As a student, filing a tax return can really ease your budget. If you’re earning and studying in a way that connects your courses to work or income growth, you may claim education-related expenses. With average student refunds around AUD 2,600 and many Australians claiming up to $3,000, it’s well worth doing.
Watch out for Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debts and notify your employer when they’re paid off. And remember to lodge on time or file non-lodgement advice if you’re not required to. If you feel stuck in the situation, the best way is to take professional help from an affordable online platform like Aupod.
| ATO Tax Return for University Students Takeaways! Confirm if you need to lodge.Gather your income and deduction records.Know what deductions you can (and cannot) claim.Lodge by 31 October (DIY) or through a tax agent.Use ATO tools to stay organised. |
Do University Students Need to Lodge a Tax Return?
The tax lodgment for university students depends on their educational circumstances. The first step is to figure out if you fit into the student category that needs to lodge a tax return.
Tax Lodgment Requirements for University Students
- You earned any income during the financial year (from part-time, casual, or full-time work).
- You had tax withheld by your employer.
- You received taxable government allowances such as Austudy or Youth Allowance.
- You earned income from investments, shares, or foreign sources.
Situations University Students Do Not Need to Lodge a Tax Return
There are certain situations in which the university students can skip paying their taxes altogether as they don’t fit in the taxable category. Your income was below the tax-free threshold (\$18,200 in most cases) and no tax was withheld. Use the ATO’s “Do I need to lodge a tax return?” online tool to confirm your status.
What University Students Need Before Lodging?
Whether you’re lodging your own return or using a registered tax agent, gather these documents first:
- Payment summaries / Income statements (from employers via myGov).
- Bank statements (interest earned).
- Private health insurance policy statement (if applicable).
- Investment statements (shares, unit trusts, crypto, managed funds).
- Foreign income details.
- Receipts for study and work-related expenses (course fees, textbooks, equipment, travel).
ATO Smart Tip: If you wait until mid-August, most of your income details (from employers, banks, and Centrelink) will already be pre-filled in your online tax return. You just need to check, add deductions, and submit.
Student Tax Deductions in Australia
There are few things that students can claim as deductions and save some dollars on their tax lodging.
What Australian University Students Can Claim?
If your course directly relates to your current job or traineeship, you may be able to claim:
- Course/Tuition fees (not including HECS-HELP repayments).
- Stationery and textbooks.
- Student services and union fees.
- Amenity fees.
- Equipment depreciation/repairs (laptops, printers, software).
- Internet and phone expenses (work/study percentage only).
- Professional journals or memberships.
- Work-related travel (to training, conferences, or between two jobs).
- Uniforms (must include employer logo).
What Australian University Students Can’t Claim?
Students in Australia cannot use certain costs to reduce their tax. For example, when they pay back their HECS‑HELP loan, they can’t claim that on their taxes. Everyday things like don’t count like:
- Rent
- Food
- Bills
- House payments
If students take courses that have nothing to do with their current job, those don’t count. Also, paying back special financial support loans, like some government help loans, isn’t allowed. And most international students with student visas usually can’t claim study-related costs.
Australian University Student Tax Tips
There are ways to maximise your refund if you fall into an Australian Student Tax category which can claim deductions.
Keep Every Receipt
Printed or digital, receipts are essential for study/work-related claims. Apps like the ATO’s myDeductions can store them securely.
Understand Austudy
Payments like Austudy are taxable. Factor them into your annual tax planning to avoid surprise tax bills.
Track Your Travel
If working multiple jobs, maintain a logbook to claim car expenses for trips between workplaces.
Time It Right
Lodge after mid-August for pre-filled accuracy. Never ignore the deadline for filing the tax return, as it can cost more than you actually could claim with on-time lodgment.
Use Student-Friendly Tax Agents
Online tax lodgment platforms like Aupod are student-friendly, which can help you maximize refunds in the most affordable, flexible payment option, and the fee is also deductible from the refund.
How to Lodge Your Tax Return as a Student?
There are three main options for university students in Australia:
1. Lodge Online (DIY)
- Through myGov linked to the ATO.
- Suitable if your finances are simple.
- Deadline: 31 October following the end of the financial year (1 July – 30 June).
2. Use a Registered Tax Agent
- Great for students with multiple jobs, investments, or deductions.
- Must contact your agent before 31 October to extend your lodgement deadline.
3. Paper Lodgement
- By completing and posting a paper tax return to the ATO (less common).
Conclusion!
Generally, international students on a student visa are considered residents for tax purposes if living in Australia for more than six months. However, self-education expenses are rarely deductible unless you also meet employment-related criteria. Always check the ATO’s dedicated “Studying in Australia” page for updates.
Lodging a tax return as a university student in Australia doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right Aupod, you can:
- Ensure compliance with ATO rules.
- Maximise your student tax deductions in Australia.
- Potentially score a healthy tax refund.
