Working while you study in Australia can help complement your study and living experience. There are a number of reasons you might want to undertake part-time work while studying in Australia, including assisting with living expenses and gaining work experience in your study area.

Most student visas allow you to work for up to 40 hours every two weeks while your course is in session, and unrestricted hours during any scheduled course break, but before you undertake any paid work you need to make sure your visa allows you to work. Find out more at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection

Paid work

Australia has a wide range of industries and many have part-time employment opportunities, including:

  • Retail– supermarkets, department and clothing stores.
  • Hospitality– cafes, bars and restaurants.
  • Tourism– hotels and motels.
  • Agricultural– farming and fruit-picking.
  • Sales and telemarketing.
  • Administration or Clerical roles.
  • Tutoring.

If you have existing qualifications and/or professional work experience, you may be able to secure casual or part time work in your field.

Your rights

Everyone working in Australia, including international students or those on working holiday visas, have basic rights at work. These rights protect entitlement to:

  • A minimum wage.
  • Challenge of unfair dismissal from the job
  • Leave, breaks and rest periods.
  • A healthy and safe work environment.

Finding Work

There are plenty of ways to find work that suits you, including:

  • Newspapers and online job sites.
  • Some institutions provide job notice-boards on campus and online. Contact your institution’s international student support staff to find out what options your institution offers.
  • Register your details at a recruitment firm; many of them help place people in casual or short-term work.

Online Job Sites

Seek.com.au
Search employment opportunities. From graduate to the executive level.

Career One
Thousands of Australian jobs and job seeking tips and career news.

Sports People
Sport, leisure, fitness and aquatics jobs.

Job Net
IT&T jobs throughout Australia. Permanent, contracting and consulting positions.

My Career
Search employment opportunities. From graduate to the executive level.