Studying in Australia comes with living costs to manage, and part-time jobs are a popular way for international students to support themselves while gaining work experience. Nonetheless, the expenses still need to be managed and taken care of, so part-time jobs in Australia for students are the best way for them to go about living their life and maintaining their lifestyle well. A balance between university and gigs here and there is what the university experience is all about. But for students who are clueless about how to find the right part-time job for themselves, this article will help them understand the options and how to apply and succeed in the search.
How to Start the Search for Part-Time Jobs in Australia for Students
- Popular job search platforms (Seek, Indeed, Gumtree, LinkedIn)
With the number of available job search platforms in Australia such as Seek, Indeed, Gumtree and LinkedIn, students can find jobs related to a variety of skills. Most of these jobs even accept students with minimal to no experience as well. Gumtree is also popular for babysitting, hospitality or farm work.
- University job boards and career services
University boards are the most common place to find job openings and gigs that are hiring for part-time jobs in Australia for students. Students should also keep an eye on the on-campus recruitment drives that occur.
- Walking into local stores with resumes (cafes, retail shops)
Many cafés and shops still hire walk-ins. Bring a printed resume, ask for the manager, and say when you’re available to work.
- Networking and referrals (friends, classmates, communities)
Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways. Spread the news through your friends, classmates and even reach out to your teachers. Community groups are also a great way to introduce yourself and the skills you’re offering.
- Importance of having an Australian-style resume
Like most resumes, keep your resume to one page only, add a short and crisp description of your job role, follow the reverse chronological order when mentioning experience, list your work rights and availability. Avoid adding pictures or making the resume too ‘cute’.
- Setting up a TFN (Tax File Number)
A Tax File Number (TFN) is your personal tax reference number. You’ll need one so your employer can withhold the correct amount of tax. You can apply for a TFN online through the ATO once you’re in Australia with valid work rights.
Look for your ideal job from the comfort of your student accommodation with UniAcco. Find fully furnished student rooms in Australia with all utility bills included, so you can focus on your job search and student life.
🌏 Explore Student Accommodation in AustraliaTop Part-Time Jobs in Australia for Students
Hospitality Jobs (Cafes, Restaurants, Bars)
Overview: Securing a hospitality job within either a bar, cafe, or restaurant is one of the to-do side gigs that students aim for. Since these establishments are always looking for fresh faces and staff, making it one of the perfect part-time jobs in Australia for students. This instils the skills of customer service, grooming and working under pressure, which will be required in the future.
| Factor | Details |
| Common Roles | Barista, waiter/waitress, kitchen hand, bar attendant, food runner, barista/all‑rounder |
| Average Pay | From AUD 33.05/hour (casual, Level 1 under the Hospitality Industry Award, effective 1 July 2026), up to around AUD 40/hour for higher classifications, plus tips in some venues |
| Work Hours | Early mornings, evenings, weekends; flexible shifts around classes |
| Skills Required | Customer service, teamwork, speed, basic cash handling, communication |
| Experience Needed | Not always required. But prior cafe or restaurant experience helps |
| Certifications (if any) | RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) for bars; barista course optional but useful |
| Job Difficulty Level | Moderately paced. However, it can be demanding during rush hours |
| Perks | Free or discounted meals, social environment, tips, flexible rosters |
| Best For | Students who enjoy people, want quick hiring and flexible shifts |
Retail Jobs
Overview: Working retail jobs at famous shopping centres or brands offers brand knowledge to students, making them better at customer service, building patience levels during peak and festive times, and in some cases also teaching students how to handle money. For students exploring the job scene, working retail jobs is one of the most ideal part-time jobs in Australia for students.
| Factor | Details |
| Common Roles | Sales assistant, cashier, stock replenishment, store assistant, brand ambassador |
| Average Pay | From AUD 34.76/hour (casual, Level 1 under the General Retail Industry Award, effective 1 July 2026), rising for higher classifications |
| Work Hours | Evenings, weekends, school holidays; part‑time rosters common |
| Skills Required | Customer service, communication, basic numeracy, merchandising |
| Experience Needed | Often none. Prior retail or customer‑facing experience is a plus |
| Certifications (if any) | None |
| Job Difficulty Level | Low to moderate. Can be taxing during sales or festive season |
| Perks | Staff discounts, predictable rosters, transferable skills |
| Best For | Students seeking steady hours and customer‑facing experience |
Delivery & Ride Services
Overview: It’s one thing to get your food delivered and a whole other thing to do the delivery. For students who are well-aware of the areas and locations, this job will be the most suitable. This gig teaches you about time management and also makes you street-smart.
