Working during your studies is a great way to earn some extra money to enjoy your time and assist with any future job after graduation. However, your student visa comes with certain work restrictions. To ensure you get the best out of any job during your studies, you should be aware of these restrictions and also the best approaches to getting a job.
Student Visa Working Rights
Your visa generally allows you to work 40 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unrestricted hours when your course is not in session. A course is in session during term times (i.e. when you are studying). During holidays you can work as much as you like. Volunteer work (such as working for a charity) do not count towards the 40 hours, so long as the work is considered to be a benefit to the community.
You should know that you cannot start work in Australia until your course starts. This means you cannot come to Australia early and begin work.
What should you do to help the process
Before you start looking for work you should do a couple of admin tasks. Firstly, you open an Australian bank account so your work can pay you. You should also apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). A TFN is provided by the Australian Tax Office. This TFN will ensure that you are not taxed at a higher rate.
Finally, you should be aware of your rights at work. This includes being aware of the pay and conditions for your specific area of work. For more information please see the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
How can you find work?
The Australian labour market is strong for postgraduates with work experience. However, like all job hunting it may take time to find the right job for you. There are many sources you can use, as an international student, to find the right job. The best place to start would be with your university’s or school’s career team. The careers team know the Australian market well, know what employers are looking for and can help you with the application process. In addition to this, online job sites, alumni networks and recruiters are also good avenues to search for a job.
Leap also provides career services for its students. These services include resume review and interview preparation. Once you have a Leap loan we’ll begin to reach out and offer our services.
