Lana Oconnell
International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as any other worker in the country. They can work while studying, provided they have a student visa with work permission. The Australian international student visa (subclass 500) allows students to work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holidays. Students can work part-time, casually, or volunteer. They can also open a bank account and apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) to file tax reports and important government documents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours | Up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time (20 hours a week according to another source) and unlimited hours during holidays |
| Work permission | A student visa with work permission is required to work in Australia. The fee for obtaining both is A$535-A$575. |
| Work rights | International students have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia. |
| Tax | A Tax File Number (TFN) is required to work in Australia. |
| Visa rules | Students must check their visa rules to ensure they are allowed to work. |
| Job opportunities | Part-time, casual, or volunteering positions are available. |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
International students can work in Australia while studying, gaining practical experience and experiencing the local culture. To do so, they must obtain a subclass 500 student visa. This visa allows students to work up to 48 hours every two weeks during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
There are several requirements that must be met to obtain a student visa in Australia. Firstly, students must provide proof of their enrolment in a recognised educational institution, such as a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This confirms that the student is registered for their declared course. Secondly, students must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a certificate of results from an approved English language test. This ensures they meet the minimum language requirements to succeed in their chosen course.
Additionally, health and character requirements must be met. International students must be in good health and may need to undergo a health examination to meet the visa health requirement. They can use the My Health Declaration service to complete any necessary health checks before submitting their application. The character requirement involves answering questions about their character and past conduct. Furthermore, students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay in Australia and provide proof of this insurance with their visa application.
Once in Australia, international students have the same workplace rights and protections as other workers. They can apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and are considered residents for tax purposes if they stay longer than six months. It is important to note that full-time work is not permitted on a student visa, as it exceeds the allowed fortnightly number of hours.
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Work hours and conditions
International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in the country. However, they are subject to work hour restrictions, which vary depending on their visa type and level of study.
Work Hour Restrictions
From 1 July 2023, international students in Australia on a student visa can work up to 48 hours every fortnight (a 14-day period from Monday to Sunday) during term time. This restriction does not apply during holiday breaks, when students can work unlimited hours. Previously, students were restricted to working 20 hours per week while school was in session.
It is important to note that these restrictions apply to both the student and their dependants, if any. Additionally, students must ensure they understand the rules of their specific visa before starting a job, as different visas may have different work conditions and hour restrictions.
Types of Employment
There are three types of employment in Australia: full-time, part-time, and casual work. Full-time employees generally work 38 hours per week and receive benefits such as paid annual and sick leave. Part-time employees work regular hours each week but less than the full-time threshold and receive the same minimum entitlements on a pro-rata basis. Casual work, on the other hand, does not have a fixed number of hours each week. Employees in casual work are entitled to receive a casual loading or specific casual pay rate.
Workplace Rights and Protections
All employees in Australia, regardless of migration status, are entitled to basic rights and protections in the workplace, including minimum pay and conditions. The Fair Work Ombudsman helps enforce these rights and ensures they are protected under Australia's workplace laws. International students can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free information and advice if they have any workplace issues or concerns about their rights, pay, and conditions, without fear of their visa being cancelled.
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Workplace rights
International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in the country. The Fair Work Ombudsman offers a range of free resources and tools, including a Guide to Starting a New Job and the 'Starting a New Job' online course. The Ombudsman can also help if you are having workplace issues, without the risk of your visa being cancelled.
All employees in the national workplace relations system receive basic minimum entitlements known as the National Employment Standards (NES). These include sick and carer's leave, compassionate leave, and family and domestic violence leave. Employees' minimum rights and conditions at work may be set by a legal document like an award, an agreement, or a contract of employment.
As an employee, you have the right to talk about (or not talk about) your current or past pay, and ask other employees to do the same. You also have the right not to be bullied, sexually harassed, or discriminated against at work. If you feel like any of these things are happening to you, you should contact the Fair Work Infoline for assistance.
If you believe you are not receiving your minimum rights and conditions at work, or are having other workplace issues, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free information and advice. The Ombudsman can help you prepare for your new job and ensure your workplace rights and protections are being met.
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Tax obligations
If you're an international student in Australia, you are required to pay tax on your earnings. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) considers you a temporary resident if you're in the country on a student visa. This means that you only need to declare income earned in Australia and any income earned from overseas employment for short periods while you're a temporary resident of Australia. You are not required to declare foreign income earned outside of Australia.
If you've been in Australia for six months or more, you will be considered a resident for tax purposes. This means you'll be taxed at the same rate as other Australians and will have access to the tax-free threshold of $18,200. If you've been a resident for the full tax year, your tax-free threshold is $18,200. If you've only been a resident for part of the year, your threshold may be lower, between $13,859 and $18,200. If your income exceeds the Medicare Levy Threshold of $27,222 (for the 2025 year), you will be charged the Medicare levy when you lodge your tax return.
It's important to note that you must lodge a tax return at the end of the financial year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. The deadline to lodge your tax return and claim your tax refund is October 31. If you don't lodge a tax return, you risk incurring fines and penalties from the ATO and missing out on your tax refund. You can lodge your tax return online, even from outside Australia, and you can still do so after the financial year ends on June 30.
All taxpayers in Australia are required to have a Tax File Number (TFN). You can apply for a TFN through the ATO website or by visiting their office and submitting an application form. You will need to provide bank statements showing interest received, dividend slips showing payments from organisations where you hold shares, and a payment summary from your employer detailing tax withheld and total income earned. If you don't have a TFN, you can still lodge a tax return, but you may be taxed at a higher rate.
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Job search resources
International students in Australia are allowed to work while studying, but there are restrictions on the number of hours they can work. Under the terms of a student visa, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
- University resources: Your university will likely have a range of career support services available to students, including some specifically for international students. These services can include job search support, help with your résumé and applications, and workshops to improve your employability, such as interview and communication skills. Your institution may also organise special career events, such as expos or lectures with employers in your field of study.
- Online job portals: Websites like SEEK, Indeed, Grad Connection, and Stack Overflow list job opportunities and can be a great way to find employment. SEEK, in particular, also offers jobs specifically for international students.
- Social media platforms: LinkedIn is a business and employment-focused social media platform that is excellent for networking and discovering new roles. It can help you connect with potential employers and professionals in your industry, as well as stay up-to-date with job postings.
- Career fairs and professional networks: Attend career fairs and engage with professional networks in your industry. This can help you learn about job opportunities and make valuable connections.
- Internships: Many universities provide referrals for internships for their students. Internships can provide valuable work experience and help you build connections in your field.
- Work experience: Completing work experience during your course can make your application stand out to employers. It demonstrates your interest in the field and shows that you have already gained relevant skills.
- Networking: Stay connected with your classmates and instructors, as they may have connections to potential employers and can recommend you for opportunities. Joining clubs and societies on campus, particularly those related to your course, can also help you expand your network.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in Australia, but they must obtain a student visa with work permission.
You can apply for a student visa online, in person, or by post. The visa application fee is currently A$535. You will need a confirmation of enrollment issued by an Australian educational institution.
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holidays.
International students have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia. If you think you are not being treated fairly, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help.
There are several online career portals, such as SEEK and Indeed, where you can find job opportunities. LinkedIn is also a great platform for networking and discovering new roles. You can also seek help from your university's careers and employability centre.
