Study and Work in Australia for international students
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Study and Work in Australia for international students

Ipshita ghoshUpdated on 21 Aug 2025, 11:44 AM IST

International students on Australian student visa (Subclass 500) can live and study in Australia for the duration of their course. Students pursuing undergraduate degrees are permitted to work in Australia for a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight (2 weeks) during their studies. However, there is no restriction on the work hours during university breaks or holidays, as well as for those students pursuing a master’s degree or a doctoral degree. Apart from helping you earn some extra money to cover your expenses, you will be able to gain work experience in your area of study through these study while working opportunities. Other advantages include gaining relevant professional skills and gaining some amount of financial independence. Better placement opportunities, excellent research facilities, and stronger connection to the industry are some advantages of studying in Australia.
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This Story also Contains

  1. Requirements to Study and Work in Australia for International Students
  2. Advantages of Working in Australia While Studying
  3. Finding Opportunities for Work While Studying in Australia
  4. Salary and Tax for Part-Time Jobs in Australia
  5. Tips on How to Study and Work in Australia
Study and Work in Australia for international students
study and work in Australia

Requirements to Study and Work in Australia for International Students

  • Coming to Australia for study and work requires a visa under Subclass 500 which allows work up to 40 hours per week while studying a full-time degree course.

  • Candidates must be pursuing a degree course of at least two years duration in Australia.

  • Study and work in Australia requirements say that candidates can start working as soon as they begin their course of study.

Advantages of Working in Australia While Studying

Students must ensure to carry out study while working in Australia without loss of concentration. Apart from the advantages mentioned earlier, the other advantages of working while studying in Australia include:

  • Students can earn up to AUD 34.62 per hour by simultaneously studying and working in Australia.

  • The facility to work and study in Australia for international students is a great way to learn valuable skills such as communication, problem-solving, time management, meeting deadlines in pressure and teamwork.

  • It will give you an opportunity to interact with the local people.

  • International students working in Australia have the same rights in their workplace as the local workers.

  • It is mandatory to have a minimum lawful rate of pay when international students study and work Australia.

  • Australia international students requirements of minimum wages are calculated on a weekly or hourly basis.

  • Study and work in Australia requirements mandate that employees are paid for all the hours they work.

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Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Australia

  • Sales and telemarketing - students can explore opportunities at businesses, call centres, finance and employment services.

  • Administration or clerical roles - related jobs in different industries.

  • Retail- jobs at clothing stores,supermarkets, departmental stores etc.

  • Hospitality - jobs at hotels, restaurants, clubs, cafes, and bars.

  • Tourism - jobs in hotels, motels, and resorts.

  • Tutoring - teaching students in institutions or in person.

  • Agriculture - working in farms especially during harvest season.

Other Part-Time Work Options

Work and study in Australia is appreciated by many international students. While part time jobs provide an ideal way to study and work in Australia for international students, they can also do internships to gain work experience. They can undertake either paid or unpaid internships. This can add to your experience and skills and help you build your network.

Another option is to volunteer which will give you an opportunity to meet and become friends with the locals and build skills related to your study field. You can find volunteering opportunities as event coordinators, social media coordinators, mentors and experts.

For volunteer opportunities in each state you can visit these websites:

  • Australian Capital Territory (Canberra, ACT) - Volunteering and Contact ACT

  • New South Wales (NSW) - The Centre for Volunteering NSW

  • Northern Territory (NT) - Volunteering SA & NT

  • Queensland (QLD) - Volunteering Queensland

  • South Australia (SA) - Volunteering SA & NT

  • Tasmania (TAS) - Volunteering Tasmania

  • Victoria (VIC) - Volunteering Victoria

  • Western Australia (WA) - Volunteering WA

Finding Opportunities for Work While Studying in Australia

Finding a suitable part-time job in Australia to work alongside your studies is easy. Students can explore openings advertised in newspapers, online job boards, etc. Some Australian institutions also provide vacancy notices on bulletin boards (on campus) or online. Working on campus in the cafeteria, library, or other departments is also a good option for students. If you are looking for employment opportunities in Australia, the first step is to contact your university's International Student Services staff to find out about the options available. International students must remember that studying and working in Australia is not allowed until the course begins.

