• Australia

Study and Work in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Q: As an employee within the Australian workforce, what rights do international students have?

International students have the right to:1. Fair pay and entitlements2. Safe work environment3. Protection from discrimination and bullying4. Access to appropriate safety gear and training

546 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Apr 05,2024 12:59 PM IST

• International students can work and study in Australia with the same rights as other Australians.

• Students must research thoroughly and connect with recruiting agencies in the country. This will help them get a job that caters to their interests.

• International students must be aware of their rights and responsibilities as members of the Australian workforce.

Australia is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for international students. It is famous for its natural wonders, wide-open spaces, beaches and deserts. The country, famously known as ‘The Land Down Under’ is renowned for assisting its international student community through ample opportunities to work while studying. The opportunity to pay for their expenses while studying is a crucial aspect of the enriching experience of living in Australia as an international student.

While making the decision to study in Australia, international students often research about the benefits of working while they pursue their education in the country. For that they have a reason to rejoice as with a valid study visa, they can work for 24 hours per week or 48 hours per fortnight. Let’s understand the types of work opportunities Australia has to offer to students :

Types of Work Opportunities in Australia for International Students

Australia offers three types of work opportunities to international students. The table below illustrates them:

Types of Work in Australia

• Full-time
• Part-time
• Casual Work

Before international students begin the process of finding work while studying in Australia, they must be aware of the key differences between part-time, full-time and casual work.

• The main difference between the three types is the number of hours, rights of the worker, entitlements and benefits such as wages.

• Students with part-time jobs work for a set number of hours per week, which is usually less than 24 hours per week.

• Part-time employees are entitled to paid leaves, annual leaves and sick/carer’s leaves.

• In case their employer terminates their contract, part-time employers are entitled to a written notice.

When looking for part-time jobs while studying in Australia, international students must take some steps to find a job where they will be the right fit.

How can International Students find Work while Studying in Australia?

Below mentioned are the ways how international students can find work while studying in Australia:

• Students must contact the careers or employability services at their college or university for dedicated help or advice.

• They must look out for jobs posted on noticeboards and alumni groups of their educational institution.

• Students must continuously maintain connections through friends, family, and peers at the college or university. Actively participating in clubs and community groups is recommended. Students must actively share with people their availability for work and their preference for part-time jobs.

• They should get their contact details added to the database of Australian recruitment agencies such as Ignite, Hays Australia, Chandler Macleod, and Robert Half. They must contact multiple agencies by phone or email to request a meeting. Connecting with Australian recruiting agencies will increase their chances of getting work.

• Students must look for internships and volunteering opportunities to enhance their professional experience and build a strong network which can be helpful when looking for a part-time job while studying.

• They should also utilize online resources such as popular search engines, job portals, such as Graduate Australia, Career One, Explore Jobs, and Seek, and social media to search for a position online.

Once a student has researched thoroughly for a part-time job, they must do some essential tasks.

Things to do Before Start Working in Australia

International students must take care of some essential things when looking for a part-time job in Australia:

things to do before start working in australia.webp

Students must calculate minimum wage in their industry and occupation with tools such as PACT calculator (P.A.C.T Pay Calculator - Find your award (fairwork.gov.au)).

They must understand their employment contract, which enlists all terms and conditions of their employment. A thorough read of the employment contract will help students understand their pay, what is expected from their role at the organization, and entitlements such as maximum working hours in a week, annual leaves, and written notice at termination of contract.

International students must be up to date with their rights and responsibilities as an employee in the Australian workforce.

Rights & Responsibilities of Working While Studying in Australia

International students must understand their workplace rights and responsibilities regarding pay and conditions, health and safety, and workplace bullying. They must remember that they have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia.

As an employee in the Australian workforce, international students are responsible for:

• Knowing their rate of pay, working hours, and entitlements to breaks and leaves

• Working while keeping the health and safety of them and others in mind

• Knowing what to do if, according to them, their employer is not meeting their responsibilities

• Understanding their rights with respect to discrimination and bullying at the workplace. They should know what to do if they experience or witness such an act in their workplace

• Knowing health and safety requirements of their workplace. They should know how to maintain a safe environment for themselves and other colleagues in the workplace

• They should have easy access to appropriate safety gear and equipment. They must know what to do in the event of a mishap

• They must have an understanding of getting help regarding workplace health and safety issues from relevant sources

Apart from the above-mentioned responsibilities, international students have some legal responsibilities as employees in the Australian workforce.

• Apply for a tax file number and make sure that the employer receives it before starting the job

• Make sure not to work for more than 48 hours in a fortnight during your study term at your university when on a student visa

• Follow reasonable health and safety instructions set by their employer.

