Best Part-Time Jobs in Australia for International Students
Studying abroad in Australia is an exciting adventure, but it can also be financially challenging. Many international students find that taking on part-time work helps cover living expenses while gaining valuable work experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding and securing the best part-time jobs during your studies in Australia.
Table of Contents
Understanding Work Rights for International Students
Top 10 Best Paying Part-Time Jobs
Where and How to Find These Jobs
Loading...Average Hourly Wages in Different Industries
How to Balance Work and Studies Effectively
Important Legal Requirements and Tax Information
Tips for Writing a Winning Resume and Cover Letter
Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Alternative Ways to Earn Money as a Student
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Understanding Work Rights for International Students
Before you start looking for work, it’s crucial to understand the rules:
Work Hours: You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours per week) during semesters
Holiday Work: Unlimited hours during official university breaks
Visa Conditions: You must maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance
Tax Requirements: You’ll need a Tax File Number (TFN) – apply for free through the ATO website
Important: Working more than your allowed hours can result in visa cancellation. Always prioritize your studies!
2. Top 10 Best Paying Part-Time Jobs
Here are the most popular and well-paying part-time jobs for international students:
1. Retail Assistant (Supermarkets, Clothing Stores)
Average Pay: 22−30/hour
Skills Needed: Customer service, basic math
Best For: Those who enjoy interacting with people
Major Employers: Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, Myer
2. Hospitality Staff (Cafes, Restaurants, Bars)
Average Pay: 23−35/hour (higher on weekends)
Skills Needed: Teamwork, multitasking
Bonus: Often includes free meals or discounts
Major Employers: McDonald’s, Grill’d, local cafes
3. Private Tutor
Average Pay: 30−60/hour
Skills Needed: Strong academic knowledge
Flexibility: Set your own hours and rates
Best Platforms: TutorFinder, Superprof, Gumtree
4. Delivery Driver (Food, Packages)
Average Pay: 25−40/hour + tips
Requirements: Driver’s license, vehicle/bike
Flexibility: Work when you want
Major Platforms: Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Amazon Flex
5. Customer Service Representative
Average Pay: 25−35/hour
Skills Needed: Good communication, patience
Bonus: Some roles allow work from home
Major Employers: Telstra, Optus, call centers
6. Administrative Assistant
Average Pay: 25−32/hour
Skills Needed: Basic computer skills, organization
Best For: Students with office experience
Where to Find: University departments, small businesses
7. Aged Care/Disability Support Worker
Average Pay: 28−35/hour
Requirements: Often needs certification (can obtain while studying)
Rewarding: Helping others while earning well
8. Warehouse Worker
Average Pay: 23−30/hour
Physical Demand: Moderate to high
Perks: Often evening shifts that don’t interfere with classes
9. Event Staff
Average Pay: 25−40/hour
Types of Work: Catering, ticketing, promotions
Flexibility: Weekend and evening work available
10. Freelance Work (Online)
Average Pay: 20−50/hour
Options: Writing, graphic design, programming
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer
3. Where and How to Find These Jobs
Online Job Portals:
Seek (www.seek.com.au) – Best for professional jobs
Indeed (www.indeed.com.au) – Wide variety of listings
Jora (www.jora.com.au) – Aggregates listings from multiple sites
Gumtree (www.gumtree.com.au) – Good for casual work
University Resources:
Career centers
Student job boards
Alumni networks
Other Methods:
Walk into stores with your resume
Ask friends for referrals
Join Facebook job groups in your city
4. Average Hourly Wages by Industry
| Industry | Entry-Level Wage | Experienced Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | $22 | $28 |
| Hospitality | $23 | $35 |
| Tutoring | $30 | $60 |
| Delivery | $25 | $40 |
| Customer Service | $25 | $35 |
| Administration | $25 | $32 |
| Aged Care | $28 | $35 |
| Warehouse | $23 | $30 |
| Event Staff | $25 | $40 |
| Freelance | $20 | $50+ |
5. Balancing Work and Studies
Time Management Tips:
Use a planner to schedule work around classes
Don’t take on too many hours – 15-20/week is ideal
Communicate your availability clearly with employers
Take advantage of university support services
Warning Signs You’re Working Too Much:
Falling behind in assignments
Constant fatigue
Declining grades
Missing classes
6. Legal Requirements and Taxes
Must-Have Documents:
Tax File Number (TFN) – Apply through ATO
Superannuation Details – For retirement savings
Bank Account – For receiving wages
Tax Tips:
Save 15-20% of income for tax time
Claim work-related expenses at tax time
Use the ATO’s tax calculator to estimate payments
7. Resume and Cover Letter Tips
Resume Must-Haves:
Contact information
Education details
Work experience (even from home country)
Skills relevant to the job
References (or “available upon request”)
Cover Letter Advice:
Address it to the hiring manager
Explain why you’re perfect for the role
Highlight transferable skills
Keep it to one page
8. Common Interview Questions
Prepare answers for:
“Tell me about yourself”
“Why do you want this job?”
“What are your strengths/weaknesses?”
“How do you handle stressful situations?”
“What are your availability?”
9. Alternative Ways to Earn Money
Participate in university research studies
Sell handmade goods online
Rent out spare room (if allowed)
Participate in focus groups
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work before getting a TFN?
A: Yes, but you’ll pay higher tax until you provide it.
Q: Do I need work experience?
A: Many entry-level jobs don’t require experience.
Q: What if I can’t find a job?
A: Expand your search, improve your resume, ask for help.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right part-time job in Australia takes effort but pays off financially and professionally. Remember to:
✔ Stay within visa work limits
✔ Balance work with studies
✔ Choose jobs that fit your skills and schedule
✔ Always look for opportunities to grow
