Part-time work in Australia for students: rules, pay and tips
Educational
Part-time work in Australia for students: rules, pay and tips
Educational
27 Oct 2026
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Part-time work while you study.
We updated this guide on 15 October 2026.
Part-time work helps with daily costs.
It also builds your skills, your English and your network.
We've answered the questions Indonesian students ask most about working in Australia, so you can work with confidence.
Can I work on a Student visa?
Yes.
During your course: up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session.
During scheduled breaks: unlimited hours.
Research masters and PhD students: unlimited hours once your course starts.
Hours from every job count together.
When can I start working?
Once your course has started.
You generally can't work before your course begins. The exception is if you held another visa with work rights before.
How much will I earn?
From 1 July 2026, Australia's national minimum wage is AUD 26.44 an hour, or AUD 1,004.90 for a full-time week.
Many jobs pay more under industry awards. Casual workers usually receive a higher hourly rate to make up for not having paid leave.
You have the same right to the minimum wage as every worker in Australia, whatever your visa.
What jobs do students usually do?
Common student jobs include:
hospitality, such as cafes and restaurants
retail
tutoring
administration and customer service
campus jobs, such as student ambassadors
Jobs related to your field are worth looking for too. They build experience for your career.
How do I find a job?
Use your institution's careers service. Many list student jobs and run CV workshops.
Search online job boards.
Ask in person. Many cafes and shops hire this way.
Network. Clubs, societies and volunteering lead to opportunities.
Prepare an Australian-style CV. Clear, concise and focused on skills.
What do I need before I start work?
A Tax File Number (TFN). Apply online through the Australian Taxation Office. It's free.
An Australian bank account. Your pay goes into it.
Your visa details. Employers can check your work rights online.
Without a TFN, your employer must withhold tax at the highest rate.
What are my rights at work?
You have the same workplace rights as every worker in Australia.
Fair pay. At least the minimum wage, or your award rate.
Payslips. Within one working day of payday.
A safe workplace.
Protection from unfair treatment.
If something goes wrong, the Fair Work Ombudsman can help. It helps all workers in Australia.
What should I avoid?
Working more than 48 hours a fortnight during term. It breaks a visa condition and can lead to your visa being cancelled.
Cash jobs below the minimum wage. Underpayment is illegal.
Paying anyone for a job. Genuine employers don't charge you to work.
Letting work crowd out study. Your visa requires course progress.
Can my family work too?
Family members on your Student visa also have work rights. Their limits depend on your course.
Indonesian students can still include family in their Student visa application. Students from ASEAN countries are exempt from the October 2026 family restriction.
Is this the same as the Work and Holiday visa?
No. The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) is a different visa with different rules.
For Indonesian citizens, it's for people aged 18 to 30 who want an extended holiday with short-term work. Applicants need:
tertiary qualifications, or at least two years of completed undergraduate study
at least functional English
a letter of support from Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration
funds for their stay and a return ticket
Places are limited each year. Holders can only study for up to four months, and can usually work for one employer for up to six months.
If your goal is a full qualification, the Student visa is the visa built for that.
How do I balance work and study?
Plan your week. Block out classes and study time first.
Choose flexible jobs. Casual roles fit around your timetable.
Work more during breaks. Your hours are unlimited then.
Watch your fortnightly total. Keep a simple record.
Will work cover my living costs?
Work helps. It shouldn't carry your whole budget.
Your visa expects you to have your funds before you arrive. Plan around your own funds, then let work add flexibility.
Our guide to the cost of living in Australia helps you plan.
How can STUDYNET help?
Your counsellor helps you plan your study, work and budget together, including at your pre-departure briefing.
Ask StudyNet.ai your questions, any time of day. You can also meet STUDYNET in Jakarta.
Official sources.
Work can support your studies. Your studies come first.
We guide you from first question to first day.
