How to Find Part-Time Work in Australia for International Students?
- Humayra Arshi
- 8 min Read
Australia offers various work opportunities for international students, particularly in hospitality, retail, and tourism, often found in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Securing employment involves understanding visa conditions, utilizing university career services, and exploring online job boards to find suitable roles that balance study commitments with financial needs.


Studying in Australia is a dream for thousands of students worldwide. The country’s unparalleled quality and standard of education create internationally recognized qualifications that offer students the best career opportunities. Australia is a preferred destination for pursuing higher education among international students, particularly those from various parts of Asia. Australia’s bustling metropolitan areas, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, the Gold Coast, and Adelaide, provide an ideal environment for academic excellence while offering international students opportunities for ongoing work experience.
Let’s get a brief idea about finding part-time work in Australia before you arrive –
Working Part-Time while Studying
Having extra money in your pocket allows you more experience during your time in the country. It can help you explore the country’s rich natural beauty, as well as its historical sites and modern marvels. It allows you to make new friends and improve your language skills while experiencing the excellent new food options available in Australia’s multicultural cities.
Compliance Guidelines for Working Part-Time
If you are an international student who wants to study and work part-time while you study, there are some important things to know about studying in Australia. Here is everything you need to understand about working part-time in Australia:
Work Hours
Suppose you are enrolled as a full-time student, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, the Australian government allows you to work a maximum of 24 hours per week during the academic year. However, when there are breaks from your studies, like summer vacation, you can work full-time if you have the proper visa.
Visa Authorization
When you apply for a student visa in Australia, it automatically permits you to work part-time or full-time. However, please note that you can only apply for this visa after being accepted by an Australian university or college, and you cannot start working until your course has commenced. Before searching for a job, it’s a good idea to ensure your visa permits you to work. You can check this using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
Health Insurance
Once you are enrolled in a program, you will need to contact your university to get Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance. You must have this insurance to continue working, whether it is full-time or part-time, in Australia.
Tax File Number:
To work in Australia, international students need a special number called a Tax File Number (TFN). It is pretty easy to get one –
Visit the Australian Taxation Office.
Give them your name, address, and birthdate. They may also request your passport details upon arrival in Australia and your enrollment papers.
Once you have your Tax File Number, you can work while you are studying in Australia as an international student!
Ways to Find Part-Time Work while Studying
Create your profile on online job portals. Regularly check listing websites like https://www.gumtree.com.au/ for casual job roles.
Networking is essential. Meet new people and build your personal and professional network.
Increase your eligibility for getting jobs by using the Developing Employability Student Starter Kit.
Regularly check job notice boards at your university.
You can get help from professional recruitment agencies.
Ask your friends, colleagues, and university seniors about the vacancies in your area and for possible references.
The Australian government provides the same workplace protection to all international students as it does for Australian workers. As an international student, you can work up to 40 hours every two weeks or fortnightly and unlimited hours during the university/school holidays. You will get paid at least the minimum wage per hour, regardless of your job type. As a student, you can expect strong support from your education provider, private organizations, and the Australian government throughout your time in the country.
Conclusion
If you want to explore the best career options for studying in Australia or want any help regarding studying abroad, you can contact PFEC Global. We provide personalized and dedicated support to the students towards achieving their educational and migration goals in Australia. Please reach out to us at 096 09 800 300 (Dhanmondi), 096 09 800 700 (Banani), or 096 09 800 400 (Chittagong) from Saturday to Thursday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can international students work in Australia while studying?
Answer: Yes, international students with a Subclass 500 student visa can work in Australia while studying.
What is the difference between a student visa and a working visa in Australia
Answer: A working holiday visa offers more flexibility and freedom for work, as it does not necessitate enrollment in school, while student visas have restrictions on work hours and study requirements.
How much can a student earn in Australia per hour?
Answer: From July 1st, 2023, international students working in Australia had seen a minimum wage increase to $23.23 AUD per hour or $882.80 AUD per week.
Which city of Australia has the most jobs for international students?
Answer: Sydney, with its five internationally ranked universities, offers the most job opportunities for international students in Australia.
Can international students work 40 hours a week in Australia?
Answer: International students can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks, starting from 1 July 2023.

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