Part Time Jobs in Australia for International Students

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Cyril Zachariah
Updated on Mar 03, 2023 07:57 PM IST

Thinking about part time jobs in Australia for international students whilst studying? If yes, then scroll through the article to check the list of part-time job roles, pay scale, and procedures to apply for part time jobs in Australia for international students.

Part Time Jobs in Australia for International Students

Part Time Jobs in Australia for International Students: While studying abroad, a number of international students choose to work on a part-time basis and earn extra money. Different countries have their own set of regulations and guidelines to allow international students to work whilst studying abroad.

Australia is one of the best-known study-abroad destinations for Indian students as well as international students from across the globe. Furthermore, while education may be less expensive compared to the USA, living expenditures in Australia are very high. As a result, many students choose to work part-time alongside their studies. It is one of the few countries that gives flexibility to students to work on a part-time basis along with full-time studies at the university.

Hence, students studying in Australia may earn a substantial amount of pocket money to support their living expenses while still enjoying their time in the country. Let us shed some light on finding out details related to part time jobs in Australia for international students below.

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Regulations for Part Time Jobs in Australia for International Students

International students in Australia have the flexibility to work for a maximum of 20 hours a week on a part-time basis. Part time jobs in Australia for students are abided by the rules and regulations defined by the government and policies defined in the visa. In case the rules are followed appropriately, the government holds all rights to cancel students' visas.

The rules and restrictions under Australian student visas regarding job include the following:

  • The student must have a valid student visa grant allowing permission to work along with studies.

  • The student must be enrolled in a full-time study programme approved by the Australian government.

  • He/She must meet the requirements of the study program in which they are enrolled.

  • The student must attain the minimum attendance requirement of the course and the School of study.

  • The student will have to maintain the Overseas Student Health Cover.

Work Rights in Australia for International Students 

International students with an Australian student visa can work for more than 40 hours per fortnight during the semester. During semester breaks, however, they can work an unrestricted number of hours. As an employee, they are entitled to certain benefits known as National Employment Standards, which include:

  • Annual leave

  • Long-term sickness leave

  • Leave for community service

  • National holidays

  • Parental leave and associated benefits

  • Personal caregiver's leave and compassionate leave

  • Providing a Fair Work Statement of Information

  • Requests for flexible working hours

  • Termination notice and redundancy pay

Laws for Part Time Jobs in Australia

When it comes to working while studying, the Australian government gives all students the same privilege. As a result, international students working part time in Australia have the following rights:

  • A minimum wage set by the Fair Work Act of 2009.

  • Unfair dismissal from the workplace can be challenged.

  • Breaks and relaxation breaks are provided for all part-time employees.

  • A safe and healthy working environment.

Post-Pandemic Part Time Job Rules in Australia (Temporary Subclass 408)

After restrictions in Australia were annihilated 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 public aid are in great demand.

Travel and tourism, healthcare/childcare, food processing, agriculture, and other industries are classified 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 students for part time jobs in Australia. This is a temporary visa that 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 work. Under this visa, students will be able to work more than 40 hours per fortnight, their visas will not be terminated if they are hired anywhere, and they will be eligible for full-time employment after their degree is completed. Throughout this, students must maintain good attendance and grades in order to keep their student visas.

How to Find Part Time Jobs in Australia?

Finding part time jobs in Australia for international students is not that difficult provided you have good communication skills and you fulfil the basic requirement for a specific job profile. The foremost thing that needs to be done before finding a job is to create an appropriate CV.

A good CV leaves the first impression on the employer and helps you get shortlisted for the job. As a part-time job does not require much experience and strong educational background, you must make sure to add interest and extra skills to the CV.

Now that you have a good CV, the next step is to look for job opportunities in Australia and apply for them. Finding a job may be a little tedious as there are several factors that need to be considered as a student. It includes the location, work shifts, working hours, pay scale, and rules and regulations of the employer.

Find out how to search and apply for part time jobs in Australia for Indian students:

  • Online Portal: You can search for part time jobs in Australia for Indian students on online sites. Sites like Indeed seek to publish a lot of job openings on a daily basis. You can shortlist the job as per your requirement and apply for it. You can also directly contact the employer regarding any job opening.

