Part-time jobs in Australia: Types, Opportunities, Income

Surviving as an international student in Australia who’s on their own can be difficult at times. With things which look amazing and the feeling that you can't resist buying them is constant. We all have it from time to time. But then, compromising on your rent is not an answer either. So what to do in such situations? Part-time jobs. Students can work up to 20 hours per week and are often employed for late shifts, weekend employment, or seasonal work. They can stay grounded and build on interpersonal skills by working part-time. We have curated this blog to help you choose the perfect part-time job in Australia for you!

What are part-time jobs?

Part-time work, often known as part-time job, is a flexible work arrangement in which you work fewer hours than full-time. Employees are typically regarded as part-time if they regularly work less than 30 hours per week, which typically translates to working fewer days per week. It’s safer for students to opt for this kind of a job. Students can gain valuable experience by working part-time in Melbourne or anywhere in Australia. They get a lot of knowledge from the various people they meet along the journey.

Why do students need part-time jobs?

Apart from adding a penny to your pocket, picking up a part-time job also adds to your experience. It helps you build your resume and makes it easier for you to get into better universities for your further studies. If you are studying in Australia on a student loan, then working part-time hours will help you clear your loan faster. Having a part-time job while studying can be difficult, but it has its perks. Being a student means you're achieving multiple things at the same time. Many students don'tdon't opt for a part-time job because they are afraid of failure but don't let the fear stop you. Because it may seem like a pain now, but it will be one of the best choices you can make in your lifetime. Here are some of the benefits of Part-time jobs in Australia:

Benefits of Part-time jobs in Australia

• Become confident and responsible.
• Explore career opportunities/options. 
• Boost your resume
• Strengthens your work ethic and time management skills 
• Make new friends
• Build professional network
• Gain valuable testimonials and references
• Provide you with some extra cash
• You become better at managing money.

Part-time jobs in Australia: An overview

If you choose to work during your stay in Australia, you will have certain rights. Although your Australian student visa allows you to work for a limited number of hours, your employment rights in Australia are identical to those of other workers.

Work hours for international students in Australia are typically limited to 40 hours per fortnight during their academic year, allowing you to earn money while still managing your education and living costs and unlimited hours during study vacations. And can only start once you've enrolled for a course or a degree. However, in order to support the Australian economy, this ban has been temporarily lifted as of Feb 2022. To know more, check out this Australian student visa guide. In addition to the maximum weekly hours of labour, you have entitled to the following NES (National Employment Standards) benefits:

• Observed holidays
• Annual vacation
• Volunteering in the community
• Long-term leave of absence
• Parental leave and other associated benefits
• Personal career leave and compassionate leave
• Providing a Fair Work Environment Statement of Facts
• Requests for a more flexible work schedule
• Termination notice and redundancy pay

How to find part-time jobs in Australia?

Before you start looking for part-time jobs in Australia that pay well, it's great if you have a CV. Make sure your resume includes everything you need to be considered for the job. It should include information on your interests, talents, education, and previous work experience, as well as why you are a good fit for the position. It's also crucial that your resume is error-free, so get it checked by someone (ideally an English speaker) before you start looking for part-time work. Additionally, ensure that you have copies of crucial documents such as educational certificates on hand, as Australian employers may require them.

While applying to Australian universities, international students can look for part-time or full-time work in the following fields:

• Checking with friends or coworkers
• Websites for job advertisements on the internet
• Websites dedicated to universities or colleges, as well as employment boards
• Recruitment firms that specialize in specific fields
• The alumni associations of the university
• Students with prior experience in fields such as writing, design, and so on may be able to find freelance work on the internet.

Several Australian charities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are looking for volunteers to help with a variety of duties. Students from all across the world are encouraged to apply for a variety of volunteer ships.

Where to find part-time jobs in Australia?

If you are a professional in Australia seeking further education, you can apply for and acquire a position that matches your qualifications. Aside from that, students usually work part-time jobs in Australia in the industries listed below.

1. Positions in retail sales in supermarkets and department stores
2. Restaurants, cafés, and bars are all places where you can eat and drink.
3. Rooms in hotels and motels (both in the kitchens and administration and housekeeping)
4. Agriculture and related industries
5. Sales and telemarketing
6. Many businesses have administrative or clerical employees.
7. As a Tutor – in both private and institutional settings.
8. Alternatively, many students like to work as food delivery drivers as well. In case you want to know more, our friends at Overseas Students Australia have got a complete guide on how to work as an Uber Eats delivery person.

