Working On A Student Visa In Australia: All You Need To Know
What kind of work can you do in Australia as an international student? Our guide explains all the rules.
Studying abroad can be expensive and many students choose to work while studying. It’s a good way to make some extra money and fund your study abroad experience. But working rules for student visas can be strict and international students need to be aware of what is and is not allowed.
What type of work can I do on a student visa in Australia?
It is important to know that although your student visa starts to cover you 90 days before your university programme begins, you’re not allowed to work during this time.
When it comes to the type of work you can do, you have lots of options, as long as you still meet the conditions of your visa. Many international students will take on part-time roles for the hours you’re allowed to work on your visa.
Some jobs that you might find work well around your studies are:
Retail positions in supermarkets, boutiques or department stores
Waiting in cafes and restaurants
Bartending
Collection or delivery driver (if you have a valid Australian driving license)
Admin roles (data entry, secretarial work etc)
Childcare, hospice care or cleaning
Tutoring
Usually with a student visa, you’re allowed to work 48 hours every fortnight. To adhere to your visa requirements, you must remain enrolled in your institution and ensure “satisfactory course attendance” and “satisfactory course progress” while working.
During holidays, when classes are not running, you are able to work an unlimited number of hours. However, it is important to remember that you might still have assignments and revision to do over the holidays, so only accept additional working hours if you can.
What type of work is not allowed with a student visa in Australia?
There are very few limits on the type of work that students are allowed to do on a student visa. However, full-time work is not allowed because you will exceed to allotted hours. When choosing your part-time work, ensure that you are very clear about the time you can give to the job.
What working rights will I have in Australia on a student visa?
Any visitor to Australia will receive the same working rights as residents. This means you’re guaranteed the same minimum wage, which is currently AU$24.10 an hour, according to Australian Workers Union.
How do I prove my right to work in Australia as an international student?
Employers in Australia can contact the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system to check your visa status. However, they may ask you directly to provide:
Your VEVO details
Visa start date
Visa expiry date
Can I volunteer on a student visa in Australia?
In Australia, volunteer work does not count towards your allotted working hours, and you can also take part in this kind of work as soon as you arrive in the country, rather than waiting the 90 days before your programme begins.
Volunteering in Australia is categorised as any activity you carry out for an organisation (private or non-profit) that is unpaid. Volunteer work can provide international students with work experience during your studies without worrying about the stricter rules of paid work.
Will I pay tax and national insurance when working in Australia as an international student?
The Australian Tax Office sees all international students as temporary residents. This means any foreign income you earn does not need to be declared. However, you must declare any income you earn in Australia by completing a tax return.
You need to file a tax return if you earn AUD$18,200 or higher in one year. This needs to be done between 30 June and 31 October.
If your enrolment lasts less than six months, you’ll be considered a non-Australian resident and will be required to declare all income earned while in the country. However, you’ll not be eligible for the tax threshold and will be taxed at a higher rate than temporary or permanent residents.
Can I work in Australia after I complete my studies under a student visa?
Student visas in Australia are awarded with the assumption that international students will leave after they complete their course. However, Australia does welcome international workers and therefore any graduate with a degree from an Australian university is able to apply for the 485 Skilled Graduate Temporary Visa. This visa is very common among international students because it allows them to stay within the country for 18 months, provided you have completed at least two years at an Australian university.