  • Local Newspaper: The local newspapers publish job openings that you can find and apply for. Ensure to go through the job opening sections in the local newspaper and contact the employer for details.

  • Reference: It is easiest to get a job through references. You can contact the carer team of the university, alumni of the university, and professors for a part-time job reference. As you may not be well accustomed to the new place, it is best to take help from the people of the university.

  • Internal Jobs: There are some part time jobs in Australia for students that are offered on a part-time basis within the campus like assistant in the library, labs, gym area, parking lots and cleaning. You can look for internal job openings at the university and contact the concerned department.

Need Assistance in Applying to Australian Universities?

Top Part Time Jobs in Australia for International Students

There are ample opportunities for part time jobs in Australia for international students. Based on skills, interest, pay scale, and time schedule, students can work part time in Australia and earn extra money. Let us check out some of the best and highest paying jobs for part time workers and international students in Australia:

  • Private Tutor: The private tutor job is one of the highly preferred and most respectful part time jobs in Australia for students. Students with good knowledge of a subject can apply for private teaching jobs and earn good amounts of money. The salary range of a private tutor ranges from AUD 20 to AUD 40 per hour.
  • Food Chain Industry: The Food Chain Industry is perhaps the one that offers the largest part time jobs in Australia for international students. It includes jobs at restaurants and hotels with multiple job roles like cashier, waiter/ waitress, delivery boy, helper, assistant chef etc. The salary may vary depending on the type of restaurant and job role in a food chain industry. The average salary ranges between AUD 20-30 per hour.
  • Admin Executive: Students can apply for the job roles as an admin executive and work at the front office or executive offices. Those who have good management and communication skills find it easier to get a job role as an Admin Executive. The salary range of an Admin Executive ranges from AUD 25 to 030 per hour depending on the type of job role taken.
  • Bartender: In Australia, a part-time job as a Bartender is easily available. The job is available in shifts and for students. Depending on the experience, one can earn a good amount of money. The average pay scale of a Bartender working on a part-time basis is AUD 22 to 25 per hour.
  • Customer Care Centres: Almost all organisations and sectors have Customer Care Centres to resolve the queries of customers and meet their needs. The department requires a good number of candidates working on a part-time basis. The job is available in shifts and demand is also high. Students with good communication skills can apply for job roles in Customer Care Centres and earn good amounts of money. The pay scale may range from AUD 25 to 30 per hour.
  • Babysitter: Those who have siblings and are good with children can work as babysitters on a part-time basis to earn a comfortable living. Typically, students are required to feed, bathe, and put youngsters to sleep. However, in some situations, they may also be required to organise activities, assist with schoolwork, and drive children to and from school (or classes). A part-time babysitter in Australia earns an average of AUD 15 to 20 per hour.
  • Mail Deliverer: Being a mail deliverer is one of the simplest and most prevalent part time jobs in Australia for Indian students. A mail carrier's duty is straightforward: follow a route, deliver incoming mail or packages, and retrieve outgoing mail. It's quick and simple to implement, and it allows students to work on weekends and at night (after their college hours). In Australia, a part-time mail carrier gets between AUD 20 - AUD 25 per hour.
  • Driver: Working part-time as a personal driver or taxi driver in Australia would be ideal for international students who have a proper or legal international driving license and their own vehicle and enjoy driving and exploring different places. The profession pays very well provided students drive safely, keep their vehicles clean, and treat their passengers with respect. In Australia, a part-time driver gets between AUD 20 - AUD 25 per hour, or more in some cities. Those who dont own a vehicle, can anytime sign up as an Uber drivers and continue working part-time in Australia.
  • Cleaner: It may come as a surprise to many, but becoming a cleaner is one of the highest-paying part time jobs in Australia for international students. It not only pays well, but it also allows students to work flexible hours and does not require them to be fluent in English. To begin, students can join a cleaning firm or volunteer and find employment in private houses, hotels, restaurants, and so on. As part-time cleaners in Australia, students earn between AUD 20 and AUD 30 per hour.
  • Travel Agent: Being a travel agent is one of the highest-paying part time jobs in Australia for students. It's for individuals who love travelling, discovering new places and sharing their experiences with others. The job will entail chatting to clients about various travel places, assisting them in planning their travels, and making a few reservations on their behalf. Students might also work as tour guides and escorts for visitors visiting Australia, assisting them in exploring the country.
  • On-Campus Part-Time Jobs: Students may choose to work on campus, but these positions are only available to those who demonstrate merit. Because these jobs are few, competition for them can be strong. Students can work as library assistants, lab assistants, and assistant coaches in gyms and swimming pools, to mention a few. Students can apply for on-campus jobs in Australian universities through their respective departments.
  • Admin Executive: Students with strong managerial skills can work as admin executives in a variety of offices. This work necessitates excellent communication skills. The employment is an office job, and part-time work is uncommon. Students who receive this work can work in secure office settings. The majority of administrative executive roles are full-time positions. The remuneration for the job varies depending on the duty. Students are typically paid between AUD 20 and AUD 35 per hour.
  • Cashier: Students can work as cashiers or accountants in a range of industries. Accounting professionals are suited for this post. As a result, a high level of accountability is essential. Students may require some basic computing abilities for this. The job pays between AUD 20 and AUD 30 per hour.

Pay-Scale and Taxes for Part Time Jobs in Australia

As discussed above, part time job salary in Australia for international students depends on various factors like the working hours, type of job role, working shift, and the organisation. However, one can estimate the average part time job salary in Australia for international students for a particular job role from the table given below:

Job Role

Average Estimated Salary/Wage (in AUD) (Per Hour)

Private Tutor

20-40

Cashier

21-25

Delivery Boy

8-12 per delivery

Waiter/ Waitress

20-25

Admin Officer

25-30

Bartender/Waiter

22-25

Customer Care Executive

25-30

Sales Representative

25-30

Secretary

25-30

Personal Trainer

25-35

An international student living in Australia for more than six months is considered an Australian resident for tax purposes. All information related to tax is can be confirmed from the ATOs website. Even if the student chooses to work on a part-time basis he is considered to pay the tax provided the income is AUD18,200 or above. He/She will have to pay income tax for the year ending on June 30 in Australia.

Part Time Jobs in Major Australian Cities for International Students

The table highlighted below depicts the estimated average earnings that international students can earn while pursuing part-time jobs in Australia in different cities:  

Name of the City

Average Estimated Pay Per Month (in AUD)

Average Estimated Cost of Living in the City (in AUD)

Sydney 

2,000 - 2,800

1,750 - 2,000

Perth 

2,000 - 3,000

1,900 - 2,100

Melbourne 

1,600 - 5,000

1,500 - 1,700

Canberra 

1,900 - 2,700

1,700 - 2,000

Do International Students Pay Taxes in Australia? 

If international students enrol in a degree at an Australian institution that lasts more than six months, they may be considered Australian residents for tax reasons. a) In a nutshell,

  • They would be required to pay the same rate of tax on their earnings as other residents.

  • They are entitled to the advantages of the Australian tax system, such as the tax-free threshold (or part of it, if they stay in Australia for just one part of the financial year).

  • Tax breaks.

  • Usually lower tax rates than a foreign resident.

What is Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia? 

If you wish to go to Australia on a student visa, you must purchase and maintain OSHC for the duration of your stay. It is also a necessary visa requirement. It pays for hospitalisation and medical care. An OSHC can also assist you in saving money on ambulance services. A year of single insurance will cost at least AUD 478. Some of Australia's OSHC suppliers include:

  • BUPA Australia

  • CBHS International Health

  • Medibank Private 

  • NIB OSHC

  • AHM OSHC

Things to Remember While Searching Part Time Jobs in Australia

Here are some points that international students must always keep in mind while searching for part time jobs in Australia:

  • A student cannot begin working part-time before the start of the academic semester. He/She may be able to come a few months or days early but will be unable to begin work.

  • This restriction does not apply to students enrolled in a course that requires casework on a regular basis.

  • When the thesis work begins, students enrolled in a PhD programme or from the postgraduate research sector can work for an unlimited number of hours. If these students are pursuing a preparatory course, their working hours in Australia are limited to 40 hours per fortnight.

