International students

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is your health insurance while you're in Australia and is required for the entire duration of your student visa.

It’s important to look at the different policies as some items are not covered in your standard OSHC policy. Contact Medibank, UWA’s preferred provider, for information on extras cover to help with the cost of dental, physio, optical and more. UWA Health and Medical Services is a fully equipped and accredited service supporting the UWA community with high-quality safe and confidential care.

If you will be under the age of 18 years (minimum age of 17 years) at the commencement of your studies, you must have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while in Australia for the duration of your studies or until you turn 18, whichever happens first. These arrangements are regulated by the Department of Home Affairs and the National Code 2018 to ensure student safety and wellbeing.

If you’re under the age of 18 and have chosen UWA as your guardian, the University is responsible for your Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW). By signing your CAAW, UWA takes responsibility for your accommodation and welfare under the following conditions:

• you are under 18 years by the first day of your commencing semester
• you will reside in UWA-approved accommodation
• you will not breach any University policy or procedures, or any accommodation procedures or guidelines set out by the University’s approved carers and accommodation providers
• you will inform International Student Support of any proposed changes to your accommodation and welfare arrangement prior to taking any action
• you will attend induction sessions organised by International Student Support at the beginning of each semester
• you will attend fortnightly meetings with your assigned guardian/carer
• you will meet nightly curfew
• our team also provides follow-up support by checking in on your wellbeing and accommodation arrangements, conducting home visits every six months, meeting with you if you have any problems or concerns, and managing your enrolment and academic progression.

Visit our Under 18 information for more.

Under 18 students cannot travel or stay away from approved accommodation without the permission of The University of Western Australia. Failure to report changes or leave the country without notice will result in the cancellation of the Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) by UWA, which may result in a cancellation of student visa by the Department of Home Affairs.

If you are returning home during semester break or holidaying in Australia, download and complete the Holiday Application Form [PDF 166KB].

If you are staying away from your approved accommodation, download and complete the Overnight Form [PDF 389KB]. Overnight stays away can only be with a parent/legal guardian, grandparent, or siblings over the age of 18 or be directly related to your university studies (i.e. field trips).

As an international student, you have responsibilities that are related to the conditions of your student visa. You’re required to notify us of any circumstances that may affect your student enrolment, including:

• maintaining enrolment
• reduced study load
• academic progress
• paying tuition fees on time to ensure you remain enrolled
• notifying the University of any change of address
• maintaining visa length Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• approved leave
• online and distance education
• transfer of course
• discontinuation
• applying for a release letter
• early completions

Student visa holders are covered by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework. It’s important you understand your rights and responsibilities under this framework, particularly the student visa conditions including course progress requirements. 

The ESOS Act also provide tuition and financial assurance via the Tuition Protection Service. UWA has a Fee Policy that explains the calculation and payment of tuition fees, and the arranges relating to refunds. 

Helpful resources: 

• International Students Fact sheet
• Students can query their visa study entitlements using Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) online system

Reduced study load (underloading)
It is a requirement of your student visa that you are enrolled in such a way that ensures you will complete your course within the duration of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). If you believe you have compelling grounds to reduce your study load/underload, you must seek approval from your Student Advising Office.

Advance standing or credit
If you apply for advanced standing or credit after your visa has been issued and this affects your course duration, UWA will cancel your current CoE and will re-issue you with a new CoE that covers the shorter duration of your studies. This is reported to Immigration, which may affect the duration of your visa. Contact the Department of Home Affairs if you have any questions.

Approved leave
If you're on a student visa and want to take leave from your studies, get in touch with us to discuss your circumstances and eligibility before lodging an application. For your application to be approved, the circumstances of your request need to be compassionate or compelling, with supporting documents. For more information visit the Information for Student Visa Holders webpage.

Release requests
If you're considering transferring to a different education provider and need to be formally released, review the Student Transfer Request section of the ESOS Act or the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018. See more information for student visa holders.

Australia is a great place to work as an international student and you may choose to work while you’re studying. This can be an option to earn extra spending money and get a taste of the local culture.

