Can International Students Work in Australia?
Yes. International students in Australia have the right to work as a condition of their Subclass 500 student visa, one of the most generous student work allowances in the world. From 2023, the Australian government temporarily removed the work hour cap; however, as of 2025, the standard entitlement has returned to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions, with unlimited hours during official university holiday periods.
Always check your visa conditions through your ImmiAccount, as individual visa conditions may vary.
Work Hours
Period | Allowed Work Hours |
|---|---|
During the semester/study session Officially registered holiday periods Registered nursing placement / internship Work performed for an Australian relative | 48 hours per fortnight Unlimited Unlimited (placement hours) Must not exceed student visa work conditions |
Minimum Wage in Australia 2026
Australia has one of the world's highest minimum wages. As of July 2024, the National Minimum Wage is AUD $24.10 per hour (full-time/part-time employees). For casual employees (common among students), the rate includes a 25% casual loading, bringing the minimum to approximately $30.13 per hour.
Penalty rates apply: evening work (after 6 pm), weekend shifts, and public holidays attract higher pay under Australia's Modern Award system, often 25–150% above base rate.
Best Part-Time Jobs for International Students
Industry | Common Roles | Avg. Hourly Rate (AUD) | Why It Suits Students |
|---|---|---|---|
Hospitality Retail Healthcare support Tutoring / Education Uber Eats / Deliveroo Warehousing / Logistics IT and Admin (Graduate) | Café staff, restaurant server Sales assistant, cashier AIN, disability support worker Peer tutor, coaching Delivery rider/driver Picker, packer Junior developer, data entry | $25–$32 $24–$28 $27–$35 $25–$45 $15–$25 net $26–$32 $28–$45 | Flexible hours, high turnover = easy entry Weekend work suits full-time students Builds sector experience for PR pathway Flexible, skill-aligned Fully self-managed hours Evening/weekend availability Sector experience for skills assessment |
Tax and TFN for International Students
Tax File Number (TFN): Apply for a TFN through the ATO website as soon as you arrive. Without a TFN, employers will withhold tax at the maximum rate (47%).
Tax rate for students: International students on a temporary visa are classified as non-residents for tax purposes in their first year. Tax rates begin at 32.5% for income above AUD $120 (no tax-free threshold applies).
Tax return: File your annual tax return by 31 October each year. Most students receive a partial refund if they've had excess withholding. Free tax assistance is available through the ATO's Tax Help program.
Superannuation
If you earn more than AUD $450 per month from one employer (the threshold has recently been abolished, and all casual earnings now qualify), your employer must pay 11.5% superannuation in addition to your wage. As an international student, you can claim your accumulated super back when you permanently depart Australia, apply through the ATO's DASP (Departing Australia Superannuation Payment) system.
Next step
Start your Australia journey with GEMINI Education