Study and Work in Australia: Everything You Need to Know

Australian universities are considered as a popular choice for international students in terms of high quality education, multicultural environment, and excellent employment prospects. 

When you become a student in Australia, you are able to gain globally accepted qualifications, develop your skills in the workplace, and enjoy life in a secure, fun-loving, and vibrant nation.

This guide will show you, step by step, exactly what you need to know to get the most out of your study/work experience in Australia.

Key Takeaways

• Australia has high-class education systems, diverse culture, and valuable job experiences.
• International students can work part-time, gain experience, and explore post-study pathways.
• Smart planning and balance assists students in thriving academically, professionally, and personally.

Why Is Australia the Perfect Place to Study and Work? 

World-Class Education

With education in Australia, you will get degrees from some of the best universities globally, giving you credentials that are recognized across international boundaries.

For many years Australia’s higher-education institutions have consistently appeared in top global rankings, highlighting its strength in education standards and student satisfaction.

Given its excellent education system, you will receive academic excellence along with a certification that will kick start your career with confidence.

Emphasis on quality learning, as well as practical skills, ensures that if you study in Australia, you are learning for life.

Australian Culture & Lifestyle

Being in Australia, living, learning, means more than just attending a classroom, it means being introduced to a welcoming, safe, and vibrant community.

Australian cities and towns are renowned for being welcoming and multicultural, with a-third of the country’s population born overseas, in addition to 23% who speak a non-English language at home.

It’s also a remarkably safe country to reside in as a student. With high standards of healthcare, as well as low crime rates, you will feel supported during your time at this institution.

With its beaches, hiking trails, active city life, and international student body, this offers a lifestyle that enriches your educational experience in a big way.

Real-World Learning & Industry Experience

What’s more, the Australian education system boasts a practical learning experience that extends beyond theoretical studies, which helps create employable people.

Our courses provide you with a range of knowledge, skills, and learning experiences that are sought after by employers globally.

During your studies in Australia, you will also find opportunities to acquire practical experience, extend your networking circle, as well as enhance your skills, which will further improve your prospects after studies.

This blend of education plus practical readiness makes Australia especially attractive if you’re thinking ahead to both study and work after graduation.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Studying in Australia

Find Your Course

Begin with finding out your study options at Study Australia’s online course search tools that will help you narrow your search based on your preferred fields of study, institutions, as well as place of study.

Once you’ve selected a few courses, it’s helpful to compare them with regards to length, cost, start dates, admission requirements, as well as graduate prospects. You can get more information or an offer from institutions either on your own or with this service.

How to Apply

Next, after selecting your course, comes applying for admission with the education institution. Most institutions will allow you to do this online or will issue you with an application form. Once accepted, you will receive a letter of offer, followed by a letter of confirmation of enrollment, which you need for your student visa.

You will also need to look at your academic entrance requirements, including your approved English language test results such as IELTS, PTE, or others. Recognition of prior learning may also apply in certain cases.

Understanding Australia’s Education System

It offers a variety of study levels, such as English courses, Vocational Education and Training, undergraduate studies, as well as graduate studies at universities, which differ in relation to entry requirements, duration, as well as tuition costs.

It helps to understand which level of education will suit your objectives. Some educational programs may also offer credits or prior learning recognition, which will mean that your existing learning or work experience may lessen your workload.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

Budgeting at this stage is important in your planning for studying in Australia. You need to start by making estimates of your major outgoings, which would include tuition costs, living expenses, transport costs, food, health care, and miscellaneous expenses. It would work to your advantage if you were to find out about the typical living costs in or around the region where you are planning to study.

You will also need to prove that you have adequate financial resources for a student visa application. Currently, as of late 2023, the minimum amount that needs to be saved for living expenses has been revised, so it’s best to refer to the latest visa requirements.

Additionally, research scholarships that you may be eligible for. This may include scholarships offered by universities or government scholarships that will help you reduce costs.

How to Work Legally While Studying in Australia

Work Rights & Responsibilities for International Students

When you study in Australia with a student visa, you get the same protection as others under employment laws. This means that you will receive a minimum wage, your payment will be reflected on a payslip, and you will get taxed for your income.

From 1 July 2023, most international students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions, and unlimited hours during approved study breaks.

Also, you will need to consult your visa conditions (check via VEVO/ImmiAccount) to find out precisely when you get to work, as well as for how many hours.

