Australia remains one of the most welcoming countries for international students, working holidaymakers, and skilled migrants. One of the first questions every newcomer asks is:
“Can I work part-time while studying or living in Australia?”
The answer is yes—but only if you understand the rules.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about part-time jobs in Australia for foreigners in 2026—from legal work hours and wages to the best-paying part-time roles, job search platforms, and costly mistakes to avoid.
Why Foreigners Choose Part-Time Work in Australia
Working part-time in Australia is more than just a way to make money. It’s an opportunity to:
- Gain local work experience that strengthens your resume
- Improve your English communication and cultural understanding
- Reduce financial pressure by earning while studying or settling in
- Network with employers who may offer sponsorship later
Australia’s economy supports a wide range of part-time employment—from cafés to tech startups—giving foreigners a flexible way to grow financially while staying compliant with visa rules.
Understanding Part-Time Work Rules for Foreigners
Before applying, every foreigner should understand the Australian Government’s visa work conditions.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, student visa holders (subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours during breaks. You can confirm this directly on the official Australian immigration website.
Who Can Work Part-Time?
- International students with valid visas
- Working holiday visa holders
- Skilled migrants under employer sponsorships
- Temporary residents or dependents
Each visa class has different rules. Always check your visa grant notice or visit Home Affairs for exact details.
Minimum Wages and Employee Rights
Australia enforces one of the highest minimum wages in the world. As of July 2025, the Fair Work Ombudsman sets the National Minimum Wage at AUD $24.95 per hour, or $31.19 for casual workers, including the 25% casual loading (Fair Work Ombudsman).
What This Means for You
- You cannot be paid below this rate—no matter your visa status.
- Casual jobs often pay more per hour but do not include paid leave.
- Part-time roles offer consistent hours and entitlements like paid holidays.
Example Pay Table
| Job Type | Average Hourly Pay (AUD) | Work Type | Typical Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Café / Restaurant Attendant | 25–30 | Casual | 15–25 |
| Retail Sales Assistant | 26–32 | Part-time | 10–25 |
| Cleaner / Janitor | 27–33 | Casual | 15–30 |
| Delivery Driver | 28–35 | Casual | 10–20 |
| Admin Assistant | 30–38 | Part-time | 15–25 |
| Tutor / Teaching Assistant | 35–50 | Part-time | 10–20 |
Tip: Check pay rates regularly on the Fair Work Ombudsman site to ensure you’re not underpaid.
Top Part-Time Jobs for Foreigners in Australia (2026)
Let’s look at the most popular and accessible jobs for newcomers across industries.
1. Hospitality and Food Service
Australia’s café culture is booming. You can find work as:
- Barista
- Waitstaff
- Kitchen assistant
- Delivery rider (Uber Eats, DoorDash)
Average pay: $25–32/hour
Bonus: Tips are common in busy restaurants.
2. Retail and Supermarket Jobs
Perfect for students, retail jobs are flexible and easy to find.
Common roles include:
- Cashier
- Shelf stacker
- Customer service attendant
Average pay: $26–33/hour
Most large chains like Coles and Woolworths hire international students.
3. Cleaning and Maintenance Work
Cleaning companies, schools, and offices hire part-time cleaners regularly.
Pros: Flexible hours and quick hiring.
Cons: Physically demanding.
Average pay: $27–35/hour
4. Delivery and Logistics
Foreigners with valid driver’s licenses can join courier platforms.
Popular options: Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog.
Average pay: $28–38/hour (depending on hours and location).
5. Tutoring or Academic Support
If you’re fluent in English or skilled in math, science, or IT, you can earn by tutoring others.
Average pay: $35–50/hour
Bonus: Some universities hire international students as peer tutors.
6. Administrative and Office Roles
Skilled foreigners or postgraduate students can work as:
- Receptionists
- Data entry assistants
- Customer service representatives
Average pay: $30–40/hour
These roles build strong professional experience and help transition into full-time employment.
