In comparison to other countries populated with a lot of international students such as USA and Canada, the cost of living in Australia is much cheaper. But yet, the cost can sometimes be an issue to international students. Top it off with other extra expenses, and it might just get a little iffy. A part-time job is the perfect option for international students to cover living costs plus these extra expenses. A part-time job not only helps to supplement the living costs there, it also gives students a choice to enjoy Australia a little.

Students who come to Australia on a Visa Subclass 500 are allowed to work for up to 40 hours per fortnight during the course and for an unlimited number of hours while the course is not in session (during breaks). The only thing to keep in mind is that students will not be able to begin working until the course begins.

A fortnight is also a 14-day period that begins on Monday and ends on Sunday of the following week. The hours might be divided according to the needs of the students. A student searching for consistent part-time job should restrict their hours to around 20 per week.

To work part-time, keep in mind that you’ll need to apply for and receive a Tax File Number. You may apply for a TFN online from their official website if you are an international student with a foreign passport.

  • Working hours: During the school year, you can work up to 40 hours every two weeks, and during the holidays, you can work as many hours as you want.
  • Workplace protections: You are entitled to the same workplace protections as everyone else in Australia.
  • Minimum wage: No matter what job you have, you will be paid at least a minimum wage per hour.

Also, students that fall under the Post Graduate Research Sector can work for unlimited hours when the research work or doctoral thesis begins. Also, in case there are any preliminary courses that the student has enrolled in, the student is eligible to work as per the 40 hours per fortnight rule mentioned above.

Students after completion of the Australian study requirement can apply for a Post Study Work Permit under Graduate Stream. However, students enrolled in an ELICOS cannot apply for a Post Study Work Permit for Australia.

 

If you are a professional pursuing higher education in Australia, you can apply for and obtain a job that is appropriate for your qualifications. Aside from that, students generally seek part-time work in the following industries.

  • Retail jobs in department stores
  • In restaurants, cafes, and bars
  • In hotels and motels
  • Farming related activities
  • Sales and telemarketing
  • Babysitting
  • Tutoring jobs

Where to look for Part-Time Jobs

 

The most important thing to do before looking for a part-time work is to construct an appropriate CV.

A solid CV makes a positive first impression on the employer and helps you get a job interview. Because a part-time work does not require a lot of experience or a strong educational background, you should make sure to include other talents and interests in your CV.

The next stage is to apply for a job after you have a solid CV. Finding a job can be time-consuming because there are various aspects to consider as a student. It contains information about the employer’s location, work shifts, working hours, pay scale, and laws and regulations.

Online Websites: The most prolific methods to look for jobs is to look them up online. Australia has several job hunting websites where lots of vacancies are posted. Just apply for them!

Internal Jobs: There are some jobs that are offered to students on a part-time basis within the campus like assistant in the library, labs, gym area, parking lots and cleaning. You can look for internal job openings of the university and contact the concerned department.

Newspapers: You can see and apply for job openings in your local newspaper. Make sure to look through the local newspaper’s job opening sections and contact the company for more information.

Reference: It is easiest to get a job through reference. If you have any people in Australia who can refer you for a job, or even university alumnus to get you a job.

All employees working in Australia are entitled to a minimum wage. This is the minimum amount an employee can be paid for the work that they’re doing. As of 1 July 2021 the National Minimum Wage is $20.33 per hour or $772.60 per week. And Australia provides good options for overseas students to work part-time. While it would not be enough to completely cover tuition costs, it will help a lot while living there.

In addition, there are other things you can do to help your costs like scholarships, grants and aids. Also, you can properly map out all the expenses, living costs via various methods.Check out more on it here.

So if you are looking to go to Australia, a part-time job will almost be essential, just because it will help a lot!