Picking up a part-time or casual job isn’t just a great way to earn some extra money while you’re studying! Working throughout your degree also allows you to develop valuable skills and experience to boost your resume. It might also help you land the perfect role after graduation.
However, it can be challenging to navigate the working world, especially in a new country. To help you get started, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to finding jobs for international students in Sydney.
International student working rights
Before you start your student job search, it’s important to understand your rights and obligations when working on a subclass 500 Student visa.
From July 2023, the government has reinstated the working hour cap for international students. This means you can now work up to 48 hours per fortnight in a part-time or casual job during study periods, and unlimited hours over your holiday breaks.
You’ll also need to maintain your course enrolment, attendance and grades in line with your visa conditions.
As an international student, you’re entitled to the same workplace protections as any other employee in Australia. Make sure you do your research and understand your rights at work to ensure you’re being treated fairly.
Popular jobs for students
So, you know all of your rights and you’re ready to land your first job. But what role should you choose?
Luckily, there are plenty of great part-time jobs in Sydney for international students. With lots of interesting roles in a wide range of industries, you’ll be sure to find your perfect fit!
Jobs in retail and hospitality are particularly popular with students. These roles offer a lot of flexibility in terms of shift times and hours per week, which makes them easy to fit around study and other life commitments.
Other industries that have lots of student jobs in Sydney include health care, business and administrative services.
Some roles in these industries you might want to explore include:
- Retail assistant
- Cashier
- Cook
- Server
- Bartender
- Barista
- Aged care worker
- Medical receptionist
- Call centre operator
- Administrative assistant
- Data entry clerk
How to find a job in Sydney for international students
So, how do you find student jobs near you?
Thanks to the internet, discovering and applying for vacancies is quick and easy. There are lots of job websites you can visit to begin your student job search, including:
As an international student in Sydney, you can also access NSW Jobs Connect for International Students, which is delivered by Study NSW and SEEK. This initiative connects you with employers who have expressed interest in hiring international students. To access NSW Jobs Connect, you just need to head to SEEK and search for the hashtag #NSWJobsConnect.
Additionally, check with your education provider. Many institutions have their own job boards that you can access to find great roles.
For example, students at the University of Sydney (USYD) have exclusive access to the Sydney CareerHub jobs database. With 30,000 positions advertised each year, this database is the perfect place to find your next part-time, casual or vacation job. It’s also an excellent resource for internships and graduate roles!
Make use of resources
If landing a student job in Sydney still seems overwhelming, the best thing to do is reach out for support. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to access help, as well as resources to improve your employability and secure the perfect role.
Networking is a fantastic way to uncover new opportunities that you might not even know about. Try asking your friends, peers and lecturers if they know of any roles that might suit you. Or, visit a careers fair to speak to employers directly and build your professional network.
Additionally, check with your institution to see what assistance is on offer. For example, the USYD Careers Centre hosts a variety of workshops on topics like career planning, interview skills and resume writing. The centre even has a special Career Development Program for international students.
What’s more, if you need a bit more guidance in your student job search, you can make an appointment to see an experienced Career Development Officer to get one-on-one support and advice.
The University of Sydney (USYD) is ranked =19th in the world. Visit the USYD website today to find out more about how they can help you graduate job-ready.
