- By Humayra Arshi
- July 28, 2025
- Study in Australia
Summary
Australia offers various work opportunities for international students, particularly in hospitality, retail, and tourism, often found in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Securing employment involves understanding visa conditions, utilizing university career services, and exploring online job boards to find suitable roles that balance study commitments with financial needs.
Studying in Australia is a dream for thousands of students worldwide. The country’s unparalleled quality and standard of education create internationally recognized qualifications that offer students the best career opportunities. Australia is a preferred destination for pursuing higher education among international students, particularly those from various parts of Asia. Australia’s bustling metropolitan areas, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, the Gold Coast, and Adelaide, provide an ideal environment for academic excellence while offering international students opportunities for ongoing work experience.
Let’s get a brief idea about finding part-time work in Australia before you arrive –
Working Part-Time while Studying
Having extra money in your pocket allows you more experience during your time in the country. It can help you explore the country’s rich natural beauty, as well as its historical sites and modern marvels. It allows you to make new friends and improve your language skills while experiencing the excellent new food options available in Australia’s multicultural cities.
Compliance Guidelines for Working Part-Time
If you are an international student who wants to study and work part-time while you study, there are some important things to know about studying in Australia. Here is everything you need to understand about working part-time in Australia:
Work Hours
Suppose you are enrolled as a full-time student, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, the Australian government allows you to work a maximum of 24 hours per week during the academic year. However, when there are breaks from your studies, like summer vacation, you can work full-time if you have the proper visa.
Visa Authorization
When you apply for a student visa in Australia, it automatically permits you to work part-time or full-time. However, please note that you can only apply for this visa after being accepted by an Australian university or college, and you cannot start working until your course has commenced. Before searching for a job, it’s a good idea to ensure your visa permits you to work. You can check this using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
Health Insurance
Once you are enrolled in a program, you will need to contact your university to get Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance. You must have this insurance to continue working, whether it is full-time or part-time, in Australia.
Tax File Number:
To work in Australia, international students need a special number called a Tax File Number (TFN). It is pretty easy to get one –
Visit the Australian Taxation Office.
Give them your name, address, and birthdate. They may also request your passport details upon arrival in Australia and your enrollment papers.
Once you have your Tax File Number, you can work while you are studying in Australia as an international student!
Ways to Find Part-Time Work while Studying
Create your profile on online job portals. Regularly check listing websites like https://www.gumtree.com.au/ for casual job roles.
Networking is essential. Meet new people and build your personal and professional network.
Increase your eligibility for getting jobs by using the Developing Employability Student Starter Kit.
Regularly check job notice boards at your university.
You can get help from professional recruitment agencies.
Ask your friends, colleagues, and university seniors about the vacancies in your area and for possible references.
The Australian government provides the same workplace protection to all international students as it does for Australian workers. As an international student, you can work up to 40 hours every two weeks or fortnightly and unlimited hours during the university/school holidays. You will get paid at least the minimum wage per hour, regardless of your job type. As a student, you can expect strong support from your education provider, private organizations, and the Australian government throughout your time in the country.
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Level | Coverage | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards | Australian Government | UG/PG | Full funding + living expenses | Most comprehensive government program |
| Research Training Program | Australian Government | Master’s/PhD | Tuition + AUD 31,200 stipend | Research-focused funding |
| Melbourne Research Scholarships | University of Melbourne | Master’s/PhD | Full tuition + AUD 31,200 living allowance | 600 scholarships available annually |
| Deakin University Scholarships | Deakin University | PG/PhD | AUD 28,600 stipend + benefits | Fully funded research programs |
| CDU Merit Scholarship | Charles Darwin University | Foundation/UG | 30% first year tuition reduction | Interview-based selection |
| Adelaide International | University of Adelaide | UG/PG | 15-30% tuition reduction | Automatic consideration |
| Griffith Excellence | Griffith University | UG/PG | Merit-based partial funding | Academic excellence focus |
| RMIT Scholarships | RMIT University | Various | Partial to full funding | Wide range of programs |
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships in Australia
Step 1: Research and Target Selection
- Identify universities and programs aligned with your academic background and career goals
- Review scholarship eligibility criteria and application requirements carefully
- Consider both government and university-specific opportunities
- Utilize PFEC Bangladesh’s scholarship matching services for personalized recommendations
Step 2: Document Preparation
- Academic Records: Transcripts, certificates, and academic references
- English Proficiency: IELTS (minimum 6.5), TOEFL (minimum 79), or PTE (minimum 58)
- Standardized Tests: GMAT/GRE scores where required
- Supporting Documents: Statement of Purpose, CV/resume, letters of recommendation
- Additional Requirements: Research proposals for research programs, portfolios for creative fields
Step 3: Application Strategy
- Apply for university admission first (required for most scholarships)
- Submit scholarship applications by specified deadlines (typically 3-6 months before program start)
- Many scholarships offer automatic consideration with admission applications
- Apply to multiple scholarships to maximize funding opportunities
Step 4: Follow-up and Preparation
- Monitor application status through university portals
- Prepare for interviews if required for competitive programs
- Plan for student visa applications upon scholarship confirmation
- Research accommodation and settlement arrangements
PFEC Bangladesh Scholarship Support
- Start Early: Begin research and preparation 12-18 months before intended study start date
- Maintain Academic Excellence: Most scholarships require CGPA between 2.5-4.0, with top awards requiring 3.5+
- Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and community involvement
- Meet English Requirements: Achieve IELTS 6.5+ to qualify for most scholarship programs
- Tailor Applications: Customize each application to specific scholarship criteria and university values
- Apply Broadly: Students can apply for multiple scholarships to maximize funding opportunities
- Seek Professional Guidance: Utilize PFEC Bangladesh’s expertise for application optimization and deadline management