| Factor | Details |
| Common Roles | Food delivery rider/driver, grocery delivery, parcel courier, rideshare driver |
| Average Pay | Varies by platform and tips. Often AUD 22–35/hour equivalent after expenses |
| Work Hours | Fully flexible. Peak demand at mealtimes and weekends |
| Skills Required | Navigation, time management, customer communication, basic bike/car maintenance |
| Experience Needed | None, apart from meeting the platform age requirements and holding a valid vehicle |
| Certifications (if any) | Valid driver’s licence/vehicle registration; some states require food handler training |
| Job Difficulty Level | Moderate. However, it can get a little risky during unpredictable weather and traffic-dependent conditions |
| Perks | Set your own hours, instant payouts on some apps, minimal interview process |
| Best For | Students who want maximum flexibility and already have a bike/car |
On-Campus Jobs
Overview: Finding roles on-campus is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to earn for students. Many side-gigs include taking up the job of a library assistant, student ambassador who helps onboard freshers and seniors moving to a level up, admin assistant and staff specifically chosen for the management of events. On-campus roles usually pay award rates and fit easily around classes.
| Factor | Details |
| Common Roles | Library assistant, student ambassador, admin assistant, lab monitor, event staff |
| Average Pay | AUD 26.44–35/hour depending on role and award (casual loading typically applies, pushing most roles toward the higher end) |
| Work Hours | During term. 8–15 hours/week, scheduled around classes |
| Skills Required | Communication, organisation, basic IT, customer service |
| Experience Needed | None |
| Certifications (if any) | None |
| Job Difficulty Level | Usually low to moderate |
| Perks | Close to classes, understanding employers, networking with staff |
| Best For | Students who want convenient, study‑friendly roles |
Tutoring
Overview: If you’ve got excellent communication, teaching skills and possess thorough subject knowledge, tutoring could be one of the high-paying student jobs in Australia. Many private schools and universities employ and look for students who are willing to teach mid-level and senior-level students.
| Factor | Details |
| Common Roles | Private tutor (school subjects), university peer tutor, language tutor, music tutor |
| Average Pay | AUD 30–45/hour. Higher for specialist subjects or exam prep |
| Work Hours | Evenings and weekends. Sessions of 1–2 hours |
| Skills Required | Subject mastery, patience, clear explanation, reliability |
| Experience Needed | Not always. Strong academic record and references help |
| Certifications (if any) | A Working With Children Check (WWCC) is usually required when tutoring students under 18. |
| Job Difficulty Level | Moderate. Requires thorough subject knowledge, preparation and consistency |
| Perks | High hourly rate, flexible scheduling, builds teaching skills |
| Best For | Confident students with strong grades in specific subjects |
Customer Service Roles
Overview: This is one of the best part-time jobs in Australia for students looking to explore the customer service field. While this job may need a lot of patience and reasoning, it helps build excellent communication skills and even empathy at times. Students can easily land a job at hotels, gyms or places that require a lot of communication with guests.
| Factor | Details |
| Common Roles | Call centre agent, receptionist, front desk, membership advisor, support assistant |
| Average Pay | Typically AUD 31–35+/hour (casual), depending on the applicable award and classification — some roles offer a higher base plus incentives |
| Work Hours | Rosters may include evenings/weekends. Some remote options exist |
| Skills Required | Phone/email etiquette, problem‑solving, CRM basics, empathy |
| Experience Needed | Often none. However, prior customer service experience is always a bonus |
| Certifications (if any) | Usually none |
| Job Difficulty Level | Moderate. Can get boring but contributes toward skill building |
| Perks | Transferable skills, possible remote work, structured training |
| Best For | Students keen on corporate or admin career paths |
Freelancing & Remote Work
Overview: Freelancing can pay well for students with in-demand digital skills. Depending on the type of freelance gig students go for, their pay can vary accordingly. Freelancing allows extreme flexibility and the opportunity to work around their hours, without worrying about travel and other stress.
| Factor | Details |
| Common Roles | Content writer, graphic designer, social media manager, VA, web developer |
| Average Pay | Highly variable. AUD 25–60+/hour depending on skill and niche |
| Work Hours | Fully flexible. Project‑based deadlines |
| Skills Required | Niche skill (writing/design/code), client communication, time management |
| Experience Needed | Portfolio or samples often required more than formal experience |
| Certifications (if any) | None. Certifications can help credibility in some niches |
| Job Difficulty Level | Moderate to high. Client acquisition and self‑management required |
| Perks | Work from anywhere, build a portfolio, set your rates |
| Best For | Students with marketable digital skills and self‑discipline |
Wanna know which part-time job students prefer? Read this Reddit thread and find out the easiest and best part-time job in Australia they are doing.
