Melbourne is the chosen study destination for many international students. Between its top-ranked institutions, cultural diversity and extensive student support services, it’s easy to see why. Another stand-out benefit of studying in Australia is its employability prospects.
There are countless student jobs in Melbourne, many of which are ideal for international students in particular, allowing them to gain skills, get job-ready and support their lifestyle.
If you’re new to Melbourne or arriving soon, it can be tricky to know where to search for jobs for international students in Melbourne. Luckily, we’ve got the answers! Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about finding student jobs in Melbourne.
Understanding your working rights
Before we dive into the types of student jobs available in Melbourne and where to find them, it’s essential to understand your working rights on a Student (subclass 500) visa.
In January 2022, the government relaxed the working hour restriction for international students to fill workforce shortages. The decision incited mixed feelings, with some appreciative of the change and others fearful of the disruptions it could cause students. However, the Australian Government is set to reintroduce a new cap on working hours in July 2023; while the cap has previously been 40 hours per fortnight, it will now be increased to 48 hours per fortnight from 1 July 2023. Until that date, international students are permitted to work unlimited hours.
Popular student jobs in Melbourne
There are various sectors that international students can explore throughout their studies. Popular industries that employ international students include healthcare, hospitality, retail, administration and many more. There are a variety of part-time and casual jobs in these fields, making them highly suitable for international students who need to balance both work and study.
Some of the most common and in-demand jobs that students can fill include:
- Aged care workers
- Barista
- Bartender
- Cashier
- Cook
- Customer service representative/attendant
- Food couriers (e.g. delivery drivers for UberEats)
- Server
Keep in mind that some of these roles may require special skills or certifications. For example, you may need first aid training to work in a healthcare setting, whereas you will need a certificate for the responsible service of alcohol to work in various hospitality positions.
Where to find student jobs in Melbourne
At a national level, there are numerous websites where you can search and apply for jobs. Some examples are:
There are also state government websites, such as Jobs Victoria or Workforce Australia.
Your education provider is another excellent place to start your job search. Most institutions have virtual job boards available exclusively to students. From healthcare to hospitality to retail jobs in Melbourne, you’re sure to find a diverse selection of student job postings.
Your education provider may even go a step further in supporting your employability by offering guidance and support services. At Victoria University, the VU Employ program is a fantastic example, providing a wide range of services designed to support students’ employability. These include but are not limited to:
- Resume and cover letter reviews
- Mock interviews
- Email career advice
- Understanding the key selection criteria
- Career counselling (virtual or in-person)
According to VU Employ Manager Justine Warne, the program helps to connect international students with each other, as well as boost their employability.
“We run a weekly jobs club where international students can get together to share their experiences and receive guidance on resumes, interview skills and employment websites,” she said.
VU Employ has even partnered with GradWISE to provide enhanced employability support to those living with a disability, illness or injury. With services like one-on-one activities, masterclasses and workshops, the program helps connect students and new graduates with the right opportunities for them.
Embrace the power of networking
Networking is another excellent tool for finding student jobs in Melbourne as it can help you meet people in your industry, form meaningful connections and build relevant skills.
On-campus networking events are another offering of VU Employ – something PhD student Nardo Wei has benefitted from firsthand.
“VU Employ was the first student service I used after starting university. They helped me connect with the industrial mentorship program,
giving me the chance to learn from professionals in my field,” said Nardo.
“Their support also led directly to me gaining part-time positions in different departments at VU. I worked in the campus library, which enabled me to build my resume and successfully apply for a job in the Connected Learning team, helping to develop online teaching content.”
In addition to those hosted by your education provider, there are various networking events/workshops where you can meet fellow international students and professionals in Melbourne.
Study Melbourne has multiple events that you can explore, from resume-building workshops to sessions on building your personal brand.
VicWISE is another excellent organisation that offers a range of support to international students. It hosts meet-and-greets and professional networking events specifically for international students. You can stay up to date on its programs and upcoming events via its website.
Read more: 8 Business Software Programs Every Business Student Should Know
Getting to work
No matter what type of student job you land or where it may be, you’ll have no trouble getting to and from work with Melbourne’s extensive public transport network. As an international student at Victoria University, you may even be eligible for an International Student Travel Pass, which gives you 50 per cent off the cost of an annual myki pass.
Named Australia’s #1 university in employability in 2020 and 2021, Victoria University (VU) is committed to ensuring the success of its students. From finding your first student job in Melbourne to launching your international career, VU is here to support you every step of the way.
