Working In Australia: Part-Time Opportunities For International Students

International students in Australia can work part-time while studying, earning an average of AUD 15 to 25 per hour. Students on a visa are allowed to work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holidays. Part-time work is a great way for international students to gain valuable experience, build their skill set, and immerse themselves in Australian culture. There are plenty of job opportunities across various sectors, including hospitality, retail, tourism, and data entry. Students can find part-time jobs through online portals such as SEEK, Indeed, and LinkedIn or through their university's career services.

Student visa work limits

International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in the country. However, they must adhere to certain work limits depending on their visa type.

Student visas typically allow international students to work up to 48 hours every fortnight (a period of 14 days starting on a Monday and ending on the Sunday of the following week) during term time. This equates to around 20 hours per week. During scheduled course breaks, there is no limit on the number of hours a student can work. It is important to note that these limits apply only once the course has commenced, and any work undertaken before this will not be permitted.

Working Holiday Visas

Working holiday visas offer greater flexibility, allowing full-time work for any employer.

Skilled Worker Visas

Work limitations for skilled worker visas may vary depending on the specific visa type. It is always advisable to check with the Department of Home Affairs for the latest regulations.

Volunteering

Volunteering work does not count towards permitted working hours, and there are various online platforms and university services that can help international students find suitable volunteering opportunities.

Workplace rights

International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in the country. The Fair Work Ombudsman ensures that these rights are protected and enforced under Australia's workplace laws.

The Australian Government provides a range of free resources and tools to help international students prepare for their new jobs. These include the 'Guide to Starting a New Job' and the 'Starting a New Job' online course. The Fair Work Ombudsman can also help international students understand their workplace rights and assist them with workplace issues without fear of their visa being cancelled.

International students on a student visa are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and full-time during holidays. It is important to check your visa rules and ensure you are allowed to work before starting a job. Student visas may allow up to 20 hours of work per week during semesters and full-time work during breaks.

As a casual employee, you are not entitled to any paid leave, including sick leave and annual leave. As a part-time employee, you will have a permanent position with a set number of hours per week and paid leave entitlements.

All employees in Australia have basic rights and protections in the workplace, including minimum pay and conditions. These rights are set out in the National Employment Standards (NES), which cover areas such as sick and carer's leave, compassionate leave, and family and domestic violence leave. Employees also have the right to pay secrecy, meaning they can choose to discuss or not discuss their pay with others. Additionally, all employees have the right to be free from bullying, sexual harassment, or discrimination in the workplace.

Job search platforms

International students in Australia are allowed to work part-time, and there are several job search platforms that can help them find suitable employment opportunities. Here are some popular job search platforms and resources for international students seeking part-time work in Australia:

Online Job Portals:

• SEEK and Indeed: These are well-known online career portals that offer a wide range of job opportunities, including part-time, casual, and volunteering positions.
• LinkedIn: With a large user base in Australia, LinkedIn is ideal for networking and discovering new roles. It allows you to connect with professionals, alumni, and industry insiders.

• University Career Services: Many Australian universities offer career services and job search assistance specifically tailored to international students. These services may include access to part-time job listings, career guidance, and support with resume and cover letter preparation. Examples include the UWA Careers and Employability Centre and Uni Hub, which offers both job listings and career development resources.
• Recruitment Agencies: Reputable recruitment agencies, such as Robert Half, Randstad Australia, Adecco Australia, Kelly Services, Peoplebank, and Hudson, can provide personalised career guidance and access to various part-time job listings across different industries. They understand the unique needs and schedule constraints of students.
• Online Classifieds and Local Job Boards: These platforms often list part-time roles in industries such as retail, hospitality, tutoring, and administrative support. They are worth exploring as they may include opportunities with flexible schedules.
• Industry-Specific Platforms: Consider joining industry-specific groups and online communities related to your field of interest. Engaging in discussions on these platforms can help you showcase your expertise and establish a professional presence.

When using these job search platforms, remember to tailor your resume or CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences. A well-written cover letter that showcases your interest and personality can also enhance your application. Additionally, always check your visa conditions to ensure you are compliant with any work limitations during your studies in Australia.

Part-time job options

International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as everyone else in the country. They can work part-time, casually, or volunteer. Student visas allow up to 20 hours of work per week or 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and full-time work during breaks.

There are plenty of ways to find a job that suits your needs and schedule while studying at university. Online career portals like SEEK, Indeed, and Uni Hub are great places to start looking for part-time, casual, or volunteering opportunities. LinkedIn is another platform that can be used for networking and discovering new roles.

Some of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Australia for international students include:

• Hospitality: cafes, bars, and restaurants are always looking for energetic staff. You can work as a bartender, barista, or waiter.
• Retail: you can find jobs in supermarkets, clothing stores, or high-end boutiques.
• Tourism: tour guides are in demand, and the work will allow you to explore the country yourself.
• Data entry: these jobs tend to be more flexible and can be done remotely.
• Babysitting: if you enjoy spending time with children, this can be a well-paying job.
• Personal driver: if you have a vehicle and enjoy driving, you can work as a personal driver or sign up for Uber.
• Tutor: you can help students with their homework and assignments.
• Travel agent: if you enjoy planning trips and sharing your travel experiences, this can be a rewarding job.

Part-time work in Australia offers international students additional benefits beyond earning extra money. It allows you to gain valuable experience, build your skillset, and make connections with locals. It's also a great way to immerse yourself in Australian culture and gain insider knowledge about the country.

Income and expenses

International students in Australia can work part-time during their studies, but it is important to understand the rules set by the government to stay compliant with your visa conditions. Students on a student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term. During official semester breaks, you are allowed to work full-time hours.

Part-time work can help international students manage their expenses, but it may not fully cover tuition fees. Income from part-time work can be used to support living costs like rent, food, and transport.

Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world, at AUD 23.23 per hour (2023). This means your time is valued, even in entry-level roles. The highest-paying part-time jobs for international students are in hospitality, tourism, data entry, and retail.

Popular roles for international students include:

• Cashier, sales assistant, or stock organizer in supermarkets, malls, or local shops.
• Waitstaff, barista, kitchen helper, or bartender in cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
• Delivery driver for food or parcels through platforms like Uber Eats or DoorDash.
• Tutor for school or university students.

To find a part-time job in Australia, you can use online career portals like SEEK, Indeed, and Gumtree, or specialized platforms like Jora or Backpacker Job Board. Most universities also have career offices that post part-time job openings, including on-campus roles.

Frequently asked questions