Working In Australia

All you need to know about working as an international student in Australia.

If your student visa has been granted on or after 26 April 2008, you will automatically receive permission to work with your visa. This applies to both you (as the primary student) and any dependent family members travelling with you on your student visa.

You do not need a visa label to show your employer your work entitlements. Your visa information is held electronically and you can access it at any time using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. Employers, banks and government services can also check details about your visa entitlements on VEVO once they have your consent to do so.

Here’s The Basics!

  • One of the perks of working as a student in Australia is that you are allowed to work part-time. This part-time job can be in any field and you have lots of options you can explore (retail, hospitality, health, etc).

    A good way to start your job search journey is to look out for job openings in popular retail outlets like Woolworths, Coles, BWS, Kmart, and Target. They usually hire many applicants during the Christmas season.

    If you’re looking into internships or entry-level opportunities, there are a few websites you can start looking into:

    1. Employability Connect

    2. GradAustralia

    3. GradConnection

    4. ReadyGrad

    5. Ribit

  • Student visa holders can:

    1. work up to 48 hours each fortnight while their course is in session (excluding any work undertaken as a registered component of their course of study or training)

    2. also work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks

    For more information, visit the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs.

  • A TFN is a Tax File Number

    The Department of Home Affairs randomly checks workplaces and your employer will be legally obliged to provide the Department of Home Affairs with information, if requested. If you decide to work you will need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office.

    Read more on detailed steps on how to apply for your TFN as an individual.

  • Visit UTS Careers In Building 2 for assistance in developing your career. Regular Career Service workshops provide career education and generic skills development and employment opportunities including resume writing and interviewing skills. UTS Departments, Faculties and ActivateUTS also co-ordinates part-time and casual work for students make sure to check them out on UTS Career Hub.