Part-Time Jobs for Students Australia 2025:
Complete Guide
Balancing study with part-time work is a reality for millions of Australian students. Part-time jobs provide income, work experience, and valuable skills while accommodating academic commitments. This comprehensive guide covers the best part-time jobs for students, including pay rates, strategies for balancing work and study, where to find positions, and tips for success.
Quick Overview: Part-Time Jobs for Students Australia
Best Student Jobs: Retail, hospitality, tutoring, admin support, delivery driving
Average Pay: $20-30/hour (casual rates with loading)
Typical Hours: 10-25 hours per week during semester, more during holidays
Key Requirement: Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
Benefits: Income, work experience, transferable skills, networking
Challenge: Balancing work commitments with study demands
Best Part-Time Jobs for Students
- Retail (Supermarkets, Department Stores)
Positions:
- Cashier
- Sales assistant
- Stock replenishment
- Customer service
Employers:
- Woolworths, Coles, ALDI
- Kmart, Target, Big W
- Bunnings, JB Hi-Fi
Pay: $22-28/hour (casual with loading)
Hours: 10-25 hours/week, flexible scheduling
Why Good for Students:
✅ Flexible hours around classes
✅ Weekend work suits student schedule
✅ Many locations near universities/homes
✅ Consistent hours available
✅ Staff discounts save money
✅ No work taken home
Challenges:
❌ Weekend work impacts social life
❌ Standing for long periods
❌ Can be repetitive
Best For: Students needing consistent income and flexible scheduling
- Hospitality (Cafes, Restaurants, Bars)
Positions:
- Waiter/waitress
- Barista
- Bartender
- Kitchen hand
- Food runner
Employers:
- Local cafes and restaurants
- Chain restaurants
- Pubs and bars
- Hotels
Pay: $23-35/hour (casual with loading, higher for bartending)
Hours: 10-30 hours/week, evening and weekend shifts
Why Good for Students:
✅ Evening shifts suit daytime classes
✅ Weekend work available
✅ Tips supplement income ($20-200+/shift)
✅ Social, energetic environment
✅ Meal benefits (free/discounted food)
✅ Flexible scheduling
Challenges:
❌ Late nights (finish 11 PM-2 AM)
❌ Physically demanding
❌ Irregular hours
❌ Dealing with difficult customers
Requirements:
- RSA certificate for bartending (18+)
- Food handling certificate
Best For: Social students who don’t mind late nights and want higher pay
- Tutoring
Positions:
- Private tutor (one-on-one)
- Tutoring center instructor
- Online tutor
Subjects:
- High school subjects (Maths, English, Science)
- University subjects
- Music, languages, test prep
Pay: $25-80/hour depending on subject and level
Hours: 5-20 hours/week, flexible scheduling
Why Good for Students:
✅ Highest pay per hour
✅ Flexible scheduling (choose your hours)
✅ Reinforces your own knowledge
✅ Rewarding work
✅ Can work from home
✅ Build teaching skills
✅ No weekend requirement
Challenges:
❌ Inconsistent hours (varies by demand)
❌ Preparation time unpaid
❌ Finding clients initially difficult
❌ Seasonal (quieter during school holidays)
Requirements:
- Strong academic performance
- Good communication skills
- Patience and teaching ability
Best For: High-achieving students with strong subject knowledge and teaching skills
- Fast Food (McDonald’s, KFC, Hungry Jack’s, Subway)
Positions:
- Crew member
- Cashier
- Kitchen staff
- Drive-thru operator
Pay: $18-26/hour (depending on age, casual with loading)
Hours: 10-30 hours/week, very flexible
Why Good for Students:
✅ Very flexible scheduling
✅ Many locations
✅ Always hiring
✅ Quick training
✅ Meal benefits
✅ Clear career progression
✅ Work with other students
Challenges:
❌ Fast-paced, high-pressure
❌ Late nights and early mornings
❌ Dealing with difficult customers
❌ Can be stressful during rush
Best For: Students needing maximum flexibility and quick employment
- Delivery Driving (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog)
Position: Delivery driver/rider
Pay: $15-30/hour (varies greatly by time, location, demand)
Hours: Completely flexible – work whenever you want
Why Good for Students:
