Hopefully after reviewing this section you will know all you need to know to work in Australia while you are an international student, and after you graduate. There are many ways to find a job in Australia. The most common ways are through newspaper ads, employment agencies, government national employment services, and job networks. For the most part, searching for a job in Australia is no different than looking for a job anywhere.
Finding a Job

​One of the first things you should do when searching for a job is to research the companies you are interested in. After you have done your research, you should send in an application or resume to the company and schedule an interview. In order to acquire a job a student must exude good manners and punctuality when interviewing. Have your phone on you at all times in case a prospective employer calls. Be persistent even if they say no - Australians admire tough people. Remember when looking for a job that school comes first so the jobs you'll have to look for will have hours during the night.

​After you have the job

​These are a few things to make note of after you have secured a job in Australia .
  • Never sit down in front of an employer unless the job is designed so that you do so.
  • Don't show signs of tiredness, laziness, sickness, hang-over, etc. Australians frown upon and don't tolerate it.
  • Have good hygiene, be clean shaven, smell good, wear clean clothes, and comb your hair
  • If working around food, clean hands and nails are a must .
  • Classes come first over work (cannot miss class for work) .
  • Average pay is between A$10-A$15 an hour.
  • Student tutors average A$40 an hour.
  • You could get paid more for working on a Sunday or a holiday depending on your employer.
Couldn't stand washing dishes and scrubbing toilets at home? Those jobs that were unappealing at home will be different in a new country. They are the most easy to obtain and they immerse you in the culture. The fact that you will be in a new place with new and interesting people will be more important than what you are actually doing.
Typical jobs held by international students include:
  • Picking/packing fruits and vegetables
  • Shop assistant
  • Department store staff
  • Bartender
  • Kitchen hand
  • Waiter
  • Cleaner
  • Gardener
  • Clerical assistant
  • Babysitter
  • Tutor
  • Staff in fast food chain
  • Supermarket staff
  • Cinema staff
  • Translators
Struggling with English?

Having proficient English has its advantages but it is not essential. Those who are still struggling with English have many jobs they can still do. If you aren't skilled in English you can still get jobs washing dishes or cars, cleaning, picking/packing fruit and vegetables, and gardening.

​Working After Graduation

Unlike in some other English-speaking countries, there is no automatic right associated with your student visa to stay on and work for a period of time in Australia after you complete your degree. When you receive your student visa, the government lets you in on basis of temporary entry for study with the understanding that you will leave upon completion of course and before the visa will expire. However, Australia continues to have demand for foreign workers, and students that have earned a degree in Australia have a special work visa category. There are also several other visa categories open to international students, and Australia has a very straightforward path to permanent residency using a points system . If you want to stay and work after you graduate, you must apply and obtain a work visa.

The point evaluations will be assessed along with your application to see if you qualify. These are a few of the items that gain you points:
  • English ability or mastery
  • Occupation in demand
  • between 19 and 44 yrs of age
  • Work experience
  • Australian qualifications (length of study)
  • Sponsorship
To see if you have enough points to pass use the point calculator.

If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us!