Finding Your First Job in Australia: The International Student’s Guide

You’ve made it. You’ve landed in Australia, your student visa is active, and you’re enrolled in your course. It’s an exciting new chapter. But as you start to settle in, the next big challenge often appears: finding a job.

For most international students, a part-time job isn’t just about earning money to help with living expenses. It’s your first real step into the local community. It’s where you’ll practice your English in a real-world setting, meet new people, and gain the “local experience” so many future employers look for.

But where do you even begin? The process can feel overwhelming.

As an agency that has guided hundreds of students through this exact journey, we want to share the practical advice that works. Here is your step-by-step guide to finding a job as an international student in Australia.

1. First: Understand Your Visa Rules

Before you even type “jobs near me” into Google, you must be 100% clear on your visa conditions. This is non-negotiable.

Your Student visa (subclass 500) has specific rules about work. Typically, this means you can work:

• Up to 48 hours per fortnight (a 14-day period) while your course is “in session.”
• Unlimited hours during official course breaks (like the summer holidays).

These rules are strict, and your primary purpose in Australia must remain your study. It’s the first thing we confirm with all our clients, as protecting your visa and enrolment is priority number one. Always check the very latest conditions on your specific visa grant letter or on the Department of Home Affairs website.

2. Prepare an “Australian-Style” Resume

This is the hurdle where we see most students get stuck. A resume (or CV) that worked perfectly in your home country might not work here.

Australian employers value resumes that are:

• Concise: Keep it to two pages, maximum.
• Simple: Use a clean, professional format. No photos, no complicated graphics.
• Focused on Skills: Clearly list your “soft skills” (like communication, teamwork, reliable, fast learner) and “hard skills” (like cash handling, specific software, or language abilities).
• Localised: You must include an Australian mobile number and a local address (or at least your suburb).

Pro Tip: Don’t stress if you don’t have “official” work experience. Include volunteer work, university projects, or experience from a family business. Aussie employers in hospitality and retail often hire for attitude and reliability—they can teach you the rest.

How We Can Help: This is a common stumbling block. Our team offers complimentary resume-check sessions for our clients to help you “Australianise” your CV and make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.

3. Where to Actually Find the Jobs

Don’t just rely on one method. We advise our students to use a “3-pronged strategy” for their job hunt.

The Digital Search (The “Obvious” Way) This is your starting point. Create profiles on major job boards and set up alerts for your suburb.

• Seek
• Indeed
• Your University Portal: This is a gold mine. Employers who post on your uni’s career hub are specifically looking for students and already understand your need for a flexible schedule.

The “Resume Drop” (The “Scary but Effective” Way) 

This is how most first jobs in hospitality (cafés, restaurants) and retail are found. It feels old-school, but it works.

• Print 15-20 copies of your new resume.
• Pick a street or shopping area with lots of cafés and shops.
• Crucial Tip: Do NOT go during the busy lunch rush (12 PM – 2 PM). The manager will be stressed. Go during the “dead” time, usually around 10 AM or 3 PM.
• Walk in, smile, and ask politely, “Hi, I was just wondering if your manager is in? I’m a local student looking for part-time work and wanted to drop off my resume.”
• They’ve now seen your face, your smile, and your confidence. You are instantly more memorable than the 100 emails in their inbox.

The Network (The “Hidden” Way) Talk to everyone. Your classmates, your lecturers, other students in your accommodation. Many jobs—especially as a kitchen hand or shop assistant—are filled by word-of-mouth before they are ever advertised.

4. Get the Skills That Get You Hired

Some of the most common student jobs are in hospitality. You can give yourself a massive advantage by getting two simple, one-day certifications.

• RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol): A legal requirement if you want to serve, sell, or even work around alcohol in any bar, pub, or restaurant.
• Barista Course: A 1-2 day course that teaches you how to use an espresso machine. Providers such as Barista Course Melbourne deliver the entry level Barista Coffee Making Course which is suitable for beginners, or the Coffee Art (Latte Art) Course if you’re already familiar with the basics and know how to use the machine, and would like to develop your skills with learning how to create free pouring latte art. 

Having these on your resume shows an employer you are serious and “job-ready” from day one.

How We Can Help: The market is full of training providers. As part of our student support services, our team can point you to reputable, well-priced RSA and Barista courses in your city.

5. Know Your Rights at Work

This is critical. Australia has very strong worker protections, and these apply to everyone, including international students.

You have the right to:

• Be paid at least the national minimum wage.
• Receive proper payslips that show your hours, pay rate, and tax.
• Work in a safe environment.

It is illegal for an employer to pay you “cash in hand” (which usually means they aren’t paying your tax or superannuation) or to pay you less than the minimum wage.

If something feels wrong, you can check your pay rates and rights confidentially on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. We take our students’ welfare seriously and are here to support you if you’re ever unsure.

Your First Job is a Stepping Stone

Finding that first part-time job takes patience and persistence. You might get a few “no’s” before you get a “yes,” but you will get there.

Be professional, be reliable, and treat every shift as a learning opportunity.

Remember, your first casual job is just one part of your Australian journey. It’s a way to build your confidence, your skills, and your network. For many of our clients, the connections they make at a simple café job are the ones that lead to sponsorship or a full-time graduate role down the line.

And when you are ready to think about that next step—whether it’s a Post-Study Work Visa (subclass 485) or exploring pathways to permanent residency—that’s where we truly shine.

Ready to start your journey? If you have questions about your visa, your study options, or your future pathways in Australia, book a consultation with one of our registered agents today.

About Us: Evolve Education and Migration specialises in helping international students in Australia navigate complex visa and education pathways. Our expert team is dedicated to providing clear, honest advice and robust support to ensure every student’s journey is smooth and successful.

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general purposes. Please consult a professional for specific guidance tailored to your situation.