Part-Time Jobs In Australia For International Students
Explore job opportunities, pay rates and work rights
Work While You Study in Australia
Work Rights for International Students in Australia
Allowed Working Hours
As of 2026, international students can work:
- Up to 48 hours per fortnight (14-day period) during study periods
- Unlimited hours during official semester breaks and holidays
For example:
- Week 1: 18 hours
- Week 2: 30 hours
Minimum Wage And Workplace Rights
Students are entitled to:
- Minimum wage protections
- Safe working conditions
- Fair treatment in the workplace
- Payslips and employment records
- Protection from workplace discrimination
Minimum Wage And Workplace Rights
Students are entitled to:
- Minimum wage protections
- Safe working conditions
- Fair treatment in the workplace
- Payslips and employment records
- Protection from workplace discrimination
Tax File Number (TFN)
Without a Tax File Number (TFN), your employer is required to withhold tax from your wages at the highest marginal rate, which can significantly reduce your take-home pay until you provide your TFN.
Why do international students need a TFN:
- Work part-time while studying
- Receive wages correctly
- Avoid higher tax deductions
- For government benefits & services (if eligible)
The application process is free and can usually be completed online after arriving in Australia.
Work Rights for Research Students
Under Australian immigration rules, research students are permitted to work while studying, but they must always comply with their visa conditions and remain enrolled in their approved full-time research program.
Students enrolled in higher degree research programs such as:
- Master’s by Research
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
are international students who hold a Student Visa (Subclass 500) and are subject to the same Australian Government visa conditions that regulate work rights for all international students.
Work Rights for Research Students
Under Australian immigration rules, research students are permitted to work while studying, but they must always comply with their visa conditions and remain enrolled in their approved full-time research program.
Students enrolled in higher degree research programs such as:
- Master’s by Research
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
are international students who hold a Student Visa (Subclass 500) and are subject to the same Australian Government visa conditions that regulate work rights for all international students.
Why Following Visa Conditions Is Important
Australian immigration authorities closely monitor compliance with visa conditions. Students who exceed permitted work hours or fail to maintain their enrolment may face serious consequences.
Potential issues include:
- Visa cancellation
- Difficulty obtaining future Australian visas
- Impact on post-study work visa applications
- Disruption to academic studies and future career plans
To avoid these issues, students should regularly check the conditions attached to their visa, keep track of their working hours, maintain their course enrolment and seek advice from their education provider or the Department of Home Affairs if they are unsure about any visa requirements.
Key Takeaway
Australia offers international students one of the most student-friendly work systems in the world. With legal work rights, competitive wages and strong worker protections, students can gain valuable experience while helping cover living expenses. However, maintaining compliance with visa conditions and balancing work with academic responsibilities is essential for a successful study experience in Australia.
Popular Part-Time Jobs In Australia
Retail Jobs
Retail is one of the most common employment sectors for students. Workplaces include supermarkets, clothing stores, shopping centres and convenience stores.
Popular Job Roles:
- Sales assistant
- Cashier
- Stock replenishment staff
- Customer service assistant
Skills gained:
- Customer communication
- Handling transactions
- Team coordination
Average pay
AUD 55.62
per hour
Retail jobs are widely available but may require weekend availability.
Hospitality Jobs
Hospitality is the largest hiring sector for international students in Australia. Workplaces include cafes, restaurants, hotels and fast-food chains.
Popular Job Roles:
- Waiter/waitress
- Barista
- Kitchen helper
- Food preparation assistant
Skills gained:
- Fast-paced work handling
- Customer interaction
- Team coordination under pressure
Average pay
AUD 55.62
per hour
Hospitality jobs are highly flexible but physically demanding.
Delivery Jobs
Delivery jobs are popular because they offer flexibility and independence.
Common roles:
- Food delivery rider
- Parcel delivery assistant
- Supermarket Fleet Delivery Driver
- Fast-Food Delivery Driver
Skills gained:
- Flexible working hours
- No formal interview
- High earnings during peak hours
Average pay
AUD 31.85
per hour
Earnings fluctuate depending on demand, weather and location.
Online Tutoring Jobs
Online Tutoring is one of the highest-paying part-time jobs for students in Australia. Students with strong academic backgrounds can teach school students or peers.
Subjects commonly in demand:
- Mathematics
- Science
- English
- IT and programming basics
Skills gained:
- Teaching ability
- Subject mastery
- Communication confidence
Average pay
AUD 43.07
per hour
This job is especially suitable for academically strong students in STEM fields.
