Superannuation in Australia: What it is and How to Apply?

Are you an international student or backpacker planning to study or work in Australia? If so, it is essential to understand the Australian superannuation system. Super is a significant benefit of working in Australia — and knowing how it works can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars back in your pocket when you leave.

💰 What is Superannuation in Australia?

Superannuation, commonly referred to as "super", is a retirement savings scheme introduced by the Australian government to ensure financial security during retirement. It is mandatory for most working individuals in Australia — including international students and backpackers on temporary visas.

📈 How Does Superannuation Work in Australia?

When you work in Australia, your employer is required by law to contribute a portion of your earnings into a superannuation fund on your behalf. This is known as the Superannuation Guarantee (SG).

Once you leave Australia, you may be able to claim back your superannuation as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). More on this below.

🆕 New in 2026: Payday Super

Previously, employers paid super contributions quarterly (four times a year), which meant your super could sit unpaid for up to three months. Under the new Payday Super system, employers must pay your super with every single payslip, and contributions must reach your super fund within 7 business days of your pay date.

What this means for you:

• Your super builds up much faster — no more waiting 3 months between contributions
• It is easier to verify your employer is paying correctly — check your fund after each pay
• Employers who fail to pay on time now face stricter ATO penalties

👷 Who Can Get Superannuation in Australia?

You are entitled to receive superannuation if:

• You are 18 years old or over
• You are working legally in Australia on any visa that allows work
• You are employed in any capacity — full-time, part-time, or casual

If you are under 18, you are still eligible if you work more than 30 hours per week.

By enrolling in an ELICOS (English) course, a VET course, or any other course on a Student Visa, you have the right to work — and therefore the right to superannuation contributions from your employer.

To check your specific eligibility, use the ATO superannuation eligibility tool.

📃 How to Start Your Superannuation in Australia?

Starting your superannuation is automatic. Once you begin working, your employer will set up a superannuation account for you and begin making contributions on your behalf. Your employer will choose a default fund, but you have the option to choose a different fund if you prefer.

🏦 How to Choose a Superannuation Fund?

If you prefer to choose your own super fund, you can complete the Superannuation standard choice form from the ATO.

You can choose between two options:

• A professionally managed fund that invests your super for you (recommended for most students)
• A self-managed Super Fund (SMSF) — only suitable if you have significant savings and financial knowledge

When choosing a fund, consider:

1. Fees and Charges — high fees reduce your balance over time. Compare before choosing.
2. Investment Options — some funds offer ethical or conservative investment options.
3. Performance — check the fund's historical returns over 5+ years.
4. Insurance Coverage — some funds include life and disability insurance.

Useful comparison websites:

• SelectingSuper
• SuperRatings
• Canstar
• Chant West
• Morningstar
• RateCity

What If I Don't Choose a Fund?

Your employer will contribute to their default fund. This is fine for most students — just make sure to review its fees and performance to ensure it suits your situation.

📄 How Do I Apply for Superannuation in Australia?

As an eligible temporary visa holder, you do not need to apply separately. Your employer sets up your account and makes contributions automatically once you start working.

📣 How to Claim Your Australian Superannuation (DASP)

As an international student or backpacker, you may be able to claim your superannuation back when you leave Australia. This is called the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) and the application is completely free.

To be eligible for DASP you must:

• Have worked in Australia legally on a temporary resident visa (e.g. student visa or WHV)
• Have left Australia
• Have a visa that has expired or been cancelled
• Not be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Not hold any valid Australian visa at the time of application

You can apply online through the DASP Online Application System.

What you need to apply:

📅 When and How Is Superannuation Paid Out?

You will usually receive payment within 28 days of submitting your DASP application. It may take longer if your claim is incomplete.

Payment can be made via:

• Electronic funds transfer (EFT) to an Australian bank account
• Australian dollar cheque
• International Money Transfer (IMT)

💵 How Much Superannuation Will You Get?

The amount depends on how much you earned and how long you worked in Australia. At the current 12% rate:

✍️ Recommendations

1. Consolidate your super if you work multiple jobs — having multiple accounts means paying multiple sets of fees unnecessarily
2. Track your contributions — with Payday Super now in effect, check your fund statement after each pay to make sure your employer is contributing correctly
3. Always provide your TFN to your employer — without it, super contributions are taxed at the highest rate (47%)
4. Keep your Australian bank account open after you leave — EFT is the simplest way to receive your DASP
5. Apply for DASP as soon as you leave — there is no time limit, but the sooner you apply, the sooner you receive your money

Understanding superannuation is crucial for any international student or backpacker working in Australia. At the current 12% rate with Payday Super now in effect, your super builds faster than ever — and you are entitled to claim it all back when you leave.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions