Australia, with its world-class education ecosystem, top-class universities, robust economy, and student-friendly immigration policy, has quickly emerged as a favored higher education destination among international students.
Studying in Australia is a massive financial commitment. While there are many ways of managing this, like scholarships and loans, many students also opt to work while studying. This allows them to have stable cash flow, network with industry experts, gain relevant job experience, and boost their resumes. Keep reading to learn more about job opportunities for international students in Australia.
Overview Table
| Aspects | Details |
| Requirements | Student visa (subclass 500) with work permission and a TFN (Tax File Number). |
| Rules | Up to 48 hours of work every 2 weeks with a national minimum wage of AUD 24.10 or INR 1314. |
| Part-Time On-Campus Jobs in Australia | Teaching assistant, research assistant, campus tour guide, administrative assistant. |
Part-Time Off-Campus Jobs in Australia |
Elderly care worker, server, tutor, delivery agent. |
| Sources to Find Jobs in Australia | University boards, personal networks, employment forums and apps. |
| Jobs in Australia for Indians | Nursing, information technology, construction. |
Requirements to Work in Australia
To work in Australia as an international student:
- You must have a student visa, subclass 500, with work permission. The student visa fee is AUD 1,600 (INR 87,708).
- You must be enrolled in a course of study in Australia.
- You must have a Tax File Number (TFN) issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This number is unique and confidential, so you must keep it secure.
- You must file a tax return, which is tracked to your TFN. You will most likely receive a tax refund when you file your tax return as an international student.
- Check your visa information and conditions online at Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO).
Rules for Working in Australia
- You can work for around 48 hours every two weeks alongside studying. You can work unlimited hours during study breaks (Christmas, Easter, and summer).
- The National Minimum Wage will increase by 75% to AUD 24.10 (INR 1314) per hour from 1 July 2024.
- Everyone working in Australia, including an international student, has basic rights at work.
Job Opportunities in Australia
Working in Australia while studying is a great way to understand the local work environment, gain insider knowledge of your preferred industry, and supplement your education with practical experience.
Look for jobs with flexible working hours so you can balance work commitments with academics. Many part-time job opportunities for international students in Australia are available. Students can opt for part-time on-campus or part-time off-campus.
Part-Time On-Campus Jobs
These jobs are available on the campus of an educational institution.
| Job Role | Description | Average Salary (in AUD, per year) |
| Teaching Assistant | Support the teacher and students by grading assignments, providing individual assistance, preparing classroom materials, and monitoring student progress. | 58,525 |
| Administrative Assistant | Involves preparing documents, organising files, scheduling appointments, and handling office supplies and equipment. | 55,000-80,000 |
| Library Assistant | Involves shelving books, locating them for students, and managing front-desk enquiries. | 65,000-70,000 |
| Clerical Jobs | Running an office smoothly by answering phones, making copies, scheduling appointments or travel plans, and keeping an inventory of office supplies. | 50,000-60,000 |
| Campus Tour Guide | Show prospective students and other visitors around the campus, share information about academic life, and answer their questions. | Varies depending on university |
| Research Assisstant | Assist the lead researcher in conducting research by collecting and analyzing data, preparing graphs and presentations, and proofreading manuscripts. | 85,000-95,000 |
Part-Time Off-Campus Jobs
Off-campus jobs are jobs that are available outside an educational institution. These jobs are not associated with an educational institution.
| Job Role | Description |
| Elderly Care | Includes assisting and providing emotional and physical support to the elderly. |
| Server | Includes taking orders and serving the patrons, handling payments, and communicating with kitchen staff. |
| Customer Service Representative | Work directly with customers by resolving their queries and answering sales queries. |
| Tutor | Involves tutoring high-school students, elementary students and peers. |
| Delivery Agent | Includes collecting and delivering mail, parcels, etc to homes and businesses. |
How to Find Job Opportunities as International Students in Australia
As an international student, there are many ways of finding job oppurtunities in Australia.
Before you begin your research, you must update your resume with relevant experience and upskill by doing internships, enrolling in online or offline courses or volunteering. When applying for jobs, remember to alter your resume based on the roles and responsibilities of the job you are applying for, attaching a customised cover letter and a portfolio, if required.
Some ways of finding jobs in Australia include:
- University: Jobs are sometimes listed on a university’s website or job board. Many universities have a Careers Department that can help you find a job based on your resume, skills, and future plans. Make sure to attend university workshops and job fairs.
- Networking: Networking with professors and senior students can help you learn about job opportunities nearby or in their networks. Make sure to mention that you’re seeking employment and the roles you’d prefer.
- Online: You can join online employment forums, find websites that list locally available part-time jobs, or check out job portals. Some of the most popular job portals in Australia are LinkedIn, Indeed Australia, and Glassdoor.
Jobs in Australia for Indians
With the right degree, experience or skillset, Indian students in Australia can apply for the same jobs as locals and other international students. Some of the most popular jobs in Australia are:
- Nursing
- Information Technology
- Software Engineering
- Construction
- Educational
- Data Analytics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is getting a job as an international student in Australia easy?
While getting a job as an international student can seem daunting, with the right resume, network, and skills, one can find a job in Australia as an international student.
Which job is best in Australia for an international student?
Some of the highest-paying jobs in Australia for an international student are security, hospitality, delivery, and clerical jobs.
How much can an international student earn in Australia?
The minimum wage in Australia is AUD 24.10 (INR 1314) per hour, according to government guidelines.
Which city of Australia has the most jobs for international students?
Some of Australia’s best cities for international candidates are Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
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