Australia is one of the best countries in the world to combine studies and work. The demand for staff in hospitality, retail, cleaning, and construction is constant, and the minimum hourly wage is among the highest on the planet.
Here we tell you how many hours you can work depending on your visa, which sectors hire the most, and what you need to have ready before you start looking.
Are you already looking for specific offers? We have the list of portals and agencies by sector in our guide of how to find a job in Australia.
How many hours can you work
Student visa
48 hours per fortnight
During the school term. During the official holidays of your course there is no limit. The calculation is biweekly, not weekly: you can work 30 hours one week and 18 the next.
Working Holiday
No hour limit
But with a limit of six months with the same employer, except in exempt sectors. If you are approaching the deadline and want to continue, write to us beforehand.
Working more hours than permitted can cost you your visa cancellation. If your employer pressures you to go over, tell us: it's not worth it.
The sectors that hire the most
Perfect English and prior experience in Australia are not required. These are the sectors where most of our students get in, and what you need to access each one.
Hospitality industry
Cafés, bars, restaurants, and hotels. The sector with the highest turnover and most opportunities, especially in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.
You need: RSA to serve alcohol · Food Safety for the kitchen
Commerce and retail
Shops, supermarkets, and department stores. Shifts compatible with classes and a great environment to practice English daily.
You need: conversational English
Cleaning
Offices, hotels, and homes. They hire quickly and do not require high-level English. Very compatible with study schedules, because it is usually early in the morning or after closing.
You need: nothing specific
Construction
One of the highest-paying jobs without prior qualifications. Physical labor and early mornings, but the math works out.
You need: White Card, mandatory
Events and catering
Flexible shifts at weddings, conferences, and festivals. Ideal if you need total flexibility during exam season.
You need: RSA · black formal wear
Agriculture
Harvesting and pruning in rural areas. With a Working Holiday visa, it is also the way to get the second-year visa.
You need: recommended car · physical endurance
What you need before you start
Four things, and all four are sorted out in your first days in Australia:
- Australian bank account. Without it, they can't pay you.
- Australian mobile number. No one is going to call a foreign number.
- Tax File Number (TFN). You can start working without having it, but you have 28 days from your first day to give it to your employer. If you go over, they withhold almost half of your salary.
- CV in Australian format. A single page, in English, without a photo or date of birth.
We manage all of this with you upon arrival. It is part of our assistance, at no additional cost.
Before accepting an offer
- Never pay for a job. No legitimate agency charges the candidate.
- There are minimum wages by collective bargaining agreement and no offer can skip them. If they offer you considerably less, something is wrong.
- Getting paid in cash without a payslip leaves you without protection and without being able to claim a tax refund.
- Always ask for a payslip. This is your time and pay stub, and you will need it for your tax return.
Questions about a specific offer? Write to us and we'll review it with you before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours can I work with a student visa?
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term, and unlimited during the official holidays of your course. The calculation is fortnightly, so you can distribute the hours unevenly between the two weeks.
Do I need to speak perfect English to work?
No. In cleaning, agriculture, and cooking, you start with a basic level. For customer service, you do need conversational fluency, but many students start in the kitchen and move to the dining room in a few months.
How long will it take me to find my first job?
With your certificates in order and moving daily, the usual time frame is between two and four weeks. Combining portals with in-person visits shortens that period considerably.
Can I work as soon as I arrive?
Yes. Your visa's work rights are activated upon entering the country. You do not need to wait for classes to start or to have the TFN in hand.
More help to find a job
