If you are studying in Australia and wish to earn extra income, working part-time is your best option.
In Australia, part-time work is synonymous with international students. It is a way for them to earn income while still studying
However, aside from the income, part-time jobs also help international students gain practical skills that complement their academic learning.
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Through part-time work, you will learn skills like time management, communication, and problem-solving.
In addition, working part-time jobs also act as a practical application of classroom knowledge, and boost students’ employability after graduation.
For many international students, working part-time is not merely a choice but a way to cover their living expenses and support their education in Australia.
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Part-time jobs sound all good but are they easy to find in Australia?
As an international student, what do you need to get part-time jobs in Australia?
Want to find out? Continue read!
Australia is the real deal
Australia is one of the countries that are respected for its high standard of living – the country is also popular for its diverse culture.
International students find Australia interesting due to the numerous opportunities the country offers foreign students – from job opportunities to career and professional growth.
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The list is endless – Australia is a great place to study, and if you want to work while you study, you also have a good chance.
Can international students work part-time in Australia?
Yes, international students can work part-time in Australia for up to 40 hours per fortnight if they have a valid Student visa (subclass 500) and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (such as semester holidays or summer vacations).
Is it easy to get a part-time job in Australia?
Yes, it is easy to find part-time jobs in Australia if you have the relevant skills and experience that employers are looking for, do a proper job search, network with potential employers and if you live in an area with high demand for part-time workers.
Having relevant experience is the easiest way to significantly increase your chances of finding a part-time job in Australia.
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Getting a job in Australia
The amazing thing is that Australia has a robust job market and you will find opportunities in various industries like retail, hospitality, customer service, administration, and many more.
However, the ease of getting a part-time job in Australia depends on several factors:
- Your location: Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth have more part-time job opportunities for you compared to smaller towns or rural areas.
- Your skills and experience: Another easy way to get a part-time job in Australia is to have relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Employers value candidates who have the right experience and skills.
- Time of the season: Part-time job availability fluctuates based on the time of the year. For example, retail and hospitality jobs have increased hiring during the holiday seasons.
- The industry you are in: Here is what you need to know. Some industries have a higher demand for part-time workers than others. Industries like cafes, restaurants, and retail stores in shopping malls are on this list.
Who can do a part-time job in Australia?
It is not only international students who work part-time in Australia.
So, who else does?
- Domestic students: Australian citizens and permanent residents studying at universities, colleges, or vocational institutions are also allowed to work part-time in Australia.
- Working holiday visa holders: If you are holding a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462), you can work part-time in Australia.
- Temporary residents: Some temporary visa holders like skilled visa holders or partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents are eligible for part-time work.
- International students: You already know this – International students with a valid student visa (subclass 500) are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week during the semester and full-time during scheduled breaks.
- Casual workers: Casual employees who work irregular hours and do not have a fixed weekly schedule can also be regarded as part-time workers.
Australia protects international students
If you are an international student working part-time in Australia, you are in good hands.
Australian workplace laws make sure that international students are treated fairly and paid according to the minimum wage standards.
How to find part-time jobs in Australia for international students
If you want to find part-time jobs in Australia, you can use any of these strategies to increase your chances of finding a part-time job.
- Take networking very seriously: If you want to get a part-time job in Australia, you must attend networking events, career fairs, and workshops organized by your university or local communities – it will help you connect with potential employers.
- Check online job portals: Another strategy to find part-time jobs in Australia for international students is by checking online job portals like Seek, Indeed, Gumtree, and LinkedIn.
- Casual job opportunities: Industries like hospitality and retail have flexible hours that are suitable for students, you can check these industries for opportunities.
- You can go for volunteer work: If you are finding it hard to get part-time jobs, you can start by volunteering or participating in internships, it will help you gain the experience you need for the job.
To help you get part-time jobs faster, do not apply randomly, before applying for a part-time job, ensure that you tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills, relevant experience, and enthusiasm for the position you’re applying for.
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Is it easy to get a part-time job for international students in Australia?
Yes, it is, you can easily get a part-time job as an international student in Australia, all you need are the right skills and to put yourself out there for employers to notice you.
Which companies in Australia hire international students?
When looking for part-time jobs in Australia as an international student, check these companies that hire international students.
- Retail: Supermarkets (e.g., Woolworths, Coles), department stores (e.g., Target, Kmart), fashion retailers, and speciality stores.
- Hospitality: Cafes, restaurants, hotels, bars, and catering companies.
- Customer Service: Call centres, customer support services, and retail service centres.
- Administration: Offices, government agencies, and administrative support services.
- Healthcare: Aged care facilities, hospitals, and healthcare service providers.
- Education: Tutoring centres, educational institutions (as student ambassadors or assistants), and language schools.
- Technology: IT companies, software development firms, and tech startups.
- Finance: Banks, financial institutions, and accounting firms (for roles like customer service, administration, or data entry).
How much can an international student earn per hour in Australia?
The minimum wage for international students working in Australia is covered by the Fair Work Act 2009 and the National Minimum Wage Order. As of 1st July 2022, the minimum wage for adults (21 years and over) in Australia is $20.33 per hour before tax.
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Part-time salary in Australia for international students
The part-time salary in Australia for international students is $20.33 per hour before tax but you can be paid less or higher depending on the industry, your job, location, and your employer’s policies.
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Challenges of working part-time as an international student in Australia
Even though Australia has numerous job opportunities for students, you may face any of the following challenges.
- The competition is high: The job market in Australia is competitive, especially in popular cities.
- Balancing your work-life Balancing work and studies may be hard for you.
- You need strong language skills: To work effectively in Australia, you need to have a good command of the English language.
Conclusively, it’s easy to get a part-time job in Australia as an international student but you have to put yourself out there.
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Put yourself in front of employers and if you have the right skills, you will get the right job.