More and more students have recently chosen to study and live in Australia. And those living in Australia for some time must have learnt that tuition fees and living expenses in Australia are not small, correct? Because of this, it is legal for international students to work in Australia. The law stipulates that they can work 40 hours per fortnight, which is also an advantage of studying in Australia compared with studying in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Therefore, if international students want to practise their abilities, experience life and reduce their parents’ financial burden, a part-time job is an excellent way to get deeper into Australian society. But do you want to go deeper into Australian culture and earn some extra money but don’t know where to start? Do you know what kind of job is suitable for you? What are the channels for finding a job in Australia? Students with these questions may want to look at the compilation of super-complete legal part-time job channels and job sites recommended, including specific part-time job recommendations and money-saving tips for studying in Australia.
Part-time Job Regulations in Australia
Firstly, before you consider applying for a job, ensure your visa allows you to work in Australia. Most Australian student visas will allow students to work 40 hours per fortnight. During the holiday period, Australian student visas do not limit the hours international students can work, which means you can earn enough money during the nearly four months of holiday.
If your student visa allows you to work in Australia, it also means that you need to pay income tax like an Australian citizen. Therefore, you must obtain a tax number before you start working. You can apply for a tax number on the Australian Immigration and Border Protection website to be a law-abiding taxpayer, even in a foreign country! To apply, you will need a valid passport and a work visa authorised by Immigration and Border Protection. A tax number is significant as your employer must pay your annual superannuation. When you leave Australia, you can access this money – the Departure Australia Superannuation (DASP).
Recommended types of part-time jobs for international students in Australia
On-campus Part-time Jobs
On-campus part-time jobs usually pay AUD20-25 per hour (about RMB80-100). You can check the job information on the school’s official website.
Library
Working in the library is simple and easy. For example, you can check the student IDs of students entering and exiting the library, organise books, etc. You can also study while you work. Moreover, you can work while studying.
Gym
Gym jobs are also accessible, such as pumping basketballs, managing rackets, and tidying the locker room. The working hours of the gym are longer because of the opening hours, from 6.30 am to 12 pm, so students working in the gym should be prepared to sacrifice their sleeping hours.
Student Dormitory
This is the place with the most student jobs, such as student dormitory front desk counselling, mail collection and delivery, student activity planning, checking student ID cards, cleaning, and so on. Student dormitory jobs are often only open to students who live on campus.
Student Services Centre
Before the start of the semester, there is an orientation week during which current students are needed to help new students who are about to enter the university. The beginning of each semester is the busiest time of the year for the Student Services Center, and a lot of help is needed for various procedures, such as student registration.
Teaching and Research Assistantships
Doctoral or master’s degree students can apply for jobs to help teachers with their assignments.
On-campus part-time job salary: Students’ on-campus jobs are generally calculated by hours, and the hourly wage of Australian universities is mostly 20-40 AUD/hour (about 100-200 RMB). If you work 20 hours a week (the maximum weekly working hours allowed in Australia is 20 hours, and the holidays are unlimited), you can earn AUD400-800 (about 2,000-4,000 RMB).
Off-campus Part-time Jobs
Compared with on-campus part-time jobs, off-campus part-time jobs pay relatively well and can also increase some insights not available in school. So many people are still pleased to choose off-campus part-time jobs.
Retail
Fruit shop, bookstore, florist, electronic and digital products, clothing, Australian souvenir shop, etc.
Catering and Entertainment
Restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, takeaways, bars, cinemas, etc.
Service Industry
Petrol stations, supermarkets, visitor centres, etc. Petrol stations are more problematic for girls.
Part-time job salary outside the school: the wage in Australia is not less than 18 AUD/hour (about 90 RMB), which is enough for a week’s income to live in Australia. The Chinese shop is 12-14 AUD/hour (about 60-70 RMB), as it has relatively fewer requirements and is the choice of most Chinese students.
Start an Online Business
The good thing about starting an online business is that it is extremely low risk. And if you have specialised skills in design, you can quickly expand into selling t-shirts, mugs, posters, and so on. Those with more specialised skills could even consider opening their website and offering designs or creations, which can be very lucrative. Those good at expressing themselves in English can also provide writing services online. A blogging/copywriting/content writing business can help students earn much pocket money while studying!
How to Find a Part-time Job in Australia?
Directly focus on the school’s official website, search for keywords such as “work on campus”, and many related links will appear; there are part-time jobs in libraries, computer rooms, cafeterias, student dormitories and fitness centres. When you see your preferred job, you can apply online and wait for the notification of the job offer;
The second channel is chain shops, such as McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, and Donut King. You can go to a fast food chain and ask them for a job application form, fill it out and give it to them.
The third channel to find a job is the “invisible job market“. Some restaurants need people but are not in a hurry, so if you show up now, they may want you to. Therefore, it is best to bring your CV and ask from door to door. Of course, there are also tips here. Restaurants like these are usually found in shopping centres and places with good access to public transport, where offices are located, or where there is a high concentration of elderly people. If you stuff your CV in a place with many restaurants, you can at least stuff many copies in one run, and you will have more chances accordingly.