The Highest Paying part-time jobs in Australia 

The continent is full of great opportunities, so there are many options for international students jobs in Australia. To list them down, here are few easy jobs that pay well:

1. Driver 

Pay: $20-$25/hour

Working as a personal driver might be ideal for you if you have a car of your own, enjoy driving and want to travel, making it one of the best and highest-paying part-time jobs in Australia. If you are careful, maintain a spotless car and treat your passengers with respect, this part-time job in Australia pays you very well. And if you don't have a car, you can become a uber driver or get a part-time job driving school buses.

Requirements:  A driver's licence and a clean driving record

2. Babysitter

Pay: $15-$20/week

This Part-time job is perfect for students who can handle children and are good with them. Normally, this job needs you to bathe, feed, and drive children to school, put them down for naps, etc. In some cases, you may need to help them with homework and organize activities. 

Requirements: A driver's licence and a clean driving record

3. Mail Carrier

Pay: $19-$22/hour

Following a route, delivering goods and collecting outgoing mail are the simple duties of a mail carrier. You can work on weekends and take on nightshifts as the job is simple to complete. Moreover, notify your office if there is an unsuccessful delivery attempt. 

Requirements: 10th-grade passing certificate, must be available to work weekends and nightshifts 

4. Delivery person

Pay: $18-$25/hour

A delivery person is almost similar to a mail carrier and is an alternative part-time job in Australia. Both bike and a car can be used for this as long as you drive carefully and don't harm the delivery item. If you don't have a bike, for a short distance you can deliver by bicycle. 

Requirements: A driver's licence and a clean driving record

5. Personal trainer

Pay: $20 -$25

If you are a fitness freak and can juggle studies and gym time and like helping others make lifestyle changes, this part-time job in Australia is meant for you. The job duties will involve finding your client's needs, developing and training programme for them and instructing them using exercises which they can practice at home or gym. The best part? You can work over the phone, provide online training and work remotely.

Requirements: A yoga or Pilates licence or a training certificate. 

6. Cleaner

Pay: $18.5 – $25

Cleaning is one of the highest-paying Part-time jobs in Australia. This part-time job in Australia will not only pay you well but also has flexible work hours and does not demand that you speak English fluently. You can signup for a cleaning service or on Helping, where many work opportunities are posted. You never know when this part-time job in Australia will turn into Maid in Manhattan 2.

Requirements: None

7. Freelancer 

Pay: Varies based on the job and your skills 

Planning on being an entrepreneur? Try out freelancing while studying in Australia. There is no minimum payment requirement for this or limit on the amount you will receive as your paycheck. You can even get a job after graduation through freelancing which will not only help you make money but also build professional relationships. 

Requirements: Skills in writing, marketing, web building, etc.

8. Head server

Pay: $25/hour

Interested in hospitality? Serving is one of the best part-time jobs in Australia. International students studying at the top universities in Australia, like the University of Melbourne and the University of Adelaide, located on the coasts of Australia where you can work and enjoy Australia's stunning beaches.

Requirements: 10th-grade passing certificate, experience as a waiter/waitress

9. Tutor

Pay: $20-$30/hour

This could be your chance to teach others if you have mastery over a subject, a bookwork or simply just like teaching. When working with students, you must find out what they find challenging about the topics they have difficulty understanding, determine whether they need to develop and then teach them accordingly. 

Requirements: A certification of bachelor's degree or a diploma and fluency in English

10. On-campus jobs

Another well paying part-time job in Australia are the jobs the campus provides you. Students can opt to work on campus, but only the most qualified students are awarded these opportunities. Due to the scarcity of these jobs, competition for them might be strong. Students can work as library assistants, lab assistants, and assistant coaches in gyms and swimming pools, to name a few positions. Students may apply for jobs on campus through their respective departments. 

Australia has its secret benefits of studying in the country. Working a part-time job in Australia while completing your education is just as fun as it gets. It not only adds another penny to your pocket but also builds your CV and gets you hands-on experience, and helps you make connections at the same time. Be aware of where you work and make sure you don't get underpaid. We have here everything you need to know when thinking about working part-time in Australia. If you want to know more about the how to apply for the work visa after graduation, check out Australian Post study work visa: Requirements, fee, rules .

Surviving as an international student in Australia involves more than just academics; it's a journey of self-discovery, independence, and embracing unique opportunities. One such opportunity that goes beyond the conventional part-time job is the amber Ambassador Program.

This isn't just a job; it's a challenge worth taking! As our student Ambassador, you aren't confined to just helping your fellow students find accommodations. You're a key player in unlocking doors to success for your fellow students. It's about creating an ecosystem where prosperity flourishes—be it professional or personal.