Part time jobs in Australia are pretty common among students. Usual roles include retail assistant, waiter, barista, admin support, delivery driver, tutor, and aged care worker. Pay usually falls between $23 to $30 AUD an hour (around ₹1,550 to ₹2,020). It can go higher too depending on your industry, experience, and shift timing.
Part time jobs in Australia help international students cover daily costs like food, rent, and travel every month. They also give you a chance to meet new people and pick up real work experience along the way.
In this article, you will find everything about visa work hours, part time job salary in Australia, the best cities to find jobs, and simple tips to get hired faster.
Can International Students Work Part Time in Australia?
Yes, you can. If you hold a valid student visa, you are allowed to work part time in Australia the moment your course begins. Part time jobs in Australia for international students come with just a few clear rules around how many hours you can work and when. Here is a quick breakdown of both.
Student Visa Work Hours and Conditions
Your student visa comes with a work condition called 8105, and this is what controls your work hours. Here is exactly what it means for you. comes with a work condition called 8105, and this is what controls your work hours. Here is exactly what it means for you.
You can work up to 48 hours every two weeks once classes start
This 48 hour limit is combined across all your jobs, not per job
During semester breaks and holidays, there is no cap at all
Masters by Research and PhD students get unlimited hours once their research work begins, even during term
You are not allowed to start working before your course officially begins, so no job hunting before day one of class
Your visa status does not lower your rights as a worker in any way. The moment you start a job, you are protected under the same Fair Work laws as any local Australian employee.
This applies no matter which country you are from, whether India, Nepal, China, or anywhere else. So things like minimum pay, safe working conditions, and fair treatment apply to you exactly the same way they apply to everyone else on the payroll.
Best Part Time Jobs in Australia for Students
There are plenty of part time jobs in Australia for students that fit around a class schedule. Some pay more, some are easier to get, and some help you build real skills for later. Here is a proper breakdown of what is actually out there and what it pays.
Hospitality and Retail Jobs
These are the easiest part time jobs in Australia to land as a student, and they hire all year round. Cafes, restaurants, and shops take on students often because shifts are flexible and training barely takes a day or two.
If your job involves serving alcohol, you will need something called an RSA certificate. It stands for Responsible Service of Alcohol, and it is a short online course you can finish in a day.
Tutoring and Childcare Jobs
If you are strong in a subject, tutoring can pay a lot more than a regular shift job. Here is how the pay usually breaks down across these roles.
Job Role
Hourly Pay (AUD/INR)
Private tutoring
$35 to $50 (₹2,355 to ₹3,365)
On campus research or teaching assistant
$30 to $45 (₹2,020 to ₹3,030)
Childcare or babysitting
$25 to $30 (₹1,680 to ₹2,020)
These roles are a solid pick if you enjoy teaching, mentoring, or working with kids, and they usually pay better than standard retail or hospitality shifts.
Delivery, Administration and Other Flexible Jobs
Delivery jobs like Uber Eats or DoorDash give you full control over your own hours. You just log in whenever you feel like working, and earnings usually land around $25 to $35 an hour (₹1,680 to ₹2,355) including tips and incentives.
Job Role
Hourly Pay (AUD/INR)
Delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash)
$25 to $35 (₹1,680 to ₹2,355)
Data entry
$26 to $32 (₹1,750 to ₹2,15)
Library assistant
$27 to $33 (₹1,815 to ₹2,220)
Freelance writing or design
$20+ (₹1,345+)
Social media management
$25 to $40 (₹1,680 to ₹2,690)
These jobs work well if you want something outside the usual cafe or shop shift, and most of them let you work from anywhere.
Part Time Job Salary in Australia
Money is usually the first thing every student wants to know about. How much can you actually make from a part time job, and does it really help cover your monthly costs? Here is the full breakdown of part time job salary in Australia with real numbers so you know exactly what to expect.
Average Pay for Part Time Jobs
The part time job salary in Australia starts from the national minimum wage, which is $26.44 an hour (₹1,780). If you work as a casual employee, you get an extra 25 percent on top of that. This brings your casual rate to around $33.05 an hour (₹2,225).
Different industries pay slightly different casual rates. Here is a simple table to help you understand.
Job Type
Casual Hourly Rate (AUD/INR)
Retail
$34.76 (₹2,340)
Hospitality
$33.05 (₹2,225)
Restaurant work
$33.05 (₹2,225)
Cleaning services
$34.19 (₹2,300)
Warehouse and storage
$33.79 (₹2,275)
Aged care and disability support
$34.55 (₹2,325)
Security
$35.42 (₹2,385)
Call centre and customer service
$33.05 (₹2,225)
Weekends usually pay more too, so keep this in mind while picking shifts.
