Finding part-time jobs in Australia as an international student – Tutors Field Blog

Why look for a part-time job?

1. To cover part of my living expenses and hopefully save a little for travel.
2. To practise speaking, workplace English is more everyday and practical.
3. My course load isn’t heavy, so I have plenty of free time.

What kind of part-time work to do?

There are quite a lot of part-time opportunities in Australia, but I’m also very aware of my situation:

• No local experience
• Spoken English is not very fluent

So I first targeted hospitality jobs such as restaurant waitstaff, café assistants, or bubble tea shop staff. These roles are relatively friendly for people with no experience and average spoken English, with hourly pay around $25.

After gaining some experience, you can try applying for roles such as receptionist, office assistant, or library assistant. The pay is higher, and the experience is completely different.

How to find a part-time job?

At the beginning, I applied through Seek and Indeed. I was picky at first, but later applied to almost every nearby job, and still heard nothing back. For a few days, I fell into self-doubt, felt very down, and almost wanted to give up.

After chatting with a senior student, I learned that many people actually find jobs by walking in and asking. I gathered my courage and walked into a café. After buying a coffee, I casually asked if they were hiring. The manager immediately asked about my basic details. I wasn’t prepared and stumbled through my answers, so that attempt was unsuccessful.

But after that experience, I realised walk-ins weren’t as scary as I had imagined. I quickly refined my CV, memorised what to say when walking in, and visited several restaurants. I became more confident each time, and my answers grew smoother. The questions were very similar everywhere, and my responses became almost automatic. Soon after, I successfully found a job.

Things to note

1. Apply for a TFN (Tax File Number) before working, otherwise you may be taxed at a very high rate.
2. Be mindful of work-hour limits. During the semester, you cannot work more than 48 hours per fortnight, or it may affect your visa.

Finding a part-time job gave me more than just employment, it taught me that taking the first step is crucial. Many difficulties exist only in our imagination. Once you actually do it, you realise it’s much easier than you thought.

I’ve done quite a few part-time jobs in Australia, and today I want to share some common pitfalls that students might encounter. These are lessons learned the hard way, hopefully they help you avoid the same mistakes.

Know the legal work hours

This is very important. Students on a student visa can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight during the semester. Some employers might request overtime, but working beyond this limit violates visa rules and can seriously affect your studies. Make sure you understand your work-hour restrictions.

Avoid cash-in-hand and no-contract jobs

Some employers may pay in cash or offer no written contract. If wage disputes or unfair termination occur, you have no protection. Always sign a written contract, have wages paid directly into your bank account, and keep your payslips. Early in my time in Australia, I encountered a very dodgy employer who took advantage of my inexperience, paid me through ABN, and didn’t contribute to Super.

Understand different job types

It’s important to know the difference between part-time and casual work. Many students get confused at first. Part-time usually comes with fixed hours, benefits, annual leave, and super, making it suitable for long-term stable arrangements. Casual work is more flexible but comes without fixed hours or benefits, though the hourly rate is often higher. I’ve shared more details before about ABN, TFN, Super, and different job types — let me know if you want me to make a full guide!

Ensure your wage meets the minimum standard

Australia has clear minimum wage standards (AUD 24.1/hour in 2024). If an employer tries to underpay, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman to protect your rights.

Understand Super and tax requirements

Superannuation is important. Even if you don’t plan to stay in Australia long-term, you can claim it back when leaving. You also need to lodge tax returns each year. If your income exceeds the tax-free threshold, you’ll need to pay tax. I usually hire an accountant to help — it’s not expensive and sometimes you get a refund.

Be careful with personal information

Use official recruitment platforms or your school’s employment services. Only provide your resume and basic contact information. Sensitive details, like bank accounts, should not be shared lightly — some students have been scammed before.

Author: Sim K

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