✅ Ultimate flexibility – choose when to work
✅ Work around class schedule
✅ No boss or fixed shifts
✅ Can work 2 hours or 20 hours per week
✅ Exercise if cycling
✅ Listen to podcasts/music while working
Challenges:
❌ Income unpredictable
❌ Vehicle costs (fuel, maintenance)
❌ Weather exposure
❌ Safety concerns
❌ No penalty rates or loading
❌ No guaranteed minimum wage
Requirements:
- 18+ years old
- Vehicle (car, scooter, bicycle)
- Driver’s license (if driving)
- Smartphone
Best For: Students wanting ultimate flexibility and owning vehicle
- Admin/Office Support
Positions:
- Data entry
- Receptionist
- Office assistant
- Filing clerk
Employers:
- Small businesses
- Universities (on-campus jobs)
- Government departments
- Corporate offices
Pay: $23-30/hour
Hours: 10-20 hours/week, often weekday daytime
Why Good for Students:
✅ Professional environment
✅ Office skills development
✅ Resume-building experience
✅ Networking opportunities
✅ Relevant to many careers
✅ Usually no weekend work
Challenges:
❌ Harder to find
❌ May conflict with class times
❌ Often requires some experience
❌ Can be repetitive
Best For: Students seeking professional experience relevant to career goals
- Supermarket Online Shopping Picker
Position: Online shopping picker/packer
Employers: Woolworths, Coles
Pay: $23-27/hour (casual with loading)
Hours: 10-25 hours/week, flexible shifts including early morning
Why Good for Students:
✅ Flexible scheduling
✅ Physical activity (walking, not standing still)
✅ Less customer interaction than cashier
✅ Early morning shifts (5-9 AM) suit afternoon classes
✅ Staff discount
✅ Consistent hours
Challenges:
❌ Physically demanding (walking, lifting)
❌ Time pressure (orders must be completed quickly)
❌ Early morning starts
Best For: Active students who prefer physical work over customer service
- Cinema/Entertainment Venue
Positions:
- Usher
- Candy bar attendant
- Ticket sales
Employers:
- Event Cinemas, Hoyts, Village
- Bowling alleys, entertainment centers
Pay: $22-26/hour (casual with loading)
Hours: 10-20 hours/week, evening and weekend shifts
Why Good for Students:
✅ Fun, social environment
✅ Free movies (staff benefit)
✅ Evening shifts suit daytime classes
✅ Less stressful than retail
✅ Work with other young people
Challenges:
❌ Quieter periods = fewer hours
❌ Weekend work essential
❌ Late nights
❌ Seasonal (busier during school holidays)
Best For: Movie lovers and social students
- Gym/Fitness Center
Positions:
- Gym receptionist
- Childcare attendant
- Cleaning staff
Pay: $22-28/hour
Hours: 10-20 hours/week, early morning or evening shifts
Why Good for Students:
✅ Free gym membership
✅ Health-focused environment
✅ Early morning shifts (5-9 AM) suit afternoon classes
✅ Active environment
Challenges:
❌ Early morning starts (5-6 AM)
❌ Weekend work often required
❌ May need fitness qualifications for some roles
Best For: Fitness-focused students who don’t mind early mornings
- University On-Campus Jobs
Positions:
- Library assistant
- Student ambassador
- Research assistant
- Tutor/mentor
- Admin support
- Cafe/food service
Pay: $23-35/hour depending on role
Hours: 5-15 hours/week, flexible around classes
Why Good for Students:
✅ On campus – no commute
✅ Flexible around class schedule
✅ Understand student commitments
✅ Relevant to studies
✅ Networking with faculty
✅ Resume-building
Challenges:
❌ Limited positions available
❌ Competitive to get
❌ Fewer hours than off-campus jobs
❌ May be semester-only
Best For: Students wanting convenience and relevant experience
Part-Time vs Casual Employment for Students
Casual Employment
Characteristics:
- No guaranteed hours
- Hours vary week to week
- 25% casual loading
- No paid leave
- Can decline shifts
Pay Example: $27.50/hour (including 25% loading)
Best For: Students wanting maximum flexibility
Part-Time Employment
Characteristics:
- Guaranteed minimum hours (e.g., 15 hours/week)
- Consistent schedule
- Paid annual and sick leave
- Lower hourly rate (no casual loading)
- More stable income
Pay Example: $22/hour (no casual loading, but paid leave)
Best For: Students wanting income stability
Which is Better for Students?
