Financial Planning for International Students
Navigate Australia's financial landscape with confidence. We help international students understand banking, budgeting, and building financial security during their studies.
Find Your Financial Path
Every international student faces unique financial challenges. Our guided approach helps you identify exactly what you need based on your situation.
1
Just arrived in Australia?
Start with opening a student bank account, understanding Australian banking systems, and setting up essential financial services. We'll guide you through documentation requirements and help you avoid common mistakes that cost new students hundreds of dollars.
2
Struggling with budgeting?
Learn practical budgeting techniques that actually work for student life. We'll show you how to track expenses, find student discounts, and manage irregular income from part-time work while maintaining your study focus.
3
Planning for after graduation?
Build credit history, understand tax obligations, and prepare financially for post-study work opportunities. We help you create a financial foundation that supports your long-term goals in Australia.
4
Need emergency financial support?
Access resources for financial emergencies, understand your rights as an international student, and learn about available support services. We'll help you navigate difficult situations without compromising your visa status.
Quick Financial Wins
Small changes that make a big difference in your financial wellbeing
Student Account Benefits
Many banks offer fee-free accounts for students. Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, and Westpac all have specific international student packages that can save you $5-15 monthly in account fees.
Student Discount Apps
Download UNiDAYS and Student Beans for instant access to discounts. Students typically save 10-50% on everything from textbooks to entertainment. One client saved $300 in their first semester just using these apps.
Credit Building Strategy
Start building Australian credit history early with a secured credit card or by adding utilities in your name. This makes getting phone plans, rental applications, and future loans much easier.
Money Transfer Secrets
Skip traditional bank transfers for overseas money. Services like Wise or RemitGo offer better exchange rates and lower fees. A $2000 transfer can save you $40-80 compared to major banks.
Shared Housing Finance
When sharing accommodation, set up automatic payments for utilities and rent. This prevents late fees and builds your payment history. Use apps like Splitwise to track shared expenses fairly.
Part-time Work Tax Tips
Keep detailed records of work-related expenses like uniforms or transport. International students can claim these on tax returns. Most students get $200-800 refunds when they file properly.
Real Financial Challenges We Solve
International students face unique financial situations that generic advice doesn't address. We've worked with over 200 students from 30+ countries, and we understand the specific challenges you're dealing with.
- Understanding Australian banking systems and avoiding hidden fees
- Managing money across different currencies and time zones
- Navigating work restrictions while maximizing legal income opportunities
- Building credit history from scratch in a new country
- Planning for visa renewals and their financial requirements
Our approach focuses on practical solutions that work with your student visa conditions and academic schedule. We don't just give you theory – we help you implement systems that actually work.
Get Personalized Advice
Kieran Blackwood
Engineering Student, UNSW
Astrid Lindgren
Business Student, Griffith University
I wish I'd found osnovaiqara's financial guidance service in my first semester instead of my third year. They helped me understand things like why my bank was charging me international transaction fees on everyday purchases, and how to properly track my work hours to stay within visa limits. The budgeting system they taught me actually works with my irregular study schedule – something I'd never found before.