EdMIUMAustralia is a famous study abroad destination for Indian Students, and also for International Students from across the world. While an internationally acclaimed quality education system is one of the many attractions, the fact remains that students wish to explore the country’s many tourist haunts as well. Though the education might be cheaper in comparison to USA (top choice for students planning to study abroad), the living expenses in Australia are quite expensive. As such, students studying in Australia can gain a lot of pocket money through Part Time Jobs in Australia which helps them with their living costs and enjoying the stay in the country. Before deciding to go for higher education, students should also check the costs of studying in Australia.
In this article, let us look at:
1. Work Permissions on Student Visa
Student Visas for Australia have changed with effect on July 1, 2016. The earlier Subclasses 571 – 576 have now been grouped under Subclass 500. As per the new rules, students going to Australia under Visa Subclass 500 are eligible to work for up to 40 hours in a fortnight while the course is in session and for unlimited hours when the course is not in session (during breaks). The only provision is that the student cannot start working until the course commences.
Also, a fortnight refers to a period of 14 days starting on a Monday and ending on the Sunday of the following week. The hours can be divided as per student’s convenience. For instance, a student may work for 10 hours in week one and 30 hours in week 2 or 15 and 25 hours respectively. Students must, however, note that in the above example, if the student works for 30 hours in week 2, then he/she can only work for 10 hours in the following week or else the condition of 40 hours in a fortnight would be breached – which in turn can lead to cancellation of Visas. Ideally, a student looking for continuous part-time work must limit their working to about 20 hours a week.
A few things to remember:
- Students cannot work until the session begins. For instance, say your course starts in January 2021 and you reach Australia by December 2020, then you cannot take up employment till your session begins.
- If casework is a normal part of the curriculum of the course you are enrolled for then this limit does not apply. This is usually applicable in case of compulsory internships of integrated courses.
- Also, students that fall under the Post Graduate Research Sector can work for unlimited hours when the research work or doctoral thesis begins. Also, in case there are any preliminary courses that the student has enrolled in, the student is eligible to work as per the 40 hours per fortnight rule mentioned above.
- Students completing the Australian study requirement can apply for a Post Study Work Permit under Graduate Stream. However, students enrolled in an ELICOS cannot apply for a Post Study Work Permit for Australia.
* Note that if students applying under the category Post Graduate Research Sector are taking a preliminary course, they are eligible to work only for 40 hours in a fortnight during the tenure of the course he/she is enrolled in. Only when the Research Course begins does the student have permission to work for unlimited hours.
What laws apply to International Students for working while studying in Australia?
The Australian government allows all the students the same privilege when it relates to working while studying. As such you have the right to:
- A minimum wage as stipulated under the Fair Work Act 2009
- Challenge of unfair dismissal from the job
- Breaks and rest periods
- A healthy and safe work environment
2. Types of Part-Time Work Jobs in Australia
Following are the sectors where in students can get part-time jobs in Australia:
- Retail sales jobs in supermarkets, departmental stores
- In restaurants, cafes, and bars
- In hotels and motels (both in the kitchens and administration and housekeeping)
- Farming and related activities
- Sales and telemarketing
- Administration or Clerical roles in different companies
- As a Tutor – both personal as well as in institutions
Conclusion
To conclude, Australia offers excellent part-time working opportunities for international students. While it would not be enough to subset the tuition fees, it is usually able to assist a moderate living style. Also, there are many options available. Hence, if you are planning to study in Australia, be assured there is more to it than just quality education.
