Working In Australia: Opportunities For International Students

International students in Australia can work part-time, which is great for contributing to the community, making friends, and earning extra money to pay for the high costs of studying in the country. To work in Australia, international students must obtain a student visa with work permission, which costs A$575. Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (or 24 hours a week) while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Students must also apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) and will be considered a resident for tax purposes if they live in Australia for longer than six months.

Student visa and work permission

International students in Australia can work part-time, which is fortunate considering the high cost of studying in the country. Working part-time gives students the chance to contribute to the community, make new friends, and earn extra money to pay costs. However, it is important to check your visa status beforehand to make sure you are permitted to work.

To work in Australia as an international student, you must have a student visa with work permission. The fee for obtaining both is A$575. You can apply online, in person, or by post. The process for each is slightly different. To apply online, you must first contact your education provider electronically to inform them that you have begun your course. Then, allow at least an hour for this information to be transferred into the department's system.

Students studying in Australia under a student visa are allowed to work up to 24 hours a week during the regular study term, with unlimited hours during holidays. This is a change from pre-pandemic times, when international students could work up to 20 hours per week. It is important to stay updated on any changes in regulations affecting international students.

If you begin work before your classes start, or if you exceed the 24-hour-a-week limit, your student visa may be revoked. To continue being permitted to work part-time, you must also uphold a high academic performance by attending all classes and passing all exams.

Tax File Number

In order to work or open a bank account in Australia, you must obtain a Tax File Number (TFN). This will be your unique numerical identifier for all tax purposes while you work. Your TFN is confidential, and you are only issued one in your lifetime. You can apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) once you arrive in Australia. If you live in Australia longer than six months, you will be considered a resident for tax purposes and will be required to pay income tax and be eligible to 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.

Working hours

International students in Australia can work while studying, which can be a great way to experience the local culture and connect with the community. There are three types of employment in Australia: full-time work, part-time work, and casual work. The type of employment an international student chooses will determine their working hours, rates of pay, breaks, and entitlements.

Part-time employees work consistent, set hours each week and enjoy benefits such as paid annual and sick leave, similar to full-time employees but on a pro-rata basis. This type of employment is popular in industries such as retail, hospitality, and office administration, where predictable hours can align well with study schedules.

Casual work means there is no fixed number of hours each week. Casual employees receive a higher hourly pay rate but are not entitled to paid sick leave or annual leave. This type of employment offers flexibility, allowing students to adjust their work hours around academic commitments.

From 1 July 2023, international students on a student visa are restricted to working up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. A fortnight is calculated as a 14-day period starting on a Monday. Postgraduate research students on a student visa can work unlimited hours during their studies. It is important to note that international students have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia.

Workplace rights

International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in the country. The Fair Work Ombudsman is a government agency that offers free advice and information about workplace rights. They also help regulate workplaces to ensure that everyone's rights are protected and enforced fairly under Australia's workplace laws.

The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a range of free resources and tools, including a Guide to Starting a New Job and the 'Starting a New Job' online course. They can also help with workplace issues, such as not receiving the right pay or other entitlements, without the risk of your visa being cancelled. For instance, if you believe you are not receiving your minimum rights and conditions at work, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help. They can also help you increase your awareness of workplace rights, including busting common workplace myths.

All employees in the national workplace relations system receive basic minimum entitlements known as the National Employment Standards (NES). This includes sick and carer's leave, compassionate leave, and family and domestic violence leave. It is important to note that only certain NES entitlements apply to casual employees. Employees' minimum rights and conditions at work may be set by a legal document like an award, an agreement, or a contract of employment.

In addition, Australia has minimum wage laws to ensure fair pay for all workers, including international students. The minimum wage is regularly reviewed and adjusted to reflect changes in the cost of living. It is important to familiarise yourself with minimum wage regulations to ensure you receive the correct pay for the work you do. By law, your employer must also pay a minimum of 11.5% of your earnings into your superannuation account, commonly known as 'super'.

Other general workplace protections that all employees have include the right to not be bullied, sexually harassed, or discriminated against at work. You have the right to talk about (or not talk about) your current or past pay and to ask other employees to do the same.

Tax File Number (TFN)

International students in Australia are allowed to work, but they must obtain a student visa with work permission. Students studying in Australia under a student visa are allowed to work up to 24 hours a week during the regular study term and unlimited hours during holidays.

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique 9-digit number issued to you by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to administer tax and other Australian Government systems. It is one of your most important forms of identification in Australia and is kept confidential. You are only issued one in your lifetime, and it is used to file tax reports and important government documents.

Although it is not compulsory for international students to have a TFN, it is highly advisable. This is because, without a TFN, 45% to 46.5% of your wages will be withheld as tax. You may also miss out on other benefits of the Australian tax system, such as tax offsets and the tax-free threshold.

To apply for a TFN, you must be in Australia and have a valid visa. You can apply for your TFN online through the ATO website, at an Australian post office, or through your employer. The application is free and relatively straightforward. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, passport, date of arrival, and proof of enrollment in school. You will receive your TFN by mail within 28 days.

Job opportunities

As an international student in Australia, you can work part-time, casually, or as a volunteer. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (or 24 hours a week) during the regular study term and unlimited hours during holidays. It's important to note that you can only begin working after your studies officially start. To continue working part-time, you must maintain good academic performance.

There are many job opportunities available for international students in Australia. You can find part-time or casual work in various industries, including administration, agriculture, retail, tourism, tutoring, and sales. You might also find employment opportunities on your school campus, such as working as a student ambassador or in the international office. Networking with friends, teachers, and support staff can help you learn about potential job openings. Additionally, you can attend workshops and support sessions organised by your institution's International Customer Experience Coordinator.

Online career portals like SEEK and Indeed are excellent resources for finding job opportunities. LinkedIn is another valuable platform for networking and discovering new roles. You can also utilise university services, such as the UWA Careers and Employability Centre, which can assist you in finding suitable job opportunities and provide advice on the application process.

When considering employment, it's essential to understand your working rights in Australia. International students have the same workplace rights and protections as other workers in the country. The Fair Work Ombudsman is a government agency that offers free advice and information about your rights at work, including minimum wage regulations. Australia has a high minimum wage, and it is regularly reviewed and adjusted to reflect the cost of living.

Before applying for jobs, ensure that you have an up-to-date resume or CV detailing your skills and experience. Many job applications also require a personalised cover letter or selection criteria statement. Additionally, check your visa conditions to ensure you are eligible to work and are aware of any restrictions or requirements.

Frequently asked questions