Many international students seek part-time or casual work while they study in Australia.
The extra spending money to support your living experience can help you discover this wonderful country and meet other students in your local community. It's also a great way to build your confidence and make new friends.
While there are benefits to having employment while you study, there are two things you must do:
1. Make sure you have enough time to balance your studies, job and your wellbeing.
2. Check your visa status to ensure you are eligible to work whilst studying.
Knowing your visa requirements
Student visa work restrictions were relaxed throughout the pandemic, and temporarily removed in January 2022. This temporary arrangement will end on 30 June 2023.
From 1 July 2023, the number of work hours allowed during study terms and semesters will be capped at the increased amount of 48 hours per fortnight, during study terms and semesters.
This ensures that student visa holders can focus on their learning in Australia, but also take up paid employment and gain valuable work experience while they study.
To check your visa rules, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Where to look to find a job
In Australia, the best way to look for part-time or casual work are through job listing sites such as:
Other ways to find work include:
- Word of mouth – ask your friends or local community.
- Your personal or professional networks and connections.
- Dedicated websites, job noticeboards and alumni groups at your university or institution.
- Professional recruitment companies.
The Developing Employability Student Starter Kit can help you take control of your employability and professional development.
International students have access to the same workplace protections as all Australian employees and are entitled to safe and fair workplaces.
The differences between full-time, part-time and casual work
In Australia, an employee could be hired in a full-time, part-time or casual role. Each of these types of employment have varying pay rates, hours of work and entitlements.
Full-time employees
As a full-time Australian employee, you would:
- Work, on average, 38 hours each week.
- Be a permanent employee or have a fixed-term contract.
- Be entitled to paid leave including annual leave and sick/carer’s leave.
- Be entitled to a written notice if an employer terminates a contract.
Part-time employees
As a part-time employee, you would:
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Work, on average, less than 38 hours per week.
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Work regular hours each week.
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Be a permanent employee or have a fixed-term contract.
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Be entitled to paid leave including annual leave and sick/carer’s leave.
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Be entitled to a written notice if an employer terminates a contract.
Casual employees:
As a casual employee, you would:
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Have accepted an offer for a job knowing there is no firm advance commitment to ongoing work.
For an overview of each type of employment and its entitlements, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.