Last checked: 28 August 2026
International students can work while studying in Australia, but the conditions attached to each visa must be followed. Always check your own visa grant letter and VEVO before accepting work.
1. Student visa work conditions
- Generally, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
- Work restrictions generally do not apply during scheduled course breaks.
- Different rules may apply in particular circumstances, so check your individual visa conditions.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs — Student visa conditions.
2. Common part-time jobs
- Hospitality: waitstaff, barista, kitchen hand and dishwasher
- Retail: shop assistant, cashier and stock replenishment
- Cleaning: residential, office and hotel cleaning
- Aged care or disability support: only where you have the required training, checks or registration
- Warehouse and factory work: packing, sorting and general labour
- Delivery and rideshare: subject to licence, insurance, platform and tax requirements
3. Current minimum pay information
From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour for eligible adult employees who are not covered by an award or registered agreement. Award-free casual employees entitled to the National Minimum Wage receive at least $33.05 per hour, including the 25% casual loading.
Most employees are covered by an industry or occupation award, so the correct rate may be different and can include penalty rates, allowances and casual loading. Check your classification rather than relying on one general figure.
Official sources: Fair Work Ombudsman — Minimum wages and the Pay and Conditions Tool.
4. Finding work
- Search job websites such as SEEK and Indeed.
- Check local business websites and community job groups carefully.
- Prepare an Australian-style résumé and tailor it to each role.
- Confirm the employment type, pay rate, hours and award before starting.
5. Protecting your workplace rights
- Keep records of hours worked and payments received.
- Ask for payslips and check that superannuation and tax are handled correctly.
- Be cautious about underpaid cash-in-hand arrangements.
- Use Fair Work information or seek independent workplace advice if something seems wrong.
Important: Work rights and pay rates can change. This article provides general information and is not migration, legal, tax or employment advice. Pynch Education provides education support only and does not guarantee employment or visa outcomes.