Can I work while I am studying in Australia?
- BlogSummary:
International students in Australia can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during vacations. This provides an opportunity to gain work experience and support living expenses.
- BlogReadingTime:
5
- Faq:
- Faq title:
Can I work full time on a student visa?, Faq Desc:
No, a student visa holder is not allowed to be employed on a full-time basis. Please refer to the next question on the limitations on the working hours for a student visa holder.
- Faq title:
Is it easy to get a part time job in Australia? How can I apply for jobs?, Faq Desc:
It is generally common for international students to have a part-time job in Australia. As such, companies are receptive to hiring students on a part-time or causal basis.
Like in Singapore, there are many channels for you to submit your job application. Here are some platforms for you to do so: -
Newspapers and online job sites
Many universities offer students job opportunities to enhance their skill sets through career services or job centres on-campus. Contact your institution’s international student support staff to find out what options your institution offers.
Register your details at a recruitment firm; many of them help place people in casual or short-term work.
- Faq title:
How much can I earn from casual or short-term work?, Faq Desc:
According to Australian Government, the national minimum wage is $719.20 per week (for a 38-hour week), or $18.93 per hour. With that, a student who works a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight will be able to earn an estimate of at least $1,500 a month during term time.
- Faq title:
What is Superannuation? How does it work?, Faq Desc:
Superannuation is Australia’s retirement savings system where your employers will pay on your behalf (through deduction from your salary) if you earn more than $450 (before tax) per month and you are 18 years or older or under 18 but work more than 30 hours per week. Anyone will be entitled for superannuation regardless if you are working full-time, part time or casual.
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Like in Singapore, there are many channels for you to submit your job application. Here are some platforms for you to do so: -
Newspapers and online job sites
Many universities offer students job opportunities to enhance their skill sets through career services or job centres on-campus. Contact your institution’s international student support staff to find out what options your institution offers.
Register your details at a recruitment firm; many of them help place people in casual or short-term work."
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Are you planning to take up part time jobs while you study in Australia? Here’s what you should know about working in Australia as an international student.
Types of work
Paid work
Australia has a wide range of industries and many have part time employment opportunities, including:
- Retail- supermarkets, department and clothing stores.
- Hospitality- cafes, bars and restaurants.
- Tourism- hotels and motels.
- Agricultural- farming and fruit-picking.
- Sales and telemarketing
- Administration or Clerical roles
- Tutoring
If you have existing qualifications and/or professional work experience, you may be able to secure casual or part time work in your field.
Internships
Many institutions incorporate internships into their curriculum to give students an experience and opportunity to gain relevant experience. In fact, if you are in the field of study such as Allied Health Care or Tourism and Hospitality, internship or work placement is a compulsory component of the programme.
Though internships are usually unpaid, some internships may be a ‘paid’ internship if you are lucky enough, and this all depends on the organisation you are working for. Internships are a great way for students like you to get relevant exposure to the field you are studying in. If you are lucky, you may also land yourself a full-time job after your graduation!
Most institutions would have a career centre where students can go to seek for advice and assistance in finding work. Some of these career centre work closely with industry partners and employers, hence, you will be able to get exclusive access to jobs and career information.
Volunteering
While volunteering will not get you paid, it definitely will benefit you in many ways - not only in terms of future profession but also on your personal growth. Volunteering can be a great way for you to meet friends, learn new skills and give back to the community. In Australia, there are many charities and non-government organisations (NGOs) whom are always looking for volunteers to help out. You may visit GoVolunteer to find out more. You can also find volunteering opportunities through the relevant student clubs/societies on campus.
Know your rights
Everyone working in Australia, including international students have basic rights at work. These rights protect entitlement to:
- A minimum wage and superannuation
- Challenge of unfair dismissal from the job.
- Leave, breaks and rest periods.
- The Fair Work Ombudsman Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) provides you information on pay rates, leave calculator etc.
- A healthy and safe work environment.
