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Completing your studies is an incredible achievement. Well done!
If you’ve decided to return home or start another adventure somewhere else - we’re here to help. We’ve prepared a list of 10 things you need to do before and after you leave Australia.
Before booking your flight:
Check out this blog post for tips on booking your flight.
Let your employer know when you will be leaving. Check your work agreement to see how much notice you need to give (usually 4 weeks).
Leaving a share house you rent with others:
Find out more about your rights as a tenant in a share house here.
Ending a lease agreement:
Find out more about your rights as a tenant here.
When you start packing, you might realise that you’re going home with more things than you arrived with!
Sometimes paying for extra baggage on your flight can be more expensive than shipping your items home. So, search online for shipping options and compare prices. Remember to:
It’s important to pay all outstanding fees and bills so your credit history and future visas aren’t affected. Some things you’ll need to cancel are:
The Australian financial year runs from 1 July - 30 June and you need to file your tax return by 31 October each year. Even if the financial year hasn't ended when you leave, file your tax return before you leave – there may even be money owed to you.
Find out more about filing your tax return here.
You are likely to have some money in a superannuation (‘super’) fund if you worked in Australia during or after your studies. You can have your super paid to you even after you leave Australia if you:
Find out how to claim your super on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Don’t close your Australian bank account until after you have been paid your:
Some banks will allow you to close your account online, while others may require you to close it over the phone. Visit your bank’s website and search for details on closing an account.
Transitioning from student life in Australia can be challenging, but there is support available.
Many education providers run information sessions to help international students prepare to return home. These sessions cover topics such as cultural adjustment and practical tips for readjusting to life outside of Australia.
Reach out to your international student support staff for details on upcoming events.
Most education providers have alumni networks around the world that offer a platform for networking, mentorship and ongoing support.
Joining these organisations can give you:
We hope that you’ve had an amazing time in Australia and that you enjoyed your studies.
Safe travels, and best wishes for the adventures that lie ahead. We hope to see you back here for a visit very soon.