There are so many questions that come to your mind when you think about working in a new country while also completing the rigorous coursework. Will you be able to earn enough? How many hours are you allowed to work while you study abroad? These are all legitimate concerns for international students and fortunately, the student visa helps students to create the financial security they need while studying. This article will surely clear your doubts about finding jobs in Australia. Part-time jobs are not perfectly tailored for your schedule and needs and you have to spend some time searching for the right one.
Working while studying gives you an excellent opportunity to explore new places and meet people. It improves your communication and language skills and gives you the confidence to interact with foreigners.
How many hours can I work with my student visa?
Your student visa allows you to work while studying for a maximum of 40 hours every two weeks. You can work full-time during semester breaks. With these hours, you should not expect to cover tuition fees but it is good enough to save money and get by.
Finding part-time jobs
There are many ways of finding jobs, even before you arrive in Australia to commence your studies. As an international student, it can be a difficult task to look for jobs at a new place. Before you start looking for jobs, it is helpful to assess your skill level with this website. However, you can search for jobs in the following ways:
- Online job websites (Seek, Grad Connection, Indeed Australia, etc.)
- Apps to search for jobs (LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Workforce Australia app by the Australian government)
- Professional recruitment companies
- Ask people in your personal and professional network
- Your university’s alumni groups
- Your campus’ job notice boards and website (here is the University of Queensland’s). The university’s career counsellor is the best option as they can also offer jobs on campus (like Teacher’s Assistant) as they prioritise their students
It is best to find jobs that are related to your degree but even if you can’t, there are plenty of other part-time jobs available for you while you study in Australia as well:
- Retail Sales Assistant at supermarkets, department stores, boutiques
- Waiter
- Client Adviser
- Bartender
- Barista
- Cleaner
- Personal Tutor
- Personal trainer
- Makeup artist
- Receptionist
- Food Delivery
- Administrative Assistant at University
- Campus Tour Guide
- Graphic Designer
- Library Assistant
- Photographer
- Babysitter
- Aged care
- Pet care
How much can I earn?
Salaries can vary from one job to another but there is a minimum wage (since July 2022) set as 21.38 AUD per hour for casual jobs. If you’re working in a small city, the wages can be lower. In two weeks, you can expect to earn 500 AUD. There are different minimum wages for each profession that you just know about to avoid exploitation.
Fast food cashier: 29.23 AUD per hour
Security guard: 23.89 AUD per hour
Cleaner: 26.87 AUD per hour
Waiters: 20.92 AUD per hour
Aged care workers: 22.67 AUD per hour
Retail assistant: 23.38 AUD per hour
Receptionist: 22.67 AUD per hour
You can calculate the minimum salary for your specific job here.
Does the law provide protection for international students who are working?
Before you start working, there are some laws that you should be aware of regarding your employer’s duties and permission from your university.
- Confirm the number of hours allowed under your visa conditions for you to work while you study
- You can not start working until your degree officially commences
- Sometimes, if you are studying under scholarship then you are required to inquire your university about the number of hours you can work
- You must register at the Australian Taxation Office and get a Tax File Number (TFN). Failure to meet this requirement will make your employer tax you at the highest rate
- Your employer must give you insurance under the Worker’s Compensation rule, which means that your employer will pay for your medical bills if you need medical treatment
- As a temporary resident working part-time in Australia, you are eligible to receive the superannuation. Your employer must pay you this if you meet the requirements.
Volunteering opportunities
If making money is not a priority and you just want some experience or opportunities to expand your social and professional circle, then you can look for volunteering opportunities here. Each state has its own dedicated website too. Apart from this, the campus provides ample internship positions and volunteer work for students. You can even start your own entrepreneurial venture during this time.
Conclusion
There are plenty of jobs for international students in Australia so do not worry if you are afraid of taking the first step. Assimilating yourself in a new environment is difficult but you learn very quickly in a work environment. Explore more with our mentors if you have any confusion.
