Travailler en etudiant en Australie 2026 : regles, droits et emplois

Working while studying in Australia is not just allowed — it is practically expected. The vast majority of international students in Australia hold a part-time job, and the country's work-rights framework is among the most generous in the world. Your Student Visa (Subclass 500) automatically grants you permission to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester, with unlimited hours during scheduled university breaks. Combined with Australia's high minimum wage of AUD$23.23 per hour (the highest in the OECD), even part-time work can make a meaningful contribution to your living expenses.

But working in Australia as an international student comes with rules, rights, and responsibilities that you need to understand before your first shift. This guide covers everything: the 48-hour fortnightly limit and how it changed from the old 40-hour rule in 2023, how to get a Tax File Number (TFN), understanding your superannuation (retirement savings) entitlements, knowing your rights under the Fair Work Act, the most common and highest-paying student jobs, and practical strategies for finding work. We also address the risks — including what happens if you breach your visa work conditions.

For broader context on life as a student in Australia, visit our Study in Australia country hub. If you are interested in your career options after graduation, see our post-study work visa guide. And for a full breakdown of costs and how work income fits into your budget, check our costs and funding guide.

Your Work Rights: The 48-Hour Fortnightly Rule

Since 1 July 2023, international students on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) have been permitted to work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight during semester. This replaced the previous 40-hour-per-fortnight limit that had been in place since 2008. A "fortnight" means any rolling 14-day period — it is not tied to calendar weeks or pay cycles. You need to track your hours continuously to ensure you do not exceed the limit across any 14-day window.

Key Rules You Must Know

• 48 hours per fortnight during semester: This includes all forms of work — paid employment, unpaid work, volunteer work that would normally be paid, and work in your own business. It does not include unpaid volunteer work for a charitable organisation.
• Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks: During your university's official semester breaks (vacation periods), you can work unlimited hours. The break must be a scheduled part of your course — a break between dropping out and re-enrolling does not count.
• Work cannot start until your course has commenced: You cannot begin working before the first day of your course, even if you arrive in Australia weeks earlier. Use the pre-semester period to settle in, attend orientation, and search for jobs.
• Research students: If you are enrolled in a master's by research or PhD program, the 48-hour fortnightly limit does not apply once your course has commenced. You can work unlimited hours.
• Coursework students doing work placement: If your course includes a mandatory work placement, internship, or practicum, those hours do not count toward your 48-hour fortnightly limit, provided the placement is a registered component of your CRICOS-registered course.

What Happens If You Breach the Work Limit?

Breaching the 48-hour fortnightly work condition is a violation of your student visa. The consequences can be severe:

• Visa cancellation: The Department of Home Affairs can cancel your visa if they determine you have worked more than 48 hours in a fortnight. Cancellation can happen while you are in Australia or upon re-entry.
• Three-year exclusion period: If your visa is cancelled for a breach of conditions, you may face a three-year exclusion from applying for another Australian visa.
• Detection methods: The Department of Home Affairs cross-references visa holder data with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) records, Single Touch Payroll data, and employer records. They can identify patterns of excessive work hours with increasing accuracy.

The message is clear: track your hours carefully and do not exceed the limit. If you find that 48 hours per fortnight is not enough to cover your expenses, the solution is to adjust your budget or seek higher-paying work, not to work illegal hours.

Getting a Tax File Number (TFN)

A Tax File Number is your unique identifier in the Australian tax system, and you need one before you can start working legally. Without a TFN, your employer is legally required to withhold tax at the highest marginal rate (45% plus the Medicare levy), which means you would take home significantly less pay.

How to Apply

You can apply for a TFN online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website at ato.gov.au. The process is straightforward:

1. Go to the ATO's online TFN application for foreign passport holders
2. Provide your passport details, visa details, Australian address, and contact information
3. Submit the application online
4. Your TFN will be mailed to your Australian address within 28 days

Critical tip: Apply for your TFN as soon as you arrive in Australia and have an Australian address. The 28-day processing time means you should apply well before you start looking for work. You must be in Australia to apply — you cannot get a TFN while still overseas.