Work Rights as a Part-time Employee in Australia

Australian workforce treats all its employees fairly and with respect. International students have the following rights when they are studying and working in Australia:

work rights as part-time employee in australia.webp

Fair Pay & Entitlements	In Australia, the minimum wage is reviewed every year on the basis of work done. Students must keep track of the minimum wage in their industry. If they are being paid less than the minimum wage, they must inform the Fair Work Ombudsmen.
Safe Work Environment	With the Work Health and Safety Act in place, Australian workforce strives to protect the safety and welfare of all employees at work. International students have the right to a safe work environment that is void of any risk hazards to their health. The workplace must have proper safety training and procedures in place, along with the basic facilities such as bathrooms and dining areas.
Respectful Workplace	International students, by virtue of being part of the Australian workforce, have the right not to be discriminated against based on protected attributes such as their race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, political opinions, and social origin.
Healthy Work Culture	As a part of the Australian workforce, international students have the right to not be bullied or sexually harassed at work. It is considered bullying when a person or group repeats mean or unreasonable behavior towards another worker or group of workers.
Unfair Dismissal	If an employee is let go from their job in a harsh, unjust or unreasonable way, it is termed as unfair dismissal. An unfairly dismissed employee must apply to the Fair Work Commission within 21 days of their dismissal. It is important to note here that employees who have been employed for at least 6 months can apply for unfair dismissal.

International students who are looking to work while studying in Australia must be aware of their employer’s legal responsibilities. This will help them identify if they are being harassed at their workplace and take necessary action.

Legal Responsibilities of Employers in Australian Workforce

The main responsibility of an Australian employer is to maintain health and safety measures in the workplace to cater all employees, including visitors. Some of the legal duties of employers are as follows:

Payslips	The employer is required to give all its employees including international students, a payslip within one working day of paying them. Generally, Australian workforce is paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly. The payslip is an important document for international students to keep track of their earnings and tax deductions.
Superannuation	Also known as ‘super’, it is one of the entitlements provided to international students as part of the Australian workforce. This can serve as savings that are available to the student after they retire or permanently leave Australia. This is known as Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).
Workers Compensation	All employers in Australia are required to have insurance (also known as workers compensation). This protects them in case they are hurt or get sick while at work. The insurance can be useful in case of a mishap to pay for medical treatment until the employee can get back to work again.

Having adequate knowledge about rights as an employee in the Australian workforce helps international students to work efficiently while studying. They can identify potential workplace issues such as being paid with elements different than a steady pay and act upon them swiftly.

We hope this guide is a helpful resource for students looking to work while studying in Australia. Once they are equipped with the necessary knowledge about their rights as members of the Australian workforce, they must polish their resume according to Australian standards. Doing so will help them stand out as a potential candidate and land the perfect job.

While being aware of the work-related rules and regulations in Australia, international students must also know the right way to write a resume. Here’s a guide to writing one.

How to Write a Resume?

International students must be aware of the key difference between a resume and curriculum vitae. Understanding it will help them cast a lasting impression on their potential employers. It is also a wonderful opportunity to showcase their strengths and achievements. Some of the important points to keep in mind while are:

Reap the Benefits of Technology	Today, the internet has a plethora of templates that can help make the resume look professional. These templates can also be used as a guide to the information that must be included in a resume.
Stand Out with a Cover Letter	International students who want to study in Australia after the 12th might not have adequate formal work experience. A well-written cover letter provides an insight into the student’s academic background. Students must take this opportunity to position themselves as the right fit for the job role. The cover letter must include the motivation behind joining a particular company. It should also demonstrate their soft skills with adequate examples to showcase their personality and values. The cover letter should be taken as an opportunity to describe their professional goals clearly. An impressive cover letter is one that grabs attention within seconds. It should explain a student’s willingness to learn and contribute to a business while effectively managing their studies.
Write Cohesively	Students must remember that companies receive a lot of resumes daily. To stand out, their resumes should be easy to read. They must avoid repetition and adding a lot of details. Their sentences should be short and crisp, and each section should be short and relevant.
Proofread	Before sharing the resume with prospective employers and recruitment agencies, students must thoroughly proofread it. They should make sure there are no errors and inconsistencies. One way to do so is to get the resume proofread by a friend or teacher. Incorporating their feedback into the resume will make it more impactful.

How to Create an Impressive Resume?

