Best Jobs for International Students and Backpackers in Australia
Australia is a beautiful country, and it’s also a great place to work if you’re an international student or a backpacker. Whether you’re looking to earn extra money while studying or just need a job to support your travel plans, there are plenty of opportunities in Australia that can help you gain valuable work experience. In this article, we will talk about some of the best jobs for international students and backpackers in Australia, how much you can expect to earn, and what you need to know about working in Australia.
Minimum Wage and Work Rights in Australia
Before diving into the list of jobs, it’s important to understand the basic rules about working in Australia. As of June 2022, the national minimum wage in Australia is $812 per week for full-time workers. This is based on working 38 hours a week, which means you’ll earn about $21 per hour. Keep in mind that this wage can be updated each year.
If you’re an international student, the rules about how many hours you can work have changed recently. Before 2022, international students could only work up to 40 hours every fortnight (two weeks) while studying full-time. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and labor shortages, the government temporarily allowed international students to work full-time. This may change, so it’s always a good idea to check the current rules before you start working.
1. Academic Tutor: Teach What You Know
One of the best jobs for international students and backpackers is working as an academic tutor. If you have strong knowledge in a particular subject, such as science, math, or a language, you can become a tutor and help other students with their studies. Many international students or backpackers can teach languages like English, Italian, or Mandarin. There are many websites where you can find tutoring jobs, such as Tutor.com or Superprof, where you can teach your skills to others.
In Australia, tutoring is a great way to earn money while helping others learn. Depending on your teaching level, you can earn anywhere between $20 to $40 per hour. It’s a flexible job that allows you to set your own schedule and work from home or in-person.
2. Freelance Work: Flexibility and Extra Cash
Another great way to make money is by doing freelance work. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork allow you to offer your skills and services to people all around the world. As a freelancer, you can provide services such as writing, graphic design, video editing, or even language translation. Freelance work is perfect for international students and backpackers because you can work from anywhere, and you can decide how much work you want to take on.
If you’re good at things like writing, graphic design, video editing, or web development, these freelancing platforms can help you earn money. Some freelancers make hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month, depending on how many clients they take on. Whether you’re working part-time or full-time, freelancing is a great way to earn money while you study or travel.
3. Babysitter: A Fun Way to Earn Money
Being a babysitter is another job that international students and backpackers can do while in Australia. Babysitters look after children while their parents are at work or out for the evening. The pay for babysitting can range from $21 to $30 per hour, depending on the area and the number of children you’re looking after. Some families also offer extra perks like meals or free accommodation, which can help save even more money.
Babysitting is a great job for those who enjoy spending time with kids and can be a flexible way to earn money. You can find babysitting jobs by using websites like Care.com or searching local community boards. You may also want to ask around at your school or university to see if anyone is looking for a babysitter.
4. Support Worker in Healthcare: Helping People in Need
The healthcare sector in Australia is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for support workers. These workers help people with disabilities, the elderly, or people who need assistance with daily activities. Working as a support worker in the healthcare sector is a rewarding job that provides great pay and experience.
If you are interested in working in healthcare, you can apply for support worker roles in hospitals, nursing homes, or home care services. Support workers usually earn between $22 to $30 per hour, and there are many opportunities to work on a part-time or full-time basis. Some employers even offer training to help you gain the skills you need for the role.
5. Student Services Officer: Helping Other Students
If you’re studying at a university in Australia, you may want to check with your university to see if they have any student services jobs available. These jobs may include roles such as helping with orientation programs, guiding new students, or assisting with administrative tasks. Working as a student services officer is a great way to gain experience while being involved in campus life.
Since you’re already a student, this type of job can be easier to get compared to other roles. Plus, it’s an excellent way to develop skills in communication, organization, and problem-solving, all of which are useful when looking for full-time work after graduation.
6. Receptionist or Call Center Jobs: Great for Customer Service Experience
Receptionist and call center jobs are some of the most common part-time jobs available in Australia. These jobs are perfect for international students and backpackers because they allow you to develop customer service skills, which are in demand in almost every industry. Whether you’re answering phones, managing appointments, or assisting customers, working as a receptionist or in a call center will help you build your communication and organizational skills.
Many companies hire part-time receptionists and call center workers, and the pay is usually between $20 to $25 per hour. These jobs are flexible, and you can often find work that fits around your study schedule.
7. Hospitality Jobs: Waiter, Barista, or Kitchen Hand
Hospitality jobs are also popular among international students and backpackers. These roles include being a waiter, front-of-house staff, barista, or kitchen hand. Hospitality jobs are a great way to gain customer service experience and meet new people. Many people who start in hospitality roles eventually work their way up to higher positions, such as managers or chefs.
As a waiter or bartender, you can earn good tips on top of your hourly pay, which can boost your income. In Australia, hospitality workers can earn between $20 to $30 per hour, and the hours are often flexible. If you’re interested in cooking, you can also start as a kitchen hand and work your way up to become a chef or sous chef.
8. Retail Assistant: Working in Stores or Malls
Working as a retail assistant in Australia is another good job option for international students and backpackers. Retail assistants work in stores, shopping malls, or supermarkets, helping customers find products, restocking shelves, and managing the cash register. Retail jobs offer flexible hours, and you can often choose shifts that fit around your study schedule.
The pay for retail assistants ranges from $20 to $25 per hour, depending on the location and the company. Retail work is a great way to gain customer service experience, and it can lead to better job opportunities in the future.
9. Fitness Instructor: Help Others Stay Fit
If you’re passionate about fitness and health, becoming a fitness instructor could be a great job for you. To become a fitness instructor, you usually need to complete a certification, such as a Certificate III in Fitness. This job allows you to work with individuals or groups to help them achieve their fitness goals.
Fitness instructors in Australia can earn anywhere between $25 to $50 per hour, depending on their experience and location. This job is flexible, and you can work in gyms, fitness centers, or even online. It’s a great way to combine your passion for fitness with earning money.
10. Volunteering: Gain Experience and References
If you’re having trouble finding a paid job, volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door. Many professional organizations in Australia offer volunteer opportunities, and volunteering can help you gain local references that will be valuable when applying for paid jobs.
Volunteering is also a great way to meet people, learn new skills, and give back to the community. Whether you’re helping at an animal shelter, working with children, or assisting at an event, volunteering can lead to paid work in the future.
Conclusion
Australia offers a wide range of job opportunities for international students and backpackers. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, good pay, or experience in a specific industry, there is a job for everyone. From academic tutoring to support work in healthcare, there are countless ways to earn money and gain valuable skills while studying or traveling in Australia.
By taking on one of these jobs, you can not only earn money to support yourself but also build a strong resume that will help you in your future career. Always remember to follow the rules regarding work hours and pay, and don’t forget to take advantage of volunteer opportunities if you’re struggling to find paid work.
Good luck in your job search, and enjoy your time in Australia!