Earn & Learn in Australia
Highest minimum wages in the world. Work 48hrs/fortnight and earn AUD $24.95+/hr. Casual loading gets you to AUD $31.19/hr. Build your Australian dream with generous work rights and clear pathways to permanent residency.
Why Australia for Earn & Learn?
Highest Minimum Wage Globally
AUD $24.95/hr standard. Casual rates with 25% loading reach AUD $31.19/hr - among the world's highest for student work.
48 Hours/Fortnight Rights
Work 48 hours per fortnight (14-day period) during semester = ~24 hours/week. Unlimited during official breaks.
Unlimited Break Work
Work unlimited hours during official semester breaks. Perfect for intensive earning periods when you're not in classes.
2-4 Year Post-Study Visa
Subclass 485: Bachelor's = 2 years, Master's = 3 years, PhD = 4 years to work and build your PR case.
Clear PR Pathways
Study → Work → Points-based skilled migration. ~50% of international graduates secure PR within 5 years. Your earnings boost your application.
PhD & Research Unlimited
Masters by Research and PhD candidates have unlimited work rights anytime. No restrictions on hours or timing.
Work Rights Deep Dive
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- 48 hours per fortnight during scheduled semester periods (fortnight = 14-day period)
- Hours tracked across ALL jobs combined - work only one job or split hours across multiple
- Unlimited hours during official scheduled breaks between semesters
- Must maintain full-time study status to retain work rights
- No separate work permit needed - work rights are included in student visa
Masters by Research / PhD
- Unlimited work hours at any time - no restrictions during studies or breaks
- Can work while actively conducting research or completing thesis
- No job type restrictions - can work in any field
- Highly flexible for combining research with paid work
Earning Potential
During Study Period
Work Hours/Week
24 hours
Casual Rate (with loading)
AUD $31.19/hr
Weekly Earnings
~AUD $748
Monthly Earnings
~AUD $3,000
During Semester Breaks
Work Hours/Week
38-40 hours
Casual Rate (with loading)
AUD $31.19/hr
Weekly Earnings
~AUD $1,185
Break Period Income
~AUD $5,000+
Common Student Jobs & Rates
Hospitality (Café, Restaurant)
AUD $25-30/hr
Very high availability, flexible hours
Retail (Shopping Centers)
AUD $25-28/hr
Good availability, weekend premium
Tutoring (Maths, Science, English)
AUD $30-50/hr
High pay, flexible hours, specialized
Delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash)
AUD $20-35/hr
Very flexible, instant payments
IT / Web Development (Part-time)
AUD $35-55/hr
Highest pay, remote options, competitive
University Research Assistant
AUD $28-40/hr
On-campus, good pay, fewer positions
Cost Breakdown & Affordability
Annual Tuition
AUD $25,000-50,000
Depends on degree level and university. More expensive for engineering/medicine.
Monthly Living Costs
AUD $1,800-2,500
Varies by city. Rent is 60-70% of budget. Cheaper in Adelaide/Brisbane.
Work Income (Study Period)
AUD $3,000/month
At 24 hrs/week. This covers 100-150% of living costs!
Cities by Cost & Opportunity
Sydney
Rent: AUD $1,400-2,000/wk
Best for: Finance, IT, hospitality
Indian community: 500k+
Melbourne
Rent: AUD $1,200-1,800/wk
Best for: Startups, media, tech
Indian community: 400k+
Brisbane
Rent: AUD $1,000-1,400/wk
Best for: Engineering, energy
Growing Indian community
Adelaide
Rent: AUD $800-1,200/wk
Best for: Affordability, study
Most affordable option
💡 Smart Strategy:
Start in an affordable city (Brisbane/Adelaide) for your first year to build savings and establish yourself. Move to Sydney/Melbourne if you need better job prospects after establishing work history.
Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)
Bachelor's Degree
2 Years
Stay, work, and build your PR application after completing your bachelor's degree.
Master's Degree
3 Years
Extended visa period recognizes advanced qualification and gives more time to accumulate points.
PhD
4 Years
Maximum duration for highest qualification. Excellent pathway to skilled migration PR.
Regional Bonus
If you study in designated regional Australia (outside major cities), you can add:
- +1 year extension on your post-study work visa
- 10 bonus points in skilled migration assessment
- Regional study dramatically improves your PR chances
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Study in Australia
2-4 year degree program. Build work experience while studying.