Tax Obligations

As a working student in Australia, you need to understand the basics of the tax system:

• Tax-free threshold: Australian residents for tax purposes can earn up to AUD$18,200 per year tax-free. Whether you qualify as a resident for tax purposes depends on your circumstances — most international students on courses longer than six months are treated as tax residents.
• Tax rates: Income above the tax-free threshold is taxed at progressive rates: 16% on income from $18,201 to $45,000, then 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000.
• Tax return: You must lodge a tax return for every financial year (1 July to 30 June) in which you earn income. Lodge online through myTax (part of the myGov platform). Many students receive a tax refund because their employer withheld more tax than necessary throughout the year.
• Leaving Australia: If you leave Australia permanently, you should lodge a final tax return covering the period up to your departure date. You may also be able to claim a refund of your superannuation (see below).

Superannuation (Retirement Savings)

Superannuation — "super" for short — is Australia's compulsory retirement savings system. If you earn more than AUD$450 per month from a single employer (this threshold was removed from 1 July 2022 — all employees now receive super regardless of earnings), your employer must contribute an additional 11.5% of your ordinary earnings into a superannuation fund on your behalf. This is on top of your wages — it does not come out of your pay.

Key Points for International Students

• You are entitled to super: Your visa status does not affect your super entitlements. Every employer must pay super contributions for you.
• Choosing a fund: Your employer will ask you to nominate a super fund. If you do not choose one, your contributions go into the employer's default fund. Popular low-fee options include AustralianSuper, Sunsuper, and REST.
• Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP): When you permanently leave Australia, you can claim your accumulated super as a lump-sum payment. This is called a DASP and is available to temporary visa holders (including student visa holders) after your visa has expired or been cancelled. The DASP is taxed at 65% for most temporary residents (35% for working holiday visa holders). Despite the high tax rate, claiming your DASP is free money you would otherwise leave behind.
• How to claim: Apply through the ATO's online DASP application at ato.gov.au/super after you leave Australia and your visa has expired or been cancelled.

Minimum Wage and Pay Rates

Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world. The national minimum wage as of 1 July 2025 is AUD$23.23 per hour (or AUD$882.80 per 38-hour week for full-time employees). However, most students work under an award — an industry-specific minimum pay rate set by the Fair Work Commission that is often higher than the national minimum. The most common awards for student workers include:

Award / Industry	Base Hourly Rate (casual, incl. loading)	Common Roles
General Retail Industry Award	$28.26	Retail assistant, sales, cashier
Hospitality Industry (General) Award	$29.04	Waiter, barista, kitchen hand
Fast Food Industry Award	$28.26	Fast food crew, delivery
Cleaning Services Award	$28.96	Office cleaning, residential cleaning
Storage Services and Wholesale Award	$29.10	Warehouse packing, inventory

Important: Most student jobs are casual positions, which means you receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate in lieu of paid leave entitlements. This is why the rates in the table above are higher than the base national minimum wage. Casual loading compensates you for not receiving paid annual leave, personal leave, or notice of termination.

Penalty Rates

Working on weekends, public holidays, or late-night shifts triggers penalty rates — higher hourly pay rates that can significantly boost your earnings:

• Saturday: Typically 125–150% of the base rate (before casual loading)
• Sunday: Typically 150–175% of the base rate
• Public holidays: Typically 200–250% of the base rate
• Evening/night shifts: An additional 10–30% loading depending on the award

Penalty rates are one of the reasons many students prefer weekend and evening shifts — the hourly earnings are substantially higher. A casual hospitality worker earning $29.04 per hour on a weekday can earn over $50 per hour on a Sunday with penalty rates applied.

Your Rights Under the Fair Work Act

The Fair Work Act 2009 protects all workers in Australia, regardless of visa status. International students have exactly the same workplace rights as Australian citizens. These rights are enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), and the FWO has consistently stated that it will not report undocumented or breaching visa holders to Immigration when they come forward to report workplace exploitation.

