
Australia is a popular destination for international students due to its world-class education system, rich culture, and ample employment opportunities. International students in Australia can legally work up to 40 hours every fortnight during the academic year and full-time during holidays. The diverse job market offers numerous part-time job opportunities, including on-campus jobs such as teaching or research assistant positions, and off-campus jobs such as customer service or retail roles. International students can also work from home or take on online jobs, including freelancing. The amount of money international students can earn depends on factors such as the type of work, hours worked, and industry. Australia's high living costs may influence students' decisions to work while studying, and they must ensure they comply with visa requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours | Up to 40 hours every fortnight during the academic year; full-time during holidays |
| Minimum wage | AUD 378.60 per week; AUD 21.38 per hour for retail and hospitality |
| Visa | Student visa |
| Job types | On-campus: peer tutor, teaching assistant, library assistant, customer service, etc. Off-campus: customer service, retail, hospitality, administrative, office, etc. |
| Other opportunities | Scholarships, stipends, freelancing, tutoring |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Working in retail or hospitality
Retail jobs
Retail jobs are abundant in Australia, with many major retailers and supermarkets offering a variety of shifts across different locations. Students can work in supermarkets, clothing stores, electronic stores, and more. The hourly minimum pay for retail positions is AUD 21.38, but some companies may offer higher wages based on experience and qualifications.
To find a retail job, it is recommended to apply online through the retailer's website. Most retailers don't accept walk-in applicants. You will need to create a profile, upload your resume and cover letter, and answer some questions. Networking is also a great way to find retail jobs, as many positions are filled through references.
Hospitality jobs
Hospitality jobs are also in high demand in Australia, offering flexibility and the opportunity to improve customer service skills. Popular positions include baristas, waitstaff, kitchen assistants, concierges, and housekeepers. The minimum wage in the hospitality industry is $24.10 per hour, with casual workers earning a higher salary.
To get a job in hospitality, it is recommended to walk around with copies of your resume and look for 'help wanted' signs. Personal interactions are important, so try to engage directly with managers or owners and highlight any customer-related experience you have. Many jobs are filled by word of mouth, so let people know you're looking for work.
General tips
When looking for work in Australia, it is important to have a valid visa that allows you to work the desired number of hours. Student visas have specific work hour restrictions, so ensure you are compliant with the regulations. Additionally, some jobs may require specific certifications, such as a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate for working in establishments serving alcohol. It is also important to research the job, average salary, and visa validity before applying.
International Students at LSU: A Thriving Community
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$26.03 $35.95

Applying for scholarships
Australia is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education and the possibility for students to work while studying. International students in Australia can work up to 40 hours every fortnight during the academic year and are allowed to work full-time during the holidays.
One way for international students to make money while studying in Australia is to apply for scholarships. Scholarships are a great way to help fund your education and reduce your financial burden. Here are some tips for applying for scholarships as an international student in Australia:
- Research scholarship opportunities: Start by researching the different scholarship opportunities offered by the Australian government, universities, and private organizations. The Australian government offers prestigious and competitive scholarships such as the Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) and the Australia for ASEAN scholarships. Universities in Australia, such as the University of Adelaide, also offer various scholarships for international students based on academic merit or other criteria.
- Understand the eligibility criteria: Different scholarships have different eligibility requirements. Some scholarships may be targeted towards students from specific countries or regions, while others may focus on academic excellence, financial need, or extracurricular achievements. Read the eligibility criteria carefully to determine if you meet the requirements before applying.
- Prepare your application: Gather all the necessary documents and information required for your application. This may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and proof of financial need. Take the time to craft well-written and thoughtful essays or statements that highlight your strengths, achievements, and how you meet the scholarship criteria.
- Apply early and follow instructions: Start your scholarship applications early to ensure you don't miss any deadlines. Follow the application instructions carefully, as missing or incomplete applications may not be considered. Pay attention to any specific requirements or formats requested by the scholarship provider.
- Explore university-specific scholarships: In addition to government and external scholarships, many universities in Australia offer their own scholarships for international students. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or targeted towards specific programs or areas of study. Contact the admissions team or international office at your university of interest to inquire about scholarship opportunities and how to apply.
- Consider renewable or ongoing scholarships: Some scholarships are one-time awards, while others may be renewable or offered on an ongoing basis. Renewable scholarships typically require maintaining a certain academic standard or fulfilling specific requirements to continue receiving the award. Ongoing scholarships may provide funding for multiple years of your degree program.
By following these steps and staying informed about scholarship opportunities, international students can increase their chances of securing financial support through scholarships to help fund their studies in Australia. Remember to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship, as these can vary.
International Students: Can They Work for Amazon?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$9.5 $17.99

