Part-Time Jobs in Australia while Studying: Know Your Rights
While studying in Australia, Indian students can pursue part-time jobs on their study visa (subclass 500). This can help them build significant connections with experienced professionals, gain skill sets, and manage expenses in the country. One significant advantage for Indian students is learning workplace rules and regulations.
They also become aware of employee rights, which are crucial for developing a professional mindset. In this blog, we will discuss part-time jobs in Australia along with the rights and responsibilities of students in the workplace.
Part-Time Jobs in Australia for Indian Students: An Overview
- Before starting any work, students must be aware of their visa status to ensure that they are eligible for it while studying.
- Also, they should learn how to maintain a balance between their work, studies, and well-being.
- Understanding restrictions on working hours in Australia for international students is important to keep this balance.
- They are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week or 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term.
- However, during breaks or vacations, they have the freedom to work without any restrictions.
Employment Types in Australia for Indian Students
- Knowing the employment type is important because working rights, entitlements, and rate of pay depend on it.
- If the Indian students are working less than 38 hours per week, then they are referred to as ‘part-time employees’, and in the full-time role, they are contracted to work for more than 38 hours per week.
- In both cases, they are known as permanent employees.
- There is another category called ‘casual employees’ who do not receive guaranteed hours of work, and their employer chooses the work shift or calls them on short notice.
- This is the reason why they receive a higher hourly rate of pay, referred to as casual loading.
Part-Time Working Rights in Australia
International students, including Indians, enjoy the same working rights in Australia as permanent citizens do. Some of the basic part-time working rights in Australia are listed below.
Wages or Pay
- All international students pursuing part-time jobs in Australia are liable to get a minimum wage, depending on the industry.
- They are even entitled to a higher rate of pay depending on their industry, agreement, or employment type.
- Employers are required to provide the payslip by the next day of the salary credit.
- Part-time workers in Australia get the salary on a fortnightly basis.
- International students cannot be paid in cash or without payslips. They are also not allowed to work more hours than their visa allows.
Superannuation
- It is a long-term investment made by part-time employees through their employers or contractors.
- If the employee is over 18 and earning more than AUD 450 per month (before tax), the employer must contribute to their superannuation.
- When the student starts working, the employer begins to invest a part of the salary or wages into the employee’s super fund.
- While leaving Australia, students will get back their superannuation payments (DASP) if they meet the requirements.
Security
- The employer is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of those Indian students who are pursuing part-time jobs in Australia.
- Any discrimination based on gender, race, religion, age, or culture is not pardonable.
Leave
- Both part-time and full-time employees are also entitled to paid sick and annual leave (including paid leave or holiday pay).
- This depends on the hours they worked. Part-time workers get 80 hours of annual leave, whereas a full-time employee gets 152 hours of annual lave.
Knowing Workplace Exploitation
Indian students should be aware of common workplace exploitation practices, including
- Being underpaid
- Unfair deduction of pay
- Engaging employees in extra hour work
- Visa cancellation threat
- Unpaid work or training
- Not providing leave or entitlements.
If international students are facing any issues regarding their contract with the employer, leave, pay, and other entitlements, they can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for further assistance.
Minimum Wage in Australia for International Students
- The minimum wages in Australia for international students depends on the award that covers their industry or sector of employment.
- The minimum wage is the amount of pay before tax is taken out.
- Indian students can find the minimum pay rates and allowances that apply to their industry here.
- The national minimum wage in Australia is AUD 24.10 or INR 1,330 per hour, and this applies to employees who are not covered by an award or registered agreement.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Pursuing part-time jobs in Australia while studying not only helps Indian students build confidence and afford expenses but also inculcates the necessary professional or industrial skills. While studying and working in Australia together, they are also required to maintain a healthy balance between both of them.
International part-time workers in Australia get the same entitlements as local workers do. These entitlements and rights include getting minimum pay, pay slips, leaves, superannuation, etc., which are maintained under the Fair Work Act 2009.
FAQs
How much can I earn part-time in Australia?
The average part-time work salary in Australia is around AUD 34.63 or INR 1,912 per hour, making it AUD 67,521 or INR 37 Lakh per year, depending on job roles, employers, and location.
How many hours is part-time jobs in Australia?
International students engaged in part-time work in Australia can work less than 38 hours per week. On a fortnightly basis, they can work up to 48 hours, depending on their visa condition and contract.
Can I do 2 part-time jobs in Australia together?
Yes, you can do 2 part-time jobs in Australia together while studying, keeping in mind that your work commitment doesn’t affect your health and contract negatively.
Is training paid in Australia?
Yes, training is paid in Australia, provided that international students have a signed contract or registered agreement with the employer or contractor.
Can I work more hours during holiday periods or term breaks?
Yes, during recognised periods of vacation provided by your college or university, you are allowed to work unlimited hours.
