Why Part-Time Jobs Matter for Indian Students
Moving to Australia to study is exciting—but it’s also expensive. Rent, food, transport, phone bills—they all add up quickly. That’s why part-time work isn’t just an option—it’s often a necessity for Indian students.
The good news? In 2025, international students are legally allowed to work up to 48 hours every fortnight during semesters and full-time during official holidays.
But not all part-time jobs are created equal. Some pay better, some are easier to manage alongside classes, and some even help with your future career.
Here are the top 5 legal part-time jobs for Indian students in Australia this year:
1. Retail Assistant – ₹1,300–₹1,600/hour (AUD $25–$30)
Perfect for: Friendly, outgoing students
If you’re good with people and don’t mind being on your feet, working at supermarkets (like Coles or Woolworths), clothing stores, or electronics chains is a great pick.
Perks:
- Regular hours
- Employee discounts
- Improves English and confidence
Hot Tip: Work weekends or late shifts to earn higher penalty rates.
2. Hospitality Roles (Waiter, Barista, Kitchenhand) – ₹1,200–₹1,700/hour
Perfect for: Fast learners, foodies, and multitaskers
Australia’s café culture is massive. Jobs in cafes, restaurants, and bars are always in demand.
Pros:
- Flexible shifts
- Tips (in high-end restaurants)
- Free meals on duty
Things to know:
You may need a RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate to work in bars.
3. Delivery Driver/Rider – ₹1,400–₹1,800/hour (High Flexibility)
Perfect for: Students with a vehicle or e-bike
Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Menulog are booming, and Indian students are crushing it in this space.
What you need:
- Bike, scooter, or car
- ABN (Australian Business Number)
- Some local navigation skills
Pros:
- Flexible hours
- No boss watching over
- Work as much or as little as you want
4. On-Campus Jobs – ₹1,500+/hour (When Available)
Perfect for: Students looking for stability
Many Aussie universities offer part-time jobs on campus: library assistant, IT support, event helper, or even research assistant.
Why it’s great:
- Convenient location
- Safe and student-friendly
- Looks great on your resume
But remember: these jobs are limited and often competitive—apply early!
5. Tutoring – ₹1,600–₹2,500/hour (Freelance or through platforms)
Perfect for: Academically strong students
If you’re good at subjects like Maths, Chemistry, English, or even coding—teach others! You can tutor high school students or even other uni mates.
Where to start:
- Websites like Superprof, Tutorme, LearnMate
- Local Facebook groups
- Flyers on campus notice boards
You’re helping others, and making great money while at it.
What About Taxes & Legal Stuff?
Yes, you’ll need a Tax File Number (TFN) to legally work. Don’t worry—it’s easy to apply online once you land in Australia.
Also, remember: You’re allowed to work 48 hours per fortnight during your semester. Don’t go beyond that—it could hurt your visa status.
Final Thoughts
Living and studying in Australia can be expensive—but with the right part-time job, you can earn well, meet new people, and even improve your future career prospects.
💡 Real Talk: Most Indian students in Australia do 2 jobs—one to cover rent, and one to save or spend.
Just choose a job that fits your class schedule, doesn’t drain your energy, and helps you grow.