A few things to remember:

• Work hours: You can work up to 48 hours every two weeks while you’re studying, and unlimited hours during holiday breaks as per the UWA important dates calendar.
• Workplace protections: You have the same protections at work as anyone else working in Australia.
• Minimum wage: You will get at least a minimum rate of pay per hour no matter what job you do.
• Superannuation: Often known as super, it is a financial contribution towards a fund that you use to live on when you retire. If you are an employee, the law in Australian says you are entitled to receive super from your employer. You can also claim super when you leave Australia.

Job Search

UWA's Careers and Employability team can support you no matter which stage of your degree you're at. A large number of vacation work, volunteering opportunities and summer internships are advertised on our UniHub portal.

Through the Careers and Employability Award you can gain real world experiences, skills and knowledge to embark on an enriching future career journey. Don't wait until you finish your course – apply now!

Below are some of the most popular career websites that list jobs suitable for students:

• Seek
• CareerOne
• Indeed
• SpotJobs

For your convenience, StudyPerth provides useful information on finding a job in Perth. 

Tax File Number in Australia

Before working in Australia, it is crucial to obtain a Tax File Number (TFN). Your TFN will ensure that you get taxed at the correct rate for the amount of work you are doing or tax charge on bank interest.

Australia has a tax-free threshold of $18,200, meaning you will pay no tax if you earn less than this amount in the financial year. If you have any tax taken from your earnings, you will need to complete a tax return at the end of the financial year.

International students can apply for a TFN online only if they are currently in Australia and have one of the following:

• a valid permanent migrant visa
• a valid visa with work rights
• a valid overseas student visa
• a valid visa allowing to stay in Australia indefinitely

Visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for information on how to apply for a TFN outside Australia or upon entering Australia.

Banks in Australia

The four major banks in Australia are Commonwealth Bank (also referred as Commbank), Westpac, Australia New Zealand (ANZ) and the National Australia Bank (NAB), but there are a range of other smaller, reputable banks including ING and Bendigo Bank to name a few. Each bank has different account options and products to meet your needs. We recommend you do your research before deciding on a bank. You might like to consider:

• number of ATMs available
• transaction and withdrawal fees
• setup fees
• ease of transferring money from home

ANZ, Westpac and Commbank allow you to open an account before you arrive.

What do I need to setup an Australian bank account?

Most banks will require you to verify your identity at a branch in Australia before you can withdraw funds. As an international student, be prepared with relevant proof of identity documentation on hand, including a passport, proof of residence, birth certificate or driver's license.

In addition to being of legal adult age (18), you may also need to provide your intended arrival date, the name of the Australian city you plan to reside in and that you arrive in Australia within 6-12 months of opening your bank account.

To access campus, we recommend using public transport, car-pooling, cycling, walking or other active methods as parking is limited.

Perth is an easy city to get around via public transport, and our great weather means walking and biking are options all year round. It’s recommended that you purchase a Transperth SmartRider card for use on public transport. As an international student, you'll receive a significant discount on fares. 

There are a few different childcare options at UWA that might cater to your childcare needs:

• Early Learning Centre  
• After School Centre or Vacation Care 

Do you have children with you in Perth who need to attend school? Find out more about dependant schooling, including the processes for visa, placement in schools, the school fees and the forms and documentation required to enrol your child in school.

If you're facing a legal matter, need advice about your rights at work or need help with your tenancy problems, you can book an appointment with the Student Legal Advice Centre. They are located at the UWA Guild Village.

You can access confidential and free legal advice on employment, tenancy, migration and family and domestic violence through StudyPerth and Circle Green.

It's important to be aware that scammers can try to target international students studying in Australia. A scammer is an individual or organisation that makes money using illegal methods, especially by tricking people. While there's nothing to be alarmed about, the best way to beat scammers is to know what to look out for and how to protect yourself. View UWA's guide [PDF 1.25MB] or download one of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)'s guides below.

English guide [PDF 524KB].

Simplified Chinese guide [PDF 524KB].