Working Part-Time or Casually in Australia? A Guide for Student Visa Holders

Published by Goodluck Education and Migration | Last Updated: September 2025

International students pursuing higher education in Australia often wonder about their employment opportunities while studying. Understanding the work rights, limitations, and opportunities available to student visa holders is crucial for maintaining visa compliance while gaining valuable work experience. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about working part-time or casually as an international student in Australia.

Understanding Student Visa Work Conditions in 2025

The Student visa (subclass 500) grants international students specific work rights that must be carefully followed to maintain visa compliance. As of 2025, the Australian government has implemented clear guidelines that balance students’ financial needs with their primary educational obligations.

Current Work Hour Limitations

International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their study periods. This translates to approximately 24 hours per week, providing sufficient opportunity to earn income while prioritizing academic commitments. The fortnight calculation begins on Monday and spans 14 consecutive days.

Key work hour regulations include:

• Maximum 48 hours per fortnight during term time
• Unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks
• Work restrictions apply before course commencement
• Both paid and unpaid work count toward the limit

Important note: Students enrolled in Master’s by Research or PhD programs enjoy unlimited work hours once their course begins, recognizing the advanced nature of their studies.

When Can You Start Working?

Student visa holders cannot commence employment before their course officially starts, even if they have already arrived in Australia. This restriction ensures students maintain their primary focus on education while preventing potential visa breaches.

Employment eligibility timeline:

1. Before course starts: No work permitted
2. Course commencement: Work rights activated
3. During term: 48 hours per fortnight limit
4. Study breaks: Unlimited work hours
5. Course completion: Work rights may continue based on visa conditions

Types of Employment for International Students

Part-Time Employment

Part-time positions offer international students consistent weekly schedules with guaranteed hours. These roles typically provide:

• Fixed weekly hours (usually 15-25 hours)
• Employee benefits including sick leave and annual leave
• Regular pay schedules with predictable income
• Career development opportunities within established businesses

Popular part-time sectors:

• Retail and customer service
• Administrative and office support
• Tutoring and academic assistance
• Healthcare support roles

Casual Employment

Casual work arrangements provide flexibility but with variable hours and higher hourly rates. Casual employees typically receive:

• 25% casual loading on top of base wages
• No guaranteed hours or ongoing employment
• Flexible scheduling around study commitments
• No paid leave entitlements

Common casual opportunities:

• Hospitality and food service
• Event management and promotion
• Delivery and logistics
• Seasonal retail positions

Course-Related Work Experience

Work integrated learning (WIL) and mandatory course placements don’t count toward the 48-hour fortnightly limit. These educational components include:

• Professional placements required for degree completion
• Clinical rotations for health science students
• Teaching practicum for education majors
• Industry internships embedded in curriculum

Essential Requirements Before Starting Work

Tax File Number (TFN) Application

Every working international student must obtain a Tax File Number through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This unique identifier ensures proper tax deduction and compliance with Australian taxation laws.

TFN application process:

1. Online application via ATO website
2. Document submission including passport and visa details
3. Processing time of 10-15 business days
4. Employer notification once TFN is received

Australian Bank Account Setup

Most employers require direct deposit payments into Australian bank accounts. International students should establish banking relationships early to facilitate employment opportunities.

Banking requirements:

• Valid passport and student visa documentation
• Proof of enrollment from educational institution
• Australian residential address
• Initial deposit (varies by institution)

Workplace Documentation

Additional certifications may be required depending on the employment sector:

• RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) for hospitality roles
• Food handling certificates for restaurant positions
• Police checks for certain employment types
• Working with Children checks for educational roles

Finding Employment Opportunities

Popular Job Search Platforms

Digital job boards remain the primary method for discovering student employment opportunities:

Major platforms:

• Seek.com.au – Australia’s largest job portal
• Indeed.com.au – International platform with local listings
• Gumtree.com.au – Classified advertisements including employment
• LinkedIn – Professional networking and job opportunities

Specialized student platforms:

• University career portals
• Student job boards
• Campus employment services
• Industry-specific websites

Networking and Direct Applications

Personal connections often lead to the best employment opportunities for international students:

Effective networking strategies:

• Campus events and student organization participation
• Industry meetups and professional associations
• Alumni networks from your educational institution
• Direct employer contact for unadvertised positions

University Career Services

Educational institutions provide comprehensive employment support including:

• Resume writing workshops and individual consultations
• Interview preparation sessions and mock interviews
• Job fair participation connecting students with employers
• Career counseling for long-term professional development

Your Rights and Protections at Work

Minimum Wage Entitlements

All employees in Australia, including international students, must receive at least the national minimum wage. As of 2025, this stands at approximately $24.10 per hour, with casual employees receiving additional loading.

