关于工作权利、找工作、税务和养老金的信息
As an international student on a Student Visa (subclass 500), you have specific work rights during your studies in Australia.
Important: Exceeding your work hour limitations is a violation of your visa conditions and could lead to visa cancellation. Always keep track of your working hours.
A TFN is essential for working in Australia. You'll need this to ensure you're taxed correctly.
How to Apply: Apply online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website after arriving in Australia. The process is free.
Processing Time: Up to 28 days
You'll need an Australian bank account for employers to deposit your wages.
Required Documents: Passport, student visa, proof of address, student ID
Processing Time: Immediate to a few days depending on the bank
Australian employers expect a specific resume format that may differ from your home country.
Key Features: 2-3 pages maximum, chronological format, inclusion of key skills and achievements
Resume Help: UNSW Careers and Employment offers free resume review services for students. Book an appointment through their online portal.
As an international student, you're considered a resident for tax purposes if you're studying for more than six months.
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $18,200 | 0% (Tax-free threshold) |
| $18,201 - $45,000 | 19c for each $1 over $18,200 |
| $45,001 - $120,000 | $5,092 plus 32.5c for each $1 over $45,000 |
| $120,001 - $180,000 | $29,467 plus 37c for each $1 over $120,000 |
Superannuation ("super") is Australia's pension system. If you earn more than $450 per month from an employer, they must contribute an additional amount (currently 11% of your wage) to your superannuation fund.
Super Refund: You may be eligible to claim your superannuation when you permanently leave Australia. This is called a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).
The Australian financial year runs from July 1 to June 30. If you've worked during this period, you'll need to lodge a tax return after June 30. Many students receive a tax refund if they've worked part-time or casually.
Help with book shelving, customer service, and basic administration
Pay Rate: Approximately $30-35/hour
Assist professors with tutorials, marking, and student support
Pay Rate: Approximately $40-50/hour
Barista, cashier, and food service roles
Pay Rate: Approximately $25-30/hour
Represent UNSW at events, conduct campus tours
Pay Rate: Approximately $30-35/hour
Advantage: On-campus jobs often offer flexible scheduling around your classes and understand the demands of being a student.
Restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels
Skills Required: Customer service, English communication
Shops, supermarkets, department stores
Skills Required: Customer service, cash handling
Hotels, offices, homes
Skills Required: Attention to detail, reliability
Help desk, data entry, web support
Skills Required: Technical knowledge, problem-solving
Interview Practice: UNSW Careers offers mock interview sessions. These can be especially helpful if you're not familiar with Australian interview expectations.
Important: Always check if an internship will count toward your visa work hour limitations. Some curriculum-based internships may be exempt.
As of July 2023, the national minimum wage in Australia is $23.23 per hour or $882.80 per 38-hour week (before tax).
International students have the same workplace rights as Australian citizens and permanent residents, including:
Warning Signs of Exploitation: Be cautious of employers who offer to pay "cash in hand" (unreported), pay below minimum wage, or ask you to work excessive hours. These practices may be illegal.
If you believe your workplace rights are being violated, you can seek help from:
After completing your studies, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows you to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after you finish your studies.
Career Planning: Begin thinking about your post-graduation plans at least 12 months before completing your studies to allow time for visa applications and job searching.