Customer Service Jobs
Customer service roles are available in call centres, retail chains and service-based companies.
Common roles:
- Customer support assistant
- Reception staff
- Help desk assistant
Skills gained:
- Professional communication
- Problem-solving
- Handling real customer queries
Average pay
AUD 32.52
per hour
These jobs are valuable for students aiming for corporate careers later.
How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Australia
Job Portals
Websites such as Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn, Jora and CareerOne are among the most popular platforms for finding student jobs in Australia. These portals allow students to search by location, industry, working hours and experience level, making it easier to find suitable opportunities.
University Career Services
Most Australian universities have dedicated career centres that provide job boards, resume reviews, interview preparation workshops and networking events. Many universities also advertise on-campus employment opportunities exclusively for students.
Networking
Building connections can significantly improve your chances of finding work. Speaking with classmates, senior students, professors and local community members can help you discover job openings before they are publicly advertised. Many students secure their first job through referrals and recommendations.
Benefits of Working While Studying in Australia
Financial Independence
One of the biggest benefits of part-time work is the ability to contribute towards living expenses. While part-time income may not cover all study costs, it can significantly help with day-to-day expenses such as accommodation, groceries, transportation, mobile bills and leisure activities.
Students Benefit by:
- Reducing financial dependence on family
- Learning to balance income with spending
- Improving financial planning skills
- Supporting personal goals and recreational activities
- Flexibility in managing lifestyle & spending
Gaining Work Experience
Australian employers place significant value on local work experience. Even if the role is unrelated to your degree, working in an Australian environment helps you understand workplace expectations, customer service standards and professional communication.
Students gain practical skills such as:
- Workplace etiquette
- Team collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Professional communication
- Customer interaction
Networking Opportunities
Students often become more confident in:
- Improve workplace communication skills
- Learn from experienced professionals
- Understand Australian workplace culture
- Increase exposure to different career pathways
- Adapting to new situations and challenges
Building Confidence
Living and working in a new country can initially feel challenging, but part-time employment helps students become more comfortable in their surroundings. Daily interactions with customers, colleagues and supervisors improve communication skills and increase self-confidence.
Students often become more confident in:
- Speaking English in professional settings
- Handling responsibilities independently
- Working in diverse teams
- Professional communication
- Adapting to new situations and challenges
Developing Time Management Skills
Balancing lectures, assignments, exams and work commitments requires strong organisational skills. Students who successfully manage part-time employment often develop excellent time management abilities. These skills are highly valued by employers and remain useful throughout a professional career.
Working while studying teaches students how to:
- Prioritise tasks effectively
- Meet deadlines
- Plan schedules efficiently
- Maintain a healthy study-work balance
Better Career Prospects
Living and working in a new country can initially feel challenging, but part-time employment helps students become more comfortable in their surroundings. Daily interactions with customers, colleagues and supervisors improve communication skills and increase self-confidence.
Students often become more confident in:
- Speaking English in professional settings
- Handling responsibilities independently
- Working in diverse teams
- Professional communication
- Adapting to new situations and challenges
Conclusion
Part-time employment is one of the most valuable aspects of studying in Australia. Beyond helping students manage living expenses, it provides practical experience, workplace skills, professional networks and exposure to Australian culture.
Students who approach part-time work strategically often graduate with not only a degree but also local work experience that gives them a stronger position in Australia’s competitive job market. For many international students, the combination of education and work experience becomes a major factor in achieving long-term career success.
FAQs
Yes. International students holding a Student Visa (Subclass 500) can legally work while studying, provided they comply with visa conditions and remain enrolled in a full-time course. This makes part-time jobs in Australia for Indian students a popular option to earn income while gaining valuable work experience.
International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and enjoy unlimited work rights during official semester breaks and holidays. These work rights make part-time jobs in Australia for Indian students a flexible way to earn while studying.
Most part-time jobs in Australia for Indian students earn around AUD 26.44 depending on the industry, location and role.
The highest part-time job in Australia for Indian students is an aged care worker, which pays around AUD 35 (INR 1,961).
No. Many part-time jobs in Australia for Indian students are available in sectors such as retail, hospitality and customer service, where employers may provide on-the-job training for entry-level roles. However, experience requirements vary depending on the employer and the position.
