If you’ve been living in Australia for more than six months and meet the residency rules, you’re generally considered a tax resident and can access the $18,200 tax-free threshold.
Student Tax Guide:
Whether you're studying in Australia as a domestic or international student, it’s important to understand your tax obligations. At H&R Block, we help students under 21, and full-time students under 25, lodge their tax returns with confidence, starting from just $89*.
Tax Checklist for Domestic and International Students
Tax Checklist for Domestic Students
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Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
You’ll need your Tax File Number (TFN) before you can start working or lodge your tax return.
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Understand HECS-HELP and other Study and Training Loan repayment rules
If your income exceeds $54,435 in 2024–25, repayments begin automatically through your employer. This threshold will increase to $56,156 for the 2025-26 year, and possibly higher ($67,000) if the proposed changes to the Study and Training Loan repayment system are introduced.
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Track your earnings
Keep your payslips and PAYG summaries, and record income from part-time jobs, tutoring, freelance work, or internships. Note job dates and superannuation contributions.
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Stay on top of your records with ReceiptHub
Our free app, ReceiptHub, makes it simple to store receipts, track your working from home hours, log vehicle expenses, and stay organised at tax time.
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Check for eligible deductions
If your course is related to your work, you might be able to claim study-related expenses.
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Apply the tax-free threshold
You may not have to pay tax on the first $18,200 you earn each financial year.
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Know the key tax deadlines
If you're lodging your return yourself, the deadline is usually 31 October. If you use a registered tax agent like H&R Block, you could get an extended lodgement deadline as late as 15 May the following year.
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Lodge student tax returns with H&R Block from $89*
If you’re under 21, or a full-time student under 25, we’ll lodge your tax return from just $89*. Book an appointment with our Tax Experts and save more for what matters. *Terms and conditions apply.
Tax Checklist for International Students
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Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
You’ll need your Tax File Number (TFN) before you can start working or lodge your tax return.
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Request a Medicare Entitlement Statement
If you’re not eligible for Medicare, this statement can help you avoid paying the Medicare levy.
-
Track your earnings
Keep your payslips and PAYG summaries, and record income from part-time jobs, tutoring, freelance work, or internships. Note job dates and superannuation contributions.
-
Stay on top of your records with ReceiptHub
Our free app, ReceiptHub, makes it simple to store receipts, track your working from home hours, log vehicle expenses, and stay organised at tax time.
-
Check your tax residency status
If you’re studying for more than six months, you're generally considered a tax resident and can access the tax-free threshold of $18,200 (prorated if applicable).
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Claim eligible deductions
If your study supports your current job, you may claim work-related items like stationery, internet, course materials, and other necessary expenses.
-
Know the key tax deadlines
If you're lodging your return yourself, the deadline is usually 31 October. If you use a registered tax agent like H&R Block, you could get an extended lodgement deadline as late as 15 May the following year.
-
Lodge student tax returns with H&R Block from $89*
If you’re under 21, or a full-time student under 25, we’ll lodge your tax return from just $89*. Book an appointment with our Tax Experts and save more for what matters. *Terms and conditions apply.
Understanding Student Tax Residency
Domestic Students
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Automatically treated as Australian residents for tax purposes
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Must declare all forms of income earned in Australia
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Subject to HECS-HELP and other Study and Training Loan repayments if income is above the threshold
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Need support? Speak to our tax experts to understand your responsibilities
International Students
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Considered Australian tax residents if studying for six months or more
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May access the $18,200 tax-free threshold if tax resident
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You only need to report Australian-sourced income for tax purposes, including wages from local jobs and internships
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Not sure about your tax residency status? Our Tax Experts can help you figure it out
Tax Deductions You May Be Able to Claim
If you’re working while studying, you may be able to claim a range of deductions that help lower your taxable income. Here are some of the most common expenses you may be able to claim:
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Study related materials
If your course directly relates to your current job, you can claim items like textbooks, notebooks, stationery, and specialised software.
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Internet and phone usage
You may be able to claim a portion of your internet or phone bill if you use these for work-related study or tasks related to your job.
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Travel between work and education locations
If your course and your job are connected, you might be able to claim travel expenses such as public transport or car costs between work and where you study.
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Tools and equipment
Items like uniforms, protective gear, or work-related tools purchased for your part-time or casual job may also be deductible.
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Working from home expenses
If you worked from home during your studies for a job or internship, you may be able to claim part of your electricity, internet, or office furniture costs, provided you kept a record of hours worked and related expenses.
HECS-HELP and other Study and Training Loan Repayment Information
If you're a domestic student with a HECS-HELP or other Study and Training loan:Your Repayments Begin
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Once your income exceeds $54,435 in FY2024–25
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The repayment threshold increases to $56,156 for the 2025-26 year, and possibly higher ($67,000) if the proposed changes to the Study and Training Loan repayment system are introduced.
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A one-time 20 percent reduction on HELP debt applies from 1 June 2025
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The more you earn, the more you repay, so knowing your income helps you plan ahead
How Your Repayments Are Made
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Your employer will withhold part of your salary after you cross the threshold
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The more you earn, the higher your repayment rate, starting at 1% and increasing up to 10% as your income rises across the ATO’s income thresholds for HELP and other study loans.
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Payments go directly to the ATO and appear on your tax statement
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If you have more than one job, you may need to make extra repayments to cover all income
How H&R Block Can Help
Student Tax Returns from just $89*
Students under 21, and full-time students under 25, can save with our discount, keeping more for textbooks or late-night pizzas. *Terms and conditions apply.
Personalised Support
Our Tax Experts explain everything in plain English and tailor advice to your job or situation. Get help that’s easy to understand, so you can lodge with confidence and clarity.
Know Your Obligations
We’ll help you figure out your tax residency status and what income or details you need to report. No guesswork, just clear guidance so you know exactly what’s expected from you.
Maximise Your Refund
Our Tax Experts know the deductions students can claim. From study costs to work-related expenses, we’ll help you claim what you’re entitled to and make sure nothing gets missed.
Useful Tools to Help You at Tax Time
Make tax time easier with these handy tools:
Tax Calculator
Use our free tax calculator to get a quick estimate of your tax refund based on your income and situation.
Tax Readiness Quiz
Take our quick Tax Readiness Quiz to get organised, discover what deductions you can claim, and feel confident at tax time.
Tax Refund Advance
With Tax Refund Advance, you could get the money you need within minutes*, instead of weeks! *Terms & conditions apply.Helpful Resources
Are you an International student with concerns about your Australian tax o...
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HECS-HELP is both a loan and a student discount that assists eligible stud...
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Self-education expenses are deductible when the course you undertake leads...
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For just $89*, H&R Block can do your student tax return for you. Call ...
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you didn’t earn any income, you may not need to lodge a return. However, you’ll still need to submit a non-lodgment advice. Our Tax Experts can help you take care of that.
Yes. Many students get a refund if they paid tax during the year or can claim work-related deductions. Our Tax Experts can help you claim what you’re entitled to.
You’ll need your Tax File Number (TFN), payslips or income summaries, receipts for any expenses you’re claiming, and a Medicare Entitlement Statement if you’re not eligible for Medicare.
Need help with your student tax return?
From just $89*, students under 21 and full-time students under 25 can have their tax return handled from start to finish by our Tax Experts. Visit us at one of our 400+ offices nationwide or call 13 23 25. *Terms and conditions apply.
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