Working in Australia while studying is a great way to create friendships and build networks. Working in a casual or part-time job as an international student helps you manage living costs and gain valuable experience, and may even provide a career pathway when you graduate.
However, there are a number of conditions which you must observe when working in Australia on a Student Visa, as well as some legal requirements you must attend to before arriving in Australia.
For example, it’s imperative that you have purchased health insurance for your stay, as most international students are not covered for Australian healthcare services under Medicare. Visit OSHC Australia to find out more about the options available to international students.
Below are some key things to know before commencing your course.
Visa Requirements for Working in Australia
Students on a 500 Student Visa can work up to 40 hours per fortnight when their course of study or training is in session. This ensures you’re mainly focused on study, but during holidays your potential working hours are unlimited.
Students must also ensure that their job complies with specific visa conditions that apply to them. That includes making sure you hold a current health insurance policy if you happen to be injured or become ill during your time here. See some of the policy options designed for overseas students at OSHC Australia.
Working on a Student Visa
To start working in Australia on a student visa, you must be enrolled in a full-time course registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), and you cannot legally start working in Australia until that course commences.
You must also not breach the conditions of your visa because of work commitments. A visa breach in Australia refers to a violation of the conditions set out in the visa grant, and can lead to serious consequences. Here’s some common violations:
- Overstaying: Remaining in Australia beyond your visa's validity period.
- Exceeding Work Limitations: Working more than 40 hours per fortnight during the semester or more hours than is permitted by your student visa conditions.
- Failing to Maintain Enrolment: Not remaining enrolled in a registered course or failing to meet academic progress requirements.
- Not Complying with Health Insurance Requirements: Not maintaining adequate health insurance coverage during your stay.
- Changing Conditions Without Approval: Making changes to employment, residency, or study arrangements that are not permitted under your student visa.
A visa breach can lead to visa cancellation, detention, and potential bans from re-entering Australia in the future. So it’s crucial that you understand and comply with all its conditions. See the Department for Home Affairs for specific information on each visa type.
Age Restrictions for Working in Australia
The legal age for working in Australia is 15 years old for part-time jobs. Generally, you need to be at least 18 years old to apply for a visa for working in Australia. However, in some cases students under 18 are granted visas and can work if they meet local state or territory requirements.
Students working part-time or casual jobs must comply with any relevant employment laws, including registering with the Australian Tax Office (ATO), as well as observing workplace regulations relevant to the industry they are employed in.
Finding a Job as an International Student
Ready to find a job? The best place to start is the institution where you’re studying. There’s often job boards or online job information platforms to help you. You might be able to seek out information from older students and ex-graduates too. Speak to your tutors and admin staff for tips on finding work nearby.
In addition, check out popular Australian online job portals, including the SEEK and Indeed websites where employers post jobs they need to fill. If browsing positions advertised on LinkedIn, check the websites of employers to make sure they’re genuine, and that they comply with Australian Fair Work regulations. Don’t give out any more personal information than you need to until you’re sure.
Many international students work in hospitality (cafes, restaurants, and bars), retail (shops and supermarkets), and administrative roles (offices and reception). Others find jobs in service industries, like tutoring, and childcare - either on a part-time or casual basis. As a casual employee, you’ll have lots of flexibility with when you are required to work, but you will not be entitled to any paid leave, including sick leave and annual leave. As a part-time employee, you have a permanent position where you’ll be required to work a set number of hours per week, but you may receive paid leave entitlements and superannuation.
Rights and Protections for Student Workers
When working in Australia, international students have the same entitlements to minimum wages and conditions as Australian workers, as well as compensation for accidents at work under Australian workplace laws.
Australia has rigid workplace safety rules and protections, including laws that protect you from being discriminated against or treated unfairly at your place of work. For example, if you feel you’re being discriminated against because of your race when applying for a job, beginning a job, or at any time during your employment, there are services available to help you. For more information about your rights at work, visit the Fair Work and Australian Human Rights Commission websites.
Balancing Work and Study
Balancing work and study requires some sensible time management and a little bit of planning. Here’s some ways that international students can prioritise their study while gaining all the benefits of working in Australia:
1. Use a Schedule: Use a diary or digital planner to organise your class and study times around work shifts, ensuring you have plenty of time to give everything your full attention. Sometimes working is just the break you need to refresh your mind for study.
2. Prioritise Tasks: Identify urgent tasks and deadlines to see if you can tailor your work commitments around what are likely to be the busiest times of the year.
3. Set Boundaries: To comply with visa rules, be sure to limit your work hours to the maximum (e.g., 40 hours per fortnight) and avoid taking on too many extra shifts just to keep your boss happy. Sometimes it’s good to help out at work when they need a bit of extra help - but don’t let this interfere with your study routine. Tell them you’ll be able to do plenty of extra hours in the term breaks.
4. Make use of Downtime: Use breaks at work and between classes to do a bit of extra study or a review of your assignments. It’s a great way to maximise productivity and perhaps see things with ‘fresh eyes’ that you might not otherwise have noticed.
5. Communicate: Most importantly, keep communication honest and open with your employer. Don’t be afraid to insist on your study commitments. If you’re up-front and friendly they’re much more likely to understand your situation - and when you’re a little less busy, a little bit of flexibility works both ways.
6. Create Balance: You’re much more productive when your life is in balance. So be sure to allocate enough time for rest, exercise, and a social life to maintain overall well-being and prevent burnout.
7. Utilise Your Resources: University resources, such as academic counselling or time management workshops, are there to help you enhance your study and work-life balance. Reach out whenever you feel you can use some support.
By employing these strategies, international students will more effectively manage their work and study commitments while enjoying a life changing experience in Australia.
Understanding Tax and Superannuation
International students seeking work must register with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) and receive an official Tax File Number (TFN), regardless of the minimum age for working in Australia.
If you live in Australia for longer than six months, you’ll be considered a resident for tax purposes. That means you’ll be required to pay income tax and submit a tax return at the end of the financial year. Your tax file number is your unique numerical identifier for all tax purposes and lets you receive payment for your work, as well as any wage entitlements.
Superannuation is a compulsory retirement contribution made by employers in Australia. Employers must pay 10.5% of the employee's regular earnings into an approved superannuation fund. Overseas students are entitled to superannuation if they earn more than AUS $450 per month (before tax) in a job where superannuation applies. (You’ll be able to set up a superannuation account through your employer or nominate your own fund.)
Overseas students are generally not entitled to paid leave benefits, such as annual leave or sick leave, unless they’re employed under a specific award or enterprise agreement. Note: many casual and part-time roles do not offer such benefits.
Health Insurance and Working in Australia
Once again, before you can even start working or studying in Australia you must have private health cover. Australia’s national health insurance scheme, Medicare, ensures that all citizens and permanent residents are covered for basic healthcare services - including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and many medical treatments. But Medicare is not guaranteed for overseas visitors.
OSHC Australia helps students compare policies and choose the most suitable cover for their visa. Visit OSHC and start your journey today.
