Working in Australia on a Student Visa (2024 Guide)

The cost of living is on the rise, which is why most international students choose to work casually or part-time while studying in Australia. In this guide, working hours for international students in australia, we’ll share the rules and regulations for students working in Australia on a student visa to ensure you maintain your visa conditions whilst generating income.

Student Visa – check.

OHSC – check.

Flight booked – check.

Luggage packed – check.

You’re ready and raring to embark on your study journey in Australia. But one thing you’re not entirely sure about is working hours for international students in Australia. As visa conditions tend to change periodically, you want to ensure you have the latest information that’s relevant for 2024. We’ll help you navigate the complex—and sometimes perplexing—process of working in Australia on a student visa so you can feel confident when you finally land that job!

Can I work in Australia on a student visa?

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As a visa condition for study in Australia, there are certain requirements that need to be met.

It’s important to check your visa conditions so you understand all the restrictions on your work rights. Once your study visa has been granted, you can do this on the Department of Home Affairs Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO).

You can also use VEVO to send proof of your visa conditions to employers (or landlords if applying for rental accommodation). All recruiters and hiring managers will request confirmation of your working rights in Australia, to comply with national laws and legislation. They may also ask you directly to provide your visa start and expiry dates.

What are the working hours for international students in Australia?

If you are on a subclass 500 student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight when your course of study is in session, and unlimited hours during study breaks. To clarify, a fortnight is calculated as a 14-day period starting on a Monday. Keep in mind, you won’t be able to work until after your course has started. So if you’ve arrived a little earlier before commencing studying to sightsee or socialise, you’ll have to wait until the study session starts before working.

If your current or prospective employer requests confirmation of the study holiday period, get in touch with your college or university student services department for a formal letter. To adhere to visa requirements, students must remain enrolled at their university or college, and ensure “satisfactory course attendance” and “satisfactory course progress” while working.

Do I need to pay tax while working in Australia on a student visa?

The provision of healthcare, quality education, transportation, infrastructure and community facilities such as parks and playgrounds are supported through tax collections. Therefore, any person working in Australia is required, by law, to pay tax. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) collects theses taxes for the Australian Government. To be paid for working in Australia and pay the right amount of tax, you’ll need to get a Tax File Number (TFN). This is a unique personal reference number stays the same even if you change your job, personal details or residency status. When you start working in Australia on a student visa, your employer will ask you to fill out a Tax File Number Declaration to provide your TFN.

The ATO sees all international students as temporary residents, which means any foreign income you earn does not need to be declared. However, you must declare any income you earn in Australia by completing a tax return annually between 30 June and 31 October.

How do I obtain a Tax File Number (TFN)?

You’ll need to get a TFN before starting work, or soon after starting work, otherwise you’ll pay more tax. It is free to get a TFN. How you apply for your TFN will depend on your circumstances but it’s fair to assume you’ll require a TFN under the foreign passport category if you’re on an overseas student visa, are already in Australia and a foreign passport holder. When completing your application, you’ll need documents that prove your identity. It can take up to 28 days to process your TFN application receive your TFN. It is important to keep your TFN safe and not share it with anyone else.

What type of work can I do while working in Australia on a student visa?

When it comes to the type of work you can do, there are lots of options out there. The job market varies significantly from the type of work you’ll be doing to industry, location and more. Typical jobs students find work well around their studies are:

Retail positions in supermarkets and stores
Waitstaff, baristas and kitchen hands in cafes and restaurants
Bartending in bars, clubs and hotels
Food delivery driver (if you have a valid driving licence)
Farming or fruit-picking
Garden maintenance and domestic cleaning
Office administration roles such as data entry and reception
Tutoring

Here’s a comprehensive list of jobs for international students, complete with average wages to give you an idea of your earning potential.

What type of work is not allowed with a student visa in Australia?

Full-time work is not allowed, as you will exceed the allotted hours. When choosing casual or part-time work, ensure that you are very clear about the time you can give to the job to your prospective employer. Remember, working hours for international students in Australia are up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during holidays.

Where do I find jobs for international students?

In Australia, applying for work can vary depending on the employer, industry and type of job being advertised. Seek is Australia’s leading and most trusted job board, followed by CareerOne. Jobs advertised on LinkedIn are also an option. Some recruitment agencies specialise in casual and temporary placement, however, they are notorious for being slow and ghosting candidates. The best way to find work is to print copies of your CV and visit local shops, cafes, hotels, gyms and businesses to express your interest. Rocking up to a potential place of employment with a warm smile, confident handshake and friendly disposition allows you to make a lasting impression that cannot be made online.

Be highly wary of jobs advertised on WhatsApp, Facebook and Gumtree. Soaring rates of job scams arising from digital platforms are being reported in Australia. The general rule is, if the job ad cost the employer nothing (e.g. it costs money to advertise on Seek, LinkedIn etc), it is most likely to be a scam.

How do I apply for a job?

To apply for a job, you’ll need an up-to-date resume and cover letter. For best results, write a concise and visually appealing resume, as recruiters and employers spend mere seconds scanning it. Incorporate key competencies, skills and experiences that reflect what’s outlined in the job ad, and ensure spelling and grammar is correct (Grammarly is very handy!)

A cover letter is your first introduction, so it needs to show you’re a suitable candidate. Keep it sharp and punchy, no longer than one page in length. In your letter, express a strong interest in the role, as well as a brief summary of how you meet the selection criteria.

Most organisations accept applications digitally, including supermarkets and retail chains. As suggested previously, it never hurts to make a positive impression by introducing yourself to management and submitting a printed copy of your application if it’s a small business such as a locally owned café.

What are my rights and responsibilities at work?

It is easy to make assumptions about what you can and can’t do at work, based on experiences back home. It is therefore important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a worker in Australia as legislation can be very different from other countries. For example, every employee has rights around minimum wage, workplace health and safety, and discrimination. As a student working in Australia, you are covered by work health and safety laws, which apply to every workplace regardless of your visa status. This means you are guaranteed the same minimum wage, which is currently AUS$23.23 per hour.

A great place to seek information and advice about working in Australia is Fair Work. If you’re encountering issues in the workplace, such as bullying or wage theft, there are resources available to help you understand employment law in Australia.

Equally, you have specific obligations and responsibilities including taking reasonable care of yourself, not doing anything that would affect the health and safety of others at work and following reasonable health and safety instructions from your employer. You can learn more about your responsibilities as an employee from the SafeWork website.

And, as stated previously, you’re entitled to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during college/uni semester and unlimited hours in study holidays. If you exceed this amount, the Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force may cancel your visa under s116(1)(b) of the Migration Act 1958.

Can I work in Australia after I complete my studies?

Student visas in Australia are awarded on the condition that international students leave after they complete their course. However, Australia does welcome skilled international workers and therefore Australian university graduates with a degree, who may be eligible to apply for the 485 Temporary Graduate visa. This visa is very common among international students because it allows them to stay within the country for 18 months, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

Working in Australia on a student visa is an optimal way to make money and fund your study experience. The working hours for international students in Australia are up to 48 hours per fortnight when your course of study is in session, and unlimited hours during study breaks. And of course, if in doubt, visit the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information.

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