Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) - Melbourne Burwood Campus

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

On-campus accommodation

Student villages at the Joondalup, Mount Lawley and South West campuses are operated by student accommodation company Campus Living Villages. The villages consist of single and multi-room units with shared self-catering facilities, and they provide a modern, friendly environment. There is a wide range of apartment styles, including recently developed apartments, to suit a variety of budgets.

All new developments feature National Rental Affordability Scheme approved dwellings, offering tenants rent at below market prices.

All villages are located on-campus and close to all campus facilities. Local shops and sport and recreation facilities are within walking distance, or easily accessible by public transport.

Off-campus accommodation

The Villages operate a referral service to assist students in seeking off-campus accommodation. This service provides access to both individuals and real estate agents who may have properties available for rent.

For further information, please visit the ECU Village website.

• www.ecuvillage.com.au
• www.ecuvillage.com.au

Homestays

Many DUELI students stay in homestay accommodation. Homestay offers a safe, caring environment and a place where you can practise your English. Homestays provide a furnished bedroom, three meals per day and laundry facilities. Homestays are located close to public transport, so you can travel to and from the university easily.

Other accommodation options

Off-campus housing is also available. For more see deakin.edu.au/houseme.

Accommodation fees:

• Accommodation placement fee (Melbourne and Geelong): A$250
• Burwood on-campus accommodation fee (subject to availability): A$330-A$360 per week
• Geelong Waterfront on-campus accommodation fee (subject to availability): $295-$330 per week
• Homestay fee: Burwood: A$330-A$350 per week; Geelong: $315-A$330 per week