You also have rights to raise concerns about exploitation at work without fear of having your visa revoked.

Finding Part-Time Jobs & Industry Experience While Studying

It will also give you work experience, earning you money with a local connection. One of the best first ports of call will be logging on to your university’s careers service.

You can also:

• Seek out job-notice boards or a university alumni group.
• Register with recruitment agencies, preferably for part-time or casual work, or look at job search internet sites.
• Choose a role that fits around your study timetable, often hospitality, retail, or administration work, which require flexibility.

Volunteer, Intern & Build Networks

Volunteering, as well as internships, are great opportunities for developing skills, networking, and enhancing your resume, aside from your academic learning.

Volunteering allows you to get in contact with different individuals, improve your communications skills, as well as increase your chances of getting employment.

Your education institution may provide work placement or internship opportunities associated with your course or via your institution’s careers service. If not, you could find your own work placement, which would be a good first step.

What Happens After Graduation

Once you complete your studies, you are eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which allows you to work in Australia for a period of 2-4 years, depending upon your class of qualification as well as your region. This will help you acquire work experience, which will boost your resume.

Some graduates will also utilize this period to look for opportunities for permanent residency, most preferably if they are employed in fields that feature on Australia’s Skill Shortage list. Many universities will continue to assist graduates with job information, job listings, as well as networking as a way for you to maximize your opportunities during your post-study period.

How to Manage Study, Work, and Life in Australia

Managing Your Time

International students may find themselves managing university studies, part-time employment, as well as other aspects of life. Organizing your week properly will go a long way in managing your studies and work. You may use a calendar or a planner for this purpose. Remember that your international student visa permits no more than 48 hours of work in a fortnight during periods of study.

Support Services & Student Life

Australian institutions provide a variety of support services that range from academic, counseling, health, to social clubs. Such services will help you stay in contact, healthy, and successful, among other benefits, as you pursue your studies. Some universities will offer you guidance, as a new student, to aid in your connection with your institution.

Making the Most of Your Experience

Make use of cultural, social, and work-related opportunities that you encounter during your time in Australia. Discover cities, engage with clubs or volunteer programs, or network with your fellow students as well as professionals during your time in this country. It is with a balanced life between work, studies, and fun that you get to create a memorable experience while in Australia.

FAQs

1. What kind of part-time jobs are available for international students?

Some international students also take up casual employment to accommodate their time for studies. Some casual jobs that international students get involved in include:

• Retail/Customer Service jobs (retail stores, supermarkets)
• Hospitality jobs (cafés, restaurants, bars)
• Administrative or office supporting activities
• Tutoring (if qualified in a subject area)
• Internships/practical placements in your subject area (possibly an optional course requirement)

The nature of these roles is normally casual/part-time in order for the students to adapt according to their timetable schedules.

2. Can I apply for permanent residency after studying in Australia?

Well, education in Australia can give you access to PR pathways, although it is no guarantee. Here is a possible way:

Applying under the Skilled Migration pathways (subclasses 189, 190) on the basis of meeting points, work experience, and skills assessment criteria.

By using employer sponsorship if an Australian employer is willing to sponsor you:

Accumulating work experience on a Temp Graduate Visa (subclass 485), then using that experience to improve PR eligibility status.

However, meeting the workspace, skill, age, and English requirements is crucial.

3. Is it possible to study and work full-time in Australia?

Under a student visa (Subclass 500), full-time study is required, and you cannot typically work full-time during term time. There is a cap: up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods for most students.

There is no restriction on the number of working hours during school holidays/study breaks (students can work full-time).

Also, work can only begin once the course is ongoing, one can’t work before the course begins.

4. What is the minimum wage for student jobs in Australia?

International students have the right to at least the national minimum wage under Australian employment legislation.

As of recent updates, the rate is about AUD 23.23 an hour (prior to taxes)

Additionally, casual workers are also paid a casual loading (additional payment) in addition to their base rate wages.

Conclusion

Studying or working in Australia will truly be a life-altering experience, where education meets exposure to a world of job prospects. With some planning, time management, and making use of resources, you will really excel, both as a student, professional, or as a person. 

So, start your journey today by doing your research, getting your finances in order, and applying for your visa, and get ready to make the most out of your adventure in Australia!

Last updated on 12/12/2025