Key Workplace Rights

• Minimum pay rates: You must be paid at least the relevant award rate. Being paid below the minimum wage is illegal, full stop.
• Pay slips: Your employer must give you a pay slip within one working day of each pay day. The pay slip must show your hours worked, hourly rate, gross and net pay, tax withheld, and super contributions.
• Superannuation: Your employer must pay super contributions on top of your wages.
• Safe working conditions: Your employer must provide a safe workplace and appropriate training.
• No discrimination: You cannot be treated less favourably because of your visa status, nationality, race, gender, or religion.
• No cash-in-hand payment below award rates: Some employers, particularly in hospitality and food service, may offer to pay you "cash in hand" at rates below the legal minimum. This is illegal. It also puts you at risk: you have no pay records, no super, no tax compliance, and no recourse if you are injured at work.

What to Do If You Are Being Underpaid or Exploited

Wage theft — paying workers less than their legal entitlement — is a serious problem in Australia, and international students are disproportionately affected. Studies by the University of New South Wales and the Migrant Workers' Centre have found that up to one in three international students report being paid below the minimum wage. If you believe you are being underpaid:

1. Check your pay rate using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator at fairwork.gov.au/pay
2. Keep records of your hours worked, pay received, and any communications with your employer
3. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman at fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94. The FWO provides a free interpreter service for over 40 languages
4. Contact your university's legal service — most universities offer free legal advice for students
5. Report to the ATO if your employer is not paying your super or is paying cash-in-hand without proper tax records

Critical reassurance: The Fair Work Ombudsman has a formal agreement with the Department of Home Affairs that protects visa holders who report exploitation. Reporting underpayment will not trigger visa cancellation. The Australian Government's priority is to catch exploitative employers, not to punish the students they exploit.

Most Popular Student Jobs in Australia

International students in Australia work in a wide range of industries, but some sectors are particularly popular because they offer flexible hours, no prior Australian experience requirement, and decent pay. Here are the most common options:

Hospitality and Food Service

By far the most common sector for student workers. Roles include barista, waiter/waitress, kitchen hand, food runner, bartender, and delivery driver. Hospitality jobs are abundant in every Australian city and offer highly flexible scheduling — essential when you need to work around a class timetable. The casual hourly rate starts at around AUD$29 per hour (including casual loading), with penalty rates on weekends and holidays. Tips are not expected in Australia but are increasingly common, particularly in upscale restaurants and cafes.

Retail

Supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi), department stores (Kmart, Target, Big W), and specialty retailers regularly hire international students for casual roles. Pay starts at around AUD$28 per hour casual, with penalty rates on weekends. Retail jobs often provide 10–20 hours per week, which fits well within the 48-hour fortnightly limit.

Tutoring and Teaching

If you have strong academic skills, tutoring is one of the highest-paying student jobs. Private tutoring in subjects like mathematics, science, English, and university-level courses pays AUD$40–$80 per hour depending on the subject and level. Platforms like Cluey Learning, Tutero, and Superprof connect tutors with students. University tutoring positions (demonstrator/tutor roles within your own department) typically pay AUD$45–$55 per hour and look excellent on your CV.

Freelance and Online Work

Students with skills in web development, graphic design, content writing, data analysis, or social media management can find freelance work through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com (an Australian company, incidentally). Freelance rates vary widely, but skilled developers and designers can earn AUD$50–$100+ per hour. Important note: freelance hours count toward your 48-hour fortnightly limit, and you need an Australian Business Number (ABN) if you are self-employed.

Warehouse and Logistics

E-commerce growth has driven strong demand for warehouse workers, particularly during peak seasons (November–January). Companies like Amazon, Toll, and StarTrack hire casual warehouse staff at rates of AUD$29–$35 per hour. The work is physical but requires no prior experience.

On-Campus Jobs

Many universities employ students in roles such as library assistants, IT helpdesk staff, student ambassadors, peer mentors, and research assistants. On-campus jobs are convenient, supportive of your academic schedule, and provide Australian work experience. Pay ranges from AUD$28 to AUD$45 per hour depending on the role.