Working as a freelancer
International students in Australia can work up to 40 hours every fortnight during the academic year and full-time during the holidays. Working while studying can help students gain work experience and supplement their income.
One way international students in Australia can make money is by working as a freelancer. A freelancer is a self-employed person who provides services to multiple businesses at once. As a freelancer, you can charge clients per project, by the hour, or a daily flat rate. This means that you are selling your skills, so it's important to identify what skills you have that could be useful to businesses.
For example, if you are multilingual, you could offer translation services. Other common types of freelance work include writing and coding. You can find freelance work through various online platforms.
Before starting as a freelancer in Australia, you will need an ABN (Australian Business Number). It's also important to research the average salary and visa validity for the type of work you want to do. Remember that working more hours than you are permitted may result in adverse effects, including visa cancellation and deportation.
Studying Part-Time: Options for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products

On-campus jobs
To find on-campus job opportunities, you can check job boards at your university or websites like Seek.com.au. You can also visit your university's careers service for help with finding on-campus jobs, updating your resume, and preparing for applications and interviews.
There are various types of on-campus jobs that you can consider:
- Retail and hospitality: These jobs are often flexible and can be found on campus, such as working at a cafe or bookstore. The hourly minimum pay for these positions is AUD 21.38, but certain firms might provide better pay based on experience and qualifications.
- Administrative and office positions: These include roles such as customer service agents, data entry clerks, and receptionists. The average hourly wage for these positions is between AUD 22 and AUD 35.
- Tutoring: If you have knowledge in a particular subject or speak a second language, you can consider tutoring secondary school students or teaching languages. International students working full-time as tutors can earn between AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,000 per week.
- Contract work: You can take on short-term contract work, such as temping, data entry, or receptionist duties.
Remember to be mindful of your visa conditions and working hour restrictions. As an international student with a Student Visa (subclass 500), you are typically allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks while studying and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
Italy Welcomes International Students: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$9.33 $15.99

Off-campus jobs
The retail and hospitality industries are popular choices for international students, as they offer flexible hours and a minimum hourly wage of AUD 21.38. Jobs in these sectors include retail assistant, customer service associate, and similar roles in shops, restaurants, and cafes. Some companies may even offer higher pay based on experience and qualifications.
Administrative and office positions are also options for international students. These roles can include customer service agents, data entry clerks, and receptionists. The hourly pay rate for these positions can range from AUD 21.38 to AUD 30, depending on the specific role and the company.
It's important to note that working off-campus may come with additional challenges for international students. Language barriers and visa constraints might make it difficult to find employers who are willing to hire international students. Additionally, some industries may be more competitive than others. Proper research about the job, average salary, visa validity, and other norms before applying for a job is imperative.
Freelancing is another off-campus option for international students, especially those with language skills other than English. Translation services are in demand, and students can leverage their multilingual abilities to find work. Online tutoring is also an option for those with specific skill sets in certain areas of study. As a freelancer, you can charge clients per project, by the hour, or a daily flat rate.
Housing's Impact on International Students' Academic Success
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
International students in Australia can work up to 40 hours every fortnight during the academic year and full-time during the holidays.
International students in Australia can work on-campus jobs such as peer tutoring, teaching or library assistant, or off-campus jobs such as customer service, retail or administrative roles. There are also online jobs or work-from-home opportunities, including freelancing.
It is important to research the job market, average salary, visa validity and other norms before applying for a job. Some employers may be reluctant to hire international students due to language barriers or visa constraints, so it is essential to be aware of these potential challenges. Additionally, international students can explore scholarships and other financial support opportunities offered by Australian universities.











































