Part Time Jobs in Australia for International Students 2026

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 places as well. Also, education might be cheaper than studying in the USA (the top choice for students planning to study abroad), but the living expenses in Australia are fairly high. As such, students studying in Australia can gain a good amount of pocket money to supplement their living costs and enjoy their stay there. For international students, Part-time jobs in Australia can guarantee an average hourly pay of AUD 20 - AUD 30 or a monthly average salary of AUD 54,000 - AUD 65,000.

Australia offers more than just permission to work while studying in Australia. Before deciding to go for higher education, one must know what it is like to work and live in Australia from India. Students should also check the cost of studying in Australia.

Top 10 Highest Paying Part Time Jobs in Australia for Students 2026

There are different types of student part time jobs available in Australia. These vary based on job roles and types along with hourly wages. Here is a list of the top 10 highest paying part time jobs in Australia for international students: 

Thus, these are some of the highest paying part time jobs in Australia in 2026. Applicants interested can also check out the top 10 highest paying jobs in Australia. 

Part-Time Work Permissions on Australian Student Visa

Those on student visas in Australia, permitted to study under Visa Subclass 500 are allowed to work up to 48 hours in a fortnight from July 1, 2023, 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 following Sunday. The hours can be divided at the student’s convenience. So, how much work international students can do in Australia can be understood through this example - 

• Week 1: Go for 15 hours of work
• Week 2: Aim for 30 hours of work
• Week 3: Go for 30 hours of work
• Week 4: Try for 10 hours of work.

Rules for Part Time Student Jobs in Australia

Those interested in part time jobs while studying in Australia, have to follow certain rules. Applicants must know their rights and read all the rules. A few things to remember as international students working part time in Australia while studying:

• Students cannot work until the session begins. For instance, say your course starts in January 2026, and you reach Australia by December 2026, then you cannot take up employment till your session begins.
• If casework is a normal part of the course curriculum you are enrolled in, then this limit does not apply. This is usually applicable in the case of compulsory internships or integrated courses.
• Also, students in the postgraduate research sector can work unlimited hours once their research or doctoral thesis begins. Also, if there are any preliminary courses the student has enrolled in, the student is eligible to work as per the 48 hours per fortnight rule mentioned above.
• Students completing the Australian study requirement can apply for a Post Study Work Permit under the Graduate Stream. However, students enrolled in an ELICOS cannot apply for a Post Higher Education 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 48 hours in a fortnight during the tenure of the course he/she is enrolled in. Only when the Research Course begins can the student be permitted to work unlimited hours.

Remember that you need to apply for and get a Tax File Number to work part-time. As an international student with a foreign passport, you can apply for a TFN online from their official website.

Other Australian Laws Applicable for International Working Students

To maintain transparency in laws, Australia has measures to protect international students' rights to work while studying. The Australian government grants all students the same privilege to work while studying. As such, they have the right to:

• A minimum wage as stipulated under the Fair Work Act 2009
• The challenge of unfair dismissal from the job
• Breaks and rest periods
• A healthy and safe work environment

Verifying Work Rights via VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online)

Before hiring an international student, whether for part-time work during studies or full-time work on a Post-Study Work visa in Australia, its employers almost always run a VEVO check. VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) is the Australian government's official system that lets visa holders, employers, education providers and other organisations check visa conditions online. It's not just a formality: employers are legally responsible for confirming a candidate's work rights, and can be fined if they hire someone without valid entitlements. What this means for students:

Other Popular Part-Time Jobs in Australia for International Students

If you are a professional who is taking up further education in Australia, you can apply for and get a job that is commensurate with your qualifications. Apart from that, usually, Indian students get part-time jobs in the following sectors 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 personally as well as in institutions

Benefits of Part-Time Jobs in Australia on Student Visa

Apart from earning a few extra bucks, there are other benefits of working part time in Australia while studying on a student visa. Some of the benefits of part-time jobs in Australia for international students include the following:

• Helps cover living expenses in Australia, along with management of daily costs and sometimes tuition fees. Basically, part-time jobs in Australia financially support students.
• Students can work for up to 48 hours a fortnight when classes are running. However, unlimited working hours are permitted during semester breaks.
• In Australia, part-time jobs help students build their work experience locally which can be mentioned in resumes.
• Part time jobs also allows students to work in top companies and understand how an industry works. This is beneficial for those looking at full time jobs in Australia.
• These jobs help applicants with time management, discipline, independence and adaptability from an early stage. Thus, they are being prepared for bigger challenges later.
• Students can avail staff meals, product discounts also employee travel concessions while working part-time in Australia. These are though small but are useful savings.

How to Find Jobs in Australia While on Student Visa?

Finding part time high paying jobs in Australia is simple. Applicants can look for jobs both ways - online and offline. There are two to three media through which applicants can look for part time jobs. These are as follows:

1. Job Portals: There are various job portals which list part time jobs for students in Australia. Example: Indeed, Seek, WorkForce Australia and a few others.
2. University Career Portals: The Australian universities that have career portals also list vacancies for part time jobs for students. Applicants can shortlist and apply from there.
3. Networking: Part time student jobs can also be found through networking. Applicants can apply via LinkedIn or similar professional networking apps. 
4. Newspapers/Classified Ads: Newspapers also print classified ads for part time student jobs in Australia. Applicants can keep a regular check for the same.

To conclude, Australia offers part-time jobs across various sectors and industries in Australia for international students. While it would not be enough to cover the tuition fees, it can usually assist them with a moderate living style. Also, Indian students have many options available to work part-time in Australia. Hence, if you plan to study in Australia, be assured there is more to it than quality education. All the best!