Working part-time can sound counterintuitive, yet rewarding as it enables you to be financially independent. If you are looking for part-time jobs while studying abroad, Australia is the third most popular educational destination, attracting millions of students annually. It has a rich cultural heritage, world-class education, and many employment opportunities for part-time jobs in Australia for international students.
According to a Department of Education for International Students in Australia survey, ninety per cent of international students are content with their living and educational experiences. This is because students in Australia have access to a diverse range of part-time jobs that allow them to fund their studies while also developing information and skills that will be valuable when studying overseas.
Learn more about combining study with part-time jobs in Australia below.
Benefits of Part-Time Jobs in Australia
Working part-time in Australia can benefit you, especially in building your academic and professional experience. Here are five reasons why you should work part-time while studying in Australia.
1. Become financially independent
Working part-time gives you brownie points to earn extra money, helping you cover your educational, transportation, and grocery expenses. This financial independence can reduce the family burden and personal savings.
2. Skills Development
Strong interpersonal skills and high-skill experience make for an exceptional career profile. Working part-time improves one's ability to lead, communicate, collaborate, solve problems, and manage time effectively. These abilities are critical for success in the job, in school, and in one's growth.
3. Cultural Exposure
Student part-time jobs in Australia offer opportunities to build a professional network within your field of study or in other industries. Networking can open gates for future career opportunities, internships, and potential collaborations in academic fields.
4. Building Personal Growth
Another advantage of working part-time in Australia is it can contribute to personal growth and independence. It challenges navigating a new environment, making decisions, and adapting to different situations.
5. Resume-Gap Filling
If there are breaks in your academic career, working part-time can help fill those gaps on your resume. This indicates that you are actively engaged and productive during your time abroad.
Part-Time Jobs in Australia for International Students
Part-time employment is defined as working less than 30 hours a week. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, here is some significant information about part-time employment in Australia.
Part-time employment rate |
30.2% |
Total Part-timers (as of Dec 2022) |
4,304,800 |
High-demanding job sectors |
Retail sales, Education, Management, and Hospitality |
Minimum wage |
$23.23 hourly |
Total monthly hours of work |
20 hours per week |
Part-time jobs in Australia |
Retail sales, tutor, driver, call center worker, etc. |
International students can only work once the session begins. Also, students pursuing post-graduate research can work unlimited hours when the research work or doctoral thesis begins. In addition, students completing the Australian study requirement can apply for a post-study work permit in the undergraduate stream. Students enrolled in ELICOS cannot apply for a post-study work permit.
Types of Part-Time Jobs in Australia
Finding the right part-time job in Australia is relatively easy if you have the right communication skills, meet the eligibility, and have the proper networking. A good CV or resume makes a positive first impression on the organisation and helps you bag the job interview.
Many Australian universities assist students in creating and formatting resumes that list students' skills, experience, education, and interests. They also provide on-campus and off-campus part-time job opportunities for international students. Here are the types of part-time work that students can opt for while studying.
- Travel agent - It is one of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Australia. It’s a good fit for those who want to travel and explore new experiences. The job responsibilities include talking to people about travel destinations in Australia and helping them plan schedules, bookings, etc. One must have good communication and sales skills with travel experience and fluency in English.
- Sales representatives - Being a sales representative is a great way to build confidence. They are responsible for selling to customers, meeting customer demands, setting appointments, and generating sales and leads. The typical rate ranges between $20 to $30 per hour.
- Customer service - is one of Australia's hardest and highest-paying jobs; the average salary is $26 per hour. Among the duties are addressing client complaints, troubleshooting issues, and upholding positive customer relations. This is a great part-time position to improve your communication abilities.
- Personal tutor - If you are good at pre-university subjects, you should opt for tutoring. The job responsibilities include preparing lessons, working with students to strengthen their basics on subjects, assigning them homework, evaluating students' progress and performance, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have a valid Australian student visa
- Students must have an Australian government-approved full-time study program.
- Applicants must fulfill the minimum attendance requirements
- One should have applied for student health insurance
Top Cities in Australia to Work
Australia is among the best countries for international students to live and work. Here are some of the best cities in Australia for part-time jobs.
Best Australian cities for jobs |
Top employers |
Average cost of living |
Adelaide, South Australia |
Apple, Westpac Group, Deloitte, Commonwealth Bank of Australia |
$1800 - $2200 |
Brisbane, Queensland |
Dominos Pizza, Suncorp, Star Entertainment Group |
$2100 - $2300 |
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |
Accenture, IBM, PwC |
$1700-$2000 |
Melbourne, Victoria |
IBM, Apple, Chevron |
$1700-$1900 |
Perth, Western Australia |
Accenture, PwC, BHP, Apple |
$1900 -$2200 |
Study in Australia
If you want to study in Australia and work part-time, contact SI-ANZ today for a free consultation on your future.