student discounts
International students in Australia can enjoy these student discounts. Source: Manan Vatsyayana/AFP

Inflation is becoming a growing problem in many countries across the world, including Australia. The country’s inflation for 2021 was 3.5%, above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s medium-term target range of 2-3% inflation, said The Conversation. For international students in Australis looking to better manage their expenses, student discounts can be incredibly helpful.

You can find discounts — from study essentials to streaming services — that can save you some serious cash in the long run.

If you’re tired of paying more than you need to, here are some student discounts available in Australia worth exploring.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

You can qualify for the ISIC, regardless of your nationality, race, gender or religion, if you’re a full-time student at school, college or university.  ISIC offers both virtual and physical cards. This student discount card allows you to benefit from over 150,000 discounts across 130 countries worldwide. For only 30 Australian dollars per annum, you can gain preferential and discounted access to products, services and experiences relevant to all aspects of student life, from software licenses and cinema access, to bookstores, public transport, cafés and eateries.

Spotify Premium

Spotify Australia offers student discounts if you have a verified enrolment at an approved university. Students will enjoy a one-month free premium with 50% off every month. So, instead of paying AU$11.99, you only have to pay AU$5.99 — a pretty sweet deal for students. Do note that your status as a student will be reviewed annually to ensure that you’re still valid for the discount.

StudentUniverse

Whether you want to travel abroad for university, work or leisure — StudentUniverse — a travel booking site for students and young adults under 30 — has your back. This platform negotiates directly with airlines to get under 30’s exclusive discounts. You can search for hundreds of airlines at once on their platform. Become a member for free — head over to their website for details.

student discounts

There are platforms that offer student discounts on flights, among other things. Source: Saeed Khan/AFP

Student VIP

If you’re looking for discounted books and other classroom materials, the Student VIP is the perfect website for you. You can save some cash and buy secondhand textbooks or trade-in your old books for new ones.

With any extra cash that you’ve saved, you can spend it on some quality subject notes in their proprietary marketplace. You can also find the perfect notes that you need down to the specific institution, subject and semester.

There’s also the option to hire tutors to guide and teach you the necessary tips and tricks to ace your next test. If you’ve already mastered your subjects, you can earn some extra cash and be a tutor yourself to help students who need the extra help.

UNiDAYS

Similar to ISIC, UNiDAYS offers student discounts of a minimum of 10%. What sets it apart is that UNiDAYS works like an e-commerce website where students can directly purchase their favourite products, from phones, garments, to food. World-renown brands like Nike, Apple and Cotton On are all on offer.

To secure these discounts, apply through the website and review your student status through your university’s website to generate a one-time discount code.