ANU College

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Working in Australia

Many overseas students studying in Australia often find part-time work to support themselves during their stay and to earn some extra money. If you are interested in working in Australia there are several things you should be aware of before you start looking for a job.

Work Permission

If your student visa was granted on or after 28 April 2008, you don’t need to apply for work permission. You already have work permission on your student visa and this allows you to work for 20 hours per week (outside school hours).

Tax File Number

Once you have work rights (or Working Holiday Maker Visa) you can then start looking for a job. You will need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) for taxation purposes. If you start work before you get your TFN, you have 28 days to provide your TFN to your employer.

Types of jobs

Your level of English and limited work hours will be an important factor when looking for a job. The most likely opportunities for work are in hospitality and service industries as these areas tend to have a high turnover of staff, flexible working hours and do not always require a high level of English.

Some examples are:

• Waitress/waiter
• Kitchen hand
• Shop assistant
• Delivery person
• Cleaner

Rates of Pay

The rates of pay vary from place to place. You could expect, for the above jobs, to receive anywhere from A$12 – A$20 per hour. Most of the above jobs are easy to come by and do not always require a high level of English. However, there may be downsides such as:

• Rate of pay may be less than for a native speaker
• Student visa regulations (full-time study and maximum hours work, per week)
• You can only work outside school hours and on weekends

ANU College students have the option to stay in ANU campus accommodation, private student housing, or in homestay accommodation with a local family. To help you adjust to life in Australia when you first arrive, we recommend a homestay.

If required, we can arrange transport to your housing. When you arrive in Canberra, you will be met and taken to your pre-arranged accommodation.

ANU campus Accommodation

ANU offers a wide range of on-campus accommodation within a diverse and vibrant community. There is a choice of catered and self-catered accommodation, with private or shared bathrooms. On-campus student accommodation is usually furnished and well-equipped with facilities for studying, relaxing and socialising.

Homestay Accommodation

This supportive, family-style accommodation is recommended as the safest and best option for new students studying in Australia for the first time. The minimum period of homestay is four weeks.

Under 18s

Students under the age of 18 commencing study at ANU College have specific accommodation and welfare arrangements. They must follow the College’s welfare guidelines, or live with a relative who has been verified and approved.

Private housing and house share

International students are welcome to search for and set up their own private housing or house share accommodation in Canberra.