Can I work and can my family work while I am studying?
Last Modified: 13/Jul/2024
Obtaining a part-time job is an excellent way to meet new people and gain new skills. While studying in Australia on a student visa, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours a fortnight during the semester, with no limit on the number of hours you can work during semester breaks. If you are a masters by research or doctoral degree student, there are no limits on the number of hours you may work.
Additionally, your family (your spouse/partner and unmarried dependents under the age of 18) may also work in Australia without limits while you are studying.
Types of work
In Australia, full-time (38 hours or more per week) and part-time (less than 38 hours per week) employees agree to work a fixed number of hours per week for their employer, and generally have a set salary or wage which includes benefits such as paid sick leave and holiday leave.
A casual worker will usually have varied work hours from week to week depending on the needs of the business and they are not entitled to paid leave and are not guaranteed a minimum number of hours of work per week. However, casual employment generally attracts a higher rate of pay per hour to compensate for this difference.
Rates of pay start from around AUD$20 per hour in entry level roles across sectors such as retail and hospitality. To ensure you are receiving a fair rate of pay for the work you are considering check the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Check out Study Adelaide’s JobShop for more advice on working while you study in Australia.
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