Working in Sydney

Learn how to navigate the Australian workforce and build experience as an international student.

Finding a job while you study is a great way to fund your lifestyle while making new friends. But how do you find a job? What are your rights at work? What help is available? And can you stay in Australia to work after you graduate?

To help you find the answers to these questions and more, we’ve put together this handy guide to working in Sydney as an international student.

Working in Australia: what you need to know

Working while you study

In most cases, international students holding a Student visa (subclass 500) (external link) can work while studying in Australia. Here are some key facts:

• You can start working once your course has commenced.
• You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session.
• The 48 hour per fortnight limit applies to breaks during the session, known as study vacation or StuVac. The limit also applies during assessment periods at the end of the session.
• If you are studying a master's degree by research or a doctoral degree, you can work more than 48 hours per fortnight.
• You can work unlimited hours during official vacation periods between teaching sessions. If you take a subject, do a clinical placement or participate in other compulsory academic activities during the vacation period, you may not be allowed to work unlimited hours for that period.
• Visa conditions and work rights (external link) may change over time, so check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest information.

You can find job opportunities through platforms like SEEK (external link), Indeed (external link), employer websites and our own job board, which is available exclusively to UTS students.
 
You’ll need a Tax File Number (TFN) to work in Australia. A TFN is a unique number issued by the Australian Taxation Office to help manage your tax records. You can apply for a TFN for free (external link) on the Australian Taxation Office website.

Post-study work opportunities in Australia

Interested in continuing your career in Australia after graduation? The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa allows eligible graduates to live and work in Australia after completing their studies. For most graduates, the visa duration ranges from 2 to 3 years, depending on the qualification completed. Students should refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for current eligibility requirements and conditions for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa (external link).

Your workplace rights

International students in Australia enjoy the same workplace protections as anyone else. Here are some of your rights at work. For more information, check out the Australian Government's guidance for international students (external link).

Fair pay

In Australia, you must be paid at least the national minimum wage (external link). You may also be entitled to a higher rate of pay depending on your industry.

Fair treatment

Your workplace must take steps to ensure your health and safety. You’re also protected from bullying, discrimination and harassment.

Freedom from exploitation

Some employers may try to exploit international student workers. This could look like:

• underpaying you
• pressuring you to sign agreements
• making you pay them back for costs
• asking you to work outside what’s allowed by your visa.

It’s important to know that your employer cannot cancel your visa, even if you have breached your visa conditions. If you run into trouble, you can approach the Fair Work Ombudsman (external link) for advice.