Guide to Working in Australia for International Students

“Australia is consistently ranked as one of the most popular locations for students from other countries. This is not only because of its world-class education but also because of its lively job market.”

Every year, more than 550,000 overseas students choose Australia. Many of them want more than just good grades; they also want to gain work experience in the real world. You’re in the proper place if you’re an international student in Melbourne. It is more than just a place to drink coffee and see art; it’s also a great place for students to live, work part-time, and find employment that will help them get ahead in their careers.

But it’s not always easy to work in Australia on a student visa. There is a lot to learn, from knowing what you can and can’t do with your student visa to choosing a trustworthy student visa agent in Melbourne. That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide for overseas students who want to work in Australia.

So, if you’re not sure what jobs you can acquire, how many hours you can work, or how to do it all without hurting your studies, let’s get started!

Student Visa Work Rights in Australia: What You Can and Can’t Do

Let’s get started with the basics. If you have a subclass 500 student visa, these are your basic work privileges as of 2025:

• During study periods, you can work up to 48 hours every two weeks.
• You are free to work as many hours as you choose during official university holidays or vacations.
• You can’t start working until your course starts.

Always check that your employment doesn’t get in the way of your study. It’s a condition of your visa, and breaking it could mean you have to leave.

Tip: For the most up-to-date visa application rules, always stay in touch with reliable education and visa agents in Melbourne.

Best Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Melbourne

In Melbourne, there are plenty of part-time jobs that accommodate students’ schedules. Some of the most popular and easy-to-reach areas are:

Hospitality & Food Services

• There are many occupations available as a barista, waitress, or kitchen helper.
• Depending on expertise and time shifts, pay ranges from $23 to $30 per hour.

Retail Jobs

• Students often get jobs at clothing stores, grocery stores, and electronics stores.
• Flexibility in shifts and discounts for staff are two benefits.

Tutoring or Academic Support

• If you are really good at a subject, tutoring can be a good way to make money.
• Prices start from $30 to $60 an hour.

On-Campus Jobs

• A lot of colleges and universities have positions in libraries, at the front desk, or at events.
• Bonus: These jobs know about and work around your school schedule.

Where to Find Part-Time Jobs in Australia as a Student

It’s not enough to merely be available; you also have to find the correct employment. Look here:

• Job Portals: Seek, Indeed, and Jora often provide jobs that are good for students.
• University Career Hubs: Use your school network; most feature job boards just for students.
• Networking: A lot of employment in Melbourne come from personal recommendations. Talk to your peers and professors!
• Social Media & Groups: Facebook groups like “Jobs for International Students in Melbourne” offer fresh job postings every day.

Do you need help finding a job while staying within your visa limits? A trusted student consultant in Melbourne can assist!

Minimum Wage and Tax Requirements

In 2025, the lowest wage in Australia will be $24.10 an hour. Most part-time students make between $23 and $35 an hour, depending on the job and the field.

This is what you should know:

• You must obtain a TFN (Tax File Number) from the ATO before you may begin working.
• If your annual income is greater than the threshold, which is approximately $18,200, you will be compelled to make a payment of income tax.
• Find out if your boss pays superannuation, which is a type of retirement savings.

If you’re not sure, talk to an expert. You can get assistance with this from our reputable student visa agents in Melbourne.

Balancing Work and Study: The Golden Equation

Let’s be honest. It can be both good and bad to work while going to school.

A job can give you money, work experience, and chances to meet people in your area. On the other hand, if you don’t handle it well, it can hurt your grades.

How to keep your balance:

• Put jobs with flexible schedules or weekend work at the top of your list.
• During the school year, you should only work 15 to 20 hours a week.
• To avoid being burned out, use time-blocking techniques.
• When you have assignments due, don’t be scared to say no to more shifts.

Keep in mind that the main purpose of your student visa is to study, not to work full-time. Stay in compliance!

Post-Study Work Opportunities: What Comes Next?

Good news if you want to stay in Australia once you graduate: there are possibilities! The most typical way is the:

Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

You can do the following with this visa:

• Depending on your level of education, you can work full-time in your field of study for 2 to 4 years.
• Get useful work experience in your field that can help you get a permanent residency.

Are you planning your trip after school? For personalised help with your visa application, talk to our proficient education and visa agents in Melbourne.

Avoiding Common Mistakes: What NOT to Do

A lot of overseas students put their visas in danger without knowing it because they get bad information or don’t plan beforehand. Stay away from these problems:

• Working over 48 hours per fortnight during the semester
• Not applying for a Tax File Number
• Accepting cash-in-hand jobs without legal documentation
• Missing classes due to work
• Not reporting income or failing to lodge tax returns

Remember that Australian firms must observe fair employment rules, even when they hire students from other countries. You have rights. Use them!

Get Expert Support: From Visa to Career Advice

It can be hard to figure out how to work in a foreign country. That’s where we come in. Balance Education is the company you can rely for help with job-ready skills, taxes, or post-study immigration possibilities.

As the best student consultants in Melbourne, we help international students not only pick the proper course, but also learn about their work rights, improve their chances of getting a job, and stay in compliance with their visas.

Visa Application Tips: Get It Right from the Start

Everything starts with your student visa application if you want to work part-time in Australia. It lets you study in Melbourne and gives you legal work privileges while you’re there.

To avoid delays or rejections, you should know the following:

Key Visa Application Tips for International Students

Choose a CRICOS-registered course

A student visa is only available for courses that are listed in the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Be financially prepared

You need to present documentation that you can pay for your tuition, living expenses, and return travel, which is about AUD 24,505 each year as of now.

Have adequate health insurance

You will need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the whole time your visa is valid.

Meet English proficiency requirements

Most of the time, you need to show your IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores, unless your nation or course says you don’t have to.

Submit accurate documentation

Missing or incorrect paperwork are the most frequent cause of delays or rejections.

Pro Tip: A qualified student consultant in Melbourne can help you with the procedure and make sure that all of your documentation, financial statements, and eligibility checks are 100% correct before you send them in.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Australian Work Experience

As an international student, you have the right to work in Australia, but you also have duties. You can work, learn, and improve your career at the same time if you have the correct information, plan, and help.

If you know what you’re doing, you can do anything from getting a part-time job in Melbourne to applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa. If you need help with your visa application, job hunt, or legal rights, don’t be afraid to contact a reliable student visa agent in Melbourne.

So go ahead and start shaping your future today. We’re here to help you every step of the way on your trip to Australia.