Living & Studying in Sydney Australia
International students can work while studying in Australia but the money you earn should not be used as your only source of income. To be granted a student visa in Australia you need to have adequate means of financial support.
International students must know that they are allowed to work maximum of 20 hours a week during the term, and unlimited hours during recognised periods of vacation.
Under student visa, permission to work is not automatic. Students need to apply for permission to work through The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.
Click here for information and application of permission to work.
You need also to obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) to work in Australia. You can obtain a TFN through the Australian Tax Office. You will need to contact them about their requirements and processes.
It is important to know that your working rights are intended to add to your income rather than be the main supporting factor.
It is relatively easy to find work in Australia, particularly within the retail, customer service and administrative sectors.
We can help you through the following ways:
Sydney Morning Herald
- Most extensive listing of jobs - main newspaper in Sydney.
Australian Job Search
- extensive list of jobs available - government site
Monster Jobs
- General Job Site
Seek
- General Job Site
Department of Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs ![]()