Can Indian Students Work Part-Time While Studying in Australia?

Indian students studying in Australia can work part-time during their studies to earn money, gain work experience, and support their living expenses. The Australian government allows international students on a Student Visa (subclass 500) to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during semester breaks. Part-time work helps students gain real-world skills, build professional connections, and manage their finances while studying abroad.

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Rules for Part-Time Work in Australia for Indian Students

• Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours per week) during study terms.
• During semester breaks, students can work unlimited hours.
• Work is allowed only if you hold a valid Student Visa (subclass 500) and are enrolled in a recognized full-time course.
• Students can work both on-campus and off-campus in approved organizations.
• You cannot work as a self-employed or freelance contractor without a valid permit.
• Family members (dependents) may also work a limited number of hours if permitted by the visa.

Popular Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in Australia

• Retail assistant
• Customer service staff
• Library or university assistant
• Waiter or café worker
• Administrative or office support
• Teaching or research assistant (on-campus)
• Delivery or warehouse staff (with valid permits)
• Receptionist or front desk staff
• Data entry operator
• Call centre representative
• Babysitter or caregiver (for students with proper work rights)
• Hospitality staff (hotels, restaurants, and events)
• Supermarket or store cashier

Average Earnings from Part-Time Jobs

Indian students working part-time in Australia can earn between AUD 20 and AUD 30 per hour, depending on the job type, city, and experience. Jobs in large cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane often pay more due to higher living costs. On-campus jobs usually offer flexible hours and stable pay. Students working in restaurants, delivery services, or hospitality can also earn extra through tips or weekend shifts. Part-time work helps cover expenses such as rent, food, and transportation while providing valuable work experience.

Benefits of Working Part-Time in Australia

• Helps cover living costs and tuition fees
• Builds international work experience
• Improves communication and teamwork skills
• Expands professional and social networks
• Offers flexible work hours for students
• Provides exposure to Australia’s work culture
• Enhances your resume for post-study job opportunities

How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Australia

Finding a part-time job in Australia is simple if you plan ahead and use the right job platforms. Many universities and local employers regularly post openings suitable for international students. Some of the best ways to find jobs include:

• Search on university job boards or career centers for on-campus positions.
• Use online job portals such as Seek, Indeed Australia, Jora, and CareerOne.
• Check local businesses, cafes, and supermarkets for vacancies.
• Network with classmates, professors, and seniors to find openings.
• Apply early, especially before each semester, to get better job options.

Key Documents Required for Part-Time Work in Australia

• Valid Student Visa (subclass 500)
• Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office
• Bank account in Australia for salary deposits
• Valid passport and student ID card
• Enrollment confirmation from your university or college

Work Restrictions for Indian Students

• Cannot work more than 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions.
• Cannot work as a self-employed or freelancer.
• Must not work in jobs that violate visa or course conditions.
• Cannot take full-time permanent positions while enrolled.
• Dependents can only work within the limits allowed by the visa.

Looking to study and work part-time in Australia? Talk to Y-Axis, India’s No. 1 overseas career consultant, for expert guidance on admissions, visa applications, and job opportunities for international students.