Money Skills for International Students in Australia
Studying abroad means managing your finances in a whole new currency, banking system, and economic environment. We help international students build practical budgeting skills that work in real Australian life—from understanding your visa work limits to stretching your dollars further.
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What Makes Money Management Different Here
International students face financial hurdles most locals never think about. Here's what we see students dealing with every week.
Currency Conversions
Exchange rates shift constantly. That AUD$500 rent payment? It might cost you more back home next month than it did this month. We teach you how to track spending in both currencies without losing your mind.
Limited Work Hours
Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester. That's roughly $1,600 monthly at minimum wage—not much when rent alone averages $1,200 in Brisbane. Your budget needs to reflect this reality.
Upfront Costs
Bond payments, textbooks, furniture for your flat. The first month can easily cost $4,000 before you've attended a single class. Most students underestimate this.
Banking Gaps
Your home country card charges international fees. Setting up an Australian account takes time. We help you understand which banks offer better deals for students and how to minimize transaction costs.
Different Living Costs
A coffee costs $5 here, not $2. Public transport adds up fast. What seemed affordable in your research becomes tight when you're living it. We work with actual Australian prices, not estimates.
Tax Season Confusion
Yes, you need to file a tax return. Yes, you probably deserve a refund. But the Australian Tax Office paperwork confuses even locals. We walk you through what international students actually need to do.
Building Your Australian Budget
Most budgeting advice is written for people with full-time jobs and no visa restrictions. That doesn't help you. Here's how to create a budget that fits your actual situation as an international student in Queensland.
Calculate Your Real Income
Start with what you actually earn after tax. If you work 20 hours weekly at $23/hour, that's roughly $368 before tax—about $320 after. Add any support from family, but only count what's guaranteed. Don't budget money that might not arrive.
List Fixed Expenses First
Rent, phone plan, transport pass—these don't change. Write them down. They're usually 70-80% of a student budget. If your fixed costs exceed your income, you need to address that before anything else.
Track Variable Spending
Food, entertainment, study supplies. These fluctuate. For two weeks, write down everything you spend. Everything. That $4 energy drink? Write it down. You can't manage what you don't measure.
Create a Buffer
Try to save $50-100 monthly. Even small amounts add up. When your laptop dies or you need an emergency flight home, you'll be grateful you have something set aside. Start tiny if you must.
Review Monthly
Your budget will change. Work hours shift between semester and breaks. Expenses pop up. Set a reminder for the first of each month to compare what you planned against what actually happened.
Who You'll Work With
Our advisors understand international student finances because they've either lived it themselves or worked with hundreds of students. No judgment, just practical help.
Petra Kowalczyk
Student Finance Specialist
Originally from Poland, Petra completed her MBA in Melbourne while working part-time. She knows exactly how stressful it is to balance study, work, and finances in a foreign country.
Siobhan Rafferty
Budgeting Coach
Siobhan has helped over 300 international students at Griffith and Bond create workable budgets. She's especially good at finding savings in everyday spending without making life miserable.
Ingrid Bjornsson
Tax & Banking Advisor
Ingrid demystifies Australian banking and tax for international students. She can explain TFN applications, tax returns, and superannuation in plain English—no confusing jargon.
Resources That Actually Help
We've collected the tools and information that students tell us made a real difference. Everything here is free and designed for your specific situation.
Budget Template Spreadsheet
Download our pre-filled template with typical Gold Coast student expenses already listed. Just plug in your numbers. Works in Excel or Google Sheets. Includes currency converter so you can see costs in both AUD and your home currency.
Student Banking Comparison
We compared account fees, international transfer costs, and student benefits at all major Australian banks. Updated January 2025. Find out which banks waive monthly fees and which slug you $5 every month.
Tax Return Checklist
Step-by-step guide for international students filing their first Australian tax return. Covers what receipts to keep, how to claim work deductions, and when you actually need to file. Most students don't realize they can claim uniform costs and textbooks.
Cheap Eats Around Campus
Local guide to affordable meals near Griffith and Bond campuses. Where to get lunch for under $10, which cafes offer student discounts, and grocery shopping tips. Because you can't live on two-minute noodles forever.
Visit Us in Broadbeach
Drop in anytime during our walk-in hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 1pm-5pm. No appointment needed.
Location
Shop 104A Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Phone
+61 476 989 999