Going home

Preparing to return home can bring on a range of emotions – excitement for what's ahead and sadness for what's left behind – not to mention the stress of moving out.

Relocating all your belongings can be difficult, so it helps to be organised from the start. Some things you'll have to organise early so we've made a list of things to do to help you prepare to leave Australia.

• Returning home checklist Use this checklist to help you plan early and organise all the things you'll need to sort out before leaving.

Preparing your move

Moving out

Before you move out of your student home, you’ll need to do things like give written notice to your landlord, estate agent or housemates and make final payments for bills and rent. Find out more about what to consider when moving.

Shipping your belongings home

Allow plenty of time to organise shipping your belongings home and learn about the customs regulations in your home country. Find out what you’ll need to know before departing Australia.

There are many companies who provide freight services, with some offering discounts for students. Make sure you get a few quotes as the prices and services vary. You’ll need to consider if you want door-to-door delivery and check whether the company provides insurance.

Redirecting your mail

Contact Australia Post to get your mail redirected to another address in Australia or overseas (a fee applies).

Consider having your mail sent to someone in Australia. This could be helpful if something comes up that needs a response within Australia.

Organising your finances

Closing your Australian bank account

• Before closing your account, make sure all periodic payments and direct debits are cancelled (and any outstanding cheques are presented). If you wish to leave your account open for future visits to Australia, beware of hidden fees.
• It's best to close your account in person before you leave Australia. Visit a branch of your bank and bring sufficient identification. If you're unable to visit a branch of your bank, send a letter to the branch where your account is held, authorising them to close your account.

Health insurance refunds

Check if you have any outstanding Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC) claims. If you're leaving the country more than a month before your OSHC policy expires, you may be eligible for a refund.

If you have insurance with Allianz Care Australia, a refund form is available online. You’ll need to provide evidence of the day you plan to leave Australia, such as an airline ticket.

Tax return

You may be able to lodge a tax return before the end of the financial year if you meet the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) conditions.

Superannuation

When you permanently leave Australia, you can apply for release of your superannuation benefits. There are restrictions and you’ll have to pay tax on the amount. See superannuation for departing residents.

Tourist Refund Scheme

The Tourist Refund Scheme lets you claim a refund for the goods and services tax (GST) that you pay on some goods bought in Australia.

To claim a refund:

• you must have spent a total of AUD$300 (GST inclusive) or more in one store (even on separate invoices)
• you must buy the goods no more than 60 days before departure and wear or carry the goods on board the plane
• you need to present them to a customs officer, along with your original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass.

Preparing for work overseas

Take a look at our careers and employability site to learn how to prepare yourself for employment after you graduate. Explore how you can develop your skills for employability and learn how to apply for jobs.