Superannuation for Students in Australia
Superannuation, or super, is an important part of Australia’s employment system, and most people, including students, are entitled to compulsory super contributions from their employers. These contributions, known as super guarantee contributions, must be at least 9% of your ordinary time earnings. Additionally, you may have the option to choose which super fund your contributions are paid into.
Eligibility for Employer Super Contributions
In general, you are entitled to super contributions from your employer if:
- You are over 18 years old.
- You earn $450 or more (before tax) in a calendar month.
This applies to all employment types, whether you are full-time, part-time, or casual. Temporary residents of Australia are also eligible under the same conditions.
If you are under 18 years old, you must meet the $450 earnings threshold and work more than 30 hours in a week to qualify for super contributions.
If you’re a contractor who is paid primarily for your labor, you are considered an employee for superannuation purposes and are entitled to super contributions under the same rules.
For more detailed information, visit the ATO website and check out the Guide to Superannuation for Individuals.
Choosing a Super Fund
Most employees have the option to choose the super fund where their employer’s contributions are deposited. If you are eligible to choose, your employer must provide you with a Standard Choice Form, allowing you to select a fund in writing.
Learn more about your options by visiting the ATO website and searching for Choosing a Super Fund.
Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP)
If you are a temporary resident working in Australia, your employer must make super contributions for you if you meet the eligibility criteria. Once you leave Australia, you may be able to claim your super as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).
You can apply for a DASP if all the following conditions are met:
- You held a temporary visa (excluding visa subclasses 405 and 410).
- Your visa is no longer valid.
- You have left Australia.
This payment is not available for Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. However, claiming your super does not prevent you from returning to Australia on another visa in the future.
For more information, visit the ATO’s guide to DASP.
