Finding a part-time job during your study abroad in Australia is not only an opportunity to help you accumulate income to cover some of your living expenses but also to pocket a lot of useful experience in a practical working environment. However, part-time jobs in Australia also require students to follow their own policies and regulations. In this article, let's learn more about the regulations and benefits of international students when working part-time in Australia, as well as tips for finding part-time jobs for international students.

1. How many overtime hours can Australian students work?

Overtime hours for international students: From July 1, 2023, international students over the age of 18 can work up to 48 hours/2 weeks, up from 40 hours/2 weeks while studying, and there is no limit to the number of hours during public holidays (latest update of Visa 485)

2. Regulations for students working part-time in Australia

Australia has a strict system of laws and regulations designed to protect the rights of all workers – including international students working part-time while studying in Australia. All individuals working in Australia are subject to regulations such as:

Pay taxes while working: All workers are responsible for paying taxes while working in Australia. You'll need to complete and receive a Tax File Number (TFN) at the Australian Taxation Office before you start work, which also ensures you don't have to pay more tax than necessary.

You should note that international students living in Australia for more than six months will be required to pay tax, provided that their income is $18,200 per year or more, and they are responsible for paying taxes before June 30 of each year. For more information and to sign up for a free TFN, you can refer to the information from the website of the Australian Taxation Authority (ATO).

Superannuation: Even if you are an Australian international student studying and working part-time jobs, Australian law requires employers to contribute to your superannuation fund for the duration of your employment at the business. When you leave Australia, you can get your retirement allowance (DASP) back if you meet the conditions for legal departure.

Workers' Compensation: Australian law requires employers and businesses to pay insurance to protect you in the event that you are injured or sick at work. If this happens, insurance (also known as Workers' Compensation) may be used to cover medical treatment or wages until you can return to work.

See also: Visa 485: Increase Stay Up to 8 Years & Working Hours for International Students

3. Benefits for students when working part-time in Australia

Australian workplace laws and regulations protect the rights of all workers, including Australian students who are studying and working part-time on a student visa. International students will be guaranteed benefits such as:

  • Paid at least the minimum wage and superannuation

  • Be protected against unfair dismissal

  • Take leave, take breaks, and ensure reasonable rest time

  • Ensure a safe and healthy working environment.

Besides, you also need to remember the following information to understand your rights during the working process:

  • Minimum Wage: You will receive at least the minimum wage per hour no matter what job you do.

  • Payslip: When a student works part-time in Australia, you must receive a payslip within one working day after being paid. Typically, workers are paid weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Keep your payslip very carefully as it is an important document.

  • Seasonal jobs: In Australia, you'll find a variety of seasonal jobs for international students. This allows you to better manage your time and proactively balance your study and work time.

  • The government is here to support you: You'll be supported every step of the way on your part-time journey to Australia as a student. Government and private organisations as well as your school are ready to support Australian students with part-time and post-graduation jobs.

The part-time job market in Australia is very diverse, you can completely choose the jobs that suit your abilities and qualifications:

Retail jobs - including sales in supermarkets, shopping malls, and stores are quite a popular choice for most Australian international students. These part-time jobs will help you be more confident when communicating in English and improve your skills related to handling situations and taking care of customers.

You can also experience jobs in the field of Restaurant - Hotel services, Kitchen Assistant, and Bartending. A small note for those who apply for jobs at bars or restaurants that serve alcohol is that you must have an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate. For those studying in Australia in the Hospitality industry, these jobs will give you practical work experience as well as in-depth knowledge of the industry.

In addition, you can choose seasonal jobs at farms in Australia including harvesting produce, sorting food, and selling it at markets. However, this job requires students to be in good health because the work usually starts early in the morning, you may have to work in the hot sun or climb high ladders to pick fruits.

Choosing volunteer work is also a good idea when there are so many charities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Australia and they always need volunteers to help. This can be a great way to meet new friends, gain work experience, and contribute to the community.

4. How much does it cost to work part-time in Australia?

Your salary when working part-time in Australia will be paid depending on the job and the region you live in. Legal part-time jobs will be paid the minimum wage in accordance with regulations (about 21.38 AUD/hour, equivalent to 330,000 VND). If you have a good level of English, it will be easier for you to find jobs with higher salaries.

5. Where to find part-time jobs for students in Australia?

There are many ways to apply for part-time jobs in Australia for international students. The most common way is to apply for jobs directly at restaurants, supermarkets, or any retail store that interests you. If the stores are still not in demand, don't forget to leave a CV so they can contact you in the future.

Keep an eye out for job boards on campus. Some schools also have career centers and job fairs so you can connect directly with employers.

You can search for part-time jobs on online sites. You can choose the job according to your requirements and apply directly, and an HR officer at the business will get back to you. You can find and apply for jobs online through sites such as Seek, Jora, or Indeed. Websites and fan pages on social networks of the international student community and the Vietnamese community are also reliable sources for part-time job searches.

6. Expand work experience through volunteer work and internships

In addition to part-time jobs for international students, charities and NGOs also provide volunteer work for students. This is a great way for you to meet people, gain practical work experience, and contribute to the community.

For volunteer opportunities in each state and territory, please refer to:

Maintaining a part-time job while studying abroad in Australia is not too difficult, but you need to firmly grasp the regulations and actively look for work opportunities that suit you. And don't forget to effectively balance study and work time to achieve the highest efficiency in the exam.

Discover the priority majors when studying in Australia!

You will be advised by experts to choose a school and choose a major that suits your aspirations and guides you to do it. Apply for admission and practiced the Australia Student Visa Interview, with a success rate of 95%. IDP is always ready to support international students with services such as accommodation, health insurance, and international student welfare. Booking flight tickets and organizing pre-departure briefing sessions are also supported free of charge by IDP.

To help you find the right school for your academic ability, attend Study Abroad Seminars in Australia now to meet directly with representatives of schools and review learning records on the spot.

You can also proactively learn about the school by experiencing the IDP Live app, only available at IDP, with the Fastlane feature, which supports finding the right course and quickly knowing the results of admission documents with the time shortened by 2-3 times. Contact IDP to start a consultation study in Australia today!