Top 10 part-time jobs for students in Australia 2024

Expat life
13 Dec 2023
9 mins read
Written by Team Instarem

When you think of Australia, the first few things that come to your mind are beautiful beaches, coral reefs, kangaroos and, of course, their world-class education. Australia is consistently counted among the top three study destinations for international students. Its rich culture, renowned universities, and ample employment opportunities are some factors that attract students from all over the world.

Some important statistics:

  • According to the data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are currently 619,371 international students studying in the country as of December 2022.
  • According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics visa data, the total student visa from January to July 2023 was 85% more than the numbers during the same period in July 2019.
  • The same report suggests that in June 2023, the country welcomed 50,620 international students, 21,140 more than the number of students who arrived in June 2022.

If you have decided to study in Australia, undoubtedly, you will embark on a life-changing and exciting new journey. Studying abroad can be expensive, and working while studying is a common way international students manage their finances in Australia. Part-time jobs for students in Australia help them earn some extra income and gain industry exposure.

Getting a Part-Time Job in Australia as an International Student

International students with a valid student visa can apply for a part-time job in Australia and work up to 48 hours a fortnight. This restriction is during the semester; during breaks, they can work unlimited hours.

Students must balance their work and study commitments to ensure their programme isn’t affected due to work pressures. To attain this balance, students must continue their course enrollment and ensure satisfactory course attendance and progress.

Part-Time Job Rules for International Students in Australia

According to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, from 1st July 2023, international students with student visas can work up to 48 hours a fortnight. However, there are a few things that must be considered:

  • Students can only work once the session begins.
  • If the part-time work is a part of the course curriculum, this limit shall not be applicable.
  • Students enrolled in the Postgraduate Research Sector can work unlimited hours when the research work or doctoral thesis begins.

10 Highest Paying Part-time Jobs in Australia for International Students

Studying in Australia is a dream for many students. But with a high cost of living in Australia, gaining exposure to work culture while working and other reasons encourage international students to work part-time in Australia. Here are some of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Australia.

Type of Job

Average Pay per Hour (AUD)

Aged care worker

$35

Sales representative

$30

Customer Service

$26

Server

$25

Tutor

$20 – $40

Fitness Trainer

$20 – $30

Delivery Person

$20 – $25

Cleaner

$20 – $25

Mail deliverer

$19 to $22

Babysitter

$20

1. Aged Care Worker

Job Details

As an aged care worker, your daily tasks include taking care of, assisting and providing physical and emotional support to older people. You are required to prepare food, go shopping, and help them in other social activities.

Expected Salary Bracket

It is the highest-paying part-time job in Australia for students, allowing them to earn around $35.

Eligibility

Individuals with a caring heart and intention to serve others are preferred.

2. Sales Representative

Job Details

Sales representatives work in the sales and marketing team and are responsible for identifying a customer’s needs, offering relevant products or services and providing after-sales services. It is one of the best part-time jobs in Australia.

Expected Salary Bracket

The average part-time salary in Australia for a sales representative job is around $30.

Eligibility

Students with good communication skills and product knowledge can apply for this role.

3. Customer Service Agent

Job Details

A customer service agent’s job is to handle incoming customer calls for service inquiries, generate sales leads, address their product/service or process-related queries, etc.

Expected Salary Bracket

Australia’s part-time job salary for a CSA is $26 per hour.

Eligibility

Students with good communication skills are preferred for this role.

4. Server

Job Details

Servers or waiters are one of the most popular part-time jobs for students in Australia. International students wanting to gain exposure to the hospitality industry can apply for this job profile.

Expected Salary Bracket

A server or waiter’s part-time job salary in Australia is $25 per hour.

Eligibility

No specific qualification is required for this job; on-the-job training is usually provided.

5. Tutor

Job Details

One of the most rewarding jobs, students with strong academic backgrounds can teach their peers, high-school or elementary students. They are responsible for helping the students with the syllabus and assignments.  

Expected Salary Bracket

The part-time job salary in Australia for tutors ranges between $20 – $40 per hour.

Eligibility

Tutoring requires good knowledge of the subject, communication and problem-solving skills.

6. Fitness Trainer

Job Details

If you are a fitness buff and passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle, a personal trainer job is the one for you! One of the most sought-after part-time jobs in Australia, personal trainers also have an opportunity to earn well.

Expected Salary Bracket

Students interested in this job can expect a good salary between $20 – $30 per hour in Australia.

Eligibility

Certification from an accredited institute in fitness or yoga is generally required.

7. Delivery Person

Job Details

Many international students in Australia work as delivery persons. This job offers flexibility as students can schedule and manage study and work commitments.

Expected Salary Bracket

Per-hour salary in Australia for students working as delivery persons is $20 – $25.

Eligibility

Having a valid driver’s licence with a clean driving history is a must.

8. Cleaner

Job Details

Although not preferred by many, cleaning is listed as one of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Australia. Apart from paying well, this job allows you to work flexible hours.  

Expected Salary Bracket

One can earn between $20 – $25 per hour as a cleaner in Australia.

Eligibility

No specific requirements.

9. Mail Deliverer

Job Details

A mail deliverer’s job primarily involves sorting and delivering mail to households and businesses. The job is straightforward and allows you to work part-time and on the weekends. You need to know the routes to qualify for this job.

