Planning to study in Australia? Besides gaining a qualification and valuable knowledge, many students also look forward to gaining work experience overseas. Australia is well known for offering international students opportunities to work part-time while studying. If you’re going to Australia anyway, why not give it a try? Just remember that your primary purpose is to study. Let’s take a look at the key work regulations that international students should know.

Working Part-Time While Studying

Students holding an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) are allowed to work part-time while studying in Australia, subject to the following limitsใ

• During study periods: up to 48 hours per fortnight.
• During official holiday periods: unlimited working hours

Important Work Rules for International Students

1. Open an Australian bank account

It is important to open an Australian bank account so that employers can pay your wages legally. Many employers will ask for your bank account details to transfer your salary, although some may still pay in cash. Popular Australian banks include: NAB, Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Citibank.

2. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

Students are strongly encouraged to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) as soon as possible. A TFN is your personal tax identification number and is an important part of verifying your identity in Australia. Applying for a TFN is free of charge. After applying, you will usually receive your TFN within 28 days, either by post to the address provided in your application or through your myGov Inbox, depending on the application method used.

3. You must wait until your course starts before working

Students who arrive in Australia before their course commencement date can start looking for jobs immediately, but they cannot begin working until their course officially starts. For example, if your CoE states that your course begins on 16 February and you arrive on 10 February, you may apply for jobs before then, but you cannot start working until 16 February.

What types of jobs can students do?

Part-time work in Australia is generally not restricted by job type. Students can apply for a wide range of jobs and are not required to work in a field related to their degree. For many students, this is a great opportunity to try something new, gain experience, and develop transferable skills.

Expected earnings

Australia’s minimum wage for part-time employees in 2026 is approximately AUD 24.95 per hour (around THB 600 per hour) before tax. Actual pay rates may vary depending on the role and skill requirements. For casual employment, the minimum rate is generally: AUD 24.95 × 1.25 = AUD 31.19 per hour (approximately THB 750 per hour). However, casual employees typically do not receive benefits such as paid annual leave or sick leave, and work hours may be less consistent than regular part-time employment.

**Minimum wage rates are usually reviewed and adjusted on 1 July each year.

Should you work while studying?

Speaking from personal experience, I would generally recommend giving part-time work a try. For many students, it is an opportunity they may never have had back home. Working part-time provides real-world English language practice because you are using English every day in a professional environment. It can also help reduce homesickness, as you meet new people, build friendships, and stay busy. Some days are so full that by the time you get home, you fall asleep almost immediately. Part-time work can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It helps students become more independent, responsible, and confident in solving problems and handling unexpected situations. That said, time management is crucial. Before deciding to work, carefully consider your study schedule. Some programmes are academically demanding, and your free time may be better spent revising coursework and preparing for assessments. Remember that the main reason for studying abroad is your education. You want to return home proud of your academic achievements. The best approach is to understand your schedule first, then decide whether part-time work fits into your lifestyle. If you choose not to work, that is perfectly fine too. There is absolutely nothing wrong with focusing entirely on your studies because that is why you came to Australia in the first place.

Interested in Studying in Australia?

For more information and assistance with the application process, you can contact One Education, an official representative of Australian Universities. We offer free consultation and support throughout your application journey.
Add our Line official account: @one-edu
Submit an enquiry form. We will get back to you as soon as possible. 
Call us: 02-652-0718  

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