Below are the ways how one can make their resume impressive while applying for work while studying in Australia:

Compelling Personal Statement	The resume must begin with a crisp overview of a student’s goals and skills. This should not be longer than 3-4 bullet points. Personality traits that help the student become amiable colleague at work. Including soft skills such as being a team player, possessing excellent communication skills and high emotional intelligence can strengthen a resume.
Relevant Work Experience	If the student has prior professional experience, they must include the company’s name, location, dates of working, key tasks and responsibilities, and achievements in the role. In case the student has no prior experience with paid jobs, they must include internships, volunteer work, academic projects or group assignments. Extracurricular activities such as clubs or student unions can also be included in the resume. Students must list their work experience in a chronological order.
Education and Relevant Studies	Academic qualifications are the most important part of a resume. Students must include details such as their course name, majors, and the place of study, the duration of their course. Students must include if they have worked on Capstone Projects as part of Work Integrated Learning (WIL). They should also include details of all relevant short courses.
Visa Status and Work Availability	Students must include their visa status on the resume. Adding details such as the type of visa, its expiry and work restrictions, if any, work as a reassurance to the employer that the international student is legally available to work while studying in Australia.
Technical Skills	Adding a list of technical skills such as being adept at the Microsoft Suite, photo editing apps, such as Adobe or Canva, will help in increasing the likelihood of being selected for a niche-based job.
Interests	By adding a list of their interests provides an overview of the kind of person the student is. Students must include whether they enjoy playing or watching sports, exercising, reading, or have other hobbies.

Adding the discussed sections will help international students create a structured resume that will impress their prospective employers.

Conclusion

Working while studying in Australia helps the international students with a unique opportunity to recover a part of their living expenses and grow personally and professionally. With this comprehensive guide to study and work in Australia, students are expected to have understood how the Australian government safeguards their rights as members of the Australian workforce. Subsequently, they should have a better understanding of their legal obligations to pay taxes and comply with health and safety regulations. Students aspiring to study in Australia can get in touch with expert study-abroad consultants at Canam. The dedicated team will assist them to begin their academic journey which can lead to working while studying in Australia.

FAQ

What different work opportunities can international students engage in Australia?

With a valid student visa, international students can work in Australia for up to 24 hours per week or 48 hours per fortnight when their college or university is in session. During academic breaks, students can work full-time.

What should an international student do to find a part-time job in Australia?

When looking for part-time job in Australia, students must look for job postings on their university noticeboards and alumni groups. They must network with their friends, family, peers, and community groups. They should also register with Australian recruitment agencies and utilize online resources like job portals such as Graduate Australia, Career One, Explore Jobs, and Seek. They must also utilize social media to their benefit.

Enumerate the important things an international student must do before starting work in Australia.

International students must do the following before starting work in Australia:

1. Open a bank account

2. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

3. Calculate minimum wage in their industry

4. Keep a track of their working hours

5. Understand their work rights and responsibilities

As an employee within the Australian workforce, what rights do international students have?

International students have the right to:

1. Fair pay and entitlements

2. Safe work environment

3. Protection from discrimination and bullying

4. Access to appropriate safety gear and training

What are the legal responsibilities of employers towards international student employees in the Australian workforce?

The Australian employers must

1. Provide payslips with every salary payment.

2. Pay superannuation contributions.

3. Provide each worker with compensation insurance in case of injuries at the workplace.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus

Auckland, New Zealand • 152 Programmes

Tuition Fee : NZD 30092-42831 / year

Alphacrucis University College - Sydney Campus

New South Wales, Australia • 4 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 14000-22500 / year

University of St. Francis

Illinois, USA • 77 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 35000-35000 / year

Shorelight Group - Auburn University

Alabama, USA • 130 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 32200-43500 / year

Glasgow Caledonian University

Scotland, UK • 132 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 12000-14000 / year

Central Queensland University - Mackay, Ooralea Campus

Queensland, Australia • 8 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 16000-32000 / year

Mohawk College - Mississauga Campus

Ontario, Canada • 8 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 17500-18000 / year

The University of Waikato - Tauranga Campus

Tauranga, New Zealand • 123 Programmes

Tuition Fee : NZD 25900-38960 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

The International Education Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Dubai

5th June to 15th June • 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

In-Person Event

Scholarship Day For Australia & UK

Study in UK, Australia • Application Days

Jalandhar2 • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Scholarship Day For Australia & UK

Study in UK, Australia • Application Days

Ahmedabad • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

English Language Improvement: Learning Silent Words

Silent letters are one of the most important aspects of the English language. Although they are not usually pronounced, they can make a huge differenc...

