The Ultimate Guide: Best Apps for International Students in Australia

Just arrived in Australia and figuring out how to settle in? From grocery shopping and getting around town to keeping your budget in check—there’s a lot to take in!

The good news? Your phone can be your best friend. We’ve rounded up the must-have apps every international student should download to make life easier, cheaper, and more fun while studying in Australia.

📱 Ready to live smarter? Check out our top picks for student life in Australia!

 Job Search Apps: Find Part-Time Work   While You Study

 Working part-time in Australia is not only a   great way to earn extra income—it also   helps you gain local experience, improve   your English, and meet new people.   Whether you're looking for casual work,   hospitality jobs, or something aligned with   your field of study, there are several apps   that can help you find the right opportunity.

‣ Seek: One of Australia’s largest job platforms, Seek lists thousands of opportunities across various industries. You can filter jobs by location, type (part-time, casual, full-time), and experience level. Set up alerts so you're the first to know when new roles pop up in your area.

‣ Indeed: This global platform is also widely used in Australia. Indeed allows you to search and apply for jobs quickly with a mobile-friendly interface. You can upload your resume, track applications, and browse company reviews to see what it’s like to work there.

‣ Jora: Owned by Seek, Jora is a free job search engine that gathers listings from different sources, including company websites and smaller job boards. It's great for finding local or entry-level positions not always advertised on larger platforms.

‣ Sidekicker: If you're looking for casual, on-demand jobs in hospitality, events, or office support, Sidekicker is a great option. Once you’re approved on the platform, you can start accepting shifts and earning money on your own terms.

Staying Connected: Best Communication Apps for International Students in Australia

Studying abroad can be an exciting adventure—but it can also feel a little lonely, especially if you’ve made the journey to Australia on your own. The good news? You don’t have to go through it alone. That’s where communication apps come in.

There are a few must-download apps that can help you stay close to both your new friends in Australia and your loved ones back home. Here are our top picks:

‣ WhatsApp

‣ Telegram

‣ WeChat

‣ Discord

These apps are more than just messaging platforms. They’re encrypted for your privacy and offer a range of features—from group chats and voice notes to photo sharing and video calls. You can: create group chats with your study mates, share photos and updates with family abroad, video call new friends across the city, join interest-based servers and communities (especially on Discord)

Food Delivery Apps: Your Best Friends During Study Time

Let’s face it—when you’re deep into assignments, exams, or a last-minute cram session, cooking is probably the last thing on your mind.

The good news? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious meal. Australia has a variety of food delivery apps that are fast, reliable, and perfect for busy student life.

Here are the top food delivery apps every international student should have:

‣ Uber Eats: One of the most popular delivery apps in Australia, Uber Eats brings a huge variety of restaurants straight to your door. Whether you're living in a major city like Melbourne or a regional area like Wollongong, you're likely to find plenty of tasty options nearby.

‣ Menulog: Menulog is Australia’s widest-reaching food delivery service. It features everything from local favorites to big-name chains—and often runs awesome deals and discounts to help you save money while you eat well.

‣ DoorDash: A growing favorite across Australia, DoorDash offers a range of cuisines, often with competitive delivery times and student-friendly prices.

‣ Milkrun: More than just meals—Milkrun also delivers groceries and essentials in record time, perfect for late-night cravings or quick snack top-ups without leaving your study zone.

Transport & Services Apps: Getting Around Made Easy

Getting around in a new country can be a challenge—especially when you're still learning the public transport system or don’t have your own car. Luckily, there are plenty of reliable apps in Australia that make commuting and daily errands simple and stress-free.

‣ Google Maps: An absolute essential! Google Maps helps you plan your route whether you're walking, cycling, driving, or catching public transport. You’ll get real-time updates, timetables, and the quickest paths to your destination.

‣ Opal Travel (NSW) / Myki (VIC) / Translink (QLD): Each Australian state has its own public transport system and app. These apps let you top up your travel card, check schedules, and monitor your balance all from your phone. Make sure to download the one relevant to your city or state.

‣ Uber / Ola / DiDi: Need a ride fast? These rideshare apps are great alternatives to taxis and can often be more affordable—especially when shared with friends. They’re also perfect for late-night trips or when public transport isn't running.

‣ Airtasker: Need help moving, cleaning, assembling furniture, or doing odd jobs? Airtasker connects you with local people offering services at student-friendly prices. It's super handy for settling into your new space.

Mental Health & Well-being Apps: Support When You Need It Most

As a student, it’s easy to get caught up in non-stop studying, late nights, and the pressure to perform. Add the challenge of being far from home, and it’s no surprise that many international students feel overwhelmed from time to time.

Here are two highly recommended mental health apps that can help you manage stress, build resilience, and feel more in control of your emotional well-being:

‣ Happify: This science-backed app focuses on helping you improve your mood and develop healthier habits. With guided activities and games designed by psychologists and mental health experts, Happify helps you break negative thought patterns and build a more positive mindset—perfect for those days when you need a little boost.

‣ Talkspace: Need someone to talk to? Talkspace connects you with licensed therapists for online sessions, right from your phone. Whether you're dealing with exam stress, culture shock, or personal challenges, you'll get matched with a provider who suits your needs. It’s private, flexible, and available when you need it most.

Socialising Apps: Make New Friends & Connections in Australia

Moving to a new country can be exciting, but making new friends takes time—especially when you're juggling study, work, and everything in between. Luckily, there are some great apps out there that can help you connect with like-minded people and expand your social circle while studying in Australia.

‣ Meetup: Whether you’re into movies, dancing, hiking, tech talks, or just casual coffee catch-ups—Meetup helps you find local events and groups based on your interests. You can chat with members online, join specific communities (like international students or ESL learners), and attend events in your area. It’s one of the best ways to meet people organically and explore new hobbies.

‣ Bumble BFF: Bumble isn’t just for dating! With Bumble BFF, you can create a profile specifically to make platonic friends. It’s a swipe-based platform, so you can match with people who have similar interests, study in your area, or are also new to the city.

‣ Eventbrite: While it's often used for tickets and professional events, Eventbrite is also a great place to find local social gatherings—like food festivals, cultural workshops, free seminars, and student events. Just set your city, and you’ll see tons of events happening around you.