Each year, students choose Australian cities to further their education and immerse themselves in a new culture. Perth is a popular destination for international students – and between the amazing beaches, world-ranked universities, friendly population and diverse job market, it’s easy to see why.
When it comes to employment, Perth is jam-packed full of student jobs that offer flexibility, consistency and diversity. However, if you’re new to Perth or haven’t yet arrived, knowing where to search for jobs for international students can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, we’re here to give you some answers.
Here is everything you need to know about finding international student jobs in Perth.
Understanding your work rights
Before we dive into the types of student jobs in Perth and where to find them, it’s essential to understand your working rights on a Student (subclass 500) visa.
As of 1 July 2023, the Australian Government has capped the number of hours international students can legally work at 48 hours per fortnight when studying. These restrictions do not apply when training is not in session (i.e. during study breaks and holiday breaks).
Popular student jobs in Perth
Perth offers unique employment opportunities due to an abundance of mining and construction work. While some of these roles may require additional certifications (e.g. a white card) or previous experience, it is possible to find part-time jobs for students in Perth in these industries. Some examples of such roles could include concreter, general labourer, painter or traffic controller.
A booming tourism sector means that jobs in hospitality and tourism are also in demand. Because many of the roles in this sector are casual and/or part-time, they are ideal for students. Common roles within this sector include barista, bartender, cook, server, hotel receptionist and tour guide.
Other industries in Perth that are generally very popular amongst students are:
- Retail
- Administration
- Customer service
- Freelancing
Overall, the city’s diverse employment market means there are plenty of interesting student jobs in Perth to explore.
Where to find student jobs in Perth
At a national level, there are numerous websites where you can search and apply for jobs. Some examples are:
There are also government websites, such as Jobs WA or Workforce Australia.
Your education provider is also an excellent place to start your job search. Most institutions have virtual job boards available exclusively to students. Institutions usually also have guidance and support services that support student’s employability through offering a range of services such as:
- Resume and cover letter reviews
- Mock interviews
- Email career advice
- Understanding the key selection criteria
- Career counselling (virtual or in-person)
If you are seeking work in a particular sector, you may even search industry-specific platforms. For instance, you’ll see many roles being advertised on the Tourism & Hospitality WA website. A major event hub, Optus Stadium holds major sporting and cultural events throughout the year; as a result, the venue is often seeking additional casual, part-time or seasonal staff. These roles can be found on their Optus Careers page.
Another fantastic resource for international students is StudyPerth. Prioritising supporting positive student experiences and ensuring cultural integration, StudyPerth offers free support services, employment assistance and helpful advice to navigate your new city.
How much can you earn as a student in Perth?
As per the rights of Australian international working students, international visa holders must be paid at least the minimum wage, which is the lowest legal rate you can be paid for doing a certain job. In Australia, minimum wage currently sits at A$23.23 per hour. It is also a requirement that international students pay tax on their income and receive a payslip. You can learn more about your working rights – including wages – via the Australian Government.
As previously mentioned, the current cap on working hours for student visa holders is 48 per fortnight. So, if you were to work 48 hours per fortnight at the minimum wage of A$23.23 per hour, you could expect to earn roughly A$1,115.04 per fortnight (or $557.52 per week).
Boosting your employability
There are plenty of resources available to you in Perth to help stand out to a potential employer and boost your employability. A fantastic organisation is Jobs & Skills WA, which has Jobs and Skills Centres across the state. Here, you can find friendly career specialists who can help you search for a job, refine your job applications and plan your career.
StudyPerth also regularly holds student events, providing you with an outlet to chat with other international students. StudyPerth can also supply you with a wealth of advice on job hunting in Perth.
Finally, networking is one of the most important things you can do to boost employability. It’s a great way to meet people in your industry, form meaningful connections and build relevant skills. As they say: it’s not just what you do – it’s who you know.
Read more: The Dos and Don’ts of Student Networking
Image courtesy of Tourism WA.
