Minimum wages
The national minimum wage applies to all employees in Australia (not covered by an award or registered agreement) regardless of the type of visa as provided by the Fair Work Act (2009), with the latest update as of 1 July 2026, increasing it to $26.44 per hour or $1004.90 for full time adult (21+) employees per week.
However, the minimum casual hourly rate for an adult in Australia is $33.05. This is based on the base national minimum wage ($26.44/hr) plus a mandatory 25% casual loading to make up for a lack of paid leave and job security.
*Note: $33.05 is not every student’s automatic casual rate, as they can vary based on industry, classification, age, shift and employment type. Junior rates apply under 21 and penalty rates (such as public holidays, weekends, and late night shifts).
According to: Fair Work Ombudsman (2026)
How many hours can you work
Most Student visa (subclass 500) holders can work up to a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. That is roughly an average of 24 hours per week, but the legal rule is 48 hours per fortnight so the distribution may vary.
During scheduled course breaks students can generally work unlimited hours. Moreover, students who have started a master’s degree by research or a Phd have no work beyond our limit.
According to: Australian Government – Department of Education (20
How much can you earn
| Hours/week | AUD $26.44/hr | AUD $33.05/hr (casual) |
| 10 | $264.4 | $330.5 |
| 15 | $396.6 | $495.75 |
| 20 | $528.8 | $661 |
| 24 | $634.56 | $793.2 |
| Approx. per month at 24hrs/week | $2749.76 | $3437.2 |
Note: *24hrs/week is an average illustration only. **$33.05 is for award- and agreement-free casual employees aged 21+.
Potential: ~ AUD$2750-$3437 gross per month if you consistently work near the visa limit at these example rates. However, this is not guaranteed as income is based upon hours worked.
Student Insights
Student experience | Reported job search experience | What it tells us |
Monash, Melbourne | International students reported searching for about 3 months through SEEK, company sites and in person, despite prior customer service and sales experience. | Large job market, but potentially heavy competition for popular entry-level retail and hospitality roles. |
UTS, Sydney | They searched for around 4 months, applying across retail, hospitality, supermarkets, customer service and university jobs. The student later updated the post stating they had found a casual job. | Opportunities exist, but getting the first job can still require months of applications and different approaches. |
UniSA, Adelaide | The student reported looking for consistent work for 6-7 months. They had a fast food job but received only 3 shifts in 2 months | A smaller market can mean fewer total casual vacancies, so even having a job doesn’t necessarily mean reliable hours. |
*Note: These are individual Reddit experiences and are not representative of employment statistics
Here’s what you must know before starting to work in Australia
- You are entitled to work 48 hours/fortnight during term time (unless PhD or master’s by research student) and unlimited hours during your holiday breaks.
- You must be paid at least minimum wage. Most employees are also covered by an award or an enterprise agreement that sets out their minimum pay and conditions.
- You must pay tax on your income
- You must receive a payslip
- Visa holders and migrant workers have the same workplace entitlements and protections as all other employees in Australia, regardless of their migration status.
* Note: International students can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help if they are having workplace issues such as not getting the right pay or other entitlements.
References
Fair Work Ombudsman (2026). Minimum wages. Available at: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay-and-wages/minimum-wages
Fair Work Ombudsman (2026). Minimum wages fact sheet. Available at: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/tools-and-resources/fact-sheets/minimum-workplace-entitlements/minimum-wages
Fair Work Ombudsman (2026). Award and agreement free wages and conditions. Available at: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/awards/award-and-agreement-free-wages-and-conditions
Australian Government – Study Australia (2026). Finding work while you study. Available at: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/work-in-australia/finding-work-while-you-study.html
Jobs and Skills Australia (2026). Accommodation and Food Services. Available at: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-and-industry-profiles/industries/accommodation-and-food-services
Australian Government Department of Education (2025). The rights of international students at work. Available at: https://www.education.gov.au/international-education/support-international-students/rights-international-students-work
Fair Work Ombudsman (2026). Junior pay rates. Available at: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay-and-wages/minimum-wages/junior-pay-rates
