Working and studying simultaneously in Australia is an opportunity to earn as a student, gain professional experience to boost your portfolio, and also experience the Australian way of life firsthand.
As an international student with the (subclass 500) visa, you can apply for part time or casual jobs with flexible work schedule that fits into your study time. There are a number jobs available for students both paid and unpaid though highly competitive to get. Students are also advised to take up voluntary jobs for NGOs and charities. The benefits of this are work experience gained and possible referrals in future.
FINDING JOBS IN AUSTRALIA AS A STUDENT
It is important to check for all the necessary things to put in place before applying for jobs like:
- Checking student visa (subclass 500) conditions when it pertains to work while studying in Australia. Students working in Australia while studying are not to work more than 48 hours on session but can work for an unlimited number of hours during holidays.
- Open a bank account
- Find out about applying for tax file number to avoid being taxed higher by employers if you are not able to provide your tax file number.
- Understanding the rights to work in Australia as there is an Australian law that protects all international students working in Australia while studying which includes right to a minimum wage, the right to appeal an unfair dismissal from work, holidays or short break periods, and a healthy, conducive and safe work environment. All international students have the same rights and protection as an Australian citizen.
There are usually more openings in sectors like retail sales, customer service, health care, delivery, hospitality etc. You can start job hunting by checking listings on local newspapers, job sites, going on the websites of companies with possible openings, contact a recruitment agency and most importantly, networking with your university’s alumni groups.
Some job sites that can be helpful with your job hunt;
- Adzuna
- Career One
- Explore Jobs
- Grad Australia
- Seek
- Student Job Australia
For more information on finding jobs as a student in Australia, you can contact a student adviser in your university
