Earnings Through Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Australia

Australia provides international students with several opportunities to work part-time to support their living expenses. The work visa restrictions and earning potential vary based on several factors, such as the type of job, industry, and student's skills. Understanding these factors can help students maximize their earnings while pursuing their studies.

Part-Time Work Restrictions and Earnings

As of August 2023, international students in Australia can work part-time during study periods up to 40 hours per fortnight and unlimited hours during breaks. The national minimum wage is around AUD 21.38 per hour, but average earnings vary depending on the nature of the job and the student's skills.

Average Earnings by Job Type

Here’s a breakdown of the average earnings for different types of part-time jobs:

Retail and Hospitality

These roles typically pay between AUD 20 to AUD 25 per hour.

Tutoring

Students can earn AUD 30 to AUD 60 per hour if they are qualified and experienced in teaching specific subjects.

Internships

Internships may offer varying pay, often around AUD 25 to AUD 35 per hour depending on the field and level of experience.

Example Calculation

Let's consider an example where a student works:

20 hours per week at a rate of AUD 22 per hour.

In this case, the weekly earnings would be:

Weekly Earnings: 20 hours × AUD 22 AUD 440

The monthly earnings would be:

Monthly Earnings: AUD 440 × 4 AUD 1,760

Additional Considerations

International students should be aware of the following:

Taxes

Students may need to pay income tax on their earnings, especially if their total income exceeds certain thresholds.

Job Market

The job market can vary based on location and economic conditions, so opportunities may differ by region.

As a case in point, some of the main reasons a candidate might seek a part-time job are to cover daily living expenses. Moreover, the job search often revolves around retail, hospitality, and tutoring, with some students even securing internships that offer valuable industry exposure.

Online-Internships and Postgraduate Research Students

It's essential to note that online internships do not count towards the part-time job limit. According to the Australian Government rules, international students on the Higher Education Sector Visa Subclass 573 are eligible for up to 40 hours per fortnight during the academic term and unlimited hours during term breaks. Any work included as part of the academic program is not counted under this limit. Conversely, students under the Postgraduate Research Sector Visa Subclass 574 have unlimited work hours from the official beginning of their main study program.

Profile-Related Part-Time Jobs Availability

For students looking to secure profile-related part-time jobs, a few strategies include:

Registered with University's Job Catalog

Students can enhance their chances by enquiring at their university's related department and getting registered. Cultivating good relations with faculty members and staff could also provide additional opportunities.

Online Job Sites

Popular job-sites in Australia, such as Seek and Indeed, can be valuable resources to find these positions.

Students should ensure they have their Tax File Number ready before applying for any part-time job.

The Top 10 Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs for International Students

The following are some of the best high-paying part-time jobs that international students can take up:

Cab/Taxi driver – with a salary around AUD 15 per hour Tutor – around AUD 20 to AUD 30 per day, depending on experience Delivery partner for firms such as Uber-eats – varies by location Authorized service agents – varies by location and role Waiter at restaurants – varies by location and establishment Stylist – around AUD 60 to AUD 100 per session, depending on experience Personal assistant/Secretary – Around AUD 30 to AUD 50 per hour, depending on the role and experience Oral/Dental hygienist – requires an associate degree Personal fitness trainer – around AUD 30 to AUD 60 per hour, depending on experience Security Guard – pays higher for night shifts, around AUD 25 to AUD 35 per hour

Australian government regulations provide a minimum wage of AUD 20 per hour, but given the competition and demand, students often earn between AUD 10 to AUD 15 per hour for most roles. While this is below the minimum wage, it is sufficient to cover daily living expenses, especially if supplemented with earnings on weekends and holidays, which have higher rates.

Conclusion

In summary, international students in Australia can earn between AUD 800 to AUD 1,200 per month by working the maximum allowed hours on average. By understanding their work restrictions, earnings potential, and accessing resources, students can plan their part-time work to support their educational and financial needs effectively.