There are laws that apply to part-time jobs in Australia for international students who want to work while studying in Australia. Part-time work hours are accessible in Australia, as are a variety of jobs for international students. Australia is a popular study abroad destination for international students from all over the world. While an internationally acknowledged quality education system is one of the great attractions, the fact remains that students wish to explore the country’s many tourists haunts as well.

Also, while education may be less expensive in compared to the United States (the #1 choice for students wishing to study abroad), living expenses in Australia are relatively high. As a result, students studying in Australia can earn a substantial amount of pocket money to support their living expenses while also enjoying their time in the country. And the country provides more than just permission to work in Australia while studying. Students should research the cost of higher education in Australia before choosing to pursue it.

Work Permissions on Student Visa

Student visas in Australia have changed as of July 1, 2016. Subclasses 571-576 have now been combined into Subclass 500. According to the new guidelines, students traveling to Australia on Visa Subclass 500 are permitted to work up to 40 hours per week while the course is in session and an unlimited hour when the course is not in session (during breaks). The only restriction is that the student cannot begin working until the course begins.

A fortnight is also defined as a 14-day period beginning on a Monday and ending on the Sunday of the following week. The hours can be divided as the student’s convenience.  So, to understand how much work international students can perform in Australia, consider this example: a student may work for 10 hours in week one and 30 hours in week two, or 15 and 25 hours, respectively. Students should keep in mind that in the previous example, if the student works for 30 hours in week 2, he or she can only work for 10 hours the following week or else the condition of 40 hours in a fortnight is breached, which can result in Visa cancellation. A student searching for regular part-time work should limit their work to roughly 20 hours per week. As a result, this is the maximum amount of money an international student can earn in Australia.

A few things to remember:

  • Students cannot work until the session begins. For instance, say your course starts in January 2021 and you reach Australia by December 2020, then you cannot take up employment till your session begins.
  • This limit does not apply if casework is a regular part of the curriculum of the course you are enrolled in. This is usually applicable in the case of required internships for integrated courses.
  • Furthermore, when the research work or doctoral thesis begins, students in the Post Graduate Research Sector can work for an unlimited number of hours. In addition, if the student has registered in any preliminary courses, he or she is eligible to work as per the 40 hours per fortnight rule mentioned above.
  • Students completing the Australian study requirement can apply for a Post Study Work Permit under Graduate Stream. However, students enrolled in an ELICOS cannot apply for a Post Study Work Permit for Australia.

It should be noted that students applying under the category Post Graduate Research Sector who are enrolled in a preliminary course are only eligible to work 40 hours per week for the duration of the course. The student is only permitted to work for an unlimited number of hours after the Research Course begins.

To work part-time, you must first apply for and acquire a Tax File Number. You can apply for a TFN online from their official website as an international student with a foreign passport.

What laws apply to International Students for working while studying in Australia?

The Australian government allows all the students the same privilege when it relates to working while studying. As such you have the right to

  • A minimum wage as stipulated under the Fair Work Act 2009
  • Challenge of unfair dismissal from the job
  • Breaks and rest periods
  • A healthy and safe work environment

Temporary subclass 408 – COVID19 Pandemic Visa for International Students in Australia

After restrictions in Australia are lifted in 2020 and 2021, students who apply for a student visa in March 2022 will be able to work for 40 hours per fortnight during their studies. This visa allows students to enrol in vital skill sectors where jobs and to the general public are in great demand. Travel & tourism, healthcare/childcare, food processing, agriculture, and other industries are categorized as key skills.

For the time being, the subclass 408 visa has been introduced to bridge the 68% unemployment gap and hire more and more part-time students. This is a temporary visa which is only valid for a limited time. This visa is still in effect as of March 2022, and according to Australian Government sources, the visa may be functional until there is no significant gap between employment. Part-time jobs for international students will be allowed to exceed 40 hours per week under this visa, their visa will not be invalidated if they are hired elsewhere, and they will be eligible for a full-time job after their study is completed. Throughout this, students must maintain good attendance and grades in order to keep their student visas.

Part-Time Jobs in Australia for International Students

If you are a professional pursuing additional education in Australia, you can apply for and obtain a job that is commensurate with your qualifications.

Apart from that, usually, overseas students get part-time jobs in the following sectors in Australia:

  • Retail sales jobs in supermarkets, departmental stores
  • In restaurants, cafes, and bars
  • In hotels and motels (both in the kitchens and administration and housekeeping)
  • Farming and related activities
  • Sales and telemarketing
  • Administration or Clerical roles in different companies
  • As a Tutor – both personal as well as in institutions

Finally, Australia provides fantastic part-time jobs for international students. While it would not be enough to cover tuition, it can usually help with a moderate life style. There are also numerous options. As a result, if you want to study in Australia, rest assured that there is more to it than just quality education. All the best!