Studying in Australia is home to great technology, education, and resources as well as world class employers providing international students education that is sought after all around the globe. International students hoping to study in Australia are offered part-time job opportunities that would help support them while they pursue their degree program within Australia, as well as gaining industrial exposure.
Knowing Your Rights at Work as an International Student
Work Conditions on a Student Visa
If you are in Australia as an international student on a valid subclass 500 student visa, you have particular working rights as follows:
- During semester – You can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight (two weeks)
- During scheduled breaks – No limit to work hours
- Before course commencement – No work is allowed
These restrictions apply to all types of work which includes the following:
- Employment for pay
- Volunteering
- Placement that is not compensated
- Internships (if not a requirement for your course)
Note: Always verify your visa details from the Department of Home Affairs or VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) system, since policy may change.
Tax Identification Number (TFN)
It's critical that you have a Tax Identification Number (TFN) in Australia. It is used for the following:
- Your national superannuation (retirement benefits) account
- Payment by an employer to ensure you receive the correct salary
Application Process:
- Navigate into the ATO: Australian Taxation Office sitePut outApplication for TFN : TFN)
- Click on the ‘Apply’ button
- Select "Holders of foreign passports, permanent residents or temporary tourists"
- Completing All the Required Steps
- Submit the form with required identity documents.
- Send your request, from which a TFN will be sent to you in the mail within 28 days.
To minimize the delays when you arrive at work it is advisable to apply for a TFN as soon as possible.
Work Opportunities for International Students
On-Campus Employment
Most universities have convenient work opportunities for students right on campus such as:
- Library aides
- Research aides
- Teaching mentor
- Information technology support
- Campus tour guide
- Clerical positions
- Sales and food services
Application Procedures:
- Access your school's student employment website
- Visit the university's career center
- Ask your department faculty and staff
- Search for adverts on notice boards and poster sites
Advantages:
- Convenient work location
- Consideration of study schedules
- Possible relevant work opportunities
- Networking prospects with university staff
Off-Campus Part-Time Work
There is a large availability of part-time jobs in Australia, especially due to the country’s strong economic standing:
Hospitality Field:
- Barista
- Server
- Cooking/Food Prep Staff
- Hospitality Reception
Retail:
- Retail Sales Associate
- Retail Customer Service/CSR
- Stockroom/Retail Transfer Staff
- Cashier
Administrative:
- Office secretary
- Office or online clerical transactions
- Receptionist
- Virtual Secretary
Tutoring/Teaching:
- Tutoring for particular subjects
- Language tutoring
- Test preparation and tutoring
Ways to find these jobs include:
- Online job seeking sites (Seek, Indeed, Jora)
- Job boards within the school
- Local newspapers and community notice boards
- Applications to various businesses
- Socializing events
Internships And Work Placements
Participation in professional activities can boost your chances for employment opportunities.
Types of Internships:
The bullet points below can be categorized into skills \& experience found or acquired during breaks:
- Work-integrated exempt (may be absolved from work hour limitations)
- Summer/winter holidays
- Part-time in the semester
- Hybrid/remote work
Finding the Opportunities:
- Career services at universities
- Job portals that focus on a specific industry
- Websites of companies, particular specialty pages with job advertisements
- Professional social networks, such as LinkedIn
- Career fairs and other industry-related events
Writing Applications
- Three to six months prior to your start date
- Professional CV in AUS Resume Format
- A brief, tailored, and skill-promoting cover letter
- Behavioral and technical interviews preparation
How to Get a Job in Australia – Step by Step
Get Your Documents Ready
Basic Documents:
- An acceptable and active working student visa
- Australian Tax File Number
- A bank account registered in Australia
- Up-to-date CV in Australian format
- Transcripts and certificates
- Supporting documents (if any)
Making a resume Australian way:
- Length – max 2-3 pages
- Profile at the top
- Address skills and experience as suggested
- Education
- Contact details such as and visa control/tage skills/hard and soft skill referencing
- Optional: "References upon request" or state
Embrace the Australian Work Environment
Knowing local workplace etiquette increases your chances of success:
- Communication - respectful but direct approach is preferred.
- Punctuality – coming on time is very important.
- Casual atmosphere- Professionalism is always maintained, even where interactions are casual.
- Initiative- Most appreciated is taking the initiative to solve problems.
- Work-life balance- Respected and encouraged is maintaining a balance in work and private life.
Professional Local Networking Opportunities
Building beyond the internet professional networks can increase your chances of employability.
- Join university clubs and societies.
- Attend industry workshops and other events.
- Participate in volunteer activities.
- Join and participate in your field’s professional associations.
- Join alumni networks and interact with community groups.
The application process
Steps of applying for a job include:
- Look for relevant job postings online.
- Research the firm or organization.
- Write tailored resumes and cover letters.
- Follow the application instructions.
- Follow up with the organization after 1 to 2 weeks if necessary.
- Start preparing for potential interviews.
Interview Preparation:
- Research and get a list of common interview questions.
- Prepare responses for the questions and practice them.
- Prepare to ask the employer questions.
- Plan what professional and suitable clothes to wear.
- Arrive early to the actual interview and on time during video calls.
- Bring copies of your resume and relevant documents copy same line.
Professional Year Programs
Offered for graduates in specific areas include:
- Accounting
- Information Technology
- Engineering
Benefits:
- 12-month period of supervised training
- Experience in an Australian company
- Additional 5 points toward skilled migration
- Professional connections
- Enhanced chances of employment
How to Apply:
- Investigate your chosen Professional Year providers.
- Verify eligibility.
- Fill in the application form with the appropriate documents.
- Pay the program fee.
- Complete all components of the program.
Resources and Support
Government Resources
- Department of Home Affairs
- Fair Work Ombudsman
- Australian Taxation Office
- Study Australia
University Services
- International student support offices
- Career development center
- Legal services
- Student financial advisors
Community Support
- Student associations
- Cultural groups
- Industry networking organizations
- Community legal centers
Conclusion
The ability to work while studying in Australia provides international students with practical experience, self-funding opportunities, and the possibility of establishing enduring career paths. As with most things in life, there are certain responsibilities that require your attention, and these include understanding your rights as an employee, preparing for the numerous opportunities that lie ahead of you, balancing your commitments, and enjoying your Australian education experience.
While this guide offers practical suggestions for working in Australia, it is essential to note that you should always maintain focus on your primary purpose for being in Australia – academic achievement. With the right mindset, planning, and approach, work experience will complement your studies and enable you to achieve success in Australia or globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I commence working even before my course starts?
A: No answer. International students are not allowed to work until their course officially starts.
Q: Do volunteer positions contribute to my work limit?
A: Yes answer. All work, whether paid or unpaid, is counted towards the 48 hours per fortnight cap during semester.
Q: What are the implications of working more hours than stated?
A: Breach of Visa conditions may lead to cancellation of your visa. Do not disregard your work limitations.
Q: Is it permissible to work full-time during school breaks?
A: For the officially scheduled vacation periods, you are permitted to work unlimited hours.
Q: Does the internship that I have to complete for my course affect my work hour limit?
A: Mandatory internships or practical work activities that are part of the course will not affect work hour limits.
Q: In what ways can I demonstrate to an employer that I am eligible to work?
A: One can show his eligibility to work by presenting his visa grant letter or authorizing employers to check through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
Q: Are my dependent family members eligible to work in Australia?
A: Normally, family members on dependent visas are able to work for up to 40 hours per fortnight.
