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International Students normally rely on a scholarship or their parents when it comes to paying for expenses while living in Australia. Still, it is really common for them to look for a job to pay other expenses as well as Australia being a relatively expensive country.
The good thing is that finding a part-time job as a student in Australia is not hard. Though, you have to be really sure that your visa allows you to work while studying.
You will also have to take into account how many hours a week you will be able to work and also be aware of your rights and duties as an employee.
If you want to know all this information keep reading.
Is it possible to work while studying in Australia?
If you hold a Student Visa (Subclass 500), it is possible to work while studying. However, you can’t start working before you start your courses.
Also, take into consideration that you are supposed to be studying so it is mandatory for the job to be part-time.
How many hours can I work as a student on a visa in Australia?
As a student, you can work a total of 40 hours per fortnight.
A fortnight is a period of 14 days starting on a Monday. This is only for a semester.
On the other hand, if there are university holidays you can work unlimited hours, this includes summer/winter breaks.
If, for example, you enroll in courses during the summer or winter break, you will be considered in session and then again, you will be able to work only 40 hours in a fortnight.
Can International Students work more than 40 hours?
It is not possible to work more than 40 hours per fortnight (20 hours per week). As stated before, the only time you will be able to work unlimited hours is on school breaks.
Can I have multiple part-time jobs as an International Student?
Students can divide the 40 hours per fortnight at their convenience. However, it is almost impossible to work in two places at a time when usually a part-time job includes 20 hours a week, exactly the requirement for a student.
Your rights and obligations as an employee
You have to be aware that in order to work in Australia, you will need to do some paperwork, for example, to get your Tax File Number. Also, you have rights that your employer must comply with.
You also must be sure that the environment in which you work will comply with your rights as well.
This includes getting paid a normal price for the hours worked, being paid overtime, no discrimination, and being in a healthy and safe workplace.
Tax File Number
You have to take into consideration that if you are going to work in Australia, you will need to get a Tax File Number for you to get paid.
When you start working, you will have to fill out a Tax File Number declaration in order to get this number.
This number will stay the same throughout your time in Australia, even if you change jobs, residency, or personal information.
Your rights at work
There are minimum wages depending on the kind of work you are going to do. To calculate it, you can use the calculator that the government gives you to use at your disposal in the following link: https://calculate.fairwork.gov.au.
In this way, you will see if the payment you are going to receive is fair.
Remember that international workers have the same rights as any other Australian employee.
Don’t forget to keep track of the hours you work, so if there is a need for you to ask for clarification you will have your data clear.
Also, you have the right to:
- Challenge unfair dismissal from a job
- Breaks and rest periods
- Safe and healthy workplace
For part-time employees
Part-time employees have other rights, besides the ones specified before.
The government states that they can get 10 days of sick and carer’s leave every year, 4 weeks of annual leave every year, and also, you can carry any leave left at the end of the year to the next year.
Common jobs for International Students
The Australian government recommends the following jobs to international students for its flexibility and a large number of opportunities in these industries:
– Supermarkets, department stores and boutiques
– Cafes, bars, restaurants and delivery
– Seasonal work – Farming and fruit-picking
– Childcare, aged care and cleaning
– Administration work
– Tutoring
It all depends on your skills and the kind of job you feel more comfortable performing.
Remember that if you want to work in hospitality, it is recommended for you to get an RSA Qualification.
On the other hand, if you find a job in the construction industry, it is important for you to possess a qualification called a White Card.
Other alternatives
It is also a good idea for you to start with volunteer work or an internship, maybe they will not pay you at the beginning, but you will gain experience. In this way, you will find good opportunities easily in the near future.
One of the biggest barriers for international students, besides the language, is the lack of experience. So volunteer work or an internship is a good add-on for your resume. Your possible employer will find you reliable as you demonstrated to have the facilities to immerse yourself in the local culture.
This will make you feel more comfortable as you will have better English skills when the time for the real job arrives. Moreover, you will learn how the work world works in Australia without the anxiety of worrying that you’ll fail.
Working in Australia after you graduate
It is also possible to start looking for a job after you graduate. In this case, you will need to apply for another visa, a working visa, before your student visa expires.
You can also apply to the post-study work visa or submit an Expression of interest to the government demonstrating your interest to stay in the country as a professional worker.
It all depends on your needs and what works best for you.
If you need more advice on finding part-time jobs as an international student, you should read our article Tips to find your first Job in Australia