Ask for older siblings working part-time; maybe they need people there, and you can get first-hand information.
If you want to find a more reliable part-time job, it is best to use a formal job search website in Australia, which is more convenient and reliable. You can find all kinds of jobs at seek.com.au and careerone.com.au.
Recommended Job Sites in Australia
Seek
Website address: http://www.seek.com.au/
Website Introduction: Seek is Australia’s number one job site with thousands of job options. You can search or browse job options throughout Australia on it. The company motto is: SEEK, and you shall find. In addition, the website can also provide online training, and there is also an exceptional section called Jobs, paying more than $150k. Several major cities in Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra, etc. You can find jobs on it.
Gumtree
Website address: http://www.gumtree.com.au/
Website Introduction: Gumtree is similar to a big city website; you can convert, buy, rent, hire, find a job, and do everything PO. The adverts on Gumtree are mixed, so keep your guard up; if you see a good one, you can contact the employer directly; most of them will leave a phone number.
Careerone
Website address: https://www.careerone.com.au/
Website introduction: Careerone is a recruitment website that can provide other support services, such as CV guidance, job search advice, online courses, etc. In addition, this site will also have some job search advice, job search tips, company information, job listings, and so on.
APS Jobs
Website address: https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/
Website introduction: APS jobs is another government-led job search website offering many job opportunities from the Australian Public Service. This website must not be missed if you want to visit some local government services in Australia or the federal government.
Job Search
Website address: http://jobsearch.gov.au/
Website Introduction: Job Search is a website advocated by the Australian government that provides a platform for job seekers to find jobs. Australia’s NO.1 free job search website provides a platform for job seekers and a recruitment platform for many small companies in Australia or short-term job credentials. In addition, some government jobs are often posted on this website. So if you want to go there, pay more attention to it.
MyCareer
Website address: http://mycareer.com/
Website Introduction: This website was opened in 1999 and is part of The Age Australia. The website cooperates with many Australian media outlets and provides job opportunities.
One Shift
Website Address: https://oneshift.com.au/
Website Introduction: One shift is a relatively new job site, this job site focuses more on temporary jobs, from one-day temporary jobs to temporary part-time jobs are many, you can pay attention to it.
Other Websites
http://www.hippo.com.au/
http://www.backpackerjobboard.com.au/
http://www.jobs4travellers.com.au/
These websites are job search websites, especially for tourists and backpackers. If you want to go to Australia for a working holiday or earn pocket money while seeing the Australian scenery during your holiday, go to these websites, and you will find a job that suits you.
Tips to Save Money When Studying in Australia
Online Shopping
The Internet is so advanced that daily necessities, such as fruits and vegetables, medicines, and health care products, can be bought online. And in general, as long as you find the right website to shop, it is more cost-effective than brick-and-mortar shops.
Cooking for Yourself
Cooking for yourself will save at least half of your living expenses compared to eating out, except for those who like to cook luxury meals at home. You can earn $200 a month if you cook all three meals. Even if you have a roommate to do it with, the cost of living will be less. You can bring a lunch box if you are at school at lunchtime. The school has a microwave and water so that you can heat it.
Renting an Apartment
Renting an apartment is much cheaper than renting a room separately; many students even make some money. The best way is to share a flat with your familiar friends and classmates, which is less risky, or you can become a second landlord and rent it to someone else at the “market price”, which is more risky.
Second-hand Market or Exchange
If you want to buy a book, a bike, a sofa, or something else, try going to a second-hand market or ask if there’s anything you can get in exchange for the same price.
Buy Something from a Supermarket
Every supermarket in Australia has its brand! There is usually no difference in quality, but supermarkets tend to be cheaper.
Just look for products with the same label as the supermarket.
Notes on Part-time Jobs in Australia
1. When you first arrive in Australia, you must adapt and familiarise yourself with the environment and the language problem. Experts suggest it is better to start looking for a part-time job after three months.
2. Before international students start working, they must find out if their visa allows them to work legally. This information can be found on the official website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).
3. According to the regulations of student visas, international students must be at least 18 years old before they can work.
4. International students can work 40 hours every fortnight during the study period and unlimited hours during holidays.
5. It is necessary to be alert that, with the increase of students studying in Australia, it is inevitable that some unscrupulous employers will maliciously squeeze international students, such as lowering the hourly wage, increasing the working hours and so on.
6. According to the relevant regulations, international students working part-time in Australia enjoy fundamental rights such as being paid not less than the minimum wage, not being unfairly dismissed, having legal rest time and a healthy and safe working environment.
7. If you work part-time in Australia, remember to obtain a tax identification number beforehand.
8. Lastly, I want to remind you that Australian schools pay more attention to the attendance rate. You may be expelled if the attendance rate is less than 80%. Therefore, you must balance your studies and part-time jobs.
