Part-Time Job Opportunities for International Students in Australia (2026)
A practical guide to finding part-time work in Australia as an international student. Covers work rights, average pay, best job types, and how to get hired.
Your Work Rights in Australia
As an international student on a subclass 500 visa in Australia:
- During term: Up to 48 hours per fortnight (changed from 40 hours in 2023)
- During scheduled breaks: Unlimited hours
- Work starts: Only after your course has commenced (not before)
These rules are strictly enforced. Violating them can result in visa cancellation.
How Much Can You Earn?
The Australian minimum wage (from July 2025) is AUD $24.10 per hour — one of the highest in the world.
| Job Type | Hourly Rate (AUD) | Fortnightly Earnings (48 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Retail/Hospitality | $24-28 | $1,152-$1,344 |
| Tutoring | $30-50 | $1,440-$2,400 |
| IT/Tech Support | $28-40 | $1,344-$1,920 |
| Uber Eats/DoorDash | $20-35 (variable) | $960-$1,680 |
| University Campus Jobs | $25-35 | $1,200-$1,680 |
Monthly earning potential: AUD $2,300-$4,800 (approximately BDT 1.8-3.8 lakh)
This can cover 60-100% of your living expenses in most Australian cities.
Best Part-Time Jobs for International Students
1. Hospitality (Cafes, Restaurants, Hotels)
- Pros: Abundant opportunities, flexible hours, tips in some restaurants
- Cons: Physical work, weekend/evening shifts
- How to get hired: Walk into cafes with your resume. Apply on Indeed and Seek. Get your RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate.
- Bangladeshi advantage: Many Indian/Bangladeshi restaurants actively hire Bengali-speaking staff
2. Retail (Supermarkets, Shops, Shopping Centres)
- Top employers: Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, Target, JB Hi-Fi
- Pros: Regular hours, employee discounts, structured environment
- How to get hired: Apply directly on company websites. Woolworths and Coles have dedicated "jobs" sections.
3. Tutoring
- What to tutor: Mathematics, science, English, programming, IELTS preparation
- Platforms: Tutorful, Superprof, university tutoring services
- Rates: AUD $30-60/hour (private tutoring)
- Bangladeshi advantage: Strong math/science background from Bangladeshi education system
4. Campus Jobs
- Types: Library assistant, lab demonstrator, student ambassador, IT helpdesk
- Pros: On-campus (no commute), flexible with your class schedule, great for networking
- How to find: Check your university's careers portal. Ask at the student services desk.
5. Gig Economy
- Platforms: Uber Eats, DoorDash, Airtasker, Freelancer
- Pros: Maximum flexibility — work when you want
- Cons: Variable income, need a bicycle/car/phone
- Earnings: AUD $15-25/hour after expenses
6. Freelancing (Use Your Skills)
- Web development/design: Fiverr, Upwork, local businesses
- Graphic design: Canva-based work for local businesses
- Data entry/virtual assistant: Upwork, Freelancer
- Rates: AUD $25-80/hour depending on skill level
- Bangladeshi advantage: Competitive pricing while earning Australian wages
7. Aged Care / Disability Support
- Requirement: Certificate III in Individual Support (can study part-time)
- Rates: AUD $28-35/hour + penalty rates on weekends
- Demand: Extremely high demand in Australia — practically guaranteed work
- Career pathway: Can lead to permanent residency through healthcare skills shortage
How to Get Your First Job
Step 1: Get a Tax File Number (TFN)
Apply online at ato.gov.au as soon as you arrive. You need this before you can legally work.
Step 2: Open an Australian Bank Account
Open an account with CommBank, ANZ, Westpac, or NAB. Most offer student accounts with no fees.
Step 3: Write an Australian-Style Resume
- No photo (unlike Bangladeshi CVs)
- No age, gender, or marital status
- 1-2 pages maximum
- Include: Contact details, work rights status, skills, experience (even volunteer work)
- Get your university's career services to review it (free service)
Step 4: Apply Strategically
- Online: Indeed.com.au, Seek.com.au, Jora, LinkedIn
- In person: Walk into local cafes, restaurants, and shops with printed resumes
- University: Career portal, career fairs, networking events
- Facebook groups: "Jobs for International Students [City]" groups
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews
- Research the company
- Practice common questions: "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want to work here?"
- Dress professionally (even for cafe jobs)
- Be punctual — arrive 5-10 minutes early
Tax Obligations
As a working international student:
- Income up to AUD $18,200/year = no tax (if you're a resident for tax purposes)
- Above this = progressive tax rates apply
- Lodge a tax return every year (by October 31)
- You may get a tax refund if too much tax was withheld — this can be AUD $500-2,000
Tips for Bangladeshi Students
How EDUINTBD Can Help
We provide pre-departure orientation that includes job search strategies, resume templates, and city-specific guides for finding part-time work in Australia.
Book a free consultation to start planning your Australian student journey.
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