From July 1, 2023, student visa holders were restricted to working for 48 hours across two weeks. While this may be common information to all, we’d like to delve deeper into the work permissions offered to international students. We’re offering a guide for working part-time and full-time in Australia for student visa holders.
What are your rights while working as an international student in Australia?
Australia is one of the most sought-after education hubs for international students. In Australia, students, both international and Australian, get the opportunity to build work experience while they study. Furthermore, there are workplace rights for these students while they work and study.
There are specific conditions that you must know before you start working in Australia:
- You must get paid the minimum wage at minimum
- Based on your income earned, you will have to pay taxes accordingly
- Your employer must give you a payslip every month
- You must work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time. Your work hours may be extended if you are working on a PhD and Master’s in research.
- Your work hours will be flexible and unlimited during the holidays.
- If you are working under casual work, you do not have a fixed number of hours every week.
If you are experiencing any workplace issues, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for assistance and guidance. The issues may involve not getting promised entitlements, leave, notice, or the right pay amount on time. You do not have to worry about your visa being cancelled while you get in touch with the concerned.
To further elaborate, keep these points as a checklist that helps you identify when your work rights are at risk.
Pay and benefits
- Employers must pay you in cash. Food or housing can be extra benefits, but not a replacement for your salary.
- If your employer asks you to return a part of your payment, it is illegal.
Deductions
- Employers cannot deduct money from your pay to cover losses like theft or breakages unless you agree to it in writing, and it benefits you.
Payslips
- You have the right to receive a payslip showing your hours worked and the pay amount received.
Working hours permitted while studying in Australia
A fortnight covers a period of 14 days starting from Monday while a student’s study program is in session. It is essential to note that working 48 hours a fortnight spans approximately three days a week. So, what are your working hour limits? Is there an exemption to your working hours? Let’s find out:
- Work hour limit: Student visa holders are generally restricted to 48 hours of work per fortnight while studying.
- Exemption for aged care: Students working in the aged sector can continue to work unrestricted hours.
- Course progress: Students must balance their work and study commitment to maintain course enrollment, attendance, and progress.
- Pre-course work: Some students may be eligible to work before their course starts, depending on their previous visa.
- Work rights: Work rights can vary based on the study program level and visa held.
- Employer responsibilities: Employers must comply with Australian workplace laws and ensure they are not facilitating visa breaches.
Job hunts while you study, create your resume, and beyond
Managing work while you study in Australia is a great way to gain valuable experience and make the most of your time as an international student. But finding the right job and managing your workload can feel daunting. Don’t worry, we’re providing you with these relevant tips to get you started.
Hit the job boards with these part-time or full-time gigs : Start your search on popular platforms like Seek, Indeed, or Gumtree (click on the Job’s section). Here, you’ll find a wide range of listings across various industries.
Build and manage your network : Attending university events and social gatherings is a great way to meet people who might have job leads or connections. Reach out to alumni who have worked in Australia for advice or referrals. Consider joining relevant professional organisations or clubs to expand your network and uncover new job opportunities in your field.
Work on your resume to land a good gig : Even if you are new to the workforce, you can build a brief resume to make a strong impression.
Don’t underestimate the power of transferable skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Showcase these based on any relevant projects you may have done in your university where you had to apply these skills. You can also check the skills and experiences the job is asking for, and frame your resume accordingly, if possible.
Manage your study sessions and work effectively : Working while you study is not entirely a piece of cake. It can get overwhelming but every aspect of building yourself professionally and academically requires some effort from your end. What you can do to make sure all parts of your day, both studies, attending classes, and working are aligned with discipline and proper planning.
- Create a schedule that allocates sufficient time for work, study, and leisure.
- Identify important tasks and deadlines, tackling them first. This prevents last-minute scrambles.
- Taking short and relaxing breaks during the day can refresh your mind and prevent burnout.
- You are not alone in your journey to a great career path, so remember to seek support from friends, trusted family members, or your university’s support services if you feel overwhelmed with your schedule.
Understanding tax and superannuation
As an international student earning income, you will need to be familiar with Australia’s tax system.
- Tax : Generally, you will have to pay income tax from your earnings. You can file your tax return through the Australia Taxation Office’s (ATO) online system.
- Superannuation : You need to first find out if you are entitled to a Super from your employer and use this calculator to estimate your super.
Navigating the workforce culture in Australia
Here’s what you need to know when it comes to the Australian workforce:
- Australians tend to be more direct and assertive in their communication style.
- Collaboration and teamwork are highly valued.
- Australian workplaces are generally flexible compared to some other countries, with a focus on work-life balance.
With the right resources, a tailored approach, and an understanding of Australian work culture, you’re well on your way to finding a rewarding part-time job as an international student.
FAQs
1. What will I learn while I work in Australia as an international student?
While earning your income, you will experience a culture change. In this process, you will find yourself immersed in local customs and traditions. You will be interacting with colleagues from different backgrounds and helping you hone your intercultural communication skills. Making connections with Australians and international colleagues can lead to a valuable global network.
2. How do I file my tax return as an international student?
You can prepare and file your tax return online. It is an easy, safe, and reliable method to lodge it. MyTax is a service provided by the Australian government to file your taxes. You can avail its facility and upload your records in its tool as well. Click here to know more – File your tax return.
3. What should I do if I am unfairly dismissed from my job?
You can apply to The Fair Work Commission within 21 days of the dismissal taking place. An unfair dismissal is attributed to firing an employee with or without warning of their behaviour, for non-performance, and telling the employee if their position or role on the job is redundant now or in a future date.
4. How do I fix a work problem?
If you have a problem in the workplace, look for opportunities to resolve them. Of course, this depends on the type of problem you are facing. Be clear and communicate honestly, talk to your employer or employee about fixing the issue. You can take further action if you have tried to resolve the problem but nothing worked.
5. What kind of work problems can occur?
There may be some common problems and specific ones as well, such as:
- Not getting your pay on time.
- Being fired without reason or warning, and you are not sure of your rights.
- You may be experiencing bullying at the workplace.
- You may experience being treated unfairly.
- You are getting paid but are not receiving your payslip despite repeated and formal requests.
Feel free to refer to the workplace problems to understand what you can do next and how you can handle the situation.
6. How many hours can an international student work in a part-time job?
As an international student, you will be able to work part-time while you study in Australia, if you choose to. Your work hours have to be less than 38 hours per week.