Working in Australia

This section you will explain all you need to know to work in Australia while you are an international student, and after you graduate. Working in Australia is very easy to do while you are a student. Remember, as an international student, you should never expect to live on the money you make while studying, but the extra income can certainly help you meet your budget.

Student Visa Rules
International students in Australia on a student visa can work for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and there is no limit on the number of hours an international student can work during recognized school vacations. A few additional points:
• Family members accompanying the international student (spouse and children) have the same work rights – 20 hours per week. For those students obtaining a graduate degree, like a master’s degree, their family can work unlimited hours.
• Volunteer and unpaid work counts towards 20 hours.
• Work that is a required part of a course of study is not subject to the 20 hour per week limit.
• You may not start working until after your courses begin.
• A work week is Monday through the following Sunday.
• If you work more than the Australian restrictions, your visa may be cancelled. You must maintain satisfactory attendance in your course and course progress for each study period as required by your school and you must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) during your stay in Australia.
For more information on working rights visit the student visa section of the Australian Government website.

Finding a Job
There are several ways to find a job in Australia. The most common ways are through newspaper ads, employment agencies, government national employment services, and job networks. For the most part, searching for a job in Australia is no different than looking for a job anywhere.
One of the first things you should do when searching for a job is to research the companies you are interested in. After you have done your research, you should send in an application or resume to the company and schedule an interview. In order to acquire a job a student must show good manners and punctuality when interviewing. Have your phone on you at all times in case a prospective employer calls. Be persistent even if they say no - Australians admire tough people and people with good communication skills. Keep in mind when looking for a job that school comes first so the jobs you’ll have to look for will have hours during the night.
These are a few things to make note of after you have secured a job in Australia .
• Never sit down in front of an employer unless the job is designed so that you do so.
• Don’t show signs of tiredness, laziness, sickness, hang-over, etc. Australians frown upon and don’t tolerate it.
• Have good hygiene, be clean shaven, smell good, wear clean clothes, and comb your hair
• If working around food, clean hands and nails are a must .
• Classes come first over work (cannot miss class for work) .
• Average pay is between A$10-A$15 an hour.
• Student tutors average A$40 an hour.
• You could get paid more for working on a Sunday or a holiday depending on your employer.
Typical jobs held by international students include:
Picking/packing fruits and vegetables, shop assistant, department store staff, bartender, kitchen hand, waiter, cleaner, gardener, clerical assistant, babysitter, tutor, staff in fast food chain, supermarket staff, cinema staff, translators, security guard, taxi driving.