Part-Time Jobs in Australia for International Students: Salary and Rules (2025-26)

By Abhinav Jain Founder, Gateway International Coming to Australia to pursue higher education is a life-changing experience for Indian students and their families. However, beyond having world-class academics, the possibility of part-time jobs in Australia is an essential aspect of the international experience. With over 15 years of experience guiding students through international routes as the Founder of Gateway International, I have seen the role of professional integration in personal development. To be financially stable and act within the limits of the law, you will have to navigate the newest salary standards and visa regulations in 2025-26. This is the complete tool designed to provide you with sound information, enabling you to understand how part-time jobs in Australia can help reduce your living expenses while also helping you network professionally in the local area. At Gateway International, we aim to deliver transparency that helps you flourish. Read it and be informed, inspired, and confident to pursue your Australian dream with professional assistance.

The Legal Framework: Rules for work while studying Australia

The Australian government is quite accommodating toward students who work in the country, provided they focus on their studies. The main regulation is the number of hours a person can work. According to the latest updates, most students are allowed to work up to 48 hours in a fortnight. The Department of Home Affairs outlines key requirements to maintain your visa status. You must not work more than the permitted hours, must be enrolled in a registered course, and must ensure your primary purpose in Australia remains studying.

Rule Category	Condition for International Students
Work Hours (Term Time)	Maximum 48 hours per fortnight
Work Hours (Holidays)	Unlimited (No hour restriction)
Course Commencement	You cannot start work until your course has begun
Academic Progress	Must maintain satisfactory course attendance and grades
Post-Study Work	Dependent on your specific Subclass 500 streams

It is necessary to keep these rules. In case you are caught working beyond the stipulated working hours of part-time jobs in Australia, you may have your visa cancelled. At Gateway International, we are reminded that, although income among students is a factor, your studenthood is your number one priority.

Salary and Earnings: What to Expect in 2025-2026

Part-time employment in Australia is among the most profitable in the world, given that minimum wages are among the highest. The Fair Work Ombudsman reviews the national minimum wage annually. At the moment, the minimum wage used in the country is around 24.97 AUD/hour. The majority of students, however, earn between 26 and 35 per hour, depending on the industry and the time of the shift (weekends and public holidays usually attract extremely high penalty rates).

Student Jobs Australia Hourly rate on average

• Retail Assistant: $26.50-$29.00 per hour.
• Waiter/Hospitality Staff: $25.50 -32.00/hour.
• Cleaning/Facilities: $27.00 -30.00/hour.
• Warehouse Staff: $28.00 – $33.00 per hour.
• Private Tutor: $30.00 – $50.00 per hour.

To most, the intention to study and work while studying Australia is to meet their living expenses. A 24-hour work student with an average wage rate of 27/hour would have an estimated weekly income of $648, which would go a long way toward supplementing his student income.

Essential Administrative Steps Before You Start

It is not as easy as going out, going to work, and earning money. To work part-time in Australia, you must register your job with the government, get a tax file number, and ensure you comply with all legal administrative rules.

• Tax File Number (TFN): You will have to obtain a TFN from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This means that you will be taxed at the maximum rate if you work without a TFN.
• Australian Bank Account: This one requires you to have a local account where your employer can deposit your student income.
• Superannuation: Your employer must make a payment to you into a Super fund in accordance with the legislation. It is your retirement savings, which you may frequently reclaim when you depart Australia.

In your search for part-time jobs in Australia, always confirm that the employer will pay you through the legal payroll system, not in cash. This ensures your employment is officially recorded and your rights are protected.

High-Demand Sectors for Student Jobs Australia

The Australian economy depends heavily on the student manpower. There are industries that need good employees. The industries to search in for part-time jobs in Australia include:

• Hospitality: The most frequent employers are cafes, bars, and restaurants. These positions are highly flexible for individuals who are to work during their studies in Australia.
• Retail: Supermarkets such as Woolworths and Coles, or department stores such as Kmart and Target, are predictable in terms of hours and well-organised.
• Aged Care & Disability support: This is a booming industry. In this niche, highly paid student jobs in Australia can be offered to students with backgrounds in nursing or social work.
• Logistics/ Delivery: Due to the development of e-commerce, warehouse packing and delivery driving are good jobs where one would feel comfortable working on their own

By getting a job in these fields, you would be able to stabilise your income from part-time jobs in Australia as you pursue your degree.

How to Successfully Secure Part-Time Jobs in Australia

There may be significant competition for student employment opportunities in Australia, particularly in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. To be unique, you must have a strategy that accounts for the local market.

• Resume Customisation: Your resume must be brief (1-2 pages) and highlight what you have to offer. Note that you are an international student on a 48-hour basis.
• The Power of Networking: most of the part-time jobs in Australia are not advertised. Use your university career hub and discuss with older students.
• Local Tools: Study Australia’s work resources to find vetted opportunities.
• Trial Shifts: trial shifts. It is common in Australia to be requested to have a 2-hour trial. A point to note is that under the Fair Work rules, short trials to determine skill could be made, but long-term, unpaid training could not.

It takes perseverance to find part-time jobs in Australia. It is not worth being discouraged by the fact that you did not get a reply to the first ten applications that you made.

Balancing Work and University: Founder’s Advice

As a Global Education Specialist, I have witnessed students who struggle because they prioritise their part-time job income over their GPA. Part-time jobs in Australia are aimed at helping you maintain your stay and are not meant to substitute your education.

