Work While Studying in Australia
Guide for International Students
Discover part-time job options, work hour limits, wages, rules, and how international students can earn and gain experience during studies in Australia.
Studying in Australia? As an international student, you can work part-time to support your expenses, gain experience, and boost your PR profile. With flexible hours and good pay, it's a great place to study and work!
Can International Students Work in Australia?
Yes! As an international student in Australia, you are legally allowed to work part-time while studying.
This helps you manage your expenses, gain work experience, and build a strong PR profile. Australia is known for its student-friendly work policies and competitive hourly pay.
Who is Eligible to Work While Studying?
You can work in Australia if:
- You hold a valid Subclass 500 student visa
- Your course has commenced (work isn’t permitted before your classes start)
- You are enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course
Work Hour Limits for International Students
| Status | Maximum Work Hours Allowed |
|---|---|
| During Course Session | 48 hours per fortnight (every 2 weeks) |
| Semester Breaks / Vacations | Unlimited (Full-Time) |
| Spouse of UG Student | 48 hours/fortnight |
| Spouse of PG/Masters Student | Full-time (No Limit) |
✅ Work limits apply to paid employment only. Unpaid internships related to coursework are permitted additionally.
Types of Part-Time Jobs for Students
| Industry | Common Roles | Hourly Pay (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | Cashier, Sales Assistant | $22 – $28 |
| Hospitality | Waiter, Barista, Kitchen Hand | $20 – $26 + tips |
| Customer Service | Call Centre Operator, Receptionist | $23 – $30 |
| On-campus Jobs | Library, Student Support, Events | $25 – $35 |
| Warehousing / Logistics | Packing Assistant, Delivery Driver | $24 – $30 |
| Freelance / Online | Tutor, Content Writer, Web Designer | $20 – $40 (project-based) |
Average Monthly Income from Part-Time Work
| Working Hours/Week | Approx. Monthly Income (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 10–15 hours/week | $900 – $1,200 |
| 15–20 hours/week | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| Full-time during breaks | $2,000 – $2,800+ |
🧠 Note: Your income may vary based on city, employer, and job role.
Important Work Conditions to Remember
- You must have a TFN (Tax File Number) before starting work
- You are entitled to minimum wage, leave (if eligible), and a safe workplace
- You should not rely solely on part-time income to fund your studies
- Violating visa work rules can lead to visa cancellation
✅ Keep track of hours and payslips using Fair Work Australia apps
Work Experience vs PR Points – Does it Help?
Part-time or casual jobs do not count directly towards PR points. However:
- Post-study full-time experience under Subclass 485 can add value
- Jobs in your nominated occupation (e.g., Nursing, Engineering) help build PR case
- Regional work or volunteering helps if you apply for Subclass 491/190
Best Cities for Part-Time Job Availability
| City | Job Availability | Industries Hiring Students |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Very High | Retail, Hospitality, Admin |
| Melbourne | Very High | Food, Logistics, Call Centres |
| Brisbane | High | Retail, On-campus, Events |
| Adelaide | Moderate | Warehousing, Café Jobs, Freelancing |
| Perth | High | Trades, Retail, Tourism |
| Hobart | Moderate | Kitchen jobs, Delivery, Freelance |
🧭 Regional cities offer longer PSW and lower cost of living with decent work opportunities.
Part-Time Income Calculator
Job Finder by City
Work While Studying: Do's & Don'ts
✅ Do:
- Apply early with a student resume
- Get your TFN and bank account
- Prioritize roles that match your long-term goals
- Track your working hours weekly
❌ Don’t:
- Work without permission
- Skip classes for work
- Accept cash jobs with no legal contract
- Work more than permitted hours (even during exams)
Best-Paying Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Australia
Maximize your income while studying by targeting these high-demand and well-paying part-time roles
💼 1. Private Tutor (Academic / Online Tutoring)
Hourly Pay: AUD $30 – $60
Teach school or university-level subjects or offer spoken English coaching online. Great for students with teaching skills in Math, Science, Coding, or Languages.
Tip: Use platforms like Superprof or register on Fiverr/Upwork for global reach.
👩💻 2. Freelance Digital Work (Design, Web, Content Writing)
Hourly Pay: AUD $25 – $50
Work from home as a graphic designer, web developer, SEO writer, or social media assistant. Flexible and project-based.
Tip: Ideal for students with IT, design, or marketing backgrounds.
☕ 3. Barista (Trained Coffee Maker)
Hourly Pay: AUD $25 – $35 + tips
Australia’s café culture is booming. With proper training, you can land jobs in premium cafés.
Tip: Take a short RSA & Barista course to boost employability.
📦 4. Warehouse Picker / Delivery Assistant
Hourly Pay: AUD $24 – $32
Work in warehouses or as a delivery packer or helper for Amazon, Uber, DoorDash, or Coles.
Tip: Night shifts often pay higher wages and include meal breaks.
🧾 5. Call Centre Agent / Customer Service Assistant
Hourly Pay: AUD $26 – $35
Ideal for students with strong communication skills and fluent English.
Common in banks, telecom, and tech firms.
👩💼 6. Admin or Office Assistant (On-Campus or Off-Campus)
Hourly Pay: AUD $25 – $33
Universities often offer campus jobs as library assistants, event staff, or clerks.
Flexible hours and resume-boosting roles.
🍽️ 7. Waiter / Waitress in Upscale Restaurants
Hourly Pay: AUD $22 – $28 + Tips
Tips in fine dining venues can sometimes exceed hourly wages.
Shifts include evenings and weekends.
🧹 8. Housekeeping / Hotel Cleaning Staff
Hourly Pay: AUD $23 – $30
Hotels and Airbnb properties hire part-timers for housekeeping.
Ideal for regional cities with tourism.
🧰 9. Trades Assistant / Construction Labour (for Vocational Students)
Hourly Pay: AUD $25 – $40
Students pursuing plumbing, electrical, or carpentry can assist
on-site part-time while studying.
🚗 10. Rideshare & Food Delivery (Uber Eats / DoorDash)
Earning Potential: AUD $1,000 – $2,000/month
Flexible, app-based jobs ideal for students with bikes/scooters.
Pays per delivery + peak hour incentives.
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