**IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS**
The number of hours international students can work is 48 per fortnight, as of July 1, 2023. Please see here for details.
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As an international student, there is important compliance information you must be aware of to ensure you do not violate your visa obligations. In general (notwithstanding the temporary exception noted above), you are entitled to work up to 48 hours every 2 weeks during study periods, and an unlimited amount during non-study periods. Once employed, you are covered by the same work laws as every other Australian (e.g., you will get the minimum wage per hour regardless of the job you do, unless there is a registered agreement from both parties about the pay rate; you will also get break times and follow the same health and safety laws, etc.).
A major consideration is for you to ensure that employment does not impair your ability to study and complete your degree. Nonetheless, there are several reasons why employment during your stay in Australia should be considered. These include (but are not limited to): (1) gaining experience and skills; (2) professional and social networking; (3) improving your CV; (4) demonstrating your ability for time management, team work, and to take responsibility; and (5) improving your knowledge of Australian workplaces.
When seeking work with a potential employer, ensure you are at least clear about (1) employment status (e.g., part-time or casual work); (2) the expected hours per week (and starting and finishing times); (3) the pay rate (including penalty rates; see the Fairwork pay calculator link below); and (4) leave entitlements. Please note you will need to have a tax file number when starting paid employment (see link below).
The following may be well suited for students looking for part-time, yet flexible work: (1) retail; (2) hospitality (e.g., bars, restaurants, etc.); (3) services (e.g., childcare, cleaning, etc.); (4) seasonal work (e.g., picking fruit, etc.); and (5) administration.
When you finish your degree, you may be eligible to apply for a new working visa (i.e., Temporary Graduate Visa, subclass 485) that will allow you to seek employment relating to your degree within Australia.
Full details about this can be found at the Australian Government’s SkillSelect and Department of Home Affairs websites.
Employment Resources
The International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) website provides exhaustive information about what employers are looking for, how to increase your chances of getting a job, preparing for interviews, and your rights.
You can search for work online using these websites: careerone and seek.
Employment agencies that may assist you in finding work include: Hays; Dixon Appointments; Drake; Hudson; and Randstad
You must have a tax file number when you do paid work. Information about tax can be found at the Australian Taxation Office website.
You can work out your expected pay rate using this calculator from the Fairwork Australia website.
Free legal services relating to employment can be found at the International Student Employment and Accommodation Legal Service website.