Highest paying part-time jobs in Australia | An overview

Studying in Australia offers a rewarding learning experience, international exposure, a world-class education, and a fabulous lifestyle. The country is rich in ultra-suave infrastructure, a sustainable environment, and a high standard of living.

Studying abroad in Australia for international students can also be expensive. However, you can smartly manage a feasible standard of living and cover your tuition fees by working part-time in Australia. One of the best features of an Australian student visa is that you are permitted to work 20 hours a week and that too for a generous amount of salary. With your part-time income, you can pay for your tuition fees, accommodation expenses, food, and transport.

Finding part-time jobs in Australia for international students is easy, but you must consider the highest-paying jobs. Let us identify some valuable facts about working part-time in Australia:
 

• The academic year 2023 witnessed a 29% increase in the number of international students in Australia, which is forecast to grow to 940,000 by 2035.

• The minimum hourly wage for international students who work part-time is AUD 21.38 in Australia. Students can make up to $855.20 every fortnight (14 days) during the school term and more during school breaks. However, the minimum wage may vary according to the job or industry that you work in.
   

Part-time jobs in Australia for international students offer several benefits. Besides offering a good payout, these jobs enhance professional skills, enhance employability, and help students integrate with the Australian culture. 

Here is an overview of some of the best and highest-paying part-time jobs in Australia for international students!

Understanding Work Rights for International Students in Australia

Here is an elaborate explanation of the work conditions and limitations for international students in Australia!
 

1. On July 1, 2016, student visas for Australia changed from the earlier Subclasses 571–576 to being grouped under Subclass 500. According to the new law, students in Australia with a Visa Subclass 500 are allowed to work for up to 48 hours in a fortnight from July 1, 2023, while the course is in session. On the other hand, during vacations or breaks, students have the leverage to work for unlimited hours until the course commences.

2. If there is a breach of the stipulated 48 hours in a fortnight, student visas can be canceled. For example, if an international student works for 25 hours in one week and 25 hours in the subsequent week as well, it would be considered a breach.

3. Ideally, it is highly recommended to continue working part-time as a student worker for 20 hours a week.

4. Another law is that students are not allowed to work until their academic session begins. However, if your course curriculum includes casework, then this condition does not apply.

5. Another exception to working for unlimited hours is for students in the postgraduate research sector. Similarly, students who opt for preliminary courses can work for 40 hours per fortnight.

6. Another condition to work part-time jobs in Australia for students is to get a tax file number, which you can easily get online from the official website.
    

Important laws, rules, and rights that international students should refer to for working while studying in Australia are:

• A minimum wage as stipulated under the Fair Work Act 2009

• The challenge of unfair dismissal from the job

• Breaks and rest periods.

• A healthy and safe work environment

• Employment rights in Australia

• Annual leave, long service leave, and community service leave

• Public holidays

• Parental leave and related entitlements

• Compassionate leave and personal carer’s leave

• Provision of a Fair Work Information Statement

• Requests for flexible working arrangements

• Notice of termination and redundancy pay.

 

Benefits of Part-Time Work for International Students

 

Some of the most fundamental advantages of working part-time for international students are:

1. Financial support for living expenses and tuition fees.
Part-time jobs in Australia for international students mitigate the financial burden of studying abroad. This additional income can help students pay for food, rent, and tuition fees and eventually ease the overall financial strain on them. It further helps students to manage their finances prudently, budget effectively, and prioritize their spending.

2. Gaining valuable work experience and skills.
Part-time jobs in Australia for Indian students help them acquire substantial skills that are relevant to their future careers. These jobs help students procure valuable work experience, which can be highlighted in their resumes and work profiles. It also helps them enhance their communication and language skills, learn about the local culture, balance study-time hours, prioritize tasks, and understand professional etiquette.

3. Building a professional network in Australia
Working part-time in Australia builds strong colleague relationships and leads to valuable collaborations and insights within the industry. Students learn about the latest market trends and secure contacts for future opportunities.

Students also come across various online employment platforms, professional associations, online communities, and work cultures.
 

Top 5 Highest-Paying Part-Time Jobs in Australia for International Students

 

Here are the top 5 part-time jobs in Australia for international students that pay elaborately:

1. Information Technology (IT) Support Roles

Some of the most popular information technology jobs in Australia are:

• Data Analyst

• ICT Officer

• IT Management

• IT Support Engineer

• IT Support Specialist

• Systems Administrator
   

Responsibilities 

• IT support jobs require students to identify, verify, and resolve users’ problems using computer software and hardware.

• They may have to deal with inquiries regarding software programming, connectivity, printing, and similar concerns.
   

Skills Required

• Students must work well with others and possess adequate knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware, and software.

• It is important to apply analytical thinking and technical skills while offering a resolution to customers.

• Students must know engineering, science, and technology.

• It is also important to showcase excellent customer service skills and verbal communication skills.
   

