Australia has become one of the most practical study destinations for international students who want more than just a degree. Rising education costs worldwide have made it important for students to choose countries where part-time work is legal, pay rates are fair, and health coverage is guaranteed. Australia meets all three conditions under a clear and regulated system.
Many international students in Australia legally earn around AUD 24 per hour through part-time jobs while studying. These roles operate under national wage laws and are supported by mandatory health insurance requirements tied to the student visa. When managed properly, studying and working in Australia allows students to support themselves, gain local experience, and reduce financial pressure without breaking immigration rules.
Why Australia Allows Students to Work While Studying
Australia’s education system is closely linked to its labour market. The government recognises that international students contribute significantly to the economy and need legal income to manage living costs.
Student visas allow part-time work because it supports financial independence while keeping education as the main purpose of stay. To protect students, work hours are capped and wages are regulated under national employment laws.
This balance ensures students can work legally without being exploited or forced into unsafe conditions.
Legal Work Rights for International Students
International students in Australia are allowed to work part-time during the academic term and full-time during official study breaks.
During teaching periods, students can work up to the permitted weekly limit set by immigration rules. During semester holidays, there is no limit on hours, which allows students to earn more and save.
All work must be paid and documented. Cash-in-hand jobs without payslips are illegal and can affect visa status.
Part-Time Student Jobs Paying Around AUD 24 Per Hour
Earning AUD 24 per hour as a student is realistic in Australia, especially when penalty rates and shift allowances apply. Wages depend on industry, location, experience, and working hours.
Hospitality roles such as cafés, restaurants, hotels, and fast-food outlets often pay base rates close to this level. Evening, weekend, and public holiday shifts usually increase hourly pay.
Retail jobs in supermarkets, convenience stores, and shopping centres also offer competitive hourly rates, particularly for late-night or weekend shifts.
Aged care and disability support roles pay higher hourly rates due to labour shortages and responsibility levels. These jobs often require short training but offer consistent hours.
Cleaning and housekeeping roles in hotels, offices, and student accommodation are common among international students and often meet or exceed the AUD 24 hourly range.
Campus-based jobs such as library assistants, administrative support, or student ambassadors provide stable hours and a study-friendly environment.
How Monthly Income Typically Looks for Students
A student earning AUD 24 per hour and working within allowed limits can earn a reasonable monthly income.
With consistent part-time hours during the semester, many students earn enough to cover rent, food, transport, and daily expenses. During semester breaks, full-time work allows higher earnings and savings.
Income depends on hours worked, but students who manage shifts well often maintain financial stability without relying entirely on family support.
Health Benefits Through Student Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Australia. This insurance is not optional and is a core condition of the student visa.
Student health insurance covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, emergency care, and many essential medical services. Without valid insurance, a student visa can be refused or cancelled.
Health coverage ensures students can work and study without worrying about medical costs. It also protects employers and institutions by ensuring students are legally covered.
Some employers also provide workplace injury insurance, which covers medical treatment if an injury happens at work.
Why Health Coverage Matters for Working Students
Part-time work increases exposure to physical activity, customer interaction, and shift-based fatigue. Health insurance ensures students can access treatment quickly if illness or injury occurs.
Students working in hospitality, cleaning, or care roles especially benefit from having full medical cover. Health protection allows students to focus on work and study without risking long-term financial problems.
Costs Students Still Need to Plan For
While part-time work helps, students must still plan carefully.
Tuition fees, accommodation, transport, food, and insurance all need to be covered. Part-time income supports daily living but is not designed to fully replace financial proof requirements for visas.
Students should avoid overworking, as academic performance directly affects visa compliance.
Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid
Working more hours than legally allowed during study periods is one of the most common violations.
Accepting jobs without contracts or payslips can lead to underpayment and legal trouble.
Letting health insurance expire, even briefly, can cause serious visa issues.
Relying completely on work income without savings creates financial risk.
Ignoring tax registration and reporting obligations can lead to penalties.
Practical Tips for Balancing Study and Work
Choose jobs with flexible shifts that fit around classes.
Keep track of weekly work hours to stay within legal limits.
Prioritise academic attendance and performance at all times.
Select employers who understand student visa conditions.
Save more during semester breaks to reduce pressure during study periods.
Long-Term Benefits of Working While Studying in Australia
Working part-time gives students Australian work experience, which is valuable after graduation.
Many students build strong employer relationships that lead to full-time roles later.
Local experience improves communication skills, workplace confidence, and employability.
Students who follow visa rules carefully are better positioned for post-study work options.
Conclusion
Studying and working in Australia offers international students a structured and lawful way to earn income while completing a recognised qualification. Part-time student jobs paying around AUD 24 per hour, combined with mandatory health benefits, provide real financial support under strong legal protection.
For students seeking quality education, legal work opportunities, and healthcare security, Australia remains one of the most balanced and student-friendly destinations available today.