Undergraduate international course guide - Edith Cowan University

liVing in perth
pArt-time work
As a student, you always need a bit of extra cash.
If you are on a student visa, you will have the opportunity to work
part-time for up to 20 hours per week while you are studying,
and up to 40 hours per week during semester break.
This allows you to earn some spending money as well as become
an active member of the community. And if you are not a native
speaker – it is also a great way to improve your English!
There are casual jobs available throughout Perth in the areas of
administration, hospitality, house-keeping/cleaning and retail.
You can expect to earn between $6-20 per hour, depending on
your age and the kind of work you do.
Remember that your first priority in Perth is your studies. If you
decide to work part-time, start with a few hours a week until you
are able to find a balance with your studies.
AuStrAliA’S tAxAtion SyStem
You should obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) if you are going
to work part-time. You may also need a TFN to open a bank
account. Visit www.ato.gov.au for more information.
You will also need to lodge an income tax return, either through
a registered tax agent or by completing it yourself.
money And bAnkinG
Only Australian currency can be used in Australia. Your foreign
money can be exchanged at international airports, banks and
major hotels. Travellers’ cheques are easier to use if they are in
Australian Dollars; however, banks will cash travellers’ cheques in
almost any currency.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are readily available for
withdrawals 24 hours a day. Most stores and supermarkets
also have Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS)
terminals where you can pay directly from your bank account as
well as make cash withdrawals.
The most commonly accepted credit cards in Australia are
MasterCard, Visa, Bankcard, American Express, Diners International
and their affiliates. Most businesses accept credit cards as payment.
courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
openinG A bAnk ACCount
You should open a bank account as soon as you arrive in Perth.
You will need several forms of identification such as your
passport, Student ID card and drivers licence. You may also need
to provide a Tax File Number (TFN).
GettinG Around perth
Perth, Fremantle and Joondalup city zones have a free bus
service for everyone.
And as an international student, you will receive a 40 per cent
discount on all public transport throughout Western Australia!
The city has a modern and comparably safe network of buses,
trains and ferries. You are able to use any combination of these
three services on one ticket.
lifeStyle
When you study in Perth, your weekends can be filled with visits
to our many beaches and marinas, lakes and rivers, or national
parks and gardens.
People also enjoy socialising and entertaining friends around
private backyard swimming pools and barbeques.
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