Print

If you are arriving to study in Australia on a student visa, you will already have permission to work automatically included with your visa. You will be able to work a maximum of 20 weeks during semester and unlimited hours during semester breaks. The income earned from part-time work is not adequate to cover study and living costs. For further information on working in Australia, visit DIAC's website at www.immi.gov.au/students.


Types of work for international students

International students often find work in retail, hospitality and administration. You could expect to earn $10-15 an hour, depending on the kind of work you do and your age. You may be paid more for working on Sundays or public holidays.Tutoring younger students in the field you are studying or in your native language is also a good way to earn money. Student tutors can earn about $40 an hour.

Remember that your first priority in Australia should be your studies. If you decide to take on the challenge of part-time work, start with a few hours a week until you are able to find a balance with your studies, and definitely do not work more than 20 hours per week as this is in breach of your student visa.

Income Tax

Do you have to lodge a income tax return? If you worked in Australia during the year, it's likely that you will. If you are:

  • a resident of Australia for tax purposes and
  • had amounts of tax withheld from income you received or earned, or
  • had amounts withheld from interest because you did not quote your tax file number (TFN) or Australian business number (ABN) to the investment body, or
  • your taxable income is more than 6,000; or
  • a non-resident and you have taxable income in Australia exceeding $1, excluding any income that had non-resident tax withheld from it;

You will need to submit a income tax return before the end of October, unless you get a registered tax agent to prepare and lodge a tax return on your behalf. If you are using a tax agent for the first time, or are going to use a different agent this year, you must contact them by the 31 October.

Your taxable income includes wages, interest, dividends and youth allowance, amongst other income. If you have earned wages, ask your employer for a payment summary. It will show the total income you earned, including any tax withheld. You may be entitled to claim a deduction for expenses you paid in respect of your work.

Australian citizenship does not automatically mean you will be considered a resident for tax purposes. Usually, international students studying in Australia for more than 6 months are deemed a resident for tax purposes and are treated as been a resident from when they arrive in Australia to commence their study. If you are unsure about your residency status or want more information, visit the Tax Office web site at www.ato.gov.au

Tax returns

As an international student you may be affected by Australia’s taxation system. You should obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if you are going to work in Australia. You may also need a TFN to open a bank account.

To apply, complete a form available from the ATO website or an Australia Post office. If your visa allows you to work you can use the ATO’s online registration system. You will need to supply your name, current address and date of birth. You may also need to supply your date of arrival in Australia, current overseas passport (with current entry permit), and proof of enrolment, such as a student card or the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued by your institution.

If you work in Australia you will need to lodge an income tax return, either through a registered tax agent or by completing it yourself. If you complete your own income tax return, e-tax is the fastest way to obtain a refund. In most cases this will be within 14 days. You can download e-tax from the ATO website.For more information about tax file numbers and tax returns, phone the ATO on 13 28 61, or visit www.ato.gov.au.

Superannuation

If you work in Australia as an international student, and are paid $450 or more in a calendar month, you may be entitled to superannuation. Your employer is usually required by law to pay money into a superannuation or retirement savings account for you. This legal requirement is called the Superannuation Guarantee. If you are eligible, you may be entitled to receive this money when you permanently leave Australia. This payment is called the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). To find out more about superannuation or to apply online for your DASP, visit www.ato.gov.au.

Online Employment Seach