Working while studying

Working while studying

Gain Work Experience While Pursuing Your Education

Australia offers international students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while completing their studies. Working part-time can help you develop practical skills, improve your communication abilities, meet new people and earn additional income to support some of your everyday living expenses.

However, it is important to understand the work conditions attached to your Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) and maintain a balance between your studies and employment.

How Many Hours Can International Students Work?

Under the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), most international students can:

• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
• Work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to their visa conditions.
• Begin working once their course has commenced, unless they already hold a visa that permits work before their studies begin.

A fortnight means a period of 14 days. The 48-hour limit applies across all jobs combined, not separately to each employer.

Examination periods are generally considered part of the academic session, so the work-hour restriction continues to apply.

Special Work Rights for Research Students

Students undertaking a Master's Degree by Research or Doctoral Degree (PhD) are generally permitted to work unlimited hours after their course has commenced.

Students enrolled in a Master's Degree by Coursework remain subject to the standard 48-hour fortnightly limit while their course is in session.

Students should always check their individual visa conditions through the Australian Government's Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.

Popular Part-Time Jobs for International Students

International students may find employment opportunities across different industries, depending on their skills, experience, location and availability.

Retail

Supermarkets, department stores, shopping centres, boutiques and other retail businesses.

Hospitality

Cafés, restaurants, hotels, catering services and food outlets.

Food Delivery and Logistics

Delivery services, warehouses, packing and distribution centres.

Administration and Customer Service

Reception, office assistance, customer support and clerical roles.

Agriculture and Seasonal Work

Fruit picking, farm work, harvesting and other seasonal employment.

Care and Community Services

Aged care, disability support and childcare-related roles, subject to the necessary qualifications, training and background checks.

On-Campus Employment

Some universities offer opportunities in libraries, student services, campus cafés, administration and student support.

Employment opportunities vary by location and employer. Part-time work is competitive, and finding a job is not guaranteed.

Minimum Wages and Workplace Rights

International students working in Australia are protected by Australian workplace laws.

You are generally entitled to the same minimum employment rights and protections as other employees, regardless of your nationality.

These include:

• Receiving at least the applicable legal minimum wage.
• Being paid for all hours worked.
• Receiving payslips and appropriate employment records.
• Receiving applicable penalty rates, allowances or other entitlements under relevant awards or agreements.
• Working in a safe environment free from unlawful discrimination, bullying and harassment.

Minimum pay rates vary depending on your age, employment classification, industry and whether you are employed on a casual, part-time or full-time basis.

Casual employees may receive a higher hourly rate to compensate for certain leave entitlements they do not receive.

You should never agree to work below the applicable legal minimum wage or exceed your permitted visa work hours.

For information about wages and workplace rights, visit the Australian Government's Fair Work Ombudsman website.

What Do You Need Before Starting Work?

Before starting employment in Australia, students should generally:

1. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) through the Australian Taxation Office.
2. Open an Australian bank account to receive wages.
3. Check their visa work conditions using VEVO.
4. Understand their employment agreement, including wages, working hours and entitlements.
5. Keep records of their working hours and payslips to ensure compliance with visa conditions and workplace laws.

Depending on the type of employment, additional qualifications, licences or background checks may be required.

Can Part-Time Work Cover Your Tuition Fees and Living Expenses?

Although part-time employment can provide additional income, international students should not rely on finding work in Australia to finance their tuition fees or essential living expenses.

Employment availability, working hours and earnings can vary considerably.

Students must demonstrate the required financial capacity when applying for their student visa and should have sufficient funds to support their studies and living expenses.

Your primary purpose in Australia on a Student Visa is to study. It is important to maintain satisfactory academic progress, meet attendance requirements where applicable and comply with all visa conditions.

Finding Part-Time Work in Australia

Students can explore employment opportunities through:

• University career services and campus job boards.
• Online employment platforms such as SEEK and Indeed.
• Local businesses and community networks.
• University career fairs and employer events.
• Professional networking and internship opportunities.

Universities may also offer career development services, workshops and guidance on preparing resumes and attending job interviews.

Plan Your Study Journey with Uni2Go

At Uni2Go, we believe that studying abroad is about more than earning a qualification. It is also an opportunity to develop independence, gain new experiences and prepare for your future career.

Our experienced counsellors can help you understand the Australian education system, student visa requirements and important considerations for planning your studies.

Your Future. Your Choice. Our Guidance.

Disclaimer: Information about student visa work rights and employment conditions is subject to change. Students should check their individual visa conditions through the Australian Department of Home Affairs and VEVO. Employment opportunities and earnings are not guaranteed.