Average Pay: AUD 2,846 (monthly)


2. Retail Supervisors or Managers

Retail managers are professionals who manage inventory, consumers, sales strategies, and the overall success and profitability of retail firms.

Responsibilities 

• A retail supervisor monitors the performance of retail staff in a store environment and supervises employee activity. 

• He is also responsible for coordinating the shipping and receiving of merchandise, solving problems at a day-to-day level, and assisting customers.

• He must also ensure customer satisfaction, control inventory, and implement company policies.
   

Skills Required

• Besides having sharp customer service skills, he should possess patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

• He should be able to portray the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure.

• Working well with others, exhibiting leadership skills, and enjoying collaboration with other people are some of the key skills that retail managers must portray.
   

Average Pay: AUD 2,060 (monthly)


3. Customer Service Representatives

Customer service representatives work directly with customers to assist, resolve complaints, answer questions, and process orders.

Responsibilities 

• This job is for people who are empathetic, patient and possess a positive attitude.

• Students should be able to handle inquiries, resolve issues, and have a good level of product knowledge.

• They should be good at record-keeping, consumer education, and policy adherence.
   

Skills Required

• They should have a customer-centered view.

• They should possess strong communication skills.

• Adaptability and problem-solving skills are also vital.
   

Average Pay: A$ 51.96 per hour


4. Research Assistants in Academic Institutions

Here are some of the most common responsibilities of diverse types of research assistants:
 

• Engineering Research Assistants.

• Economics Research Assistants.

• Education Research Assistants.

• Marketing Research Assistants.

• Medical Research Assistants.

• Social Science Research Assistants.
   

Responsibilities 

• Research assistants support social scientists in conducting laboratories, surveys, and other research.

• They may help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

• Research assistants are not independent and report to a supervisor or principal investigator.
   

Skills Required

• The research assistant's top skills and proficiencies include strong communication, diligence, and critical thinking.

• Other skills include technical skills, statistical and graphical analysis of data, and the ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.

• Students should be well-versed in interviewing, planning, and scheduling.
   

Average Pay: AUD 34.62 per hour or a monthly average salary 

5. Hospitality Industry: Bartenders and Waitstaff

Any kind of job in the hospitality sector requires students to be flexible, customer-centric, and smart enough to work in a fast-paced world. The focus should be customer-centric, and it is a great opportunity for students to earn supplementary income.

Responsibilities 

• Key responsibilities revolve around preparing, mixing, and serving cocktails.

• They are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the bar area, especially where food and drinks are prepared.

• They must also know how to handle payments for orders.
   

Skills Required

• Working as a server or bartender requires the following skills:

• Students must be able to exhibit teamwork, customer awareness, numeracy, and integrity.

• They should have strong communication skills and understand the relevance of time management, working under pressure, and resilience.
   

Average Pay: AUD 22 to 25 per hour 
 

Tips for Balancing Work and Study

Here are some key tips and techniques that you can follow to maintain work-study balance:

1. Time management strategies

It is integral for international students in Australia to plan and employ fundamental time management strategies before they start working part-time. Students must:

• Create a schedule and follow it diligently.

• Define time slots for classes, study sessions, and working hours.

• Prioritize tasks and maintain flexibility.

• Focus on completing time-sensitive assignments.

• Set realistic goals and, preferably, use a planner.

• Allocate necessary breaks and communicate effectively with employers.

Students can seek professional support and utilize productive online and offline tools to manage their studies and work efficiently.


2. Seeking support from academic advisors and employers

Effective communication is the key here! It is of paramount importance for students to have one-on-one associations and sessions with academic counselors and employers. In such sessions, they can discuss academic progress, difficulties they are facing, and effective strategies to overcome hurdles.

If you are looking for personalized mentorship, Affiniks Study Abroad is here to guide you with insightful advice and tailored strategies for success. They will help you take the next step toward academic excellence and will ensure a hassle-free experience in Australia.


3. Maintaining a healthy work-study-life balance

Finally, students must prioritize tasks, meet academic and work responsibilities, follow a structured plan, set realistic goals, plan leisure time, practice self-care, and seek support when required.
 

Conclusion

The bottom line is that part-time jobs in Australia for students play a pivotal role in enhancing their overall experience. It offers an enriching journey, serves as strong financial support, and thus reduces the financial burden of studying abroad. It also encourages a sense of responsibility and helps students gain valuable work experience and skills. Studying and working in a different culture broadens their horizons and helps students develop practical skills. It is a huge investment in long-term career objectives.

It is integral for international students to explore high-paying part-time opportunities, as it eventually enhances their overall study abroad experience and prepares them for a fulfilling future.

Affiniks Study Abroad serves as a premier study and work abroad consultant that supports international students in Australia in understanding the relevance and scope of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Australia. With their services, students can make a well-informed choice about obtaining lucrative part-time jobs in Australia.