Choose Casual If:
- You want maximum flexibility
- Your class schedule changes each semester
- You want to work more during holidays, less during exams
- You prefer higher hourly rate
Choose Part-Time If:
- You want consistent income
- Your schedule is stable
- You value paid sick leave
- You plan to work long-term
Most Common: Casual employment is more common for students due to flexibility needs.
How Much Can Students Earn Part-Time?
Weekly Earnings Examples
10 hours/week (Light):
- $25/hour × 10 hours = $250/week
- $1,000/month
- $13,000/year
15 hours/week (Moderate):
- $25/hour × 15 hours = $375/week
- $1,500/month
- $19,500/year
20 hours/week (Standard):
- $25/hour × 20 hours = $500/week
- $2,000/month
- $26,000/year
25 hours/week (Maximum Recommended):
- $25/hour × 25 hours = $625/week
- $2,500/month
- $32,500/year
With Penalty Rates (Weekend Work)
20 hours/week including weekends:
- 10 hours weekday: $25/hour = $250
- 6 hours Saturday: $37.50/hour = $225
- 4 hours Sunday: $50/hour = $200
- Total: $675/week ($35,100/year)
Holiday Earnings
Full-time hours during holidays (38 hours/week):
- 20 hours weekday: $25/hour = $500
- 10 hours Saturday: $37.50/hour = $375
- 8 hours Sunday: $50/hour = $400
- Total: $1,275/week
- 12 weeks holidays/year = $15,300 from holidays alone
How to Balance Work and Study
Recommended Work Hours by Study Load
Full-Time Study (4 subjects):
- Maximum: 15-20 hours/week during semester
- 25-38 hours/week during holidays
Part-Time Study (2-3 subjects):
- Maximum: 20-30 hours/week
Research: Studies show working more than 20 hours/week negatively impacts academic performance.
Time Management Strategies
- Create Weekly Schedule
- Block out class times
- Block out study time (2-3 hours per subject per week)
- Block out work shifts
- Identify free time
- Prioritize Academics
- Study comes first
- Work around classes, not vice versa
- Reduce work hours during exams
- Communicate with Employer
- Provide class timetable at start of semester
- Request reduced hours during exams (4-6 weeks notice)
- Be upfront about academic commitments
- Use Time Efficiently
- Study between classes
- Use commute time for reading
- Minimize social media
- Batch similar tasks
- Plan Ahead
- Know assignment due dates
- Request time off for major assessments
- Work more during light academic weeks
- Take Care of Health
- Get 7-8 hours sleep
- Eat properly
- Exercise
- Manage stress
- Know Your Limits
- Don’t overcommit
- It’s okay to reduce hours if struggling
- Academic success is long-term investment
Red Flags You’re Working Too Much
❌ Falling behind in assignments
❌ Missing classes due to tiredness
❌ Grades declining
❌ Constant exhaustion
❌ No time for study
❌ High stress and anxiety
❌ No social life or downtime
Solution: Reduce work hours immediately. Your degree is more valuable long-term than extra income now.
