Student jobs and working

Working while studying can be helpful in many ways. You can earn extra money to help with living and travel costs as well as meet new people.  On a student visa (Subclass 500), you can usually work up to 40 hours per fortnight when your course is in session and unlimited hours during the study break. Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs guidelines for more information on working rights and restrictions in Australia.

Working while studying can be helpful in many ways. You can earn extra money to help with living and travel costs as well as meet new people, network and be part of the community.

How many hours can you work?

On a student visa (Subclass 500), you can usually work up to 40 hours per fortnight when your course is in session and unlimited hours during the study break. Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs guidelines for more information on working rights and restrictions in Australia.

You can look for part time or casual employment, such as in retail, hospitality, tourism, agriculture or other industries. You can learn valuable transferable skills through casual or part time employment.

A few useful links to look for part time employment:

• Seek 
• UTAS Career Connect

Securing an internship position can lead you to a full-time employment after your graduation. Many organisations and State Government agencies in Tasmania offer internship programs for students. You are eligible to apply for those opportunities as an international student.

Other organisations including KPMG, Deloitte, Nyrstar, TasNetworks, City of Hobart, MyState Bank and Charted Accountants offer vacation program along with internship opportunities.

What you can learn

You can learn about various practical aspects of your study during an internship or vacation program. Most internship opportunities are available during semester break as students can generally work full time during the break. Some internships are also available during the semester.

Where to find internships?

You can look for internship opportunities at the career or employment sections of an organisation’s website. The following website may also be handy while looking for internship or vacation programs:

UTAS I-PREP

UTAS Tax Clinic

Tasmania has a strong culture of volunteering in the local community. It is a great way to develop your soft skills and gain practical experience.

Skills you can learn

You can learn new skills, gain valuable work experience, develop social networks and improve your own mental health and self-worth through volunteering. Volunteering can also lead you to an employment opportunity after your graduation.

The following websites can help you find volunteering opportunities in Tasmania:

• Volunteering Tasmania
• Australian Red cross
• Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania
• Multicultural Council of Tasmania
• Ambulance Tasmania
• St Johns 
• Seek Volunteering

You should also know the following information before your start working in Tasmania:

• Tax File Number
• Minimum Wage
• Superannuation
• Unfair dismissal from job
• Hours of work, breaks & rosters
• Bullying and Harassment
• National employment standards