Douglas Olsen
International students in Australia are allowed to work, but they must have a student visa with work permission. The visa fee is currently A$535, and students can work up to 48 hours every two weeks while studying and unlimited hours during study breaks. Students can work part-time, casually, or volunteer, which is a great way to gain practical experience, get a taste of the local culture, and supplement their finances. To work in Australia, international students must also obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) and understand their workplace rights, which are the same as for anyone else working in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa fee | A$535-A$575 |
| Work permission | Included with visa |
| Work hours during term time | 20 hours per week or 48 hours per fortnight |
| Work hours during holidays | Unlimited |
| Work hours for family members on the student visa | 20 hours per week |
| Work hours for family members of graduate students | Unlimited |
| Work type | Part-time, casual, or volunteering |
| Tax File Number (TFN) | Required for working and opening a bank account |
| Tax refund | Likely |
| Resume/CV | Required for job applications |
| Cover letter | May be required for job applications |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
International students in Australia can work while studying, with access to a wide range of options for building networks and gaining valuable industry experience. International students have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia.
To apply for a student visa (subclass 500), you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be enrolled in a full-time course at a recognised educational institution.
- You must provide proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. This is a mandatory requirement, and your visa application will be refused without it.
- You may need to undergo a health examination to meet the student visa health requirement. You can use the My Health Declaration service to complete any required health examinations.
- There are certain character requirements that you must meet. Your application will include basic questions about your character and past conduct.
- You must provide proof of English language proficiency. As Australian educational courses are taught in English, you may need to supply a certificate of results from an approved English language test.
- You must include a copy of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in your application so that the Australian Government has proof that you are registered for your declared course.
- You must meet all student visa requirements if you change your course from a higher education degree to a vocational education and training course.
You can apply for a student visa online using ImmiAccount. You do not need an agent to lodge your application, but you can seek assistance from a registered migration agent or a legal practitioner.
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$8.99
Work hours and conditions
International students in Australia are allowed to work while studying, but they must have a student visa with work permission. The fee for obtaining both a student visa and work permission in Australia is A$575, and students can begin working as soon as their classes start.
There are three types of employment in Australia: full-time, part-time, and casual work. Full-time work is not permitted for international students as it exceeds the fortnightly number of hours allowed. As a casual employee, you are not entitled to any paid leave, including sick leave and annual leave. Casual work means there is no fixed number of hours per week, and the hours can be flexible around university study. As a part-time employee, you have a permanent position with a set number of hours per week and paid leave entitlements. Part-time work can also be scheduled around a semester timetable.
Students studying in Australia under a student visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time, with unlimited hours during holidays. From 1 July 2023, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time, with unlimited hours during holiday breaks. However, this does not apply to PhD and master's by research students. Volunteering work does not count towards the permitted working hours.
To work in Australia, international students must obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The TFN is used for tax purposes and is required to open a bank account and file tax returns. International students will likely receive a refund when filing their tax returns.
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Workplace rights
International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in the country. These rights are protected and enforced by Australia's workplace laws, and the Fair Work Ombudsman, a government agency, helps regulate workplaces.
As an international student, you may get a part-time or casual job to help pay your living expenses while studying. Part-time work offers a permanent position with a set number of hours per week and paid leave entitlements. Casual work, on the other hand, does not require a fixed number of hours per week and offers flexibility, but no paid leave. Full-time work is not permitted for international students as it exceeds the allowed fortnightly number of hours. From 1 July 2023, international students can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time (excluding PhD and Master's by research students) and unlimited hours during holiday breaks.
All employees in Australia have basic rights and protections in the workplace, including minimum pay and conditions. These minimum rights and conditions may be set by a legal document such as an award, agreement, or contract of employment. The National Employment Standards (NES) outline the basic minimum entitlements for all employees in the national workplace relations system, and certain NES entitlements apply to casual employees. You can use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to learn more about your pay and conditions.
You have the right to discuss your pay with others and ask about their pay, as well as the right to not disclose your pay if you choose. Additionally, you have the right to be free from bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination in the workplace. If you feel your rights are not being respected, you can talk to your employer or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and support.
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Tax and superannuation
As an international student in Australia, you are required to pay tax and receive superannuation payments. If you are enrolled in a course that lasts longer than six months, you will be considered a resident for tax purposes and will be taxed at the same rate as all other Australian residents. This means that you will be entitled to the benefits of the Australian tax system, such as the tax-free threshold of $18,200. If you earn less than this amount in a year, you may not need to lodge a tax return. However, if you did pay tax, you should lodge a return as you will likely be eligible for a refund.
If you are a non-resident, you will still need to lodge a tax return, but you will not be entitled to the tax-free threshold and will be taxed at a higher rate. In addition, as a non-resident, you will not be charged the Medicare levy and will not need to apply for a Medicare Entitlement Statement (MES).
In general, there are two ways international students pay tax in Australia: via GST and income tax. GST, or Goods and Services Tax, is a 10% tax applied to purchased items such as groceries, haircuts, and textbooks. Income tax is a tax on your earnings, which is usually deducted from your pay by your employer. If you are self-employed, you will need to pay tax on your income yourself.
Superannuation, often called 'super', is a form of retirement savings. If you are employed, your employer is required to make contributions to your superannuation fund, which you can access when you retire or permanently leave Australia. If you earn more than $450 per month, your employer must contribute 9.5% of your basic earnings to your superannuation fund. If you are self-employed, you can decide whether to contribute to your retirement fund.
To pay tax in Australia, you will need a Tax File Number (TFN), which is a unique code used by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) to identify you. You can apply for a TFN for free via the ATO website. When you lodge a tax return, the ATO will compare the amount of tax you have paid with the amount you should have paid. You may then receive a refund or be asked to pay more to make up the difference.
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Job search resources
International students in Australia can work while studying, gaining valuable industry experience and extra income. However, there are specific working hour restrictions and visa requirements that must be adhered to. International students can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks.
- University resources: Your university will likely have a range of career support services, including help with job searches, CV and application advice, and interview preparation workshops. They may also host career events, expos, and lectures with employers. These services can provide valuable guidance and industry connections.
- Online job portals: Websites like SEEK, Indeed, and Grad Connection offer a wide range of job opportunities for international students in Australia. SEEK, in particular, provides information on international student jobs and the required work visas.
- Social media and networking: LinkedIn is a valuable tool for networking and discovering new roles. It allows you to connect with professionals, expand your network, and learn about job opportunities. Additionally, joining clubs and societies on campus can help you build connections and increase your chances of hearing about potential job openings.
- Career centres: The UWA Careers and Employability Centre assists students in finding jobs that suit their lifestyles and provides advice on applications. Similar career centres may be available at other universities, offering guidance and resources for international students seeking employment.
- Internships: Many universities provide referrals for internships, which can be a great way to gain experience and build a network. Websites like Tinker Academy and Stack Overflow also offer internship opportunities for students.
- Industry-specific websites: Websites like Glassdoor provide insights into specific industries and companies, allowing you to research local industries and salary information. This can help you target your job search effectively.
- Visa and residency options: Understanding your visa requirements and options is crucial. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection's website provides information on extending your stay and applying for work visas.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in Australia, but they must obtain a student visa with work permission.
International students in Australia can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holidays.
First, you must be accepted into an Australian educational institute. Then, apply for a student visa online, in person, or by post. After receiving your visa, you can apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
