Working part-time while you complete your course is a great way to earn extra money, meet new people and build your experience ahead of graduation.
However, before you start searching for student jobs in Melbourne, there are a few things you need to know.
Working on a student visa
If you hold a Student (subclass 500) visa, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during term breaks and holidays. This ensures that you can focus on your learning while gaining valuable work experience.
However, it is important that working part time does not interfere with your studies. While employed, you must remain enrolled in your course, meet all attendance requirements and maintain satisfactory academic results.
Opening a bank account
To be paid while working in Australia, you will need to open a bank account. You can open a bank account online before arriving in Australia or when you get here.
Tax File Number
You will need to have a Tax File Number (TFN) to work while you are here. Once you have arrived, you can apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office.
If you are in Australia for more than six months, you will be considered a resident for tax purposes and will have to pay income tax and submit an international student tax return each year.
Police and Working with Children checks
For some jobs, you may be asked to provide a police check. This is a summary of your criminal history or involvement with the justice system. You can request a police check online via the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
In jobs where you are in contact with children, such as education or childcare, you must submit a Working with Children Check. This may be required for paid employment, volunteering and internships. You can apply through the Working with Children Check website.
Australian Business Number
Most students will not need an Australian Business Number (ABN) to work in Australia. You are only required to have an ABN if you run your own business or are an independent contractor (e.g. a freelancer, rideshare driver or food courier).
What kind of jobs can international students get?
The best jobs for students are part-time or casual roles. Retail, hospitality and customer service roles are particularly popular, as they usually offer flexible hours to suit your schedule.
In a part-time job, your employer will give you a set number of hours per week, although your shifts can vary. Part-time workers are entitled to paid annual leave and sick leave.
In addition to paid employment, you may have the opportunity to undertake an internship or work integrated learning (WIL) during your studies. These are unpaid positions that allow you to learn practical skills and gain hands-on experience before graduation. You can seek out these opportunities yourself, or you may be placed in one as part of your course. It’s important to note that you are entitled to the same workplace rights and protections in unpaid positions like these as you are in paid roles. If you are working part-time in addition to WIL, it’s crucial to be mindful about balancing these priorities.
You can seek out these opportunities yourself, or you may be placed in one as part of your course.
View transcript
[Music begins softly]
Gabrielle (JobWatch):
Working in Victoria as an international student, it’s important to know you have rights at work.
[On-screen text: What rights do I have?]
Gabrielle (JobWatch):
You are entitled to fair pay, safe conditions, and fair treatment at work—regardless of where you work or how many hours you work.
[On-screen text: What should I look out for?]
Gabrielle (JobWatch):
Understand your contract. If you’re working with an ABN or in gig work, the rules may be different, and underpayments are common.
[On-screen text: What if I’m being treated unfairly?]
Gabrielle (JobWatch):
If you’re being underpaid, unfairly dismissed, or treated poorly, you don’t have to deal with it alone.
[On-screen text: Where can I get help?]
Gabrielle (JobWatch):
You can get free legal advice and support at the Study Melbourne Hub.
We’re here to help you work safely, confidently, and legally.
[Music fades out]
[End of transcript]
How to find jobs in Melbourne
You can find student jobs in Melbourne and across Victoria on employment websites and social channels like LinkedIn.
Education providers also often have their own job boards. These are great places to find jobs for students, as well as graduate roles and internships.
Be on the lookout for employment scams
It's important for new international students in Victoria to be aware of employment scams and take necessary precautions while looking for work. These scams can mislead you about the availability, nature, and terms or conditions of employment, and can cause financial loss and legal issues.
To avoid employment scams, you should research the company before applying for a job and be wary of any job ads that sound too good to be true. Don't provide any personal or financial information unless you're sure the job offer is legitimate. You can also seek advice from the International Student Support team at your institution or the Australian Government's Fair Work Ombudsman.
Remember, if something seems suspicious or doesn't feel right, it's better to be safe than sorry. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek help to protect yourself from employment scams.
Ads can be misleading because:
- they don’t have enough information; or
- they are written to deliberately mislead you, because they want to hide from you what the job really is; or to make you think there’s a job when there isn’t.
- misleading job and business opportunity ads are unlawful under the Australian Consumer Law. They should be reported to the relevant authorities.
You should always find out more information from the employer. For example, you should find out about:
- the employment status (i.e. would you be a permanent/casual/fixed term employee? Will your hours be full time or part-time? Alternatively, will you be an independent contractor?)
- what type of work you would have to do (i.e. what are your duties)?
- if you would be covered by a Modern Award, Enterprise Agreement or an employment contract
- how much, when, and how you would be paid
- whether the gross pay includes or excludes superannuation
- where the employer operates from, etc.
You should receive direct answers to your questions. If the employer is avoiding answering any of these questions, then take this as a warning sign.
For more information read the JobWatch Fact Sheet.
Things to watch out for:
- Jobs that aren’t real jobs
- Misleading income claims
- Training courses disguised as employment
- Contracting jobs disguised as employment
- ‘Commission only’ jobs
- An instant interview.
Employment help and support
Looking for more career support? Your educational institution is a great place to start, as many offer career services, workshops, resume assistance and employment advice.
To learn more about your rights at work, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman’s fact sheet on rights and obligations for international students.
Remember, the team at the Study Melbourne Hub are always on hand to help. We offer regular events to build your employability skills and perfect your resume, and our team can also refer you to a free legal advice service if you have concerns related to your employment conditions.
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