Working part-time is a staple of international student life in Australia. Here’s everything you need to know about wages, work rights, visa rules, and protections under Fair Work laws.
Your Visa Work Rights
International students on a Student visa can work, but with limits during semester.
Work Limits by Study Period
| Period | Maximum Hours/Fortnight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| During teaching semester | 48 hours/fortnight | Includes all jobs combined |
| Scheduled course breaks | Unlimited | Work as much as you want |
| University holidays (mid-semester) | Unlimited | If it’s an official break |
| Pre-course study | Unlimited | Before your course officially starts |
| Post-course | Unlimited | After your final exam (if still visa-valid) |
Critical rule: The 48-hour limit applies to combined hours across all jobs. If you work two part-time jobs, their hours together cannot exceed 48/fortnight during semester.
Penalty: Exceeding 48 hours can breach your visa conditions, leading to cancellation. Don’t risk it.
Minimum Wage and Award Rates (April 2026)
National Minimum Wage
As of April 2026: A$24.95/hour (full-time or casual, before any deductions).
This is the legal minimum you can be paid. No legal job can pay less.
Casual Loading
Casual employees (most students are casuals) get a 25% loading added to their base hourly rate.
Calculation:
- Base rate: A$24.95/hour
- Casual loading: 25% = A$6.24/hour
- Total casual rate: A$31.19/hour
This loading compensates for no paid leave, no sick days, and uncertain hours.
Modern Award Rates
Some industries (hospitality, retail, healthcare, education) have Modern Awards that set higher minimum rates than the national minimum.
Common awards for student work:
| Industry | Award | Minimum Rate (April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | General Retail | A$22.71/hour (base) + 25% casual = A$28.39 |
| Hospitality | Hospitality | A$23.66/hour (base) + 25% casual = A$29.58 |
| Fast food | Hospitality (fast food) | A$21.44/hour (base) + 25% casual = A$26.80 |
| Café / Bar | Hospitality | A$23.66/hour (base) + 25% casual = A$29.58 |
| Supermarket | General Retail | A$22.71/hour (base) + 25% casual = A$28.39 |
| Cleaning | Contract Cleaning | A$22.83/hour (base) + 25% casual = A$28.54 |
Important: Your employer must pay the award rate (or higher) for your industry. If they don’t, it’s illegal.
How to check your award rate: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-my-award
Typical Student Jobs and Hourly Pay (April 2026)
| Job | Industry | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Café barista | Hospitality | A$28–$32 |
| Fast-food worker | Fast food | A$25–$30 |
| Supermarket cashier | Retail | A$27–$33 |
| Retail sales | Retail | A$27–$35 |
| Tutor | Education | A$30–$60 (varies by qualification) |
| Cleaner | Cleaning | A$27–$35 |
| Delivery driver | Logistics | A$28–$40 (may include vehicle allowance) |
| Babysitter | Child care | A$20–$30 (often informal, no award applies) |
| English teacher (private) | Education | A$35–$70 |
| Freelance writer/translator | Services | A$25–$50+ |
Your Rights as an Employee
Australian Fair Work laws apply to all workers, including international students.
You Have the Right To:
- Minimum wage: Never less than award rate (see above).
- Safe workplace: Free from hazards, proper equipment, safe conditions.
- Paid leave entitlements: Part-time/casual workers entitled to annual leave accrual (usually A$0.77 per hour, paid out on separation or used if allowed).
- Payslip: Detailed statement showing hours, rate, deductions, tax withheld.
- No discrimination: Cannot be treated unfairly based on nationality, religion, disability, gender, age.
- Unfair dismissal: If fired, you can claim unfair dismissal (requires 6–12 months continuous service, depending on company size).
What’s NOT Required:
- Paid sick leave (most casuals don’t get it, but good employers offer personal leave).
- Paid annual leave (accrues but may not be paid until you leave).
- Superannuation contributions (mandatory for employees, but often not for casuals under 18 hours/week).
Your Payslip: What It Shows
Every pay period, you’ll receive a payslip (via email or printed). Here’s what to check:
| Item | Should Show |
|---|---|
| Hours worked | Total hours in pay period |
| Hourly rate | A$25–$35 (depending on award) |
| Gross pay | Hours × Rate (before tax) |
| Tax withheld | 37–45% if you don’t have a TFN; lower with TFN |
| Superannuation | 11.5–12% (if eligible) |
| Deductions | Any union fees, etc. |
| Net pay | Amount paid to your bank account |
Red flags:
- No payslip provided → illegal, report to Fair Work.
- Tax withheld is too high → likely missing TFN; provide it to employer.
- Hourly rate is below award → illegal.
- No record of hours → demand written record.
Superannuation: What You Need to Know
Superannuation (super) is Australia’s retirement savings system. Employers must contribute 11.5–12% of your gross pay to a super account.
Who’s Eligible?
- Eligible if: Earning A$360+/week AND 18+ years old AND employed for 6+ months.
- Not eligible: Usually if you work fewer than 18 hours/week (some exemptions).
What Happens to Your Super?
While you’re in Australia: Money sits in a super account in your name. You can’t withdraw it until retirement (age 60+).
When you leave Australia: You can apply for a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will pay out your super to your overseas bank account (minus tax).
Tax on DASP: Usually 35% tax + Medicare levy = 37% total. So you receive ~63% of your super balance.
Example: You earn A$15,000 and have A$1,800 super accrued. When you leave, you apply for DASP and receive ~A$1,134 (minus tax).
How to Access Your Super Balance
- Visit MySuper on your myGov account.
- Link ATO to myGov.
- Check all your super accounts (you may have multiple).
Tax and Working: TFN and Withholding
You Need a Tax File Number (TFN)
When you get a job, your employer will ask for your TFN (Tax File Number). Providing it is mandatory.
If you don’t have a TFN:
- Employer withholds tax at highest rate (45%+) on every payment.
- When you file a tax return, you claim a refund (if you earn below tax-free threshold).
With a TFN:
- Employer withholds at a lower rate (0–32.5%, depending on your income).
- End of financial year (30 June), you file a tax return and get a refund (if due).
See Tax File Number article for how to apply.
Tax Return: End of Financial Year
Australian financial year: 1 July – 30 June.
By 31 October, if you earned above the tax-free threshold (A$18,200), you must lodge a tax return.
How to lodge:
- Visit ATO online (myTax).
- Enter income, deductions (none for students, usually).
- ATO calculates tax owed or refund due.
- Refund issued (if due) within 2–4 weeks.
Example: You earned A$18,000 during FY2025-26 (July 2025 – June 2026). By 31 October 2026, lodge a return. You owe no tax (below threshold) and may get a refund of excess withholding.
Common Work Scenarios and Legality
Scenario 1: You’re Offered Cash-in-Hand (No Tax, No Record)
Is it legal? No.
Why? Employer is avoiding:
- Tax witholding.
- Superannuation contributions.
- Payslip requirements.
Your risk:
- If audited, you can be held liable for tax owed + penalties.
- No record of employment if needed for visa renewal or future references.
- No superannuation accrual.
Recommendation: Decline and find a legitimate job.
Scenario 2: You Work 50 Hours/Fortnight During Semester
Is it legal? No (visa breach).
Penalty:
- Visa cancellation.
- Deportation.
- Difficulty getting future Australian visas.
What to do if asked: Politely decline and explain the 48-hour limit.
Scenario 3: You’re Paid A$20/Hour (Below Award)
Is it legal? No (underpayment).
What to do:
- Request a payslip (in writing).
- Report to Fair Work Ombudsman: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/contact-us
- Fair Work will investigate; if underpaid, employer must backpay.
No retaliation: Employer cannot fire you for reporting wage theft. It’s illegal.
Scenario 4: Employer Threatens Deportation If You Complain
Is it legal? Absolutely not. This is illegal coercion.
What to do:
- Contact Fair Work Ombudsman (free, confidential).
- Contact university international student office.
- Contact migration lawyers (free legal advice available).
Protection: International students have the same legal rights as Australian workers.
Reporting Workplace Issues
Fair Work Ombudsman
The Fair Work Ombudsman is your free resource for workplace disputes.
Contact: 1300 799 675 (free call) or https://www.fairwork.gov.au
Services:
- Wage theft reporting.
- Unfair dismissal claims.
- Award rate disputes.
- General workplace advice.
Process:
- Call or lodge complaint online (confidential).
- Fair Work investigates.
- If violation confirmed, employer must remedy (backpay, reinstatement, etc.).
FAQ
Q: How many hours can I work while studying? A: 48 hours/fortnight during semester (teaching weeks). Unlimited during official course breaks and holidays.
Q: Can I work for my university? A: Yes. University work still counts toward the 48-hour limit during semester. No exceptions.
Q: What if I work two part-time jobs? A: Combined hours must not exceed 48/fortnight during semester. E.g., 24 hours at Café + 20 hours at Retail = 44 hours/fortnight (legal).
Q: Do I need a TFN to start work? A: No, but you should get one immediately (usually within 2 weeks of arrival). Without it, your employer withholds tax at the highest rate.
Q: Can I claim my work expenses on tax? A: Minimal. Work-related deductions are narrow (uniform, tools, travel if not regular commute). Most student workers have no deductions.
Q: What if my employer doesn’t pay the award rate? A: It’s illegal. Report to Fair Work Ombudsman; they will force backpay.
Q: Can I be fired for joining a union? A: No. Union membership is protected by law.
Q: Is superannuation deducted from my pay? A: No. Employer contributes an additional 11.5–12% on top of your pay. You don’t see it deducted; it goes directly to your super account.
Q: Can I withdraw my super while I’m in Australia? A: No. Super is locked until retirement (age 60+), except for the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment when you leave Australia.
Q: How do I calculate my weekly earnings? A: Multiply your hourly rate by hours worked per week. E.g., A$30/hour × 12 hours/week = A$360/week gross.
Sources
- Fair Work Ombudsman
- ATO: Working as a Student
- Department of Home Affairs: Student Visa Work Rights
- Modern Awards Finder
- mySuper
Last reviewed: April 2026. Cost figures move with inflation — verify with the linked source if you’re budgeting precisely.