For international students, getting a job isn’t just a great way to earn some extra money during your studies.
It also gives you the opportunity to make new friends, gain valuable employment skills and build your resume.
And, for international graduates, finding the right opportunity to launch your future is the key to unlocking your full potential.
To help you get started, we’ve put together this handy guide to starting your career in Canberra.
Jobs for international students in Canberra
What types of jobs should I look for?
As an international student, you can only work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester. This means you can’t work a full-time job.
Instead, you should look for part-time or casual jobs. These job types are generally a great fit for students, as they offer flexible hours that fit around your studies. You may also be able to get additional hours during study breaks, when the working hour cap doesn’t apply.
What industries and roles are good for students?
Luckily, there are lots of industries that offer amazing student jobs in Canberra.
Hospitality and retail are both popular choices for students, with opportunities available at pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes, fast-food outlets, grocery stores, retail chains and more.
Many international students also find work in health and aged care. If you’re studying for a career in health, this could be a fantastic way to earn money while building experience and skills.
Finally, many companies look for students to fill roles in reception, customer service, administration and telemarketing. However, these may offer less flexibility than others.
Where can I find student jobs in Canberra?
A good place to start is platforms like SEEK, Indeed and Jora. Here, you can look for casual and part-time jobs near you and filter by your preferred role and industry.
You can even use specialised jobs boards, like Student Job Board, EthicalJobs and Australian Retail Jobs. These can help you find more opportunities in your desired job type, industry or role.
Some companies also have their own career platforms — particularly those in retail, like Woolworths Group, Coles Group and Cotton On Group. Spend some time researching companies you’d like to work for online, then check out their websites to see what opportunities are available.
Finally, don’t forget to check in with your institution’s careers office. Many have their own jobs boards exclusively for students which post both on- and off-campus roles.
Canberra graduate opportunities
Graduates in Canberra enjoy incredible career outcomes, with opportunities available in every industry and sector. Plus, with extra visa benefits for international students, there’s nowhere better to launch and grow your career.
Just some of the major organisations offering graduate programs and graduate roles in Canberra include:
- Major consulting firms, like Deloitte, KPMG, EY and PwC
- Large Australian banks, like Westpac, NAB and CommBank
- Tech companies, like DXC Technology, Thales and Quantium
- Healthcare providers, like APM Group and Early Start Australia
- Other international organisations, like Nestlé, UNIQLO and Fujitsu
- The Australian Government, NSW Government and ACT Government
You can easily browse graduate opportunities in your desired field using platforms like GradConnection, APS Jobs, SEEK and Indeed.
Looking for more career support?
Whether you’re finding your first part-time student job in Canberra or are looking to kickstart your career with a great graduate role, there’s help on hand.
Check in with the careers team at your educational institution or university to discover what kind of support they offer. For example, they may offer assistance with resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, employment advice and careers counselling, to name a few.
For graduates, you may be able to access specialised support and programs to help you find and land an amazing graduate program or role. With this, you’ll be ready to start an exciting new chapter in Canberra as you launch your career in this amazing city.
