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Working in Australia: A Guide for International Students - 2026

Working while studying in Australia is a great way to meet people, manage living costs, and gain experience that may even lead to a career pathway after graduation.

However, as an international student, there are important visa rules, workplace laws, and health insurance requirements you must follow. This guide outlines what you need to know before starting work in Australia.

Visa Requirements for Working in Australia

Students on a Student Visa (subclass 500) can work:

  • Up to 48 hours per fortnight when their course is in session.
  • Unlimited hours during official course breaks and holidays.

 Working more than your visa allows is a breach of visa conditions and can have serious consequences.

You must also:

  • Be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course.
  • Not begin working until your course has officially started.
  • Maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay.

Common Visa Breaches

Avoiding breaches is critical. Some common violations include:

  • Overstaying beyond visa expiry.
  • Working more than 48 hours per fortnight during study periods.
  • Failing to maintain enrolment or academic progress.
  • Not maintaining OSHC.
  • Making unauthorised changes to your study or work arrangements.

 A visa breach can result in visa cancellation, detention, or future bans from re-entering Australia. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for up-to-date details. Work rights are explained here WORK RIGHTS EXPLAINED FOR STUDENT VISA HOLDERS (SUBCLASS 500)

Age Restrictions

  • The minimum legal age to work part-time in Australia is 15 years.
  • Most student visas are granted to students aged 18 and over, but under-18 students may still work if they comply with state or territory laws.

Regardless of age, you must:

  • Register with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) for a Tax File Number (TFN).
  • Follow all relevant workplace laws and industry regulations.

Finding Work as an International Student

There are many ways to find student jobs:

  • Your institution – campus job boards and student services.
  • Job portals – SEEK, Indeed, and LinkedIn (always verify job ads for legitimacy).
  • Word of mouth – ask classmates, tutors, or graduates for leads.

Typical jobs for international students include:

  • Hospitality (cafes, restaurants, bars)
  • Retail (shops, supermarkets)
  • Administration (office/reception work)
  • Tutoring, childcare, or other services

 Casual roles offer flexibility but no paid leave.
 Part-time roles provide fixed hours, leave entitlements, and superannuation.

Workplace Rights and Protections

International students have the same workplace rights as all other workers in Australia. That includes:

  • Minimum wage and conditions.
  • Protection against unfair treatment or discrimination.
  • Workplace safety and compensation for injuries.

 If you believe your rights are being violated, you can seek help through:

  • Fair Work Ombudsman
  • Australian Human Rights Commission

Balancing Work and Study

To succeed as both a student and worker in Australia:

  1. Plan ahead – Use a diary or app to schedule study and shifts.
  2. Prioritise – Know when deadlines and exams are coming up.
  3. Respect limits – Don’t exceed 40 hours per fortnight during study periods.
  4. Use downtime wisely – Fit in study between shifts and classes.
  5. Communicate – Be upfront with employers about your study needs.
  6. Stay balanced – Make time for rest, socialising, and exercise.
  7. Use support services – Many universities offer counselling, workshops, and time management help.

Tax and Superannuation

  • You need a Tax File Number (TFN) to work legally in Australia. Apply through the ATO website.
  • If you stay in Australia for more than 6 months, you’ll be considered a resident for tax purposes and must lodge a tax return each year.
  • Employers must pay superannuation (retirement savings) of 11.5% of your earnings if you earn over AUD $450/month in eligible roles.

 Tip: When you leave Australia permanently, you may be able to claim your superannuation back through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) scheme.

Health Insurance and Work

International students must maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for their entire stay in Australia. This ensures you’re covered for doctor visits, hospital treatment, and prescription medicines.

Unlike Australian citizens and permanent residents, you are not automatically covered under Medicare. Without OSHC, you risk high medical costs and potential visa breaches.

If you plan to move to a 485 visa, you can explore affordable OVHC options here before applying.

 If you’re looking at other visa options: