Best Part Time Jobs in Australia for Students - Earn and Learn

Australia has long been a top destination for international students-not only for its high-quality education, vibrant cities, and laid‑back lifestyle, but also for the rich opportunities to earn while you learn. With flexible working options, diverse industries, and student-friendly protections, landing part time jobs in Australia for students is practical, rewarding, and sometimes even pivotal for cultural immersion. This article explores everything from the basics of eligibility and visa rules to the highest-paying gigs across cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.

Why International Students Choose Part-Time Work

Financial Support & Cost of Living

Supporting tuition fees and everyday expenses-like food, housing, and transport-can be challenging in Australia. Even with scholarships, part time work can provide steady income, easing financial strain and making life here more sustainable.

Skill Development & Career Boost

Working in Australia helps you:

• Develop English communication and teamwork skills
  
  
• Gain sector experience (hospitality, retail, administration…)
  
  
• Add international exposure to your CV-boosting employability back home and abroad

Cultural & Social Integration

Part-time jobs are doors into Aussie life. You’ll meet locals and fellow internationals, explore new suburbs during your shifts, and build confidence navigating different work cultures.

Australian Rules & Student Visa Employment Conditions

Eligibility Criteria

To work part-time in Australia, most student visa (subclass 500) holders must:

• Be enrolled in a full-time registered course (CRICOS encoded)
  
  
• Hold a valid student visa
  
  
• Adhere to their 6-month enrolment blocks or study completion dates

Work Hour Limits

Currently, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions, with unlimited hours during semester breaks. Note: “a fortnight” runs Monday to Sunday, two weeks. As of this writing (June 2025), there is no announced change to these limits.

Australia student part time job hours are currently capped at 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions, allowing students to balance work with their studies

Work Rights by Visa Type

If you have a student visa (subclass 500), you automatically receive a Work and Study condition on your visa (usually Condition 8105). This allows part-time and casual work. Other visa subclasses might have different rules.

Popular Part-Time Roles for International Students

When it comes to australia part time jobs for students salary, most roles start at the national minimum wage, but students often earn higher rates for evening, weekend, or specialized work. The average part-time jobs in australia for indian students salary ranges between AUD 21 to 25 per hour, with opportunities to earn more depending on skills, experience, and the type of job.

Here’s a breakdown of typical positions:

Best Part-Time Jobs in Australia for International Students

Finding part time jobs for students in australia is relatively easy, especially in major cities where industries like hospitality, retail, and delivery services are always looking for flexible workers .

Which roles stand out? Let's look at top categories that blend flexibility and decent pay.

Hospitality & Food Service

• Baristas & cafe staff: Flexible shifts, tips, fast-paced environment.
  
  
• Wait staff & kitchen support: Tuned to high-volume weekends.
  
  
• Fast-food outlets: Chains like McDonald's or Subway are student-friendly.

Tutoring & Education

• Academic tutoring: Great for strong subject matter students.
  
  
• Language tutoring: Especially English-for-school students.
  
  
• On-campus assistant roles: Orientation helper, IT support-often advertised via university job portals.

 Delivery & Transport

• Food delivery (UberEats, DoorDash): Peak-time hours = more money + tips.
  
  
• Courier work: Local package delivery via bike or car-good if you have licence.

 Retail

• Boutiques, supermarkets, mall chain stores: Excellent for flexible afternoon/evening slots.
  
  
• Customer service and cashier positions: Learn POS systems and people skills.

Social & Aged Care

• Aged care worker: Often needs certifications (incl. Blue Card, CPR), but higher pay.
  
  
• Childcare assistant: Great for nurturing kinds with right checks.

Event & Promo Work

• Expos, conferences, gigs: One-off events-ideal for those with unpredictable schedules.
  
  
• Brand ambassador roles: Short promotional hours, social events involvement.

Highest Paying Part Time Jobs in Australia for International Students

For those comparing highest paying part time jobs in Australia for international students, here are the top-tier listings:

1. Academic or university tutoring – up to $45/hour
   
   
2. Rideshare & delivery driver – $30–$35/hour plus tips
   
   
3. Aged care or support work – $28–$35+/hour
   
   
4. Event staff (concerts, exhibitions) – $28–$40/hour
   
   
5. Administrative assistant (specialised) – $30–$32/hour

The hourly variation hinges on your skill set, certifications (like RSA, First Aid), and local demand. Evening and weekend shifts tend to pay better due to loadings.

City-Specific Part Time Jobs in Australia for Students

Melbourne - Part Time jobs in Melbourne Australia for International Students

A cultural centre full of cafés, events, markets, and multicultural neighborhoods, making this city ideal for part-time roles.

• Typical hourly wages: $25–$30+ for hospitality
  
  
• Niche roles: barista competitions, festival event staff
  
  
• University-backed work: RMIT, UniMelb, Monash have on-campus openings

Sydney - Part Time jobs in Sydney Australia for International Students

Australia’s largest city comes with more jobs-but also stiffer competition.

• Popular areas: Inner West, CBD, Parramatta
  
  
• Great for delivery and rideshare, with premium weekend rates and surge tips
  
  
• Retail jobs flood retail zones like Pitt Street Mall

Brisbane - Part Time jobs in Brisbane Australia for International Students

Small but vibrant, with a laid-back work culture and growing student community.