Where to Find Part-Time Student Jobs
Online Job Boards
Seek.com.au:
- Filter by “part-time” and “casual”
- Set location to your area
- Create job alerts
Indeed.com.au:
- Comprehensive listings
- Easy application
StudentVIP.com.au:
- Student-specific jobs
- University-focused
Prosple.com:
- Graduate and student opportunities
University Career Services
On-Campus:
- University career center
- Job boards
- Career fairs
- On-campus job listings
Benefits:
- Student-friendly employers
- Flexible scheduling
- Relevant opportunities
Direct Applications
Walk-In:
- Visit retailers during quiet times
- Bring printed resume
- Ask for manager
Online:
- Company websites
- Direct application portals
Recruitment Agencies
Student-Focused:
- Drake
- Frontline
- Randstad
Networking
Word of Mouth:
- Tell friends and family
- Ask classmates where they work
- University social groups
Tips for Getting Part-Time Student Job
- Emphasize Availability
Highlight:
- Available weekends (essential for most jobs)
- Available evenings
- Available during holidays (work more hours)
- Flexible and accommodating
- Show Reliability
Emphasize:
- Punctual and dependable
- Committed despite being student
- Mature and responsible
- Highlight Transferable Skills
Even Without Experience:
- Teamwork (group projects)
- Communication (presentations)
- Time management (balancing study)
- Problem-solving
- Computer skills
- Provide Class Timetable
During Interview:
- Bring printed class schedule
- Show you’ve thought about logistics
- Demonstrate organization
- Be Honest About Study Commitments
Upfront:
- Explain you’re a student
- Mention exam periods
- Show you’ve planned how to balance both
- Apply Early in Semester
Timing:
- Apply in first 2 weeks of semester
- Before others fill positions
- Shows initiative
- Target Student-Friendly Employers
Known for Hiring Students:
- Major retailers (Woolworths, Coles, Kmart)
- Fast food chains
- Cinemas
- Cafes near universities
Student Employment Rights
Fair Work Protections
Minimum Wage:
- Must be paid at least minimum wage for age
- Penalty rates for weekends/public holidays
- Casual loading (25%)
Breaks:
- 10-minute paid break for 4-hour shift
- 30-minute unpaid meal break for 5+ hour shift
Rosters:
- Reasonable notice of shifts (usually 1-2 weeks)
- Can’t be forced to work if unavailable
Termination:
- Casuals can be terminated with minimal notice
- Must be paid for all hours worked
Tax and Superannuation
Tax File Number:
- Required for employment
- Apply at ato.gov.au
Tax-Free Threshold:
- First $18,200/year tax-free
- Most students earn below this
Superannuation:
- Employer must pay 11% super
- If earning $450+/month
Tax Return:
- Lodge annual tax return
- May get refund if tax withheld
Common Questions About Student Part-Time Jobs
How many hours should students work per week?
Recommended: 10-20 hours during semester, up to 38 hours during holidays. Research shows working more than 20 hours/week negatively impacts academic performance.
Can international students work part-time?
Yes, international students on student visas can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester, unlimited during holidays. Check your visa conditions.
Do I need to tell my employer I’m a student?
Yes, be upfront about being a student. Student-friendly employers understand and accommodate study commitments. Hiding it creates problems later.
What if work conflicts with exams?
Communicate early (4-6 weeks before exams). Request reduced hours or time off. Most employers accommodate if given advance notice.
Can I get Youth Allowance while working?
Yes, but income affects payment. You can earn up to ~$524/fortnight before payments reduce. Check Services Australia for current thresholds.
Should I work during first semester?
Depends on your adjustment. Many students wait until second semester to start working, allowing time to adjust to university first. Others work from day one successfully.
What if my grades are suffering?
Reduce work hours immediately. Your degree is a long-term investment worth far more than short-term income. Talk to your employer about reducing shifts.
Conclusion
Part-time work provides Australian students with income, work experience, and valuable skills while pursuing education. The best student jobs offer flexibility (retail, hospitality, tutoring, delivery), reasonable pay ($20-30/hour), and accommodation of academic commitments.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Best jobs:
Retail, hospitality, tutoring, fast food, delivery
✅ Recommended hours: 10-20 hours/week during semester
✅ Average pay: $22-28/hour (casual with loading)
✅ Essential: Weekend availability for most positions
✅ Priority: Study comes first – work around classes
✅ Communication: Be upfront about being student
✅ Balance: Don’t work so much that grades suffer
Success Factors:
1.Choose student-friendly employer
2.Work 15-20 hours max during semester
3.Prioritize academics over work
4.Communicate class schedule clearly
5.Request reduced hours during exams
6.Be reliable when you do work
7.Use time efficiently
8.Know your limits
Balancing work and study requires discipline, time management, and clear priorities. Choose the right job, work reasonable hours, communicate effectively, and remember that your degree is the long-term investment – work is supplementary income and experience during this phase of life.
Related Articles:
- Weekend Jobs for Students Australia
- Casual Retail Jobs Australia
- Best Jobs for Teenagers Australia
- How to Balance Work and Study
- First Job Resume Australia
- High School Student Resume Australia