Many international students choose to work part-time or casually while studying in Australia. It's an excellent way to build confidence, gain practical experience, and forge new friendships within the community. However, it's crucial to first check your visa conditions to confirm your eligibility to work during your studies. Equally important is ensuring that you can manage your time effectively to maintain a healthy balance between work, academics, and personal well-being.
Understanding the distinction between part-time, full-time, and casual employment is key as each offers different hours, rights, and benefits:
Part-Time Employment: Part-time employees work fixed hours each week, typically less than 38 hours. Common in sectors like hospitality, retail, and care, these roles offer the same rights as full-time positions but with fewer weekly hours, allowing for a manageable work-life balance.
Full-Time Employment: If you're employed full-time, you'll be working around 38 hours per week across various industries. Full-time roles come with fixed wages and benefits, including paid leave for illness and holidays.
Casual Employment: Casual jobs are more flexible, with hours that can change weekly without a guaranteed ongoing commitment from the employer. While casual workers don't receive paid leave, they benefit from a higher hourly wage to offset the lack of paid sick or holiday leave.