Wage protection includes:

• Timely payment of all earned wages
• Accurate payslips detailing hours and deductions
• Overtime rates for excessive hours worked
• Penalty rates for weekend and holiday work

Superannuation Contributions

Employers must contribute 11.5% of your earnings to a superannuation fund if you earn more than $450 per month. This retirement savings system benefits all workers, including temporary visa holders.

Superannuation benefits:

• Employer contributions at no cost to employees
• Investment growth over time
• Potential withdrawal upon permanent departure from Australia
• Consolidation options for multiple accounts

Fair Work Protection

The Fair Work Ombudsman ensures all employees receive fair treatment regardless of visa status or nationality. International students can access:

• Free advice about workplace rights
• Complaint resolution for workplace disputes
• Legal protection against employer retaliation
• Multilingual support for non-English speakers

Balancing Work and Study Successfully

Time Management Strategies

Effective time management is crucial for maintaining academic performance while working:

Proven strategies include:

• Weekly scheduling incorporating study, work, and personal time
• Priority setting focusing on academic deadlines
• Break scheduling to prevent burnout and maintain productivity
• Communication planning with employers about exam periods

Academic Performance Monitoring

Student visa holders must maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain their visa status:

Key requirements:

• Course enrollment maintenance throughout study period
• Attendance requirements as specified by educational institution
• Academic progress meeting institutional standards
• Course completion within designated timeframes

Health and Wellbeing Considerations

Working while studying can be demanding both physically and mentally:

Wellbeing strategies:

• Regular exercise and healthy eating habits
• Adequate sleep schedules despite busy timetables
• Social connections with fellow students and colleagues
• Professional support when facing challenges

Tax Obligations and Financial Planning

Income Tax Responsibilities

International students earning income in Australia must file annual tax returns and pay appropriate income tax:

Tax obligations include:

• Annual tax returns filed by October 31st
• PAYG withholding from regular employment
• Record keeping for all income and deductions
• Residency determination for taxation purposes

Financial Management Tips

Smart financial planning helps international students maximize their earning potential:

Financial strategies:

• Budget creation tracking income and expenses
• Emergency savings for unexpected costs
• Goal setting for education and living expenses
• Professional advice for complex financial situations

Common Challenges and Solutions

Visa Compliance Issues

Exceeding work hour limits represents the most serious risk for international students:

Prevention strategies:

• Hour tracking using apps or manual records
• Employer communication about visa restrictions
• Multiple job coordination to avoid exceeding limits
• Regular monitoring of accumulated work hours

Workplace Exploitation Prevention

Some employers may attempt to exploit international students through unfair practices:

Warning signs include:

• Below minimum wage payment offers
• Cash-only payments without proper records
• Excessive hours beyond legal limits
• Discrimination based on visa status

Academic Impact Management

Overcommitment to work can negatively affect academic performance:

Balance maintenance:

• Study prioritization during exam periods
• Flexible work arrangements with understanding employers
• Academic support services utilization
• Regular performance review of both work and study

Future Opportunities and Career Development

Post-Study Work Visas

Temporary Graduate visas (subclass 485) provide opportunities for extended work experience after course completion:

Visa pathways include:

• Graduate Work stream for specific qualifications
• Post-Study Work stream for bachelor’s degree holders and above
• Duration varies based on qualification level and study location
• Pathway potential to permanent residency options

Professional Skill Development

Part-time and casual work experience provides valuable skills for future career success:

Transferable skills gained:

• Communication abilities through customer interaction
• Time management balancing multiple responsibilities
• Cultural awareness in diverse workplace environments
• Professional networks for future opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work more than 48 hours if I have multiple jobs?

No, the 48-hour fortnightly limit applies to all combined employment, regardless of the number of employers. Students must track total hours across all positions to maintain visa compliance.

What happens if I accidentally work too many hours?

Minor breaches may result in warnings, while serious or repeated violations can lead to visa cancellation. Contact immigration professionals immediately if you suspect a breach has occurred.

Are unpaid internships included in the work limit?

Unpaid work counts toward the 48-hour limit unless it’s a mandatory course requirement or genuine volunteer work that doesn’t replace paid employees.

Can I start my own business on a student visa?

Student visas generally don’t permit business ownership or self-employment. Consult with immigration professionals about specific circumstances and alternative visa options.

How do I know if my employer is treating me fairly?

Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman if you have concerns about wages, working conditions, or treatment. They provide free, confidential advice to all workers in Australia.

Conclusion

Working part-time or casually while studying in Australia offers international students valuable opportunities to gain experience, earn income, and develop professional skills. Success requires understanding visa conditions, maintaining academic priorities, and protecting your workplace rights.

Goodluck Education and Migration provides comprehensive support for international students navigating work and study in Australia. Our experienced team helps students understand their rights, find suitable employment opportunities, and maintain visa compliance throughout their educational journey. 

For personalized guidance about working while studying in Australia, contact our expert migration agents who understand the unique challenges facing international students. Your success in balancing work and study starts with proper planning and professional support.