Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Australia

How student work fits around study

Many international students in Australia take on part-time or casual work alongside their studies. Before you start, remember that any work must fit within the conditions of your student visa (subclass 500), and study remains your primary purpose on that visa.

The number of hours you may work is set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and is currently limited while your course is in session. This page is general information, not immigration advice — see the related guide on working-while-studying rules and verify the current hours limit on the official Home Affairs source.

Common types of student jobs

Students work across many sectors. The roles below are simply examples of work commonly available to students; availability depends heavily on your city, skills, schedule, and the local job market. There is no guarantee of finding any particular role or income.

• Hospitality and food service (cafés, restaurants, catering)
• Retail and customer service
• On-campus roles (library, student services, events) where offered
• Tutoring and academic support, where you are qualified
• Administrative, reception, or data-entry roles
• Warehousing, delivery, and other casual work

Where to look for work

Most universities run a careers or employment service that lists student-friendly roles and can help with résumés and interview practice. Beyond campus, students use mainstream Australian job platforms and apply in person to local businesses.

Use your institution's international student support and careers services — they understand student work limits and local expectations, and their help is usually free.

• Your university careers / employment service and job board
• Mainstream Australian job-search platforms
• Local businesses (in person, with a simple résumé)
• Your institution's international student support office

Getting set up to be paid

To work and be paid correctly in Australia, you generally need a Tax File Number (TFN), which you apply for through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Employers also typically pay superannuation (retirement savings) on top of wages for eligible workers.

See the related guide on the Tax File Number and working in Australia for how to apply and what to expect. This is factual information, not financial or tax advice.

Know your rights and stay within your visa

Workers in Australia, including international students, have workplace rights — for example, minimum pay rates and safe conditions. The Fair Work Ombudsman is the official Australian Government body for workplace rights and entitlements.

Always keep your work within your visa's hours limit and conditions, since exceeding them can put your visa at risk. Verify visa work rules on the official Department of Home Affairs source — rules change frequently, so confirm before acting.