WORKING IN AUSTRALIA AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

Working in Australia as a student seems easier – after graduation, it's a bit more difficult, hence requires some strategy. Remember, as an international student, you should never expect to live on the money you make while studying, but the extra income can certainly help you meet your financial needs. Australia is one of the high income countries in the world. Many international students are vying for the opportunity to study in this amazing country. 

Here are a few things you need to know before you make that decision. 

1. Student Visa Rules 

International students in Australia on a valid student visa can work for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and there is no limit on the number of hours an international student can work during recognized school vacations. 

A work week in Australia is considered to be Monday through the following Sunday. Although students allowed to arrive in Australia up to 90 days before their course begins, students are not allowed to begin working until after their courses have begun. For students obtaining a graduate degree, like a masters degree, their family can work unlimited hours. 

2. Work Permission and Other Practicalities 

As an international student working in Australia, you have the same protections as any Australian in the workplace. To work in Australia while you are a student you must have a student visa with work permission. The student visa that comes with work authorization allows you to begin working as soon as your classes begin. Remember – as an international student you can work up to 40 hours every two weeks during term time, and unlimited hours during your holiday breaks. 

It is important you keep to this limit – it is what you agreed to when you were given your student visa. If you begin work before your classes start, or if you exceed the 20-hour-a-week limit, your student visa may be revoked. Countries like Australia is strict to this rule.

3. After Graduation 

Unlike in some other high income English-speaking countries, there is no automatic right associated with your student visa to stay and work for a period of time in Australia after you complete your degree. When you receive your student visa, the government lets you in on a temporary basis of entry for study with the understanding that you will leave upon completion of course and before the visa will expire. 

Australia continues to have demand for foreign workers, and students that have earned a degree in Australia have a special work visa category. 

There are also several other visa categories open to international students, and Australia has a very straightforward path to permanent residency using a points system . But then, for the basis, once you graduate, if you want to stay and work in Australia, you must apply and obtain a work visa. there is no POST GRADUATION WORK PERMIT. 

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