As an international student you may choose to work while you are studying. Many international students choose this option to earn extra spending money while acquiring Australian workplace experience and culture. International students can work up to 40 hours every two weeks while in study session and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. The unlimited hour option is active even if you complete your exam but according to your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE), you are in study session. Australian employees are protected at work through various rules and regulations which also include the international students. Besides, you will get at least a minimum rate of pay per hour.
The Australian Governments is very proactive when it comes to employability skills. employABILITY is a free service for international students to self-assess and learn more about their personalities, skills, branding and other resources. This tool has helped thousands of international students to develop their employability skills while studying and be ready to join the amazing Australian workforce. Want to know more? Visit employABILITY here
Many international students have an incorrect concept of work rights in Australia. If your visa condition allows you to work up to 40 hours per fortnight, it means that you can combine the work hours of Week 1 and Week 2 up to 40 hours. For example, you can work 10 hours in Week 1 and 30 hours in Week 2 which makes it to 40 hours for that particular fortnight.
The other work dilemma is working unlimited hours during holiday breaks. Due to the flexibility and non-uniformity of subject choice, many international students complete their exams before the official session break. However, the holiday breaks are counted according to your educational institute’s academic calendar. Therefore, you may unknowingly breach your visa condition if you do not follow the directions.