What are the ultimate best part-time jobs for an international student? – r/AskAnAustralian
Know About Working Hours and Pay Scale in Australia for Students
| Category | Details |
| Work Limit During Study | Up to 48 hours per fortnight (any 14‑day period starting Monday) while your course is in session |
| Work During Scheduled Breaks | Unlimited hours during official semester breaks and holidays |
| Research Master’s/PhD Students | No work hour limits once a research Master’s or Doctoral degree has commenced |
| National Minimum Wage | AUD 26.44/hour (from 1 July 2026) |
| Casual National Minimum Wage | AUD 33.05/hour (includes 25% casual loading) |
| Award Rates | Many hospitality/retail roles pay above the minimum under industry awards |
| Tax | You’ll need a TFN. Tax is withheld from pay and reconciled at year‑end. |
No matter the job, you will always have a home to return to, unwind and relax. With UniAcco, explore a range of student accommodation options in Sydney and find a fully furnished room with all utility bills included.
🌏 Explore Student Accommodation in SydneyEligibility Criteria to Work Part-Time in Australia for Students
- Valid student visa (Subclass 500)
You need to hold a valid student visa (subclass 500) to be eligible to work in Australia. This is usually possible once your course commences. Your visa grant letter will have all the rules and regulations which you will need to follow to keep your visa.
- Enrolment in a registered course
Your visa will be associated with your full-time course where you have been enrolled. It only has to be an approved Australian education provider. If you fail to attend, suspend or drop from the chosen course mentioned in the visa, your work rights may be affected, and you could breach visa rules.
- TFN requirement
A Tax File Number is crucial as it makes you a legal and valid taxpayer to work in Australia. You can apply for a TFN online through the Australian Taxation Office once you’ve landed and started your course. Providing your TFN to your employer ensures you are taxed at the correct rate. Without it, tax is withheld at the highest rate.
- Following work-hour restrictions
While your course is in session, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. During official course breaks set by your education provider, you can work unlimited hours. Research Master’s and PhD students have no work-hour limits once their course has commenced.
- Some jobs may require certifications (RSA for alcohol service, WWCC for tutoring kids)
Some jobs may need certain short courses with certification, making you eligible to work that specific gig. For example, serving alcohol in bars or licensed venues requires an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate, while tutoring or working with children typically requires a WWCC (Working With Children Check). Employers cannot roster you in these roles without valid proof of certification.
- Compliance with the 48-hour fortnightly limit
This 48-hour cap applies to all fields and needs to be followed. It resets every fortnight on a Monday, and you must track your hours across multiple employers (if any) yourself. Exceeding the required hours can lead to a breach of your visa and can lead to cancellation.
- Required job-specific certifications
Certain part-time jobs in Australia for students require additional certifications or training. Such as barista training if you’re looking for a gig in a cafe, food safety supervisor certificates (for kitchen or supervisory roles), and occasionally first aid for campus or childcare positions. These courses are short (often one day) and typically cost between AUD 35–295 depending on the qualification and state.
Tips to Get a Good Part-Time Job in Australia for Students
- Tailor your resume for each job
When you match your resume, add the relevant keywords and design it to the job you’re applying for, it shows the employers you’re serious about this position and have researched the company. It makes it easier for the employer to shortlist your resume, or sometimes you might even be the best fit for the role. Just keep it concise, to one page only and mention everything in a brief manner.
- Apply early (especially peak hiring seasons)
Start looking well before peak seasons. Many businesses hire before Semester 1 begins (January–February) and ahead of the Christmas rush (October–November).
- Improve communication and soft skills
Practise soft skills and improve your communication skills, as most of these jobs need you to be good at customer service. Confidence also matters as much as experience, so groom yourself well before you apply.
- Be open to starting small
Don’t be scared of starting small. These small part-time jobs in Australia for students will only polish you and add to your skill set. Be it handling the shelf, helping out in the kitchen or just tending to the customers. Collect as many local references as you can; it might help you land a better job later on.
- Get certifications (RSA, Barista training)
An employer will always notice those short courses you’ve taken, such as Barista Training or RSA – these will bring opportunities to you, or you might be considered for the job. Similarly, for tutoring jobs, a WWCC will be incredibly helpful.
- Use networking smartly
Join every community and job group on Facebook or WhatsApp. Attend career fairs, introduce yourself and your experience as much as you can, collect their business cards and reach out to them as and when possible. All of these actions help you land a job, or if not, definitely get you noticed.
- Stay consistent and follow up on applications
The only way to land part-time jobs in Australia for students is to be consistent and not give up. Keep sending emails, follow up on applications and keep pitching yourself to new brands or companies. Something will eventually land.
Part-time jobs in Australia give students a practical way to earn, build skills and manage living costs while they study. Pay varies by role and award, so check the current Fair Work rates, stay within your visa’s 48-hour fortnightly limit, and use job boards, campus services and networking to find the role that suits you.
Don’t let the number of accommodation options overwhelm you. Get in touch with the UniAcco team for guidance in comparing your options and finding student accommodation that suits your needs and budget.
🏡 Explore Student Accommodation
LinkedIn
0 Comments