If you are a full-time international student on a student visa, it is important to know your rights when it comes to working in Australia. There are limits to the number of hours you can work, these terms were agreed to when you were given your student visa. It is important that you keep to these limits.
You have the opportunity to work a maxiumum of 20 hours per week on a part-time or casual basis during the semester and unlimited hours during the semester holiday break.
Tip #1 – Part-time vs Casual Work
When comparing part-time and casual work there are several differentiators and benefits of each.
Working on a part-time basis gives you more job security with an agreed hourly rate and guaranteed hours, and you receive leave entitlement benefits.
Working on a casual basis means that there is no guarantee on the number hours of work you will receive and you are not entitled to paid leave entitlements. However, you are compensated through the higher hourly rates which you will be paid.
Tip #2 – Looking for work:
There are a number of channels that you can use to look for work. The most popular are:
- Seek
- Gumtree
- Spotjobs
- Google jobs
- Student Edge
Tip #3 – Preparing to work:
Before you think about getting a job you will need to get yourself a Tax File Number (TFN). When working in Australia you may need to pay tax depending on how much you earn.
Tip #4 – Work rules for family members:
If you have family members accompanying you under your student visa, then they have the same work rights as you. However, unlike students, family members do not receive the benefit of working unlimited hours during the semester holiday break. Family members must not exceed the limit of working 20 hours in a week.
For those students who are obtaining a graduate degree, such as a Masters, there are no limits to the number of hours family members can work.
