Every person who works in Australia is entitled to minimum wages. These are the minimum amounts that an employer can legally pay employees. The National Minimum Wage and minimum pay rates under ‘awards’ are reviewed each year.
Minimum wage amounts are worked out based on the type of work you do. Different jobs have different sets of rules called ‘awards’ that explain how much workers should be paid and their work conditions.
Awards cover more than 100 different industries and occupations. This means that award wages (minimum pay rates) apply to most jobs in Australia. These are reviewed each year by the Australian Government’s Fair Work Commission.
The Commission has announced that minimum award wages will increase by 4.75% from 1 July 2026.
Knowing your award and pay entitlements will help you ensure that you are receiving the correct wage. To check the new rates, use this Pay and Conditions Tool.
If your job is not covered by an ‘award’ or a registered agreement, the National Minimum Wage applies. This makes sure that every worker in Australia is paid at least a set minimum amount per hour. This amount is also reviewed every year.
This year, the Australian Government’s Fair Work Commission has announced an increase in the national minimum wage.
As of 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour or $1004.90 per week (based on a 38‑hour week for a full‑time employee).
The new National Minimum Wage will apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
As an international student, you are protected by Australia's workplace laws.
If you believe you are not receiving your minimum rights and conditions at work or are having workplace issues, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free information and advice.
Please visit the Study Australia Work in Australia pages for student and graduate work information, and links to a wide range of translated resources on work rights and protections.