7. Warehouse Assistant / Picker & Packer
Many logistics companies hire part-time workers to:
- Pick and pack goods
- Sort parcels
- Load and unload deliveries
Why it’s good:
- Easy to get
- Flexible shifts (morning, evening, night)
- No high English level required
Average pay: AUD 28–35 per hour
8. Aged Care or Disability Support Assistant (Entry-Level Roles)
Some facilities hire part-time assistants for:
- Cleaning and basic care support
- Meal assistance
- Companionship duties
Why it’s good:
- High demand across Australia
- Can lead to full-time or sponsorship roles
- Very stable sector
Average pay: AUD 30–40 per hour
9. Security Guard / Event Marshal (With Basic Certification)
Many events, malls, and venues hire part-time staff for:
- Crowd control
- Access checks
- Night or weekend shifts
Why it’s good:
- Good weekend pay
- Often calm work
- Shifts fit student schedules
Average pay: AUD 30–38 per hour
10. Call Centre / Customer Support Agent
Companies hire part-time staff for:
- Answering calls
- Chat and email support
- Booking and customer service
Why it’s good:
- Office environment
- Builds communication skills
- Great experience for professional careers
Average pay: AUD 28–36 per hour
11. Hotel Housekeeping / Room Attendant
Hotels and serviced apartments hire part-time staff for:
- Cleaning rooms
- Changing bedding
- Restocking supplies
Why it’s good:
- Very easy to find
- Regular hours
- No advanced English needed
Average pay: AUD 27–34 per hour
12. Event Staff / Usher / Ticketing Assistant
Concerts, sports events, and conferences hire staff for:
- Checking tickets
- Guiding guests
- Seating arrangements
Why it’s good:
- Fun environment
- Short shifts
- Good for networking
Average pay: AUD 28–35 per hour
13. Kitchen Hand / Dishwasher
Restaurants and hotels often need part-time staff for:
- Washing dishes
- Cleaning kitchen areas
- Basic food prep
Why it’s good:
- Very easy to get
- No experience needed
- Flexible hours
Average pay: AUD 25–32 per hour
14. Car Wash Attendant / Auto Detailing Assistant
Car wash and detailing centers hire part-time workers for:
- Washing cars
- Interior cleaning
- Basic polishing
Why it’s good:
- Simple work
- Quick hiring
- Good for beginners
Average pay: AUD 25–33 per hour
15. Gardening / Landscaping Assistant
Landscaping companies hire part-time helpers for:
- Lawn mowing
- Weeding
- General outdoor maintenance
Why it’s good:
- Good physical exercise
- Often cash-free legal contracts
- More pay for weekend work
Average pay: AUD 28–38 per hour
16. Warehouse Cleaner / Industrial Cleaner
Factories and warehouses hire part-time cleaners for:
- Floor cleaning
- Waste disposal
- Equipment area cleaning
Why it’s good:
- Stable demand
- Night and weekend shifts available
- Minimal communication needed
Average pay: AUD 28–36 per hour.
Where to Find Part-Time Jobs in Australia
1. Online Job Portals
The most reliable websites include:
- SEEK Australia – the largest job platform
- Indeed Australia – wide range of part-time listings
2. University Career Services
If you are a student, your university likely offers career support and on-campus job boards.
3. Networking
Many part-time jobs—especially in hospitality—are found through word of mouth. Introduce yourself confidently when visiting local cafés or stores.
4. Social Media & Community Boards
Local Facebook groups, WhatsApp groups, and Gumtree listings often feature flexible or immediate-start jobs.
Rights, Taxes, and Safety Tips
Working part-time in Australia gives you the same rights as any other employee. However, you must understand your obligations.
You Must:
- Have a Tax File Number (TFN) before working.
- Receive payslips showing your hours and tax deductions.
- Be covered under Australian workplace safety laws.
- Pay income tax (usually deducted automatically by employers).
You can apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) online portal after arriving.
Avoid These Mistakes:
- Working for cash-in-hand jobs that don’t provide payslips.
- Exceeding your visa work-hour limits.
- Ignoring underpayment or unsafe work conditions.
Pros and Cons of Part-Time Work in Australia
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Legal and flexible income source | Limited work hours under most visas |
| Builds experience and networks | Some jobs are physically demanding |
| Opportunity for visa sponsorship later | Competition is high in cities |
| Exposure to real Australian culture | Taxes reduce take-home pay |
How Much Can You Earn Monthly?
Let’s assume a student works 20 hours per week at $28/hour:
20 hrs × $28 = $560/week × 4 weeks = $2,240/month before tax.
That’s enough to cover rent, groceries, and local transport in most cities.
Work-Life Balance: Staying Productive Without Burning Out
Foreigners often underestimate how exhausting part-time work can be—especially while studying or adjusting to a new culture.
Tips for Balance:
- Choose jobs near your campus or home.
- Avoid night shifts during exam periods.
- Keep a budget to track expenses.
- Take breaks and connect socially.
Remember: Australia values balance. Employers respect students who communicate openly and manage schedules responsibly.
Mistakes to Avoid When Working Part-Time
- Working without checking visa conditions
Always confirm your legal work hours first. - Accepting underpaid jobs
Any offer below $24.95/hour (or $31.19 casual) is illegal. - Not applying for a TFN
Without it, you may lose up to 45% of your income to tax. - Overcommitting hours
Exhaustion and missed classes can risk your visa status. - Trusting unverified job offers online
Avoid scams—always verify employers through official listings.
Real-Life Example: How Students Thrive
Meera, an Indian student in Sydney, started as a part-time barista. After six months, she was promoted to supervisor and offered full-time sponsorship.
David, from Kenya, worked as a campus IT support assistant. The experience helped him secure a graduate visa and later, a skilled migration pathway.
Both stories show how small part-time opportunities can grow into life-changing careers when approached strategically.
Conclusion: Part-Time Jobs as Your Launchpad in Australia
Part-time work in Australia isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving.
Foreigners can legally work, earn, and build valuable experience while enjoying one of the world’s safest and most multicultural environments.
To succeed:
- Follow your visa’s legal conditions
- Know your minimum wage rights
- Apply through trusted job platforms
- Choose jobs that fit your schedule and goals
Whether you’re a student, migrant, or visitor, part-time work can be your first step toward a rewarding life in Australia.
