Work and Study in Australia for International Students

Work and Study in Australia for International Students – A Complete Guide

Australia is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education, a multicultural environment, and excellent job opportunities. One of the biggest advantages of studying in Australia is the ability to work part-time while completing your education. This allows students to gain experience, support their living expenses, and build a strong career foundation.

At Vibedu, we help students secure admissions, find part-time jobs, and understand student visa work rights to make their study-abroad journey smooth and successful.

Why Work and Study in Australia?

Studying in Australia comes with several benefits, including opportunities to work while pursuing your degree.

Work While Studying – International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours per week) during semesters and full-time during semester breaks.
High Wages – Australia offers one of the highest minimum wages in the world, ensuring students can support their expenses.
Diverse Job Opportunities – Part-time jobs are available in hospitality, retail, customer service, tutoring, and internships.
Post-Study Work Opportunities – Graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (485 Visa), allowing them to stay and work in Australia for up to 4 years.
Pathway to PR (Permanent Residency) – Working in Australia can help you qualify for PR under skilled migration programs.

Types of Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Australia

Many students work part-time to cover their living expenses, gain experience, and develop professional skills. Here are some of the best job opportunities:

Hospitality & Retail Jobs

Café & Restaurant Staff
Bartender
Waiter/Waitress
Cashier
Store Assistant

Customer Service & Administration

Receptionist
Data Entry Operator
Call Center Representative
Office Assistant

Tutoring & Academic Assistance

Private Tutor
University Teaching Assistant
Library Assistant

Delivery & Ride-Share Jobs

Food Delivery (Uber Eats, Deliveroo)
Ride-Share Driver (Uber, Ola) (requires an Australian driving license)

Internships & Research Assistant Roles

Part-time internships in marketing, IT, finance, and engineering.
University-funded research assistant roles for postgraduate students.

With Vibedu’s career support, we help students find suitable part-time jobs based on their skills and availability.

Student Visa Work Rights in Australia

Work Hours for Student Visa Holders (Subclass 500)

48 hours per fortnight (24 hours per week) during study periods.
Unlimited work hours during semester breaks.
Research students (PhD and Master’s by Research) can work full-time.

Work Rights for Dependents

Spouses of Master’s and PhD students can work full-time.
Spouses of Bachelor’s students can work 48 hours per fortnight.

Tax File Number (TFN) Requirement

All students must have a Tax File Number (TFN) to work legally in Australia. Our team at Vibedu helps you apply for your TFN and Australian bank account to ensure hassle-free employment.

Post-Study Work Opportunities in Australia

After completing your degree, you can apply for the Post-Study Work Visa (Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485), which allows you to work in Australia for:

2 years (Bachelor’s degree holders)
3 years (Master’s degree holders)
4 years (PhD holders)

This visa is an excellent opportunity to gain work experience in Australia, improve your PR eligibility, and boost your global career prospects.

How Vibedu Helps You Work & Study in Australia

University & Course Selection

Personalized counseling to choose career-oriented courses in Australia.
Guidance on choosing universities with the best job prospects.

Part-Time Job Assistance

Help with job searches, resume building, and interview preparation.
Guidance on finding internships and work placements.

Visa Application & Work Rights Guidance

Complete support for Subclass 500 student visa applications.
Information on post-study work visas and PR pathways.

IELTS, PTE & TOEFL Coaching

Expert training for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and GMAT/GRE.
Mock tests and personalized study plans.

Pre-Departure & Post-Arrival Support

Assistance with student accommodation, health insurance, and SIM cards.
Information on public transport and cost of living in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I work full-time while studying in Australia?

No, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while classes are in session. However, they can work full-time during semester breaks.

What is the minimum wage for students in Australia?

The minimum wage in Australia is AUD 23.23 per hour (as of 2024). Some jobs, like hospitality and customer service, may offer higher wages.

How can I find a part-time job in Australia as a student?

Apply through job portals (Seek, Indeed, Jora, and Gumtree).
Visit local businesses and submit your resume.
Join university career services and student job networks.

Is it possible to study and work in Australia without IELTS?

Some universities accept alternative English tests like PTE or TOEFL, but for a student visa, you typically need an IELTS score of 6.0+ (with no band below 5.5).

Can my spouse work while I study in Australia?

Spouses of Master’s and PhD students can work full-time.
Spouses of Bachelor’s students can work 48 hours per fortnight.

"Thanks to Vibedu, I secured a part-time job as a research assistant while studying in Sydney. The team helped me with my student visa and guided me on post-study work options."

Rajesh Kumar

★★★★★

"Vibedu’s support made my transition to Australia smooth. I found a great job in retail while studying at the University of Melbourne, which helped me manage my living expenses."

Kavitha Arul