Saturday shifts often add 25 percent extra on your normal rate, taking hospitality pay close to $41 an hour (₹2,760)
Sunday shifts can add up to 50 percent extra, pushing rates close to $49 an hour (₹3,300)
Public holiday shifts pay the highest, sometimes even double your normal rate, close to $66 an hour (₹4,445)
Highest-Paying Part Time Jobs for Students
If you want to earn more than the standard hourly rate, a few job types stand out clearly.
Job Type
Typical Hourly Pay (AUD/INR)
Private tutoring
$35 to $50 (₹2,355 to ₹3,365)
Freelance design or writing
$20 to $50+ (₹1,345 to ₹3,365+)
Tech or IT related freelance work
$30 to $60+ (₹2,020 to ₹4,040+)
Tutoring pays well if you are strong in a subject, and freelance work in writing, design, or anything tech related can pay even more once you build a bit of experience and land regular clients.
Part Time Jobs in Australia by City
The city you study in can change how easy it is to find part time jobs in Australia and how much you actually get paid. Some cities have way more openings than others, and a few even pay a little above the national average. Here is a full look at the major student cities so you can plan smarter.
Part Time Jobs in Sydney and Melbourne
Sydney and Melbourne are the two biggest job markets for students in Australia. Here is what makes each one worth considering.
Sydney has the highest number of part time jobs overall, thanks to its huge and mixed economy
Casual pay in Sydney tends to run slightly higher than the national average, often touching $34 to $36 an hour (₹2,290 to ₹2,425) in retail and hospitality
Melbourne comes in close behind with an equally diverse job market spread across cafes, retail stores, and event based work
Casual pay in Melbourne usually sits around $33 to $35 an hour (₹2,225 to ₹2,355)
Melbourne is known as one of the best student cities, which also means competition for jobs can be a bit high
Part Time Jobs in Adelaide
Part time jobs in Adelaide Australia are a solid option if you want lower living costs but still decent work opportunities. Adelaide runs on a strong hospitality and retail scene, and here is where most of the openings are.
Rundle Mall, one of the busiest retail and dining strips in the city
Marion and Tea Tree Plaza, both packed with retail and cafe jobs
Adelaide Central Market, great for cafe and specialty food store roles
StudyAdelaide Job Shop, a dedicated portal listing hundreds of student friendly jobs across the city
Your university career hub, worth checking regularly for fresh listings
Pay in Adelaide sits close to the national casual average, usually between $32 to $34 an hour (₹2,155 to ₹2,290) for retail and hospitality roles. If lower rent and less competition matter to you, part time jobs in Adelaide Australia are worth serious consideration over the bigger cities.
Part Time Jobs in Brisbane, Perth and Other Student Cities
Brisbane and Perth usually have less competition compared to Sydney and Melbourne, which can actually work in your favor as a student.
Perth has strong ties to the mining and resources industry, along with growing tech and healthcare sectors
Brisbane offers steady work across hospitality, retail, and healthcare
Brisbane's job market is only expanding further as the city gears up for the 2032 Olympics
Casual pay in both cities usually falls between $30 to $33 an hour (₹2,020 to ₹2,225), close to the national average
How to Get a Part Time Job in Australia?
Knowing how to get a part time job in Australia makes the whole process a lot smoother. It really comes down to knowing where to look, applying the right way, and having a resume that actually works here. Let us go through each part properly.
Where to Find Part Time Jobs?
Australia has thousands of part time job openings live at any given time, and most of them sit on just a handful of platforms. Here is exactly where to look.
SEEK, the largest job portal in Australia with over 15,000 part time listings at any given time
Indeed, great for filtering jobs by location and pay range
Jora, popular for casual and student friendly roles
Your university career portal, often has exclusive on campus roles like library or admin jobs
Airtasker, useful for freelance or one off gig work
StudyAdelaide Job Shop, if you are based in Adelaide, lists hundreds of student jobs in one place
Notice boards at cafes, shops, and libraries, still surprisingly effective for local hiring
Walking into a store or cafe and asking directly still works too, especially for hospitality jobs where managers often hire on the spot.
How to Prepare Your Resume and Apply?
Australian employers read resumes differently than what you might be used to back home, so a few changes can make a real difference in getting a callback.