• Nursing and childcare roles popular
  
  
• Event staff for Riverfire, Ekka shows
  
  
• Good hourly range: $22–$32

Perth - Part Time jobs in Perth Australia for International Students

Easygoing lifestyle, growing industries, and less competition.

• Mining town spillover – admin and hospitality roles
  
  
• High demand for delivery in suburban areas
  
  
• Wages are punchier than other cities: $23–$33+

Salary Expectations & Cost of Living

Let’s parse part time jobs in australia for international students salary across different cities.

Compare average cost of living (student lifestyle, not luxury):

• Melbourne/Sydney ≈ AUD $21,000–$27,000/year
  
  
• Brisbane/Perth ≈ AUD $18,000–$24,000/year

Working 20 hours/week at $25/hour yields around $26,000–$28,000/year before taxes-enough to offset tuition balance and living costs.

Part Time Jobs in Australia for Students Application Tips

Where to Look

• University job portals: Monash, Uni Sydney, Notre Dame, etc.
  
  
• Websites: Seek, Indeed, Jora, Gumtree, UniCareer
  
  
• Campus noticeboards and local Facebook groups
  
  
• Temp agencies like SpotJobs or Frontline Hospitality

Must-Have Certifications

• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) – needed for bar work
  
  
• Food Handling Certificate – hospitality roles
  
  
• Working with Children Check (WWCC) – required for childcare/aged care
  
  
• First Aid/CPR – required for healthcare and some campus jobs

 Resume & Interview Advice

• Tailor your resume: highlight availability, skills, qualifications
  
  
• Keep it short (1–2 pages), include references if possible
  
  
• Dress smart in-person and well-groomed for interviews
  
  
• Demonstrate flexibility and friendliness

 Managing Studies + Work

• Budget your time: Plan around assignment deadlines and exam periods
  
  
• Track hours carefully to stay within visa limits
  
  
• Prioritise health-balanced diet, rest, fitness
  
  
• Communicate with employers: university commitments, study leave

Part Time Jobs in Australia for Students Benefits Beyond Dollars

Part-time employment isn’t just about money-it offers:

1. Cultural confidence – listening, talking, adapting
   
   
2. Industry knowledge – understanding Australian workplace norms
   
   
3. Networking – colleagues, supervisors, local communities
   
   
4. Skill-building – time management, multitasking, customer service
   
   
5. Travel funding – weekend trips, day tours, local adventures!

Conclusion

Australia offers a dynamic environment for students keen to work while they study. Whether you're drawn to part time jobs in melbourne australia for international students, part time jobs in sydney australia for international students, or roles in brisbane and perth, your choice will depend on your skills, availability, and personal goals.

• Tutor to boost earnings
  
  
• Hospitality for social, flexible roles
  
  
• Delivery for high-earning, independent roles
  
  
• Event staffing for occasional big‑pay days
  
  
• Professional/admin roles for career-enhancing experience

Your work-life balance, long-term ambitions, and personal well-being all matter as much as your paycheck. With preparation, certification, and thoughtful planning, you can turn part-time work into an enriching part of your Australian student journey-designed to help you thrive in and beyond Oz.

Ultimately, discovering the best part-time jobs in Australia for international students means combining financial gains with meaningful growth experiences. And with global cities offering diverse opportunities-from bustling cafes to tech offices, from tutoring hubs to delivery fleets-you’re well-positioned to pursue a fulfilling student work life in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Can you work more than 48 hours in a week?

A. You can work up to 48 in a fortnight during study sessions. During semester breaks, working full-time (i.e., 38–40 hours/week) is allowed.

Q. Are there Australian tax obligations?

A. Yes-you must obtain a Tax File Number (TFN), with income taxed at resident or foreign resident rates. Higher tax brackets and deductions apply, depending on how much you work.

Q. Is there a minimum wage for international students?

A. Absolutely-Australia enforces minimum wage laws. The national minimum is ~$21.38/hour (as of mid‑2025), with higher rates for junior workers or evening/weekend shifts.

Q. How much can a student earn in Australia?

A. International students working part time in Australia generally earn around AUD 21 to 25 per hour, depending on the type of job and their experience. For roles with specialized skills or late-night shifts, this can go up to AUD 30–35 per hour. On average, students can make AUD 800 to 1,200 per month by working within their permitted hours.

Q. Can international students do part-time jobs in Australia?

A. Yes, absolutely. International students in Australia on a valid student visa are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. They can work unlimited hours during official semester breaks and vacations. This policy helps students gain both work experience and manage living expenses while studying.

Q. How to get a job in Australia for students?

A. Finding part-time jobs in Australia for students is fairly straightforward. Most students use:

Online job portals like Seek, Indeed, and Gumtree.

University career centers and notice boards.

Networking with seniors or classmates.

Walk-ins to cafes, restaurants, and local businesses, especially in student-friendly cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

Having a well-prepared resume (CV) and a valid Tax File Number (TFN) makes the process smoother.

Q. Which part-time job is best for students in Australia?

A. The best part time jobs in australia for international students usually depend on your skills and interests. However, roles like tutoring, IT support, research assistants, and customer service representatives tend to pay better and often align with students’ academic fields. Jobs in hospitality and retail are preferred for those seeking flexibility in shifts.