Balancing part‑time work while studying in Australia may seem challenging, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Part‑time employment helps you become financially independent and gain real‑world skills that enhance your employability. Australia attracts hundreds of thousands of international students every year, drawn by its rich culture, high‑quality education, and strong regulations around fair pay and working conditions.
A survey from the Australian Department of Education indicates that around 90% of international students are satisfied with their academic and living experiences, including work opportunities. This high satisfaction stems from the wide range of part‑time roles available, allowing students to not only fund their studies but also develop professional and interpersonal skills regardless of origin or language background.
Learn more about how you can combine study with part‑time work in Australia below.
Benefits of Working Part-Time
1. Financial Independence
Working up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time helps cover daily expenses such as food, travel, textbooks, and even modest leisure. That lowers demand on family finances or personal savings.
2. Skills Development
Roles in retail, hospitality, tutoring or administration help you build strong communication, time management, customer service and teamwork skills. These are highly regarded by future employers in Australia and back home in India.
3. Cultural Immersion & Networking
Customer‑facing jobs offer opportunities to interact with local colleagues and customers, helping you build confidence, language fluency and professional networks—some of which can lead to internships or longer‑term roles.
4. Personal Growth
Working in a foreign environment hones adaptability, problem‑solving and decision‑making. It helps you build maturity, independence and resilience—qualities valued in academic and work settings alike.
5. Minimising CV Gaps
If there’s a break between degrees or during academic transitions, part‑time employment helps maintain a productive routine on your CV—demonstrating initiative and real‑world engagement.
Eligibility to Work Part-time
International students with a Subclass 500 Student Visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, and unlimited hours during semester breaks or official holidays. Master’s by research or PhD candidates may work unlimited hours even during term time.
To be eligible, you must:
- Hold a valid Australian student visa.
- Be enrolled in a government-accredited full‑time course.
- Respect the attendance requirements set by your education provider.
- Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Always confirm conditions on your VEVO account before accepting a job.
International Student Work Rights
International students have the same workplace protections as local employees. These include:
- Minimum wage, correct pay slips and tax withholding.
- Access to superannuation contributions, even for casual roles.
- Protection under the Fair Work Act, which offers support if you face unfair treatment, wage theft, or unsafe conditions.
If you believe you are not receiving your entitlements, you can seek help via the Fair Work Ombudsman or local student legal clinics.
Hourly Wages and Popular Jobs
As of 1 July 2025, the national minimum wage in Australia is AUD 24.95 per hour.
In practice, international students typically earn between AUD 20–30 per hour in roles such as retail assistants, tutors, hospitality, delivery, and administrative support. High-skill roles like academic tutoring may pay up to AUD 35 per hour.
Typical Work Patterns
- Standard part-time: <30 hours per week or <48 hours per fortnight.
- Casual employment: Flexible shifts, no guaranteed hours, but higher pay.
- Permanent part-time: Fewer hours (<38/week) with entitlements like paid leave.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 31% of the workforce is employed part-time, including many students. Median hourly earnings across all jobs sit around AUD 40 per hour, though student roles tend to be closer to AUD 30–35.
Finding Work and Creating a Strong CV
Many universities offer career services or job boards aimed at students. They also provide support with CV writing, interview practice, and navigating workplace laws. To succeed:
- Keep your CV concise (1‑2 pages), emphasising any training, volunteer work, language proficiency and academic achievements.
- Practice for interviews and workplace communication.
- Abide by visa conditions: Working more than permitted can lead to visa cancellation, as seen in cases where students exceeded 48 hours per fortnight.
Study in Australia
Working part‑time while studying in Australia offers both financial support and a valuable bridge between academic study and the professional world. It enhances your CV, builds interpersonal and workplace skills, and introduces you to networks that may shape your future career.
Proceed cautiously, understand your visa rights, and always prioritise reputable employers who offer fair pay and legal conditions. If you’d like help applying to study in Australia or understanding your visa work entitlements, contact StudyIn for tailored guidance.
FAQs
Can I work while studying in Australia?
Yes. Most international students on a Student visa (subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic terms and unlimited hours during official holiday breaks.
What does “48 hours per fortnight” mean?
It means you can work a total of 48 hours across any two-week period during term time. This includes all paid employment, whether casual, part-time, or shift-based.
What is the minimum wage in Australia?
As of 1 July 2025, the national minimum wage in Australia is AUD 24.95 per hour. Some industries may offer higher rates under specific awards or enterprise agreements.
What are my workplace rights?
International students have the same legal rights as Australian workers. These include fair pay, safe working conditions, protection from discrimination, and the right to join a union.
What should I avoid working in Australia?
Avoid working beyond your permitted hours, accepting cash-in-hand jobs without payslips, or signing contracts you don’t fully understand. Breaching visa conditions can lead to serious consequences.
Where can I find part-time jobs?
Common student jobs include hospitality, retail, tutoring, and internships. Use platforms like Seek, Indeed, university career portals, and local job boards.
Can working affect my studies?
Yes. It’s important to balance work with academic commitments. Prioritise your coursework and ensure your job doesn’t interfere with attendance or performance.