Keep it to just one page, Australian employers prefer short and to the point resumes over detailed multi page ones
Mention your visa type clearly, along with your weekly work hour eligibility, so employers know exactly what they are hiring
Highlight your availability, since students who can work evenings and weekends are usually preferred
Include small experience too, like volunteering, college fests, or personal projects, they all count when you have no local work history
Attach a short cover letter for office or tutoring roles, it is optional for retail and hospitality but still helps you stand out
Skills That Can Help You Get Hired
Employers hiring for part time student roles usually look for a specific set of basic skills, not advanced experience.
Good communication, especially important for customer facing jobs like retail or hospitality
Basic computer skills, needed even for simple admin or data entry roles
An RSA certificate, required if you plan to work anywhere alcohol is served, and it only takes a single day to complete online through an accredited provider
Punctuality and a flexible attitude, something employers pick up on quickly during even a short interview
This is a fair question, and the honest answer is, it depends. Some students land a job within their first week of applying. Others take three to four weeks of steady effort. It usually comes down to a few simple factors, so let us break those down properly.
What Makes It Easier to Find a Job
A few habits genuinely speed up how fast you land your first job.
Applying early, right when the semester starts, since fewer students are job hunting at that exact point compared to peak enrolment weeks
Staying flexible with your availability, employers usually prioritise students who can cover evening and weekend shifts
Walking in and asking directly, instead of only applying online, which often gets you a same day response in hospitality and retail
Applying to multiple places at once, rather than waiting on a reply from just one employer before trying the next
Challenges International Students May Face
Some challenges are common across most international students, but each one is manageable once you know what is coming.
Higher competition, since thousands of students land in the same city each intake and apply for similar entry level roles
Limited local work experience, which can make your very first job a little harder to land compared to your second or third
Building confidence speaking with customers, especially if English is not your first language, though this genuinely improves within a few weeks of starting
Understanding local workplace norms, like how rosters, breaks, and shift swaps typically work in Australian workplaces
How to Balance Part Time Work and Studies in Australia?
Balancing classes and shifts sounds tricky at first, but most students settle into a working rhythm within a few weeks. A little planning early on goes a long way here.
Managing Work Hours Around Your Classes
Your visa ties your work hours directly to your academic progress, so managing this properly matters more than it might seem at first.
Block out your class timings first on a weekly planner, then fit your work shifts around them
Stay within your 48 hour fortnight limit, since going over it can put your visa condition 8105 at risk
Keep at least one buffer day free for assignments or exam prep during busy weeks
Remember your visa also requires you to maintain satisfactory attendance and course progress, so classes always come first over shifts
How Much Should a Student Work?
There is no single right number for every student, but a few patterns show up again and again among students who manage this well.
Working the full 48 hours every single week can get exhausting fast, especially closer to exam periods
Many students find 15 to 20 hours a week comfortable alongside a full course load
Increasing your hours during semester breaks makes sense, since there is no cap on hours during that time
If work starts affecting your grades or energy levels, most universities run student support services that can help you rebalance things early
Employee Rights for International Students in Australia
Once you start working, it helps to know exactly what you are entitled to as an employee. Australian workplace law does not treat you differently just because you are on a student visa. Here is everything you need to know to make sure you are being paid and treated fairly.
Minimum Wage and Pay Entitlements
Every worker in Australia, including international students, is protected by a legal minimum wage that no employer can pay below.
The national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour (₹1,780)
Casual workers get an extra 25 percent loading, taking pay to at least $33.05 an hour (₹2,225)
This minimum applies no matter your visa type, nationality, or how many hours you work
Paying you less than this, even if you agree to it, is illegal on the employer's part
Payslips, Tax and Superannuation
There are three things every working student needs to understand early on, since they directly affect how much money actually reaches your pocket.
Your employer must issue a payslip within one business day of paying you, showing your hours, pay rate, and tax deducted
You need a Tax File Number, or TFN, to work legally and avoid being taxed at the highest rate
You can apply for a TFN online through the ATO, but only once you are physically in Australia, and it can take up to 28 days to arrive, so apply as early as possible
Your employer must also pay 12 percent of your earnings into superannuation, a retirement savings account, and this applies even if you work just a few hours a week
Avoiding Unfair or Exploitative Work Practices
Unfortunately, some international students do face unfair treatment at work, so it helps to know the warning signs early.
