It is quite expensive to study in Australia. Per the Australian Government, a foreign student spends around 21,041 Australian dollars each year on living expenses.
Fortunately for those already in Australia, they can work part-time while also studying.
However, you should first check your visa status to see if you are qualified to do so. If you are, then follow the steps we will be explaining shortly. Including maintaining your educational responsibilities, such as attending all classes and not failing.
So, here are the steps you should make sure to follow.
Examine Your Visa
Before applying for any part-time job in Australia, foreign students should check their visa status. Every visa will have a statement indicating whether a student is qualified to work while studying.
Recently this rule has been amended. To deal with the labour shortages, the Australian Government has raised the number of hours foreign students can work. But, this amendment in hours does not apply to all industries.
This is only applicable to students working in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, disability care, aged care, and tourism who can work an unlimited number of hours while continuing their semester.
Where Can You Find A Job?
Numerous universities offer opportunities to work on and off campus. There are a number of options for students to choose from. With facilities available like libraries, cafes and gyms, opportunities can include becoming a campus ambassador, library assistant, barista, personal trainer or social media assistant.
Apart from working in universities, you can try the food and beverage industry, where you can work as a bartender, barista, waiter or even as a kitchen hand. You can also work as a call centre staff, retail sales agent, receptionist, customer service officer, or sales representative.
Some part-time jobs differ from others as they have more requirements. An example of this is working as a driver. You would require a valid driver’s license and your own car to be able to become a driver.
How To Apply For A Part-Time Job?
Although there are many jobs you can choose from, applying for them can feel very overwhelming when you are in a new country. Don’t stress as there are many places you can seek help from.
Your university should be your first stop for seeking help. Go to the career centre, this is where you will find dedicated professionals who can provide you with the right guidance. They can direct you to the right job openings, help you in creating a good resume and even ready you for the interviews.
There are many online options available as well to look for jobs. There you can find a list of over a thousand part-time jobs available for international students.
The Minimum Wage For Students
Australia is famous for its high minimum wage. Each year, the Australian Fair Work Commission analyses the national minimum wage. From July 2022, the national minimum wage has been set at 21.38 Australian dollars per hour. Jobs that need extra skills may pay around 50 to 80 Australian dollars per hour.
As an employee, It is essential to know about your rights and benefits. Students who don’t have knowledge about their rights as an employee or lack language skills can be taken advantage of by being underpaid.
The Australian Government established The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) with the aim of offering free guidance and information on the Australian national workplace relations systems. Foreign students can get in touch with the FWO for help or information when working part-time in Australia.
What Benefits Will You Get?
In Australia, all employees are eligible for benefits. But, the number of benefits depends on the conditions of employment. A permanent part-time worker is entitled to the same benefits as a full-time worker. This comprises 10 days of sick leave or carer’s leave, 4 weeks of yearly leave, long-service leave, and 18 weeks of paid maternity leave or 2 weeks of partner leave
However, casual part-time workers are not given leave. Usually, because of this, employers compensate them with a higher hourly pay rate in comparison to permanent part-time workers.
Both casual and permanent part time-workers are eligible to receive overtime pay if they have worked for more than the highest number of hours fixed for a day or week. The pay amount differs based on every industry.
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