Whether you are considering a part-time job or a post-study work opportunity while studying, Australia offers a great place to work in. Not only that, you can also explore the options for volunteer work and internships to expand your work experience.
Working while studying
Australia offers great part-time job opportunities where students can work up to 40 hours every two weeks while in session, and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. According to the Australian Government, some of the most ideal workplace that a student can start with includes the following
- Retail – including supermarkets, department stores, boutiques
- Hospitality – cafes, bars, restaurants, delivery
- Farming and fruit-picking – seasonal work
- Services – childcare, aged care and cleaning
- Administration and clerical work
- Tutoring
Even as a part-time worker, you will be entitled to the same protections at work as anyone else working in Australia; and you will be given the (national) minimum rate of pay per hour irrespective of the job type.
As released by the Fair Work Ombudsman under the Government of Australia, the national minimum wage is currently $19.49 (₹967.60) per hour or $740.80 (₹36777.88) per 38 hour week (before tax).
Working after studying/ Post-Study Work Opportunities (PSW)
Australia provides fantastic post-study-work opportunities under the Temporary Graduate Visa of the subclass 485 visa where a student is eligible for up to 4 years of work visa post course completion.
There are two types of Temporary Graduate Visa
- Graduate Work Stream: International graduates with skills and qualifications that are related to an occupation listed in Skilled Occupation List (SOL). The stay duration is usually up to 18 months.
- Post-study Work Stream: International graduates who have successfully completed a higher education degree. Ranging from 2 to 4 years, the visa validity is granted based on the level of degree obtained.
To apply for the Graduate Work stream visa:
- The applicant must hold an eligible qualification whether in a degree, diploma or trade qualification
- The acquired qualification(s) should be related to the skilled occupation the applicant has nominated for
To apply for Post-study Work Stream:
International students with the following eligible qualification are qualified for a post-study work opportunity with its duration of stay dependent on the level of study, i.e. the higher the qualification, the longer the duration of stay:
- Bachelor’s degree: 2-year work visa
- Masters by coursework degree (regular Master degree): 2-year work visa
- Masters by Research degree: 3-year work visa
- Doctoral degree (or PhD): 4-year work visa
Requirement for the Post-study Work stream:
- You must have met the Australian study requirement within the past six months.
- You must have completed a degree (or multiple degrees) tallying to a period of at least 2 academic years i.e. 92 weeks of study in a course or courses registered in the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Course for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
- You must have completed a minimum of 16 months of stay and study in Australia
In case you wish to stay on in Australia for longer without an employer’s sponsorship, you can apply for Australia’s skilled migration program which can be completed in or outside Australia.
Additionally, the new pathway to permanent residency (skilled migration) which has been introduced by the Australian government (Wester Australia, Southern Australia) will let international students look at the possibility of applying for permanent residence after their graduation!