Getting paid fully in cash with no payslip at all, which is illegal under Australian law
Being asked to work under an ABN instead of being hired properly as an employee, often used to dodge minimum wage and super payments
Being pressured to work beyond your visa hour limit without proper pay or record keeping
Feeling threatened that reporting issues could affect your visa, which is not true
If something feels off, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free and confidential advice. Reporting unfair treatment will not get your visa cancelled, even if you had accidentally gone over your work hours at some point. A specific protection exists for exactly this situation, so you are never stuck choosing between staying silent and risking your visa.
Tips to Find the Right Part Time Job in Australia
Finding a job is one thing, but finding the right one that actually fits your student life is a different challenge altogether. These tips can help you make a smarter choice instead of just accepting the first offer that comes your way.
Choose Jobs That Fit Your Study Schedule
Not every job fits neatly around a class timetable, so this is worth checking before you apply.
Look for roles with flexible rosters, so you are never stuck choosing between a shift and a lecture
Hospitality and retail jobs are usually the most flexible in terms of shift swaps and rostering
Avoid jobs that demand fixed daytime hours, since these often clash with lecture and tutorial slots
Ask about roster planning during the interview itself, most employers are upfront about this if you ask directly
Check Pay, Location and Working Conditions
A good job offer is not just about the role, it is also about the fine print around it.
Confirm the pay matches at least the minimum wage or award rate for that role
Check how far the job is from your home or campus, since long commutes quietly eat into your study time
Ask about breaks, shift lengths, and whether you get a proper payslip from day one
Read the offer carefully before accepting, especially anything mentioning ABN instead of employee status
Build Experience for Future Careers
A part time job is not just about the paycheck, it also builds a base for what comes after graduation.
Everyday skills like communication, time management, and teamwork all develop naturally through part time work
Roles closer to your field of study, like admin, tutoring, or research assistant jobs, add real weight to your resume
Employers value any Australian work experience when you apply for graduate roles or internships later
Even informal jobs like retail or delivery show future employers that you can manage responsibility alongside study
Conclusion
Part time jobs in Australia are genuinely doable once you understand the basics. You get up to 48 hours every two weeks during term, unlimited hours during breaks, and part time job salary in Australia usually falls between $26 to $50 an hour (around ₹1,750 to ₹3,365) depending on the role. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth all offer decent opportunities, so location should not stop you from applying.
If you are still figuring out whether this is worth pursuing, here is how to think about it.
If you want quick income and flexible hours, hospitality or retail is your easiest starting point
If you are strong academically, tutoring or on campus roles pay better and add real value to your resume
If you prefer full control over your schedule, delivery work or freelancing gives you that freedom
If budget is a bigger concern than job variety, part time jobs in Adelaide Australia are worth considering over Sydney or Melbourne
If you want to protect your visa and your pay, always keep your hours in check and ask for a proper payslip
Part time jobs in Australia for students do more than just cover expenses. They build confidence, work experience, and a small support system while you settle into a new country.
Do international students need a work permit for part time jobs in Australia?
No separate permit is needed. Your student visa already allows part time work once your course starts, so there is no extra paperwork beyond your visa condition.
Can I work two part time jobs at the same time in Australia?
Yes, you can. Just remember your 48 hour fortnight limit applies to both jobs combined, not each job separately.
Do part time jobs in Australia count toward permanent residency?
Not directly, but the work experience and skills you build can support future visa applications like the post study work visa or skilled visas later on.
How much does a part time job pay in Australia?
Most part time jobs pay somewhere between $26 to $35 per hour, depending on the role and industry.
How much do part time jobs pay in Australia for casual roles?
Casual roles usually pay around $33 per hour since they include an extra 25 percent loading on top of the base wage.
What is the best part time job in Australia for students?
Tutoring tends to pay the most if you are good at a subject. Hospitality and retail jobs are the easiest to find and are great if you are just starting out.
What jobs earn around $2000 a week in Australia?
Jobs that offer long full time hours during holidays, like hospitality or delivery work, can get close to this if you take on extra shifts. It is not common for regular part time student hours though.
Is $40 an hour good pay in Australia?
Yes, that is well above minimum wage. Jobs like tutoring or skilled freelance work can sometimes reach this range.
Do I need a Tax File Number to work in Australia?
Yes, you need one to work legally and avoid paying extra tax. You can apply for it online once you land in Australia.
Can international students work in any job they want?
Mostly yes, as long as it is not before your course starts. Just remember your total work hours across all jobs need to stay within the visa limit during term time.
Do part time jobs in Australia help with future career opportunities?
Definitely. Even simple jobs teach you communication and time management skills that look good on your resume later.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4974 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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