How to Find a Job

Finding your first job in Australia can take time — expect 2–6 weeks of active searching. Here are the most effective strategies:

• University careers services: Your university's careers centre is the best starting point. They maintain job boards, run resume workshops, and connect students with employers who specifically want to hire students.
• Online job boards: Seek.com.au (Australia's largest job board), Indeed.com.au, Jora, and CareerOne all have extensive part-time and casual job listings. Filter by "casual" or "part-time" and your location.
• In-person applications: For hospitality and retail jobs, walking into businesses with a printed resume is still surprisingly effective in Australia. Approach cafes, restaurants, and shops in your area during quiet times (mid-morning on weekdays) and ask to speak to the manager.
• Networking: Many jobs are never advertised. Tell classmates, housemates, and anyone you meet that you are looking for work. Word-of-mouth referrals are particularly powerful in the hospitality industry.
• Gig economy platforms: Airtasker (an Australian task-based platform), Uber, DoorDash, and Menulog offer flexible work, though gig-economy earnings can be inconsistent. Note that gig-economy work counts toward your fortnightly hour limit.

Balancing Work and Study

The 48-hour fortnightly limit exists precisely because the Australian Government recognises that studying is your primary purpose. Research consistently shows that students who work more than 15–20 hours per week during semester experience lower grades and higher stress. Here are practical strategies for maintaining the balance:

• Set a weekly hours target: Aim for 16–20 hours per week (32–40 hours per fortnight) during semester. This leaves a buffer below the 48-hour limit and gives you enough time for study.
• Prioritise flexible employers: Choose employers who understand your student status and will adjust your roster around exam periods and assignment deadlines.
• Front-load work during breaks: Semester breaks are your opportunity to work unlimited hours and build up savings. Many students work full-time during the December–February summer break and reduce hours during semester.
• Track your hours meticulously: Use a spreadsheet or app to track your hours across all jobs. The 48-hour limit applies to all work combined, not per employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start working as soon as I arrive in Australia?

No. You can only start working once your course has commenced. If you arrive weeks before orientation, use that time to settle in, set up your bank account, apply for a TFN, and look for jobs — but you cannot actually start working until the first day of your course.

What is the difference between the old 40-hour rule and the current 48-hour rule?

Before 1 July 2023, students could work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight. The Government increased this to 48 hours per fortnight from 1 July 2023. The mechanism is the same — it is a rolling 14-day period — but you now have an additional 8 hours of permitted work.

Do volunteer work and unpaid internships count toward the 48-hour limit?

Unpaid volunteer work for a registered charity or non-profit organisation does not count. However, unpaid work that would normally be a paid position (such as an unpaid "trial shift" at a restaurant) does count. Mandatory course placements, internships, and practicums that are part of your CRICOS-registered course do not count.

How much can I realistically earn while studying?

Working 20 hours per week at the casual hospitality rate of AUD$29 per hour, you would earn approximately AUD$580 per week (before tax), or roughly AUD$2,320 per month. This is enough to cover rent in most cities (except Sydney) plus a significant portion of your living expenses. During semester breaks with full-time work (38 hours/week), earnings increase to approximately AUD$1,100 per week.

What is a Tax File Number and do I need one?

A TFN is your unique tax identifier. You need one to ensure you are taxed at the correct rate — without a TFN, your employer must withhold tax at the highest rate (45%). Apply through the ATO website as soon as you have an Australian address. It takes up to 28 days to arrive by mail.

Can I claim my superannuation when I leave Australia?

Yes. After you permanently leave Australia and your visa expires or is cancelled, you can apply for a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) through the ATO. The payment is taxed at 65% for most temporary visa holders. Despite the high tax rate, it is money you would otherwise lose, so always claim your DASP.

What should I do if my employer is paying me less than the minimum wage?

Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman at fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94. The FWO has an explicit policy of not reporting visa holders who come forward about underpayment. Your university's student legal service can also help. Keep records of your hours and pay.

Can I start my own business on a student visa?

Yes, you can operate a business on a student visa, but any hours you spend working in the business count toward your 48-hour fortnightly limit during semester. You will need an Australian Business Number (ABN) and must comply with all tax obligations. During semester breaks, you can work unlimited hours in your business.