Expected Salary Bracket

Per-hour salary in Australia for students engaged in mail delivery service is $19 to $22.

Eligibility

Students must have completed 10th grade and understand city routes.

10. Babysitter

Job Details

International students who enjoy spending time with kids/babies can consider a job as a babysitter. Typically, this job requires you to feed, bathe, involve children in some activities, drive them to school and back and put them to sleep.

Expected Salary Bracket

Average part-time salary in Australia for a babysitter is around $20 per hour.

Eligibility

Having experience working with children helps with fluency in English. Some may prefer hiring Blue Card holders.

Part-time Job Salary in Australia – City Wise

Let us look at the top five jobs and their part-time salary in popular cities in Australia.

Part-time Job Salary in Australia – City Wise

Sydney

Top 5 Jobs

Average Pay per Hour (AUD)

Receptionist

$26

Administration Assistant

$25

Tutor

$25 – $45

Mailroom Associate

$24

Customer Service Agent

$20

Melbourne

Top 5 Jobs

Average Pay per Hour (AUD)

Retail Assistant

$25 – $30

Administration Assistant

$25

Customer Service Officer

$22

Barista

$20 – $25

Receptionist

$20

Perth

Top 5 Jobs

Average Pay per Hour (AUD)

Freelancer

$25 – $40

Retail Assistant

$25

Bookkeeper

$20 – $25

Customer Service Representative

$20

Receptionist

$18 – $20

Adelaide

Top 5 Jobs

Average Pay per Hour (AUD)

Receptionist

$25

Retail Assistant

$25 – $25

Administration Assistant

$20 – $25

Waiter

$20

Sales Associate

$25 – $30

Brisbane

Top 5 Jobs

Average Pay per Hour (AUD)

Receptionist

$25

Customer Service Representative

$22 – $25

Barista

$20

Administration Assistant

$20

Data Entry Operator

$18 – $25

Benefits of Part-Time Jobs in Australia

Having a part-time job in Australia for international students is more than just financial support. Some benefits are:

  • Students can explore career opportunities and other options.
  • It boosts their resume
  • It helps them build a professional network
  • Students can gain valuable skills like time management, organisation, team building, etc.
  • It acts as a source of earning money and managing it.

Types of Part-time Jobs in Australia for International Students

As a student, you can apply for a part-time job in Australia consistent with your qualifications. However, many job opportunities available for international students may not relate directly to your course plan. There are mainly two types of part-time jobs in Australia for international students.

  • On-campus jobs: Some examples of on-campus jobs include peer tutoring or teaching assistant, library assistant, waiter or barista at the university restaurant or café, administrative jobs at the university office, etc.
  • Off-campus jobs: There are ample opportunities available for students off-campus most popular ones include customer service associate, retail assistant, waiter, receptionist, etc.

How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Australia for International Students?

Finding a part-time job in Australia may seem a tiring and challenging task. However, the country is a favourite among international students for learning experiences as well as work opportunities.

Various sources to find the best part-time jobs in Australia include:

  • Online job posting websites
  • University or college websites or job posting boards
  • Recruitment agencies
  • Institution’s alumni groups
  • Networking with friends and classmates

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can Students work part-time in Australia?

International students having a valid Student Visa can work part-time in Australia.

  • How much do part-time jobs pay in Australia?

Part-time job salary in Australia depends mainly on the type of job, location, experience and skills. However, part-time job salaries in Australia range between AUD 20 and 35 per hour.

  • Which part-time jobs pay the most in Australia?

Jobs like aged care workers, sales representatives, customer service agents, fitness trainers and tutors are amongst the highest-paying part-time jobs in Australia.

  • Is it easy to get a part-time job in Australia?

Australia is a very welcoming country which hosts several students from across the globe. Students can easily find jobs in Australia through online job portals or on-campus routes.

  • Can I work 50 hours a week in Australia?

According to part-time job rules, international students with student visas can work for a maximum of 48 hours in a fortnight.

Before you go…

Studying in Australia is a dream for many international students. However, due to the high cost of living or simply to gain work experience, many international students look for part-time jobs in Australia. As an international student, conducting proper research about the job, average salary, visa validity, and other norms before applying for a job is imperative.

International students willing to send money from Australia to their home country must use trusted money transfer apps like Instarem. Instarem offers fast*, easy, and affordable# money transfer services from Australia to various countries across the globe. You can use our currency converter tool to understand the amount sent from Australia vis-à-vis the amount to be received by your loved one in any other country. With Instarem, money transfer is simple!

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.

About Instarem

Instarem stands at the forefront of international money transfer services, facilitating fast and secure transactions for both individuals and businesses. Our platform offers competitive exchange rates for popular currency pairs like USD to INR, SGD to INR, and AUD to INR. If you're looking to send money to India or transfer funds to any of 60+ global destinations, Instarem makes it easy for you. We are dedicated to simplifying cross-border payments, providing cutting-edge technology that support individuals and businesses alike in overcoming traditional fiscal barriers normally associated with banks. As a trusted and regulated brand under the umbrella of the Fintech Unicorn Nium Pte. Ltd., and its international subsidiaries, Instarem is your go-to for reliable global financial exchanges. Learn more about Instarem.