Working in Australia on a Student Visa

As an international student, you can work for 40 hours per fortnight (two week period) during each semester of teaching. For a small number of programmes (on Industry Placement and research at high levels), students are able to work additional hours, depending on the program.

You are able to start work as soon as your course starts, and are able to work unlimited hours during your holiday breaks (between semesters).

International students are paid the same salary as an Australian doing the same work, at the same level. The minimum adult wage in Australia is around AUD$18.30 per hour.

Australian employers have to comply with various laws to ensure that workers are safe, are paid according to the Industry standards, and that you get time off.

Before you start work, you will need to get a Tax File Number (TFN) as all workers in Australia have to pay tax. You will also join a Superannuation (pension) fund, as it is the law in Australia that Employers pay a proportion of your salary (in addition to your rate of pay!) into this fund.

Working in Australia enables you to earn some money, expands your contacts in Australia, and enables you to make new friends that will last a lifetime.

There is lots of work available in most parts of Australia if you have the right skills and attitude. In some cases you may need a particular qualification, or licence depending on the job.

Rates of pay are internationally very competitive and in many cases, far higher than comparable salaries in your home country.

For more information about working in Australia on a student visa, contact our professional staff at MEI here.

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