Working In Australia: Opportunities For International Students

International students in Australia can work part-time or casually to supplement their finances while studying. To do so, they must obtain a student visa with work permission, which costs A$535-575. Students can then work up to 20-48 hours every two weeks while studying and unlimited hours during study breaks. International students have the same workplace rights and protections as other workers in Australia. To work in Australia, international students must also obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) and pay income tax if they live in the country for more than six months.

Student visa requirements

International students in Australia holding a subclass 500 student visa are allowed to work part-time alongside their studies. This is a great way to gain practical experience, get a taste of the local culture, and manage finances.

• Visa holders are allowed to work up to 48 hours every two weeks (fortnight) during their studies. This equates to 24 hours per week.
• During study breaks, there is no limit to the number of hours a student can work.
• Students must not start working before their course of study begins.
• Visa holders must check their ImmiAccount to find out their specific visa conditions. Rules may vary depending on the type of employment and the state. It is important to check local authority or student institution guidelines for state-specific opportunities and requirements.
• Students must ensure they do not exceed the number of hours they are legally allowed to work. This could result in severe consequences, including visa cancellation and deportation.
• Students must pay tax and superannuation.
• Students can use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to learn more about their rights, pay, and conditions.
• Students can also seek support from their university for help with finding jobs and understanding work regulations.

It is important to note that international students have the same workplace rights as anyone else working in Australia.

Work hours and restrictions

International students in Australia must hold a student visa with work permission to take up part-time jobs alongside their studies. Students with a subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (or 24 hours a week) during academic terms and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. Working more than 48 hours in a fortnight during term time could result in visa cancellation and deportation. Students should also be aware of any industry-specific rules, such as in aged care, which may require more work hours when demand is high.

Before applying for jobs, international students should check their visa or scholarship conditions to ensure they meet all requirements. It is also important to be aware of your workplace rights and how much you should be paid. The Fair Work Ombudsman is a government agency that offers free advice and information about your rights at work. Australia has minimum wage laws to ensure fair pay for all workers, including international students. The Fairwork Government website provides information on workplace rights.

To work in Australia, you must obtain a Tax File Number (TFN). This is your unique numerical identifier for all tax purposes while you work. You can apply for a TFN online if you are a visa holder with work rights. Students will need their name, address, date of birth, passport, date of arrival, and proof of enrollment in school. If you live in Australia for longer than six months, you will be considered a resident for tax purposes and will be required to pay income tax and submit a tax return at the end of the financial year.

There are many ways for international students to find casual or part-time work in Australia, including online career portals such as SEEK and Indeed, business and employment-focused social media platforms like LinkedIn, and university career centres. Volunteering is also an option for gaining experience, building skills, and expanding your network.

Tax and superannuation

As an international student in Australia, you will need to understand your tax and superannuation obligations. If you are on a course that lasts less than six months and you do not plan to work, you may not need a Tax File Number (TFN). However, if you are studying and working in Australia for longer than six months, you will be considered a resident for tax purposes and will need to apply for a TFN. This is a unique code used by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to identify you for tax purposes. You can apply for a TFN for free via the ATO website, and you will need to provide documentation such as your passport and proof of enrolment.

As an international student, you are required to pay income tax in Australia. If you are employed, your employer will deduct tax from your pay before you receive it. If you are self-employed, you will need to pay tax on your income yourself. You will also need to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most goods and services you buy, such as groceries and haircuts. However, certain things are exempt from GST, such as international flights and tuition costs.

In addition to tax, you will also need to consider superannuation, often called 'super'. This is a form of retirement savings, and your employer is required to pay you superannuation on top of your salary if you earn more than $450 per month. You cannot withdraw this money until you retire, turn 65, or leave the country permanently. If you are self-employed, you can choose whether to contribute to a superannuation fund.

At the end of the financial year, you will need to lodge a tax return with the ATO. This is a form that can be lodged online or on paper. The ATO will check the amount of tax you have paid against the rate you should be paying and will either give you a refund or ask you to pay more if you have not paid enough. You may also be eligible for a refund of your superannuation when you leave Australia.

Work rights and protections

International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as everyone else working in the country. The Fair Work Ombudsman is a government agency that offers free advice and information about your rights at work. It is important to be aware of your working rights, including how much you should be paid and what to expect from your working conditions.

As an international student, you will need a student visa with work permission to work in Australia. You can apply for this online, in person, or by post. The fee for obtaining both a student visa and work permission is A$575, and you can begin working as soon as your classes begin. Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours a week) during the academic session and unlimited hours during the holiday breaks. Working more than 48 hours in a fortnight during term time could result in your visa being revoked.

In addition to obtaining a visa, you must obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) to work or open a bank account in Australia. Your TFN is confidential and used for tax purposes. You can apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) when you arrive in the country. If you live in Australia for longer than six months, you will be considered a resident for tax purposes and will need to pay income tax and submit a tax return at the end of the financial year. As an international student, you will likely receive a refund when you file your tax return.

It is important to be aware of minimum wage regulations to ensure you are receiving the correct pay for the work you do. By law, your employer must pay a minimum of 11.5% of your earnings into your superannuation account, or 'super', as it is commonly called in Australia. In most cases, you can access your super when you permanently leave Australia.

Job search

As an international student in Australia, you can work casually, part-time, or as a volunteer. You can generate some extra income while studying and gaining practical work experience.

Visa and TFN

Before you start applying for jobs, ensure that you have a valid visa with work permission. You can apply for a student visa online, in person, or by post. You must pay a fee of A$575 to obtain both a student visa and work permission. Once you have a visa, you can start applying for jobs. However, it is recommended that you apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) before starting a job. You can apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) after arriving in Australia. Your TFN is required for tax purposes, and you will need to provide your passport details to complete the application.

Job Portals

There are several online career portals where you can search for job opportunities, such as SEEK, Indeed, and LinkedIn. These platforms provide a wide range of job listings, allowing you to find positions that suit your needs and schedule. Additionally, you can explore university career services, such as the UWA Careers and Employability Centre and Uni Hub, which offer job listings, workshops, and tools to assist you in finding suitable employment or volunteering opportunities.

Resume and Cover Letter

When applying for jobs, you will need a well-prepared resume or CV that outlines your skills and experience. Many employers also require a personalised cover letter or selection criteria statement as part of the application process. It is important to tailor your application to each role and highlight how your skills and qualifications match the job requirements.

Working Hours

As an international student, your working hours will be limited. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours per week) during the academic term. However, during scheduled course breaks, you can work unlimited hours. It is crucial to keep track of your working hours to ensure you do not exceed the permitted limit, as violating work conditions can lead to serious consequences, including visa cancellation and deportation.

Workplace Rights and Minimum Wage

As an international student worker in Australia, you have the same workplace rights and protections as other workers in the country. The Fair Work Ombudsman is a government agency that provides free advice and information about your rights, including minimum wage regulations. Australia has minimum wage laws to ensure fair pay for all workers, and it is important to familiarise yourself with these regulations to ensure you receive correct compensation for your work.

Finding part-time or casual work as an international student in Australia involves understanding the visa requirements, job search platforms, and your rights as a worker. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively navigate the job market and secure suitable employment opportunities during your studies in Australia.

Frequently asked questions