Australian Superannuation Calculator for Students 2026

Yes. All workers in Australia, including international students on a Student Visa, are entitled to superannuation contributions from their employer. From 1 July 2025, the Superannuation Guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. There is no minimum income threshold — you receive super from the very first dollar you earn, and it applies to casual, part-time, and full-time work. The super goes into your chosen super fund and can be claimed back when you permanently leave Australia (Departing Australia Superannuation Payment — DASP).

The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate is 12% as of 1 July 2025, up from 11.5% the previous year. This was the final step in a legislated series of increases. From 1 July 2026, employers are legally required to pay super on the same day as wages (new legislation passed in 2025), eliminating the previous quarterly payment system. The 12% rate means for every $100 you earn, your employer must deposit $12 into your super fund.

Yes. When you permanently leave Australia and your student visa is cancelled or expires, you can apply for the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). You can lodge the claim online through the ATO's DASP online system. The payment is subject to a withholding tax: 35% for taxed funds (the standard super fund type), 45% for untaxed funds. Despite the tax, it's still worth claiming — if you accumulated $5,000 in super, you'd receive approximately $3,250 after the 35% tax.

From 1 July 2026, employers must pay your super on the same day they pay your salary or wages (payday super). Previously, employers could pay quarterly. This change ensures super is paid promptly and allows employees to see contributions in real time. If your employer fails to pay super on time, they face the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC), which includes the unpaid amount plus interest and administration fees. You can report late super to the ATO.

For student workers, low-fee industry super funds are generally recommended. Popular options include Australian Retirement Trust, Australian Super, Hostplus, REST Super, and HESTA. Industry funds are run to benefit members (not shareholders) and typically have lower fees than retail funds. The ATO's YourSuper comparison tool allows you to compare funds by fees and returns. If you don't choose a fund, your employer will usually use a default fund — it's worth selecting your own to avoid multiple accounts across different casual jobs.