Updated on • Apr 29,2024 04:44 PM IST • IELTS

Admission in Canada: UG & PG Application Requirements for Canadian Universities

After getting admission to Canadian institutions, International students have immense personal growth and career enhancement opportunities. These oppo...

Updated on • Apr 29,2024 03:33 PM IST • Study in Canada

LLM in Australia: Top Universities, Eligibility, Courses, Scholarship for Indian Students

Master in Laws (LLM) is a globally recognised postgraduate degree designed to broaden the legal knowledge of students. LLM (Master of Laws) in Austral...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 05:26 PM IST • Australia

Cost of Studying in UK

Did you know Brits drink about 100 million cups of tea daily? That sounds a lot, but that's not the only astounding fact about the UK; apparently, the...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 03:18 PM IST • UK

SOP for MBA - Format, Samples and Expert Tips

A statement of purpose (SOP) is essential for an MBA application and allows students to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations ...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 03:11 PM IST • SOP

Why Study in Ireland ?

Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone, which is home to the world's most reputed universities and colleges, famous for their we...

Updated on • Apr 25,2024 03:43 PM IST • Ireland

Why study in Canada?

The thought of international education and studying in Canada go hand in hand, and there’s an interesting reason for this. The thing is, almost 80% ...

Updated on • Apr 23,2024 12:15 PM IST • Study in Canada

Timeline for USA Summer Intake: Deadlines & Universities Requirements

Studying in the USA provides high-quality education with diverse academic programs along with personal and professional growth opportunities. The Unit...

Updated on • Apr 19,2024 03:45 PM IST • USA

Difference between IELTS & IELTS UKVI

IELTS is one of the most popular language proficiency exams for studying abroad. The test has many versions, such as IELTS Academic, IELTS General Tra...

Updated on • Apr 18,2024 05:42 PM IST • IELTS

Study in Canada after 12th

Canada is a popular study abroad destination for international students seeking to study in Canada after 12th due to its world-class education system,...

Updated on • Apr 18,2024 01:33 PM IST • Study in Canada

Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic

The IELTS Speaking part 1 topic ‘Describe your Hometown’ is one of the most often asked and easiest topics to answer in an IELTS test. In this top...

Updated on • Apr 15,2024 01:35 PM IST • IELTS

How can you Apply to University in Canada for Indian Students?

Studying in Canada is a dream of many international students today. There were 642,480 international students in Canada in December 2019, ...

Updated on • Apr 13,2024 01:36 PM IST • Study in Canada • Colleges in Canada

PTE Score Chart 2024: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation

Most international institutions demand proof of strong English skills, making language proficiency tests a necessity to pursue higher education. While...

Updated on • Apr 13,2024 11:39 AM IST • PTE

Study in New Zealand without IELTS

English language proficiency is necessary to seek education opportunities in New Zealand. As an English-speaking country, it is well-known for its col...

Updated on • Apr 11,2024 05:36 PM IST • New Zealand

Tips to Write a Great GRE Analytical Essay

The GRE looms as a hurdle for many postgraduate aspirants, but for some, it harbors a hidden gateway: The Analytical Writing Issue Essay. This blog co...

Updated on • Apr 11,2024 10:03 AM IST • Education

Top 5 Mistakes CELPIP Test Takers Make

The CELPIP exam is Canada’s leading exam that students take to get permanent residency in Canada or pursue a professional course there. Therefore, i...

Updated on • Apr 10,2024 05:38 PM IST • CELPIP

Study and Work in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Australia is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for international students. It is famous for its natural wonders, wide-open spaces, bea...

Updated on • Apr 05,2024 12:59 PM IST • Australia

Social Media Vocabulary IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) measures a student’s language proficiency. Its Speaking section further evaluates the abil...

Updated on • Apr 04,2024 11:43 AM IST • IELTS

Crime & Punishment Essay IELTS

Crime & Punishment Essay Titles The list below gives out essay titles on crime and punishment that might appear in the IELTS exam. These ess...

Updated on • Apr 02,2024 10:31 AM IST • IELTS

Believing These 8 Myths About IELTS Keeps You From Growing

Believing These 8 Myths About IELTS Keeps You From GrowingOnce you start thinking about taking IELTS Examination, you might end up believing in cert...

Updated on • Apr 02,2024 09:49 AM IST • IELTS

Study and Work in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

Types of Work Opportunities in Australia for International Students

How can International Students find Work while Studying in Australia?

Things to do Before Start Working in Australia

Rights & Responsibilities of Working While Studying in Australia

Work Rights as a Part-time Employee in Australia

Legal Responsibilities of Employers in Australian Workforce

How to Write a Resume?

How to Create an Impressive Resume?

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams