
- Contact: Your primary super fund will guide the consolidation.
Check MySuper to see if you have multiple accounts.
Avoiding Super Scams
Red Flags
- Employer asking for super account details upfront (before you start work) — unusual but not always a scam.
- “Super schemes” promising to access your super early — likely illegal. Don’t use them.
- Unlicensed advisors offering to liquidate your super — illegal and often result in fraud.
Legitimate Super Info
- Your super fund provider (ask your employer).
- Australian Tax Office (ATO).
- ASIC’s MoneySmart (https://www.moneysmart.gov.au).
FAQ
Q: How much super will I have after working 1 year part-time? A: If you earn A$20,000, your employer contributes A$2,300–$2,400. So you’d have ~A$2,300 in super.
Q: Do I pay tax on my super contributions? A: No. Super contributions are made by your employer; you don’t pay income tax on them. However, super earnings (interest/growth) are taxed inside the fund at 15% (a special rate, lower than income tax).
Q: Can I change my super fund after I leave Australia? A: Technically yes (while not in Australia), but DASP is a one-time payout. Once you’ve applied for DASP, you can’t reverse it.
Q: What if my super fund goes bust? A: Australian super is highly regulated. Funds must be licensed and hold capital. A fund closure is extremely rare. In a worst-case scenario, the government has a failsafe (transfer to another fund).
Q: Will DASP affect my tax return for that financial year? A: No. DASP is processed outside the normal tax system. It won’t appear on your tax return.
Q: Can my family access my super if I die? A: Yes. Beneficiaries (spouse, dependent children, or estate) can claim the full balance. This is another reason to keep it (life insurance aspect).
Q: Is the 37% DASP tax the same globally? A: The tax rate is set by Australian law. Your home country may tax you differently, but DASP tax is withheld in Australia at 37%. You’d need to declare any DASP income to your home country’s tax authority (country-dependent).
Q: Should I take DASP at the last minute or immediately after leaving? A: It doesn’t matter financially. Apply as soon as you’ve left Australia and your visa has expired. Delaying doesn’t increase or decrease your balance (unless the fund earns returns).
Q: Can I use DASP to pay for flights home? A: Yes. You can use the A$1,260 (after tax) for any purpose — flights, rent, anything.
Q: What if I return to Australia to work or study later? A: You’ll get a new Student visa and a new super account. Your DASP money (already withdrawn) is gone. This is why some people keep super invested if they think they might return.
Sources
- ATO: Superannuation for International Students
- ATO: Departing Australia Superannuation Payment
- ASIC MoneySmart: Super
- Fair Work Ombudsman: Superannuation
- MySuper
Last reviewed: April 2026. Cost figures move with inflation — verify with the linked source if you’re budgeting precisely.