  • Students who complete all of their study requirements can apply for a post-study work permit in Australia.

A part-time job is a good option to utilise spare time to earn extra money while studying abroad. However, it is highly recommended that students must not compromise on their studies or course curriculum and not deviate from their actual/primary goal for which they have travelled miles from their homeland to Australia. Also, they should take good care of their health and time management.

Other Ways to Cover Study in Australia Expenses?

Apart from finding part-time jobs in Australia for international students and solely relying on the side income you earn for your expenses is not the smartest thing to do. Moving on to other possible avenues for covering your study abroad expenses. As an international student studying in Australia, you can

  • Apply for a scholarship.

  • Look for cheap accommodation options.

  • Secure an assistantship position.

Have more questions about part time jobs in Australia for international students? Write to abroad@collegedekho.com and our experts will help you to find the best part time jobs in Australia.

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FAQs

What are the best part time jobs for international students in Australia?

Although Australia as a country is renowned for international students to find part-time jobs with ease, some of the best part time jobs in Australia for international students are included in the following sectors: Retail sales positions in supermarkets and department stores; Food and Drink (waiter, bartender and etc.); Service to others (both in the kitchens and administration and housekeeping); and more. 

How much international students can earn in Australia part-time?

The earnings of international students working part-time will vary as per the nature of the job and the city in which they reside. Having said that, a student on an Australian Student Visa is entitled to minimum pay of AUD 18.23 per hour or AUD 719.20 per 38-hour week (before tax) for working on and off-campus throughout their full-time studies.

Can international students do a part time job in Australia?

Yes, international students can do a part time job in Australia while pursuing their full-time studies in the country. International students in Australia can work up to 20 hours per week on a part-time basis. Anyone considering working part-time in Australia must adhere to the government's laws and regulations, as well as the policies mentioned in the visa.

Is it hard for international students to get a part time job in Australia?

No, it is not at all difficult for international students to get a part time job in Australia. In fact, working in Australia as a student is much easier than in other foreign countries. Remember that as an international student, you should never expect to live off of the money you earn while studying, although the extra money can surely help you meet your financial demands.

What is the highest-paid part time job in Australia? Which city is best for earning money in Australia?

Some of the highest-paid part time jobs in Australia for Indian students or other international students include jobs like tourist guide; agent; driver; stylist; secretary; mail carrier; makeover artist; personal/fitness trainer; child caretaker and more. The top cities that are best for earning handsome money through working part-time are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

How can a student earn money in Australia?

International students can earn money by working part time in Australia. They can hunt for different part-time jobs that they can do after their college hours. Some of the easiest ideas or ways to make money as an international student is via:

  • Paid internships 

  • Freelancing 

  • Conducting online surveys and reviews 

  • Online teaching 

  • Lending any kind of service

Is Australia good for earning money?

There is no doubt that Australia is the land of opportunities for international students who come here to pursue their studies. Hence, the country is good for earning money. There are numerous job opportunities in Australia, many of which provide better income than in other nations. The current minimum part-time job salary in Australia (or minimum wages) is AUD 20.33 per hour, or AUD 722.60 each 38-hour week (before tax).

Do international students get jobs in Australia after graduation?

Yes, international students can get jobs in Australia after graduation if they have completed their studies in metropolitan cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, where they can obtain a two-year post-study work visa, and in regional areas, where they can obtain a three-four years post-study work visa.

How can I get a part time job in Australia fast?

In order to quickly find a part time job in Australia, it is important to keep in mind the following points:

  • Find a part-time job considering your college schedule.
  • Always keep your resumes and cover letters updated.
  • Networking is very important.
  • Reach out to potential leads and recruiters.
  • Make a part-time job listing and apply to these listings.
     

What is the minimum wage in Sydney for part-time jobs for students in Australia?

Employees who are not covered by an award or registered agreement are subject to the National Minimum Wage. This is the minimum wage set by the Fair Work Act of 2009, and it is revised each year. The National Minimum Wage is AUD 20.33 per hour or AUD 772.60 per week in Sydney, as of July 1, 2021.

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