Study and Work in Australia
In recent years, Australia’s educational sector has attracted global recognition for the high quality of education in its learning and research institutions. International students consider Australia to be one of the best study destinations based on the excellent quality of life and education, multicultural population, and study and work opportunities available.
Studying in Australia is a great experience, however, the cost of education and living can make your study experience a lot expensive.
The Australian government understands that cost of study is a major concern for international students and as such, offers many scholarships and grants to support international students in their study.
With the availability of various scholarships for international students, there is still the need for international students to explore study and work opportunities during their study programme.
In this article, we will be discussing what you should know as an international student in Australia looking to work while studying and how best to explore study and work opportunities.
Why Work while Studying?
Working while studying as an international student is a smart decision as it will help you cover basic living and education expenses.
In addition to being an extra source of income, international students in Australia take up part-time jobs to expand their network, gain new skills and work experience that can help with the advancement of their careers.
Study and Work Conditions for International Students
While considering students jobs you can combine with your study programme, you should also look out for working restrictions that apply to you as an international student in Australia.
These restrictions are set to ensure international students who study and work, remain focused on their studies while earning some money on the side.
The Australian Immigration system currently allows international students living in the country on a student visa to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during school breaks.
However, if your part-time work is a part of your university course, this rule won’t apply to you, allowing you to work more hours than the set limit.
As an international student studying in Australia, you can only start working after your course program has commenced. These conditions also apply to family dependents working in Australia with your student visa.
Looking for Part-time Work as an International Student in Australia
Various industries in Australia offer part-time work opportunities with flexible hours for international students. If you have prior qualifications or required work experience, you may be lucky to find part-time work in a role of your choice.
If you are looking to gain work experience in a particular field, you can explore paid and unpaid internships or volunteer in NGO.
Here is a list of typical part-time roles international students may consider because of their flexible working hours:
- Hospitality roles
- Administration or Clerical roles
- Tutoring
- Graphics designing, Photography or similar roles
- Retail jobs
- Delivery jobs
Finding Part-time Work as an International Student
Even with many available part-time jobs in Australia, finding a student job as an international student can still be difficult without the right resources.
One useful source of information for international students looking to study and work, would be their university of study. International Students Office, Alumni groups, School websites and noticeboards, frequently put up adverts of job openings both within and outside the university campus.
Networking is also one of the best ways to find part-time work. As an international student in Australia, you must build your personal and professional network who you can inform about your search for part-time work. Your network can help link you to available roles or job sites that keep you updated on job availability.
In a nutshell, as an international student, the best resources you can explore in your search for part-time work are:
- Your personal and professional network
- Job websites, noticeboards and magazines
- University facilities.
Working Rights as an International Student in Australia
International students working part-time in Australia enjoy the same rights and protections as any other Australian employee in the workplace. Australia’s laws and regulations are designed to also protect international students and ensure they are paid at least the minimum wage and have a safe and healthy work environment.
As an international student working in Australia, you will need to get a Tax File Number (TFN) to work in the country. You are also entitled to receive your payslip within one working day of getting paid. This serves as a record of how many hours you’ve worked and how much you get paid.
To get accurate information and advice on your workplace rights, reach out to the office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO). The FWO is an independent government agency that helps employees understand their rights and responsibilities under Australian workplace laws.
Post-study Work Opportunities
With the introduction of a post-study work visa, international students now have the opportunity to work for up to 2 years in Australia and gain experience. You are eligible to apply for this post-study work visa if you graduated with an Australian bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree six months before your application.
You will, however, need to meet the Australian study requirement and the English language requirement, as well as any other qualification that will be required of you.
