Student Jobs in Australia: How to Find the Best Part-Time Work

Overview

As of 2025, the average hourly wage for part-time jobs in Australia ranges between AUD 22–35, with students in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide earning even more due to their thriving job markets. From tutoring and hospitality to delivery services and retail, students have an impressive range of part-time work opportunities to choose from.

At Jupiter Consultants, we guide students not only through their study abroad journey but also help them understand work opportunities, visa regulations, and financial management while studying in Australia.

How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Australia

Finding part-time work in Australia is a structured process — and the country’s transparent job market makes it easier for students to explore opportunities that match their skills and schedules. Here’s how:

1. Use Job Portals

Websites like Seek, Indeed, and Jora are Australia’s most popular job platforms. Students can upload their resumes, set job alerts, and apply for part-time roles in retail, hospitality, or customer service sectors.

2. Leverage Social Media

Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook Groups, and Twitter are excellent sources for real-time openings. Many employers post job ads on social media to attract local candidates.

3. University Career Centres

Australian universities have career guidance departments and dedicated job boards for international students. Many part-time jobs are available within campuses, such as library assistants, baristas, or lab helpers.

4. Networking

Attending career fairs, student workshops, and social events can connect you to employers or professionals who might refer you to open positions. Personal referrals go a long way in Australia’s job culture.

5. Local Business Visits

Small shops, cafés, and grocery stores frequently hire part-time help. Walking in politely with a short resume and professional introduction can often land you an opportunity.

6. Freelancing

If you’re tech-savvy or creative, freelancing through platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer lets you earn independently. It’s flexible and ideal for students with digital or writing skills.

Working Hours and Pay Scale

International students in Australia can work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during semesters, and
• Unlimited hours during semester breaks or holidays.

The pay varies based on experience, industry, and location:

• Hospitality / Retail: AUD 22–28 per hour
• Tutoring / Customer Support: AUD 25–40 per hour
• Cleaning / Delivery Jobs: AUD 20–30 per hour

Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth offer slightly higher pay due to increased demand and higher living costs.

Eligibility Criteria for Part-Time Jobs

Before taking up a job, students must ensure they meet Australia’s legal and academic requirements.

To work part-time in Australia, you must have:

1. A valid student visa (subclass 500).
2. Enrollment in an Australian Government-approved full-time course.
3. Satisfactory attendance and academic performance.
4. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.

Failure to comply with these conditions may impact your visa status, so always follow the regulations strictly.

Top Part-Time Jobs for International Students

Below are some of the most popular and student-friendly part-time jobs in Australia, along with average pay estimates:

1. Tutor

If you’re academically strong, you can work as a private tutor for school or college students. The job is flexible and pays between AUD 20–40 per hour depending on the subject and expertise.

2. Customer Care Representative

Working in a customer care center involves answering customer inquiries and providing product or service information. The average pay is AUD 25–32 per hour, with flexible shifts.

3. Cashier or Store Assistant

Retail stores, grocery shops, and supermarkets often hire students as cashiers or stock handlers. The job offers consistent hours and pays AUD 20–30 per hour.

4. Barista or Waiter (Cafés & Restaurants)

The hospitality industry is a top employer of students. Serving customers, managing orders, and preparing beverages can earn you AUD 20–25 per hour — plus tips in busy cafés or restaurants.

5. Delivery Executive

Food delivery jobs (with Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or Menulog) allow students to work at their convenience. You’ll need a bike, car, or scooter and can earn AUD 18–25 per hour, depending on tips and location.

6. Driver

If you have a valid driver’s license, you can work as a personal driver or rideshare driver. The job pays between AUD 20–25 per hour and gives you the freedom to choose your hours.

7. Cleaner

Cleaning jobs are flexible and pay well, ranging from AUD 20–25 per hour. Many students start with cleaning agencies and later move to private homes or offices for better pay.

8. Retail or Supermarket Associate

Large stores like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi frequently hire students to manage inventory, handle billing, or assist customers. Pay typically ranges between AUD 22–28 per hour.

Best Cities for Part-Time Jobs in Australia

While part-time work is available nationwide, certain cities stand out for offering the best wages, lifestyle, and job opportunities:

Sydney

Australia’s largest economic hub, Sydney, provides diverse job options in hospitality, tourism, and customer service. Students earn an average of AUD 28–35 per hour, the highest in the country.

Melbourne

Known for its vibrant culture and work-life balance, Melbourne is ideal for flexible part-time jobs. Its excellent public transport system makes commuting between work and university effortless.

Perth

Perth offers a more relaxed pace, with ample part-time opportunities in retail, logistics, and restaurants. The average pay ranges between AUD 24–30 per hour.

Newcastle City

A fast-growing coastal region, Newcastle City combines affordability with strong job availability in healthcare, education, and hospitality. Students can expect average pay rates of AUD 25–32 per hour.

Gold Coast

Famous for its tourism and entertainment industry, the Gold Coast provides plenty of part-time jobs in cafes, resorts, and retail outlets. Flexible working hours make it ideal for students balancing study and work.

Adelaide

With its lower cost of living, Adelaide is a student-friendly city offering steady jobs in warehouse work, delivery services, and grocery chains.

Tips to Succeed in the Australian Workplace

Working part-time in Australia teaches professionalism and communication. Here are a few ways to stand out at your job:

1. Be Punctual: Arriving on time reflects reliability and respect for your employer.
2. Adapt to Cultural Diversity: Australia’s workplaces are multicultural. Embrace diversity and be open to learning from different work styles.
3. Maintain Balance: Manage work and academics effectively. Employers value students who stay organized.
4. Improve Soft Skills: Politeness, teamwork, and communication matter as much as technical skills.
5. Stay Positive: Australians value a calm, optimistic attitude — it’s part of their laid-back yet hardworking culture.

Conclusion

Working part-time while studying in Australia is not just about financial support — it’s an opportunity to grow, build confidence, and connect with a global community. Whether you’re serving coffee in Sydney, tutoring in Melbourne, or delivering packages in Perth, every experience shapes your personal and professional journey.