Working in Australia
If you’re a student visa holder, you can work in Australia while you’re studying.
Students and any dependents on the visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. During any holiday periods, the student will have no restriction on how many hours they can work. Please check with our visa team for the latest information on working rights.
Some courses include unpaid work experience as part of your course. If vocational placement is required as part of your course, these hours are not counted in the 40 hours per fortnight.
It is important that you apply for your TFN as soon as you arrive in Australia, as it can take up to 28 days to get processed. It is free to apply for a TFN. Once submitted the application, the TFN number will be posted to your address.
A tax file number is a personal reference number that you need to provide your employer with when you start a new job so you can pay your taxes. It is similar to a social security card in the United States, or a National Insurance Number in the UK. Applying for a tax file number is easy and can be completed online.
Apply for your TFN
You must already be in Australia
You must have a valid passport
You must have a valid visa
Apply for your ABN
You must already be in Australia
You must have a valid passport
You must have a valid visa
You must first have a TFN
How to find work in Australia
Create a resume:
A resume is important as it shows the employer your strengths and relevant work history. Make sure you create it so it is relevant to the position you are applying for.
Resumes should include your personal details such as name and contact details and any jobs you’ve had, including unpaid work experience. You will also need to have at least two references. If you haven’t worked before, you can list any volunteer work you’ve done, or ask a teacher if they can be your reference.
Ask the support team for a resume template and review.
Interview or trial process:
Depending on the type of work you apply for, you will either be requested to do an interview or a trial.
When starting a new job, an employer might ask you to do an unpaid work trial to evaluate you for the job you’re applying for. This is used to determine if you are suitable for the job by getting you to demonstrate your skills. Depending on the nature of the work, this could range from one hour to one shift, and you must also be directly supervised during the trial.
Interviews vary from meeting in person to a phone call with the potential employer. This is your chance to impress the employer by showing them you are keen and interested in working for them. We recommend highlighting during your interview that you’re hard-working and reliable. It is also beneficial to talk about your previous relevant experience.
Job search:
Face to face
Word of mouth/referrals
Students support office
Contact the student support office of your institution. Lots of businesses approach them directly for their recruitment. You may also contact PTA’s student support team for assistance.
Business websites
Some businesses only advertise their jobs on their own portals and websites.
Recruitment agencies
Job websites
You can find regular job postings on these websites for all types of work:
Freelance
International students can also do freelance work in Australia. You must have an ABN to be able to invoice for your work. Check out our guide on how to apply for an ABN.
Working in construction/labouring
White Card
A white card is a requirement for anyone wanting to work on a construction site. To obtain a white card, you must first complete general construction induction training. Anyone planning to work in the construction industry must have a white card. You can get a fine if you don’t have this card and you get caught working on a construction site.
The aim of this course is to teach you about safety in the workplace.
Contact our student support team for information on where to obtain your White Card.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
PPE is a requirement to enter any construction site. You will be required to purchase steel cap boots, a hard hat and a high visibility shirt. You can purchase this equipment from Bunnings Hardware.
Working in hospitality in Australia
RSA Certificate
RSA stands for Responsible Service of Alcohol. It is mandatory in all states to hold an RSA certificate if you want to work in any place where alcohol is served or sold, eg. restaurants, pubs/bars and Hotels.
To obtain an RSA certificate, you need to complete a short training. As an international student, you must do the course face to face. You cannot do this course online.
The RSA certificate shows that you know the regulations concerning alcohol consumption in Australia, and how to be responsible while serving alcohol to any person on the licensed premises. You will also learn how to be responsible with alcohol by identifying intoxicated customers, underage drinkers etc.
Contact our student support team for information on where to obtain your RSA.
Unacceptable conditions at work
You are legally entitled to be paid for the work you do. Ensure that the following actions or demands are not made by your employer.
- Unpaid work trials for any period of time beyond what is reasonable to demonstrate that you have the skills for the job.
- Not getting paid for training or outside-hours meetings.
- Not being given a payslip that states the number of hours worked, pay received, tax paid, and superannuation paid.
- Receiving goods and services instead of pay.
- Being pressured, forced or threatened to sign a workplace agreement.
- Being fired because you were injured on the job
- Not being hired or being fired because of your race, sex or religion.
Problems in your workplace?
If you have any of the previously mentioned problems, help is available. The Fair Work Ombudsman fights for the rights of employees in Australia. If you feel you are being discriminated against, the Fair Work Ombudsman can help with any questions you may have. They will work with you and your employer to get these issues resolved.
