In June 2026, the ABC released an article explaining how changing exchange rates are impacting international students living and studying in Australia.
While many students choose to work in order to cover the cost of things like tuition, housing and food, some rely on the financial support from families back in their home countries. As some international currencies weaken against the Australian dollar, this means that you need more of your local currency to pay for the same things in Australia.
What this means for you
Studying abroad can already be very costly. Everyday expenses like university tuition, housing, transportation, food, living expenses and entertaining can really add up. And for those international students receiving money from family back home, a weakened currency can put financial stress on you and your loved ones.
According to the ABC article, currencies from countries like India, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines and China have all been impacted.
Tuition fees can become more expensive
If you’re relying on financial support from family in your home country to help pay for your tuition, changes in exchange rates could mean you’re paying more in fees. While the fee will stay the same in Australian dollars, you may need more of your local currency to cover the same amount.
Relying on casual or part-time work
If changes in exchange rates are putting pressure on your budget, taking on casual or part-time work can help, so you’re not so reliant on receiving money from back home. This could mean working in the hospitality industry as a restaurant worker or wait staff, finding work in retail, or perhaps something more aligned with your studies. Remember, as an international student, you have working rights in Australia, and can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term or semester times, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
If you already have a job in Australia, you may consider increasing the number of shifts you work and taking on additional hours, or even finding a second job to earn more money to cover your expenses.
Making your money stretch
Being mindful of your spending can help ease some of the financial pressure that changing exchange rates may place on you and your family. This means finding ways to save money where you can.
Take a look at where you spend and see if there are ways you can cut back or reduce costs. For example, you may choose to walk instead of taking public transport, cooking at home and packing a lunch instead of buying from a local cafe, enjoying a movie night at home instead of going to the cinemas, or declining an invitation to a weekend away. These small sacrifices now can slowly add up.
How you can seek support
The stress of working and finding ways to save money on top of full-time study can take away from your main focus of obtaining a degree. It’s important to talk to your education provider to see how they can help you.
Depending on your university, they may be able to lend a hand with financial hardship, mental health and wellbeing support, counselling services, or provide practical help like resume writing if you’re looking to find a job. Check your university or education provider's website to see where they can assist. Or, reach out to the international student study body in your state or territory:
- Victoria: Study Melbourne
- New South Wales: Study NSW
- South Australia: StudyAdelaide
- Queensland: Study Queensland
- Western Australia: StudyPerth
- Tasmania: Study Tasmania
- Northern Territory: Study NT
- Australian Capital Territory: Study Canberra
