Student Life
Student Transport Concession by State: Who Gets Half-Price Travel in 2026
Which states give international students concession fares, how much you actually save, how to apply in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT, and the cheapest ways to travel when you do not qualify.
Published 2026-07-16 · 8 min read
Transport is the third-biggest cost for most students after rent and food — and whether you pay full fare or half fare depends entirely on which state you study in. The rules are inconsistent and badly explained, so here is the plain version.
Quick Comparison
| State | Card | International students eligible? | Typical saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Opal | Mostly no (limited exceptions) | — |
| VIC | Myki | Yes, via iUSEpass (full-fee students) | ~50% |
| QLD | Go Card | Yes, if enrolled full-time at an approved institution | 50% |
| WA | SmartRider | Yes, tertiary concession | ~40–60% |
| SA | metroCARD | Yes, student concession | ~50% |
| ACT | MyWay+ | Yes, tertiary concession | ~50% |
| TAS | Greencard | Yes, student concession | ~50% |
New South Wales: the expensive exception
International students in NSW generally do not get concession Opal fares. This has been the case for years and remains the position in 2026. Exceptions exist for some scholarship holders and certain sponsored students — check with your institution's student services rather than assuming.
What you can do instead:
- Opal daily and weekly caps apply to everyone. Once you hit the weekly cap, the rest of the week is free.
- Sunday and public holiday caps make weekend travel very cheap.
- Travel off-peak — fares are around 30% lower outside the morning and evening peak.
- Some universities negotiate discounted shuttle buses between campuses and major stations.
Realistic NSW budget: $45–$85/week without concession.
Victoria: iUSEpass
Full-fee international students in Victoria can buy an iUSEpass, giving concession Myki fares. You apply through your education provider, which verifies enrolment, then you buy a 3-month or 12-month pass.
The 12-month pass is significantly cheaper per day than paying weekly. Melbourne's Free Tram Zone in the CBD costs nothing at all for anyone.
Realistic Melbourne budget: $25–$45/week with concession.
Queensland: the best deal in the country
Queensland offers concession Go Card fares to full-time international students at approved institutions. On top of that, Queensland's flat 50-cent fare policy makes it the cheapest capital in Australia for public transport by a wide margin.
Apply online through Translink with your student ID and enrolment confirmation, then link the concession to your Go Card.
Realistic Brisbane budget: $5–$20/week.
Western Australia, South Australia, ACT, Tasmania
All four offer tertiary student concessions to international students enrolled full-time:
- WA: apply for a Tertiary SmartRider through your institution. Perth also has the free CAT buses in the CBD.
- SA: a student metroCARD is issued through your institution; Adelaide has a free City Connector bus loop.
- ACT: MyWay+ tertiary concession via Transport Canberra with proof of enrolment.
- TAS: Greencard student concession through Metro Tasmania.
Realistic budget in these cities: $15–$35/week with concession.
The Cheapest Way to Get Around Regardless
- Buy a second-hand bike. $120–$300 on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. Most capitals have protected bike lanes and a bike pays for itself in six weeks. A helmet is compulsory by law and fines apply.
- Live along one transport line. Rent is often lower two or three stops further out and the extra 10 minutes costs you nothing extra with weekly caps.
- Walk the last stop. Many fare structures charge by distance band; walking one stop can drop you into a cheaper band.
- Never fare-evade. Inspectors are frequent and fines run $200–$400. A fine also creates a record you would rather not explain later.
- Airport transfers: dedicated airport train links in Sydney and Brisbane carry big surcharges. Regular buses to a nearby station are often $15–$20 cheaper.
Do Not Forget the Long-Distance Discounts
- Students get discounted intercity rail in NSW, VIC and QLD on some services.
- Greyhound and Firefly coaches offer student fares with a valid student card.
- ISIC cards and university student cards both unlock discounts at museums, cinemas and some retailers.
Related Reading
Frequently asked questions
Do international students get transport concession in NSW?
Generally no. International students in New South Wales pay full Opal fares in 2026, with limited exceptions for some scholarship and sponsored students. You can still use daily, weekly and Sunday fare caps and off-peak discounts of around 30%.
How do international students get concession travel in Melbourne?
Full-fee international students apply for an iUSEpass through their education provider, which verifies enrolment. It gives concession Myki fares, and a 12-month pass is cheaper per day than paying weekly. The Melbourne CBD Free Tram Zone is free for everyone.
Which Australian city has the cheapest public transport for students?
Brisbane. Queensland offers concession Go Card fares to full-time international students on top of its 50-cent flat fare policy, making weekly transport costs as low as $5 to $20.
How much should students budget for transport in Australia?
Roughly $45 to $85 a week in Sydney without concession, $25 to $45 in Melbourne with an iUSEpass, $15 to $35 in Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart with concession, and $5 to $20 in Brisbane.
Is buying a bike worth it for students in Australia?
Yes in most capitals. A second-hand bike costs $120 to $300 on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree and typically pays for itself within six weeks of avoided fares. Helmets are legally compulsory and fines apply for riding without one.