Superannuation for students: What you need to know
Starting a job while studying is usually about covering the basics like rent, groceries, or a night out with friends. And yet with every shift you work, something else is quietly at work, building savings for your future retirement.
That something is called superannuation, or ‘super’ for short. It’s a government-required system where your employer contributes money on top of your wages into a long-term savings account called a super fund.
If you’re an international student working in Australia and earning more than $450 monthly, you’re entitled to super – if you’re a local student, you’re entitled to it no matter what.
Table of contents:
- Understanding super
- How does superannuation work for local and international students?
- Claiming your super as an international student
Understanding super
Australia’s compulsory superannuation system was introduced in 1992. It was designed to give people a way to save for retirement alongside the government Age Pension. Today, it’s recognised as one of the strongest retirement systems in the world.
Being paid super when studying
When you start a job, your employer is required by law to contribute a percentage of your earnings into a super fund on your behalf. This is known as the superannuation guarantee, and it currently sits at 12%. Some employers are required to pay a higher percentage, generally as a result of a workplace agreement
In most cases, you get to choose which fund your money goes into. If you don’t make a choice, your employer will pay into a default fund or, if you’ve worked in Australia before, into your existing fund.
Your super fund then invests that money on your behalf, and it grows over time. It’s one of the reasons starting early can make a real difference.
Want to understand how the system works in more depth? Our super basics and history page is a good place to start.
How does superannuation work for local and international students?
Super works the same way for students as it does for any other worker.
Whether you’re picking up casual shifts or working part-time alongside your studies, if you’re working, your employer will usually need to pay super.
The main difference for students is what happens to your super later, especially if you’re planning to permanently leave Australia after your studies.
The table below outlines how super works for local and students on a visa.
| Local students (Australian residents) | International students | |
| Entitled to super | Yes, on the same basis as any Australian worker. | Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria. |
| Eligibility rules | Must be over 18 or work more than 30 hours a week if under 18. | If you’re an international student, the same super rules apply as they do for local students, except that you must earn $450 or more per month to be eligible for super payments. As long as you’re working legally in Australia and earning $450 or more per month, your employer is generally required today super for you. |
| Paying tax on super | Employer contributions are taxed at 15%, which is lower than most income tax rates. | Employer contributions are taxed at 15%, which is lower than most income tax rates. |
| Accessing super before retirement | Generally, no. Super is preserved until you reach retirement age, except in rare circumstances. | While you’re in Australia, the same rules apply. However, if you leave permanently after your visa expires, you can claim your super through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). |
Getting your head around super doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Choose the right super fund
When you start a new job, your employer will ask you to nominate a super fund. If you already have a fund, you can usually keep using it. If you don’t, it’s worth choosing one that works for you.
Look for:
Long-term performance: consistent returns matter more than short-term spikes
Low fees: small fees can add up over time
Member-first structure: funds that return profits to members often deliver better outcomes.
2. Keep track of your accounts
Working multiple jobs can mean ending up with more than one super account.
Each account may charge fees, which can eat into your balance over time. Checking for lost or duplicate accounts and consolidating them into one fund can help avoid unnecessary costs.
3. Check your super is being paid
Right now, superannuation is generally paid quarterly rather than with every payslip, which means there can be a delay before contributions appear in your account.
From 1 July 2026, this will change. Employers will be required to pay super at the same time as wages, making it easier to track in real time.
Either way, it’s a good habit to log in to your fund or check myGov occasionally to make sure your contributions are coming through. Many funds will also inform you when a contribution is made into your account and you can check your balance and contribution history online or via an app.
And if you think your super isn’t being paid correctly, you can learn what to do on our unpaid super page.
4. Get a boost from the government
If you’re earning a lower income while studying, the government may boost your super through a co-contribution — extra money added when you contribute some of your own after-tax income.
The government will match 50 cents for every $1 you contribute, up to a maximum of $500 a year, if you:
make after-tax contributions to your super
– earn $47,488 or less a year before tax (financial year 2025-26), and
meet other eligibility criteria.
5. Keep your details up-to-date
Keeping your details up to date helps make sure your super is paid correctly and easy to manage.
This includes your tax file number (TFN), contact details (like your email and address), and nominated beneficiaries. Without a TFN, your contributions may be taxed at a higher rate and harder to track.
If you’re under 18, there are a few extra rules to be aware of. Head to our super for under-18s page to learn more.
Claiming your super as an international student
If you’re an international student working in Australia, your super is still yours — even if you don’t stay here long term.
In most cases, you can claim it when you permanently leave Australia through a process called the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).
When you can claim your super
You can apply if:
Your visa has expired or been cancelled, and
You’ve left Australia permanently.
How to claim your super (3 main steps)
Check your super accounts: log into myGov or your super fund to find your balance and account details.
Apply through the ATO: most claims are made online via the ATO’s DASP system.
Receive your payment: once processed, your super is paid to you (less applicable taxes).
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About the author
Matt Read
Super Members Council Australia Head of Strategic Communication
Matt is responsible for strategic stakeholder engagement, communication, and advocacy at SMC and has over 20 years of experience as a strategic communications leader.
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