Key Strategies for Balance

• Plan Schedule: Concentrate your work hours on weekends or special off days to have free periods to study.
• Keep a log of your hours. There is a strict 48-hour fortnight rule. Any overstep of it, even by one hour, can cause severe repercussions.
• Make Campus Intake: Campus career offices are available in most universities to assist students with work during their studies in Australia.
• Health first: The Australian academic system is strict. Make sure that you do not burn out in your part-time work in Australia.

Understanding Your Rights and Avoiding Exploitation

The Australian government offers the same workplace protections to international students as it does to local citizens. Be it the student jobs Australia entails, an internship in a small cafe, or in a big company, the Fair Work Ombudsman will guarantee you your rights.

• You have to be paid a minimum wage.
• You must receive pay slips.
• You are entitled to a healthy working environment.
• It is not possible to be fired for reporting workplace problems.

If you believe your employer is violating these regulations while you are studying in Australia, there are free government services available to assist you, and this will not affect your visa status.

The Impact of Part-Time Jobs in Australia on Future Careers

Employment during studies is not only about the money. It is concerning the creation of a local resume. Australian employers attach great importance to local experience. A student who is able to balance part-time jobs in Australia illustrates:

• Time Management: How to combine a job and a degree.
• Cultural Fit: Learning how to talk to Australian clients and employees.
• Soft Skills: Reliability and problem-solving.

It is these qualities that we at Gateway International focus on when training students for their post-graduation journey. A good student today means a professional paid tomorrow.

Why Gateway International is Your Best Partner

It is quite a challenge to navigate Australia’s regulations on part-time work when one is new to India. We not only assist people with visas at Gateway International, headed by Abhinav Jain. We give you a map for your whole Australian life. Our team is concerned about keeping you informed about the new 2025-26 regulations on student jobs in Australia and about maximising your student income under the law. We offer:

• Prior to departure, briefings on the working culture.
• Information on how to apply to your TFN and bank account.
• Developments on the best part-time jobs in Australia.

We do not want you to miss the opportunity to excel in whatever you are doing. We are ready to ensure you land safely and that your career is a success.

Navigating Online Job Boards: Where to Find Your First Role

The digital-first approach starts with part-time jobs in Australia, which are difficult to secure in Australia. In the modern, competitive market, students need to use local job boards to find opportunities as effectively as possible. In Gateway International, we suggest the following high-end platforms that the Indian students should start with in their search:

Platform Name	Best Used For
SEEK	The primary site for retail, administration, and corporate roles.
Indeed	An excellent aggregator for entry-level hospitality and warehouse work.
LinkedIn	Essential for those looking to work while studying Australia in professional internships.
Adzuna	A powerful aggregator with a “ValueMyResume” tool to check market salary rates.
StudentEdge	A niche portal specifically designed for student jobs Australia offers.
Jora	Perfect for finding localized, immediate-start casual roles.

  For online applications, never forget to format your digital profile in the Australian format. It is worth noting in your application that you are permitted to work 48 hours per week, so recruiters can quickly filter your resume. Regular observation of such boards would help you ensure a steady student inflow and ease integration into the local labour market. The best way to identify the most rewarding student jobs Australia has to offer is to use these digital tools.

Conclusion: Securing Your Financial Future

To conclude, finding part-time jobs in Australia is a sensible, fulfilling step for any foreign student. With the 48-hour fortnight rule, knowledge about the minimum wage rights, and a choice of the necessary spheres, it is possible to guarantee a comfortable life. Australia is the land of opportunity, but you have to play by the rules. Working whilst studying in Australia is an opportunity to develop as a person and a worker. Always remember what you want to achieve, maintain good academic performance, and spend your student income wisely to make your life dreams come true. To learn more, download our complete guide or call Gateway International today to speak with our experts.

FAQs

Q1: What is the highest amount that an international student can make?

A: There is no limit to the total earnings, but 48 hours per fortnight is a limit. Your student earnings would be approximately 1,440 a fortnight at an average of 30/hr.

Q2: Is it possible to work in professional positions or part-time jobs in Australia?

A: Yes! Junior development roles offered as part-time positions, such as junior developer, account assistant, or marketing intern, can be considered a good career advancement. Student jobs in Australia offer many opportunities.

Q3: Are part-time jobs in Australia difficult for Indian students to find?

A: No, when you have a good resume and are on the positive side. Indian students are highly valued for their English proficiency and industriousness.

Q4: Am I required to pay tax on my student income?

A: You just pay tax once you have earned an amount exceeding the tax-free limit (18,200 per year). In case of lower earnings, you can get back your tax at the close of the financial year.

Q5: How would Gateway International assist me in getting a job?

A: We offer the background information, visa compliance, and resume tips so that by the time you are on the ground, you are job-ready enough to start your part-time jobs in Australia.

Author Bio

Abhinav Jain – Founder and Director, Gateway International. B.Tech, MBA, AI, and Global Education Specialist. Abhinav Jain is the authoritative figure in the field of global education, with over 15 years of professional experience guiding students in applying best practices to accomplish their goals in international market conditions, grounded in politics and innovation. His task is to equip Indian students with the knowledge and tools to succeed in Australia and beyond. Connect with Abhinav: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhinavedysor/