Employment
Q: How can I find a part time job?
A: The best way to look for a part time job is to check the newspapers and job websites. The most popular job websites are:
More information about how to find a job can be found on the Deakin Careers website.
Q: How much can I earn per week from a part time job?
A: Most International students are only allowed to work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight while they are studying (see visa conditions). This limits how much you can earn per week. Salaries for part time jobs range from between $15 per hour, which is the minimum wage (restaurant and cleaning jobs) to approximately $22 per hour for more professional jobs (such as a personal care assistant). You will be required to pay tax and this will reduce the amount of take home pay you receive. In general, the >maximum you could earn in any 20 hour week is $300 or less.
Q: How do I know if my salary is fair?
A: The minimum wage in Australia is $15 per hour. There are some employers that pay students less than the minimum wage. This is not legal. Often employers tell international students that the minimum wage only applies to Australian citizens and that international students are not entitled to the minimum wage. This is NOT true. If your employer is not paying you the minimum wage, you are not being paid fairly. See the Fair Work Australia website for more details. If you think that you are being underpaid, check the information about uderpaid wages for advice on what to do.
Q: Do I have to pay tax?
A: Yes. Everyone who earns money in Australia is required to pay tax. Some employers will pay below the minimum wage and tell you that it is 'tax free'. There is no such thing as 'tax free' and you are required to pay tax.
Q: Is it easy to find a part time job?
A: The best answer to this question is 'no'. Although many students do find part time jobs, the ones who are successful are patient and hard working. It may take a long time before you are able to find a part time job and it will depend on your experience, the type of job you are looking for and your willingness to take any job that comes along. If you are too 'picky', it will be harder to find a job. It is very important that you come to Australia with enough money to support you and that you do NOT rely on getting a part time job.
Q: Is getting a part time job a good idea or not?
A: Studying at University is not easy. You are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials and you should spend at least another 10 hours per subject per week studying. If you are doing 4 units in a trimester, this means almost 40 hours per week studying to make sure you get the best grades possible. Whether or not you get a part time job really depends on you. If you feel that you are able to cope with the demands of study and a job, then go for it! But remember – you are here on a student visa and study should be your main focus.
