Working Part-Time in Australia: A Guide for International Students

Working part-time in Australia as international students can help you pay your tuition fees and personal bills. However, finding a part-time job that suits your schedule and not too far from your hostel can be a challenging task. Not to mention acclimating to Australia’s cultures, people and work rights can feel like embarking on a journey of its own with challenges and opportunities.    And even after you’ve learnt all the Australian employment laws, found a well-paying job just a few blocks from where you live, you still need to work towards work-life balance. Are you one of these international students looking to work part-time in Australia but don’t know where to start?   Don’t worry, this guide is crafted with you in mind. Whether you’re seeking to bolster your resume, gain valuable skills, or simply make ends meet, let’s embark on this journey together and unlock the doors to fulfilling work experiences Down Under.   Let’s first go through a few key details about working part-time in Australia for International Students: 

 

⦁ Student visa holders are restricted to 48 hours of work a fortnight while their course is in session.

 

⦁ There are no work restrictions for international students when their course of study or training is not in session.

 

⦁ You can find work through various channels such as your education provider’s career service, job notice boards, and online job portals.

 

⦁ Most students find part-time jobs in hospitality and retail, aged care and supply chain industries.

 

⦁ It’s important to balance your work and study commitments to ensure your academic performance isn’t affected due to work pressures.

 

⦁ Always check your visa status to ensure you are eligible to work while studying.

 

 

Here are some ways international students can search for a job in Australia:

 

Utilise popular job portals such as Seek, Indeed, Jora, and LinkedIn to search for vacancies near your University or hostel. These platforms list a wide range of job openings, both full-time and part-time and offer filtering options to suit your requirements.

 

Many universities, colleges and schools also organise job-related events like webinars, workshops, talks, and career fairs that you can join to find part-time work in Australia.

 

Building a personal and professional network can be very beneficial. This could involve talking to people, attending events, or joining professional associations. It can help you connect with experts in your field and increase your chances of finding a suitable job.

 

Some students also find jobs through recruitment agencies. These agencies work with companies to fill vacancies and can help you find a job that suits your skills and qualifications.

Company Websites

If you’re interested in a particular Australian company, you can also directly visit their website and check if there’s any job opening. You could also contact them directly through email or phone to check if they’re interested in you.   Remember, it’s important to understand the job requirements and ensure that you have the necessary skills and qualifications before applying for a job. Also, be aware of the visa restrictions and make sure that you do not violate any rules.  

 

The Australian Government has set a list of work health and safety laws to protect the health, safety and welfare of all workers in Australia, including international students. Here are the primary details you need to know about work rights for international students in Australia:  

⦁ Same Rights: International students have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia.

⦁ Minimum Wage: You must be paid at least the minimum wage of ⦁ AUD 21.38 per hour

⦁ Tax: You must pay tax on your income.

⦁ Payslip: You must receive a payslip no further than 1 day after getting paid.

⦁ Work Limit: From 1 July 2023, student visa holders are restricted to ⦁ 48 hours of work a fortnight while their course is in session. This is equivalent to approximately three days per week.

⦁ No Work Restrictions: Student visa holders have no work restrictions when their course of study or training is not in session.

⦁ Fair Work Ombudsman: International students can directly contact the Fair Work Ombudsman if they’re having workplace/employment issues, without fear of their visa being cancelled.