Tax Return Australia for International Students 2026: Step-by-Step

Yes, you almost certainly need to lodge a tax return if you worked in Australia during the 2025–26 financial year (1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026). Most students get a refund. Here's the full guide.

Are You a Resident for Tax Purposes?

International students are usually treated as Australian residents for tax purposes if you:

• Studied here for 6+ months
• Lived in the same place for most of that time
• Have ties (bank account, lease, OSHC)

This is DIFFERENT from your visa status. Most international students are tax residents.

2025–26 Tax Brackets (For Australian Tax Residents)

Income	Tax rate
$0 – $18,200	0% (tax-free threshold)
$18,201 – $45,000	16c per $ over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000	$4,288 + 30c per $ over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000	$31,288 + 37c per $ over $135,000
$190,001+	$51,638 + 45c per $ over $190,000

Plus the 2% Medicare Levy (most international students are exempt — see below).

Why Most Students Get a Refund

Most casual workers have tax withheld at the 47% temporary residents rate because they didn't fill out the TFN declaration form properly. When you lodge your return, the ATO refunds the difference.

Example: You earned $15,000 working casual in 2025–26. Employer withheld $4,500. Your real tax is $0 (under tax-free threshold). Refund: $4,500.

Medicare Levy Exemption

Most international students do NOT have Medicare access (you use OSHC). You can apply for a Medicare Entitlement Statement from Services Australia to claim back the 2% Medicare Levy — extra $300–$600 in your refund.

How to Lodge

Option 1: MyTax (Free, DIY)

1. Set up myGov account
2. Link to ATO (you'll need your TFN + 2 ID documents)
3. Go to Tax → Lodge → MyTax
4. Most info is pre-filled from employers, banks, super funds
5. Add deductions
6. Submit

Most refunds arrive in 6–10 business days.

Option 2: Tax Agent (Paid, easier)

• Cost: $80–$200 for a basic student return
• Use a registered tax agent (check Tax Practitioners Board)
• Their fee is tax-deductible next year

Deductions You Can Claim

Save receipts during the year for:

• Work-related uniforms (logo'd, not generic black pants)
• Laundry of work uniforms
• Tools and equipment required for work
• Phone and internet — work-use percentage only
• Self-education in your CURRENT job's field
• Union fees, professional memberships
• Donations over $2 to registered charities

Cannot claim: your university tuition, OSHC, rent, normal commute.

Deadlines

• 31 October 2026: lodge yourself via MyTax
• 31 March 2027: if using a tax agent (must register with them by 31 October)

Late lodgement = $330+ penalty.

Leaving Australia Before End of Financial Year?

You can lodge an early tax return if you're permanently leaving. You can also claim your superannuation back (DASP) after leaving and your visa expires.

DASP (Super Refund)

Your employer paid 12% of your wage into super. When you leave Australia for good:

1. Wait until your visa expires
2. Apply on ATO website: "Departing Australia Superannuation Payment"
3. Tax withheld: 65% (high, but you still net 35%)

For a typical 2-year student worker, DASP refund is $3,000–$8,000.

Common Mistakes

1. Not declaring side income (Uber, freelancing, crypto) — ATO sees bank transactions
2. Claiming deductions without receipts
3. Missing the Medicare Levy exemption (free $300–$600 most students miss)
4. Forgetting interest on Australian bank accounts (banks report it to ATO)

Use the Tax Estimate Calculator

Estimate your refund or tax owed before lodging with our Tax Estimate Calculator.

Related Guides

• How to get your TFN
• Student work hour rules
• Saving money as an international student

Updated 18 May 2026 with 2025–26 ATO tax brackets.