Working part-time while you study in Australia can do much more than cover rent and groceries. It builds your résumé, sharpens your communication skills, and gives you a real feel for Australian workplace culture. However, international students must follow the work conditions attached to their visa, including applicable limits on working hours while their course is in session. Students can find opportunities across retail, hospitality, customer service, administration, delivery and other sectors, depending on their skills, location and availability.

For international students, popular part-time jobs in Australia are concentrated in hospitality, retail, care, delivery and customer-service roles. Here are some of the most common and best-paying part-time options in Australia.

• Retail Assistant

• Barista/Café Worker

• Warehouse Assistant

• Waiter/Waitress

• Delivery Worker

• Administrative Assistant

• Tutor

International students in Australia can take up part-time work while studying, subject to the conditions of their student visa. Here is an overview of the approximate pay for common part-time jobs.

Here are some of the common part-time jobs according to the industry which are available for the international students.

Here are the common requirements which an international student must fulfil in order to get a part-time job.

Valid student visa — You must hold a visa that allows you to work. Your visa conditions determine when and how much you can work.

Work-hour limit — Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Different rules can apply during scheduled course breaks and to certain courses or visa conditions, so students should check their individual visa conditions.

Tax File Number (TFN) — You should obtain a TFN for employment and tax purposes.

Australian bank account — Employers generally pay wages electronically, so having an Australian bank account is useful.

Meet workplace requirements — You may need to provide identification and other employment information requested by the employer.

Follow Australian employment laws — International students have the same basic workplace protections as other employees, including minimum pay and applicable employment conditions.

Minimum pay — From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is AUD 26.44 per hour for employees aged 21+ who are not covered by an award or registered agreement.

Payslips and proper payment — Employers must provide payslips and pay the applicable minimum rate for all hours worked, including eligible training and meetings.

International students can look for part-time and casual jobs through a combination of online job portals, university career services, company websites and local businesses. But, students should check their visa work conditions before starting employment and keep records of their hours and pay. Here are the platforms.

Online Job Portals — Students can search for vacancies on major Australian job websites such as SEEK, Indeed and Workforce Australia. Useful search terms include student jobs, part-time jobs, casual jobs, weekend jobs and entry-level jobs.

University Career Services — Most universities provide career support, which may include job boards, career fairs, employer events, CV assistance and interview preparation. Students should regularly check their university's careers portal for vacancies specifically targeted at students and graduates.

Company Websites — Many employers advertise vacancies directly on their careers pages.

Local Businesses — Students can also enquire directly with cafes, restaurants, retail stores, supermarkets and other businesses in areas close to their university or accommodation. Some businesses advertise vacancies through signs in their premises or local community channels.

Networking and University Events — Career fairs, industry events, student societies and professional networking can help students learn about vacancies that may not be widely advertised.

Internships and Course-Related Placements — Students seeking experience related to their degree can explore internships, cadetships, work placements and other work-integrated learning opportunities offered or supported by their education provider. Availability depends on the course and institution.

For international students in Australia, applying for a part-time job generally involves checking your work rights, preparing a resume, searching for suitable vacancies and completing the employer's application process. Here are the steps.

Check your visa work conditions — Before applying, confirm that your visa permits you to work and understand any limits on your working hours or type of employment. Student visa holders should follow the conditions attached to their visa.

Prepare an Australian-style resume — Keep your resume clear, concise and tailored to the job. A 1–2 page resume can be suitable for students and early-career applicants, although the appropriate length depends on your experience and the role. You would generally include your contact details, a short professional summary, relevant work experience, education, skills and referees if requested.

Search for vacancies — International students can look for jobs through online job portals, employer career pages, university career services, recruitment agencies, local businesses such as cafés, restaurants and retail stores and networking and referrals.

Submit the application — Read the job advertisement carefully and follow the employer's application instructions.

Attend an interview — Employers may conduct interviews by phone, video call or in person. Be prepared to discuss your previous experience, skills, availability and why you are interested in the role.

Check your pay and employment conditions — Before accepting the job, check whether you are being employed as a part-time or casual employee and understand the applicable pay rate and conditions. Australian workplace laws provide minimum entitlements to employees, including international students.

Part-time employees in Australia are protected by the Fair Work Act 2009 and the National Employment Standards (NES). A part-time employee generally works fewer than 38 hours per week and has an agreed regular pattern of work.

Minimum wage — From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is AUD 26.44 per hour or AUD 1,004.90 per week based on a 38-hour week, before tax.

Key employee rights — Part-time employees may be entitled to:

1) Minimum wages under the applicable award, agreement or National Minimum Wage.

2) Paid annual leave, generally calculated on a pro-rata basis.

3) Paid sick and carer's leave, generally on a pro-rata basis.

4) 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave per year, which is not pro-rated for part-time employees.

5) Superannuation contributions, where the employee is eligible under superannuation law.

6) Public holiday entitlements under the applicable Fair Work rules. For permanent part-time employees, this can include payment for an ordinary day of work that falls on a public holiday, subject to the relevant conditions.

7) Pay slips, which employers must generally provide within one working day of payday.

8) Protection from unlawful workplace discrimination and other prohibited conduct.

International students can manage part-time employment alongside their studies by planning their schedules carefully and keeping study commitments as the priority.

Create a weekly schedule — Allocate fixed time for lectures, tutorials, assignments, exam preparation, work, commuting and rest.

Choose flexible jobs — Consider roles with shifts that fit around your class timetable, such as retail, hospitality, customer service or campus-based work.

Keep work hours within your visa conditions — Student visa work rights have conditions, and students should check their current conditions through VEVO.

Avoid excessive work during exams — Reduce shifts where possible during assessment and examination periods so that employment does not interfere with academic progress.

Choose jobs close to your university or accommodation — A shorter commute can leave more time for studying and resting.

Know your workplace rights — International students are entitled to minimum workplace protections, including applicable minimum pay rates and payslips.

Part-time jobs can help international students in Australia manage everyday expenses while gaining workplace experience and developing skills such as communication, teamwork and time management. Plus, it is also important to balance employment with academic commitments, as study remains the primary purpose of the student visa. By choosing suitable work hours and legitimate employers, students can gain useful professional experience while continuing their studies in Australia.