Salary and Tax for Part-Time Jobs in Australia

Students on student visas are entitled to a minimum wage of 21.38perhouror812.60 per week (before tax) for on- and off-campus work during their full-time study period.

Earning through study and work in Australia for Indian students is not entirely tax free. All students working part-time are required to file a tax return. Students are eligible for a full tax refund if the total amount received during the fiscal year is less than $18,200. Otherwise, all work-related expenses such as travel expenses, uniforms, laptops, etc. are tax deductible.

Tips on How to Study and Work in Australia

  • It is better to find a part time in an industry/field that is relevant to the course that students are pursuing.
  • Switching between study and work in Australia can be exhausting and often confusing. Students are advised to prepare a time table and stick to that to avoid unnecessary stress.
  • Make education your priority and don't miss any classes.
  • The primary goal of working part time is to save money. So keep a written record of all savings, earnings and costs.
  • Choose a proper place to stay that within accessible distance from both work and university campus so that it is possible to take rest without excessive strain.
  • Don't forget self-care. Take rest and breaks if necessary to refill the energy to balance both study and work in Australia.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Should I wait for my classes to begin before I start working in Australia?
A:

No, the Australian government allows students to begin working as soon as they land in Australia. They need not wait for their course to begin to start working.

Q: What are the requirements to work while you study in Australia?
A:

Apart from being enrolled in a full-time course and having a student visa, you must have a Tax file number from the Australia tax office to work in Australia.

Q: Can international students work during vacations?
A:

Yes, international students can work during vacations, there is no cap on the number of hours they can work during study breaks.

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Hello Aspirant,

SP Jain’s BBA has a reputation for global exposure because students rotate between campuses located in Dubai, Singapore, and Sydney. The campuses are high-quality, and the peer group is diverse -- bringing together students from numerous countries which helps develop a vibrant and competitive crowd. The study abroad experience is generally smooth - Dubai has a cosmopolitan and safe feel, Singapore is similarly safe and very organized, with strict rule and expectations but good for students, while Australia has a more relaxed but multicultural feel. Overall, the program provides a good balance of educational, international exposure, and cultural learning.

Hello ,

As per current trend , The processing time is of 30-56 days that is 1 to 8 weeks , it is faster if your university is under 80% international cap , priority 1 , slower if over 80%

TIPS TO HELP FOR QUICKER PROCESSING

1. Submit a complete and accurate application

2.Apply online via ImmiAccount

3.Lodge your application well in advance

4.Monitor your ImmiAccount regularly

hope this helps

Lodge your application well in advance





Hello,

If you have completed your MD from the Philippines and wish to practice or further study in Australia, you will need to follow the Australian Medical Council (AMC) process. First, verify your degree with ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) through EPIC verification. Then, choose the AMC pathway — typically the Standard Pathway (for non-specialists) which involves the AMC MCQ Exam and AMC Clinical Exam, or the Competent Authority Pathway if you qualify. If your aim is postgraduate training, you should also explore specialist medical colleges in Australia for recognition of prior training. Additionally, you will need to meet English proficiency requirements through IELTS or OET. Visa requirements will vary depending on whether you apply for work, training, or further studies. It’s a detailed process, so starting early and following official AMC guidelines is key.

Thank you for your question!

Hello!

So if you are interested India currently and wants to work as a doctor in Australia in future then:

1. Complete MBBS in India from a recognized medical college.

2. Pass the Australian Medical Council exams

First exam is MCQ based and second one is Clinical exam which assesses your practical skills.

3. English Proficiency Test for that you have to clear IELTS.

4. Apply for registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

5. Apply for internship or position according to your qualification.

6. Apply for Visa and move to Australia once selected.


Yes, you can get admission in some Australian universities with 59% in 12th grade.Many university offer diploma or foundation courses first. IELTS or PTE is also needed. Choose the right course and apply early. Each university has different rules and regulations,so check before applying.