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International Shares

A low-cost, passively managed option that invests in shares listed on global stock exchanges in developed markets. The option is unhedged, so changes in exchange rates affect returns.
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May be suitable if you:
  • seek strong long-term returns 
  • want to invest in international shares at low cost 
  • can accept the ups and downs of investing in the share market, including periods of negative returns
  • are prepared to stay invested in the option for 10 years or longer.
Available for these accounts:
  • Future Saver
  • Retirement Transition
  • Retirement Income
  • Defined Benefit - Telstra Plan Voluntary Accumulation Account (DB VAA)
  • Term Allocated Pension (TAP)
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Summary

Investment objective
To track the return of the Aware Super Custom Index on MSCI World ex-Australia1 (AUD), before fees, costs and tax.
Timeframe

10 years

Minimum suggested investment timeframe

Fees

0.05%

Investment fees and costs and transaction costs

1A custom index that adjusts company weights based on carbon-transition metrics and applies Aware Super’s investment restrictions in relation to tobacco, thermal coal and controversial weapons. See the ‘Custom share indexes’ and ‘Responsible Ownership’ sections of the relevant PDS, Handbook or Member Guide for more information.

Fees listed above include ‘Investment fees and costs’ and ‘Transaction costs’ and exclude ‘Administration fees’. Indicative only based on historical fee and cost data as at 30 June 2026. The amount you’ll pay in future years will depend on the fees and costs incurred by the trustee in managing the investment option. Other fees and costs may apply. Learn more about our fees and costs

Investment objective
To track the return of the Aware Super Custom Index on MSCI World ex-Australia1 (AUD), before fees, costs and tax.
Timeframe

10 years

Minimum suggested investment timeframe

Fees

0.05%

Investment fees and costs and transaction costs

1A custom index that adjusts company weights based on carbon-transition metrics and applies Aware Super’s investment restrictions in relation to tobacco, thermal coal and controversial weapons. See the ‘Custom share indexes’ and ‘Responsible Ownership’ sections of the relevant PDS, Handbook or Member Guide for more information.

Fees listed above include ‘Investment fees and costs’ and ‘Transaction costs’ and exclude ‘Administration fees’. Indicative only based on historical fee and cost data as at 30 June 2026. The amount you’ll pay in future years will depend on the fees and costs incurred by the trustee in managing the investment option. Other fees and costs may apply. Learn more about our fees and costs

Investment objective
To track the return of the Aware Super Custom Index on MSCI World ex-Australia1 (AUD), before fees, costs and tax.
Timeframe

10 years

Minimum suggested investment timeframe

Fees

0.05%

Investment fees and costs and transaction costs

1A custom index that adjusts company weights based on carbon-transition metrics and applies Aware Super’s investment restrictions in relation to tobacco, thermal coal and controversial weapons. See the ‘Custom share indexes’ and ‘Responsible Ownership’ sections of the relevant PDS, Handbook or Member Guide for more information.

Fees listed above include ‘Investment fees and costs’ and ‘Transaction costs’ and exclude ‘Administration fees’. Indicative only based on historical fee and cost data as at 30 June 2026. The amount you’ll pay in future years will depend on the fees and costs incurred by the trustee in managing the investment option. Other fees and costs may apply. Learn more about our fees and costs

Understanding account types

For both of these accounts, you and your employer can make before and after-tax contributions to grow your super, and you can continue to manage your account as your needs change.

  • A Retirement Transition account is for when you still receive a regular income, but you’re ready to reduce your working hours. Use your super savings to pay some of your salary.
  • A Retirement Income account is for when you’ve retired from work. Invest your super in a tax-effective way, while you enjoy regular payments.[M5]
  • A Term Allocated Pension (TAP) invests in the same way as Aware Super Retirement income. The TAP is closed to new members. See the PDS for more information.

Level of risk

Estimated number of negative annual returns over any 20-year period:

6 or more times
Short-term risk

7 - Very High

Short-term risk measures the effect of market ups and downs on your balance, based on the likelihood of a negative annual return in a given year. 

Long-term risk

3 - Low to Medium

Long-term risk is the risk that your investment doesn’t generate enough of a return above inflation over the long term to maintain living standards in retirement. 

Estimated number of negative annual returns over any 20-year period:

6 or more times
Short-term risk

7 - Very High

Short-term risk measures the effect of market ups and downs on your balance, based on the likelihood of a negative annual return in a given year. 

Long-term risk

3 - Low to Medium

Long-term risk is the risk that your investment doesn’t generate enough of a return above inflation over the long term to maintain living standards in retirement. 

Estimated number of negative annual returns over any 20-year period:

6 or more times
Short-term risk

7 - Very High

Short-term risk measures the effect of market ups and downs on your balance, based on the likelihood of a negative annual return in a given year. 

Long-term risk

3 - Low to Medium

Long-term risk is the risk that your investment doesn’t generate enough of a return above inflation over the long term to maintain living standards in retirement. 

What it invests in

Below are the option’s asset allocation targets and ranges.

Asset classTargetRange

International shares

100%

95-100%

Cash

0%

0-5%

Asset classTargetRange

International shares

100%

95-100%

Cash

0%

0-5%

Asset classTargetRange

International shares

100%

95-100%

Cash

0%

0-5%

Diversification helps manage risk

Spreading your super across different types of assets is called diversification. This can help reduce the risk of negative returns. 

Keep in mind that if you choose one or more of the single asset class options, and don’t adequately diversify your investments, you could be exposing your super to greater risk.

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Get all your super questions answered by someone who gets it.[AD2] 4,873 members had check-ins last year to talk through their super options.[AD4]
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Last updated: September 2026

[AD2] Members can get advice about their Aware Super accounts at no extra cost, or advice on their broader needs for a fee.

[AD4] Aware Super data, member super check-ins from December 2024 - November 2025.