Part-Time Work in Australia for International Students: Rights, Pay Rates & Tips (2026)

The right to work part-time in Australia is one of the most valued benefits of the Australian student visa. Income from part-time work significantly reduces the financial burden of studying abroad. But there are rules, and breaking them has serious consequences.

Here is everything you need to know about working in Australia on a student visa in 2026.

How Many Hours Can International Students Work?

During the study semester: 48 hours per fortnight (2-week period).

This is equivalent to approximately 24 hours per week. The 48-hour limit applies from the time your course starts until your course ends.

During scheduled vacation periods: Unlimited hours.

When your university is on scheduled holiday breaks (not just your individual holiday — the university must have formally scheduled the break), there is no hour limit. Most students maximise work during summer breaks (November–February in Australia) and mid-year break (June–July).

Note on the 2023 change: Prior to January 2023, international students could work unlimited hours. The government reinstated the 48-hour fortnightly limit after it was removed during COVID-19. This limit is a firm visa condition — breaching it can result in visa cancellation.

What Counts as "Fortnight"?

The 48-hour limit applies per fortnight (any rolling 14-day period). You cannot "average" it across weeks. If you work 0 hours in one week and 50 hours the next, that is 50 hours in a fortnight — a visa breach.

Track your hours carefully. Most employers use timesheets — request copies.

Minimum Wage in Australia 2026

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2025 is AUD 24.10 per hour for adults.

Junior rates apply for workers under 21:

• Under 16: 36.8% of adult rate
• 16 years: 47.3% of adult rate
• 17 years: 57.8% of adult rate
• 18 years: 68.3% of adult rate
• 19 years: 82.5% of adult rate
• 20 years: 97.7% of adult rate

Casual loading: Casual employees receive a 25% casual loading on top of the hourly rate. Most international students are employed casually: AUD 24.10 × 1.25 = AUD 30.13/hour minimum for casual work.

Penalty Rates

Under Australian industrial awards, penalty rates apply for:

• Saturday: 125% of standard rate for most awards
• Sunday: 150–175% of standard rate
• Public holidays: 225–250% of standard rate
• Night shifts (varies by award)

These rates are legally required and are particularly relevant in hospitality and retail — two of the most common industries for international students.

How Much Can You Earn Per Fortnight?

Working 48 hours at casual minimum wage:

• 48 hours × AUD 30.13 = approximately AUD 1,446 gross per fortnight
• After tax (at student rates): approximately AUD 1,100–1,250 net per fortnight

Annually (48 hours/fortnight × 26 fortnights = approximately AUD 18,000–20,000 per year gross, plus unlimited hours during holidays potentially adding AUD 5,000–10,000 more).

Tax and the Tax File Number (TFN)

Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) immediately after arriving in Australia. Without a TFN, your employer must withhold tax at the highest rate (47%).

Apply online via the ATO (Australian Tax Office) website: ato.gov.au. You need your Australian address and visa details. Processing takes 1–4 weeks.

Tax residency for students: If you are in Australia for more than 183 days in a financial year and have a fixed address, you are a tax resident for tax purposes. Tax residents pay tax at the same rates as Australians:

• 0 on the first AUD 18,200 (tax-free threshold)
• 19% on AUD 18,201–45,000
• 32.5% on AUD 45,001–120,000

International students who are tax residents can claim the tax-free threshold — meaning the first AUD 18,200 of annual income is tax-free.

Tax return: File your Australian tax return by 31 October each year (for the financial year ending 30 June). Most students get a refund — the amount depends on your total income and tax withheld.

Popular Jobs for International Students

Hospitality (most common):

• Restaurant and café staff (waiter, barista, kitchen hand)
• Hotels and accommodation
• Catering and event staffing
• Pay: AUD 28–35/hour casual including weekend penalty rates

Retail:

• Supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths — large employers of students)
• Clothing retail, electronics stores
• Pay: AUD 26–32/hour casual with weekend penalty rates

Food delivery:

• Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog
• Flexible, no employer, work when you want
• ABN required (register as sole trader) — no employee entitlements
• Typically AUD 15–25/hour after expenses

Tutoring and education support:

• Private tutoring of school students
• University peer tutoring programmes
• Pay: AUD 30–60/hour

On-campus jobs:

• University cafeteria, library, administrative roles
• Often very student-friendly scheduling
• Check your university's student employment board

Indian/Nepali/Filipino community businesses:

• Restaurants, grocery stores, cleaning services
• Often the first job source for new students
• Beware of underpayment — some employers in these communities exploit the fact that students are new and don't know their rights

Workplace Rights and Exploitation

Wage theft is illegal. Despite this, international students are disproportionately victims of wage underpayment. Common violations include:

• Being paid below minimum wage
• Not receiving casual loading
• Not receiving weekend/public holiday penalty rates
• Being paid "cash in hand" with no payslip and no tax withheld
• Being asked to work more than 48 hours per fortnight

What to do if you think you're being exploited:

1. Track your hours worked vs pay received

2. Keep all payslips and text messages from your employer

3. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman (fairwork.gov.au) — they have an anonymous reporting tool

4. Contact your union (United Workers Union, SDA, or others depending on industry)

5. Contact your university's Student Legal Services (free for students)

The Australian government has a "Protect" reporting tool specifically for international students reporting workplace exploitation: workersrights.gov.au

Key protection: Reporting wage theft does not affect your visa. You are protected from visa consequences when reporting exploitation.

Superannuation

If you earn more than AUD 450/month from a single employer, they must contribute 11% of your earnings to a superannuation (pension) fund. When you permanently leave Australia, you can claim this back through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) scheme.

Set up a super account with a low-fee fund (e.g., Australian Super, Hostplus) when you start your first job. Keep track of your super across jobs — it is common for small amounts to be left in multiple funds.

Related: Accommodation in Australia | PR Pathways in Australia | OSHC Australia

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