Study and Work in Australia: An Extensive Guide

Australia is one of the most sought-after educational hubs. Known for its picturesque landscapes, Australia has a thriving student community with fascinating opportunities. International students have the extraordinary chance to get employment while they are pursuing their academics in Australia. This is quite unique, as many countries do not permit international students to work while they are enrolled in educational programs.

Additionally, international students also acquire the same privileges as other working Australians. International students also need to be aware of their responsibilities as part of the workforce. While obtaining education in Australia with a valid study visa, international students are allowed to acquire employment for 48 hours every fortnight or 24 hours per week. Here is a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about work opportunities in Australia for international students:

What are the different kinds of work opportunities available for international students in Australia?

Australia offers three kinds of job opportunities for international students:

●  Full-time:

Generally, full-time roles do not have a fixed number of hours, but the roles and duties you need to fulfil are defined. Full-time employees are eligible to receive annual, paid, and sick leaves along with benefits that depend on the organization employing them. The employer needs to offer a notice in written to terminate before they cancel the contract of a full-time employee.

●  Part-time:

Typically, part-time jobs have a fixed number of hours per week, less than 24 hours. Part-time employees can get benefits such as sick, annual, and paid leave.

●  Casual work:

In casual work, international students can work for a limited amount of time, like during holidays or vacations. They are compensated on the basis of the number of hours per week they work. There are no benefits given to employees.

How can international students find employment while pursuing their education in Australia?

Here are some popular ways to help international students find employment while studying in Australia:

• Keep an eye on alumni groups, noticeboards, and job boards at their educational organization
• Contact employability services or careers at their academic university or college
• Participate in community groups or clubs
• Through peers, family, or friends at the university or college
• Get your contact details added to Australian recruitment agencies. Some popular agencies are Robert Half, Chandler Macleod, Hays Australia, and Ignite. International students can contact recruitment agencies via email or by phone to obtain a meeting
• Look for volunteering opportunities or internships to gain professional experience and enhance your network
• Use online resources like social media, Seek, Explore Jobs, Career One, and Graduate Australia to look for a role online

Checklist to complete before starting work in Australia

Here is a checklist of essential items that international students need to complete before starting a new job in Australia:

• Calculate the minimum wage in your occupation and industry. You can also opt for online resources such as the PACT calculator. In Australia, minimum wage is revised every year on the basis of the work that has already been done. It is important to review it at regular intervals. In case you are getting paid less than minimum wage, it is important to let the Fair Work Ombudsman know.
• Understand your employment contract, which contains all terms and conditions of your employment. It is important to read this thoroughly to get an idea of what is expected from the employee, their role in the organization, and benefits, such as written notice of termination of contract, annual leaves, sick leaves, and maximum working hours weekly.
• Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities and rights of working as an employee in Australia.
• International students have a right to work in a safe environment that does not pose any risk to their health. Your workspace must have proper safety procedures and training, including basic facilities like dining areas and bathrooms.
• The employer needs to provide a payslip within one day of the due date. Usually, the Australian workforce is paid monthly, fortnightly, and weekly. International students must keep track of their payslips to maintain their tax deductions and earnings.
• International students are also entitled to worker’s compensation, which protects them if they get sick or hurt at work. This is insurance that covers their treatment until they can get back to work.

Conclusion

International students get the unique opportunity to work while they study in Australia. This helps them manage various kinds of their finances, such as living, personal, transportation, entertainment and other expenses. Additionally, international students also get exposed to how the real world works, which contributes significantly to their professional and personal growth. The Australian government is committed to protecting the rights of international students as members of the workforce. By working while they study, international students will also acquire a better understanding of safety and health regulations as well as taxation.

Contact our experts at Landmark Immigration for more information on study in Australia.