International students have the opportunity to work in Australia while studying. It can be a great way to experience the local culture and connect with the community.
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Like many international students, you may get a part-time or casual job to help pay your living expenses while you study in Australia. It is important to know that international students have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia and also understand the rules for your visa.
Here’s what you need to know before starting to work in Australia
- You are entitled to work 48 hours every fortnight during term time (unless you are a PhD and master’s by research student) and unlimited hours during your holiday breaks.
- You must be paid at least the minimum wage- all employees in the national workplace relations system get the minimum employment entitlements provided by the National Employment Standards. Most employees are also covered by an award or an enterprise agreement that sets out their minimum pay and conditions.
- You must pay tax on your income.
- You must receive a payslip.
- Visa holders and migrant workers have the same workplace entitlements and protections as all other employees in Australia, regardless of their migration status.
International students can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) for help if they’re having workplace issues.
This could be for issues such as not getting the right pay or other entitlements, like leave or notice.
The FWO is a government agency that helps everyone in Australia follow the laws that make all workplaces equal and fair. The FWO helps workers, including international students, and employers understand their rights and responsibilities at work and can also investigate suspected breaches of workplace laws.
Are your work rights at risk?
- International students have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia, but sometimes your work might not feel right.
- In addition to these general protections, employees also have the right to not be bullied or sexually harassed in the workplace. The FWO also has information on what bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination is in the workplace and where you can go to get help.
- Download the international students fact sheet produced by the FWO to help understand your basic workplace rights, where to obtain further information, and how to seek assistance from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Get advice and assistance by Phone - 13 13 94 Online - Fair Work Ombudsman
Need language help?
- There is free advice in multiple languages for anyone working in Australia.
- The Fair work Ombudsman (FWO) has a Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50.
- In addition, the FWO maintains a suite of in-language resources about workplace entitlements in the Language help section of their website.