Work on Subclass 485 (Post-Study Work Visa)
2-4 years of full-time work. Build your points and gain skilled occupation experience.
Apply for Skilled Migration (PR)
Choose pathway: Skilled Independent (189), State Nominated (190), or Regional (491).
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
Points-based, no state sponsorship needed. You must reach 65+ points. Highly competitive for most occupations.
- ✓ Age: 15-20 points
- ✓ English: 10-20 points
- ✓ Qualification: 10-15 points
- ✓ Work experience: 5-15 points
Subclass 190: State Nominated
States sponsor skilled workers for specific occupations. 5 bonus points for nomination. Easier path for many professions.
- ✓ +5 points from state
- ✓ Need only 60+ points total
- ✓ Occupation on state list
- ✓ Work in nominated state for 2 yrs
Subclass 491: Regional Sponsored
Regional pathway with 10 bonus points. Must live/work in regional Australia for 3 years, then convert to 191 PR.
- ✓ +10 points for regional
- ✓ Need only 55+ points total
- ✓ 3-year regional requirement
- ✓ Path to permanent PR (191)
Scholarships That Help
Australia Awards
Prestigious government scholarship for developing countries. Covers tuition + living allowance.
Highly competitive. Apply 1-2 years in advance through your country's Australian embassy.
Destination Australia
Focuses on regional study. Up to AUD $15,000 per year. Combines with post-study work bonus.
Great option if willing to study outside major cities (Sydney, Melbourne).
University-Specific
UNSW, University of Melbourne, ANU, Macquarie offer substantial scholarships for international students.
Check university websites. Many offer merit-based and need-based aid. 20-50% fee waivers common.
Combination Strategy
Combine scholarship (20-50% tuition waived) + work income (AUD $3,000/month) + savings.
Many students make Australian education completely self-funded this way.
Your Step-by-Step Roadmap
Select University & Course
Choose from 43 Australian universities. Consider cost, location, job market fit. Popular choices for Indians: UNSW, ANU, Melbourne, Sydney.
Apply for Scholarships
Start 12-18 months before entry. Apply to Australia Awards, Destination Australia, and university scholarships. Even 20-30% waiver helps significantly.
Get Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Once admitted and have CoE, apply for student visa. Takes 2-4 weeks. Cost: AUD $680. No separate work permit needed.
Arrange Initial Funds
Proof of financial capacity needed for visa: ~AUD $20,000-30,000 first year. Show bank statements, scholarships, sponsor support.
Move to Australia
Arrive 2-4 weeks before semester. Set up accommodation, open bank account, get TFN (Tax File Number) for work.
Start Work (Within Limits)
Can work 48 hours/fortnight during semester. Start job search in first 2-4 weeks. Build work history immediately.
Maximize Break Work
Work full-time (38-40 hours/week) during semester breaks. Earn AUD $5,000+ per break. Build savings for tuition/living costs.
Graduate & Apply Subclass 485
Upon graduation, apply for post-study work visa. Processing: 3-6 weeks. Start full-time work immediately while awaiting visa.
Build Skilled Migration Points
Work full-time for 2-3 years. Improve English score (IELTS), gain occupation points. Aim for 65+ points by year 3.
Apply for PR (189/190/491)
Once points target reached, submit expression of interest. Get invited and apply for permanent residency visa.
How to Apply: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Research & Choose (12-8 months before)
Search CRICOS for eligible universities. Top work-integrated learning (WIL) universities: Swinburne, RMIT, Monash, UNSW.
Apply to Universities (8-6 months before)
February intake: apply Oct-Nov. July intake: apply Jul-Aug. Submit direct applications to universities. Get Letter of Offer & Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Arrange Finances
Prepare proof of funds: AUD $29,710/year for living costs + tuition fees. Get CoE from university for visa application.
Apply for Student Visa Subclass 500 (3-2 months before)
Use the official visa portal. Visa fee: AUD $2,000+. Processing: 2-4 weeks.
Get Tax File Number (TFN) on Arrival
Free to apply, processing: 28 days. Needed to work legally. Apply immediately upon arrival.
Start Working
Work 48 hours per fortnight during semester. Unlimited hours during official breaks. Minimum wage: AUD $25.50/hr (July 2026).
After Graduation → Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)
Bachelor's degree = 2 years, Master's = 3 years, PhD = 4 years. Apply within 6 months of graduation.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Complete guide to getting your Australian student visa, working while studying, and building your path to permanent residency.
Student Visa (Subclass 500) