Part-Time Jobs for Students
Work rights, wages, and where to find jobs
Your Work Rights: International students on a valid Student Visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. No work limits apply once your course is completed and you're waiting for your transcript.
✓ Good News! Australia has high minimum wages! You'll earn at least $23.23/hour (2025 minimum wage). Many student jobs pay $25-35/hour, especially weekends and evenings.
Don't Work Before Your Course Starts!
Your work rights start on the day your course begins, NOT when you arrive in Australia. Working before your course starts is a visa breach and can lead to visa cancellation.
Understanding the 48-Hour Limit
During Semester
Maximum 48 hours per fortnight (2 weeks). This averages to 24 hours per week, but you can work:
- • 20 hours in week 1, 28 hours in week 2 (48 total) ✓
- • 10 hours in week 1, 38 hours in week 2 (48 total) ✓
- • 24 hours each week (48 total) ✓
Tip: Employers track this automatically. If you have 2 jobs, YOU must ensure total hours don't exceed 48 per fortnight.
During Course Breaks
Unlimited hours! You can work full-time (40+ hours/week) during:
- • Summer break (November - February)
- • Winter break (June - July)
- • Any official university break period
- • After course completion (waiting for graduation)
Pro Tip: Many students save heavily during breaks by working 35-45 hours/week at $25-30/hour = $900-1,350/week!
⚠️ Penalties for Breaching Work Limits: Working more than 48 hours/fortnight during semester is a visa breach. It can result in visa cancellation. Employers may also be penalized. Always track your hours carefully!
How Much Will You Earn?
National Minimum Wage (2025)
$23.23/hour
Before tax (~$19-20/hour after tax with TFN)
Typical Student Job Wages
| Job Type | Weekday Rate | Weekend Rate | Night Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail (shops) | $24-27/hr | $30-38/hr | $28-32/hr |
| Hospitality (cafes, restaurants) | $23-28/hr | $32-42/hr | $30-36/hr |
| Supermarkets | $24-26/hr | $32-36/hr | $28-32/hr |
| Tutoring | $30-60/hr (cash or online) | ||
| Food delivery (Uber, DoorDash) | $20-35/hr (varies, flexible) | ||
| On-campus jobs (library, admin) | $25-30/hr (convenient) | ||
Penalty Rates (Higher Pay)
- • Saturday: Usually 1.25x - 1.5x normal rate
- • Sunday: Usually 1.5x - 2x normal rate
- • Public holidays: 2.5x normal rate!
- • Night shifts (after 8pm): +15-25%
Example: Weekend Café Job
- • Saturday 8 hours: $36/hr = $288
- • Sunday 8 hours: $42/hr = $336
- • Weekend total: $624
- • Perfect for students! (16 hrs = under limit)
Most Popular Student Jobs
Retail Assistant
Easy to GetWork in clothing stores, electronics shops, or department stores. Responsibilities include helping customers, restocking shelves, and operating cash registers.
Pros:
- ✓ Flexible shifts
- ✓ Good weekend penalty rates
- ✓ Easy to find (always hiring)
- ✓ Customer service experience
Where to apply:
Kmart, Target, Uniqlo, H&M, JB Hi-Fi, Myer, David Jones
Café / Restaurant Worker
PopularBarista, waiter/waitress, kitchen hand, or food runner. Fast-paced environment with great weekend rates. Many cafés prefer students for weekend shifts.
Pros:
- ✓ Excellent weekend pay ($32-42/hr)
- ✓ Tips in some places
- ✓ Free/discounted meals
- ✓ Meet lots of people
Skills needed:
Friendly personality, can work fast, RSA certificate (Responsible Service of Alcohol) for bars
Supermarket Worker
Stable HoursCheckout operator, shelf stocker, deli assistant, or bakery worker at Woolworths, Coles, or Aldi. Reliable shifts and good pay structure.
Pros:
- ✓ Consistent schedule
- ✓ Good pay ($24-26 base + penalties)
- ✓ Employee discounts
- ✓ Lots of locations
Where to apply:
Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, IGA (apply online or in-store)
Food Delivery Driver/Rider
Most FlexibleDeliver food using a bike, scooter, or car through Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Menulog. Work whenever you want - perfect for unpredictable student schedules.
Pros:
- ✓ 100% flexible (work anytime)
- ✓ No interview required
- ✓ Good pay during peak hours
- ✓ Exercise if using bike
Requirements:
Bike/scooter/car, smartphone, Australian work rights (visa check)
Tutor (Academic or Language)
Highest PayTeach high school students (math, science, English) or teach your native language to Australians. Online or in-person. Great pay and uses your academic skills.
Pros:
- ✓ Highest pay ($30-60/hr)
- ✓ Flexible hours
- ✓ Rewarding work
- ✓ Good for resume
How to start:
Sign up on Tutor Finder, Cluey Learning, or advertise on Gumtree/Facebook
On-Campus Jobs
Most ConvenientLibrary assistant, student ambassador, research assistant, or administrative support. Work at your university between classes - no commute!
Pros:
- ✓ No travel time (on campus)
- ✓ Understands student schedules
- ✓ Networking with professors
- ✓ Resume boost
Where to apply:
Check your university's student job portal or careers office
Where to Find Part-Time Jobs
Top Job Search Websites
Other Ways to Find Work
Walk-in Applications
Print 20-30 resumes. Visit cafés, shops, restaurants in person. Ask "Are you hiring?" Leave resume with manager. Best for hospitality jobs.
Facebook Groups
Join "[Your City] Jobs for Students" groups. Many small businesses post there. Quick responses and often casual/cash work available.
University Job Portal
Check your university's career services website. On-campus jobs, research positions, and student ambassador roles are posted here.
Networking
Ask classmates, join student clubs, attend events. Many jobs aren't advertised - someone knows someone who's hiring. Word of mouth is powerful!
Recruitment Agencies
Register with agencies like Randstad, Hays, or Adecco. They match you with temporary or casual roles. Good for office/admin work.
Your Rights as a Worker
✓ You MUST Be Paid at Least Minimum Wage
$23.23/hour is the legal minimum (2025). If anyone offers less, it's illegal. Report to Fair Work Ombudsman.
✓ You Need a Tax File Number (TFN)
Without a TFN, you'll be taxed 47%! With a TFN, you pay ~15-20% tax and can get refunds.
Apply for your TFN here (free tool) →✓ You're Entitled to Superannuation
If you earn $450+ per month from one employer, they must pay 11.5% extra into your super fund (retirement savings). You can claim this when you leave Australia!
✗ Cash Jobs Are Risky
Some employers offer "cash in hand" to avoid paying super or proper wages. This is illegal and you have no protection if they don't pay you or if you get injured. Insist on proper employment contracts.
✓ Keep Records of Hours Worked
Track your hours in a notebook or app. If there's ever a dispute about pay, you'll have evidence. Take photos of rosters/timesheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work more than 48 hours if I have multiple jobs?
No. The 48-hour limit is TOTAL across all jobs combined. If you work 24 hours at Job A and 24 hours at Job B in a fortnight, that's 48 total - you're at the limit.
What happens if I accidentally work 50 hours in a fortnight?
One accidental breach likely won't cause visa cancellation, but repeated or intentional breaches can. Be very careful and track your hours. If it happens, make sure it doesn't happen again.
Do I need Australian work experience to get a job?
Not for entry-level jobs! Retail, hospitality, and delivery jobs don't require local experience. Highlight transferable skills from your home country (customer service, teamwork, etc.).
How do I make my resume Australian-style?
Keep it 1-2 pages, include phone number (Australian number), email, and visa status ("Full working rights - Student Visa Subclass 500"). No photo needed. List most recent experience first. Highlight relevant skills.
Can I work remotely for a company in my home country?
Legally yes, but it counts toward your 48-hour limit! Also consider time zones - working night shifts for a home country job while studying in Australia is exhausting.
How long does it take to find a job?
Varies widely. Hospitality/retail: 1-4 weeks if you apply actively. Specialized roles: 1-3 months. Apply to 10-20 jobs per week, follow up, and don't give up!
Ready to Start Job Hunting?
Start applying today! The sooner you start, the sooner you'll earn that Australian dollar! 💰
💡 Pro Tip: Apply for your TFN as soon as you arrive. Most employers need it before your first shift!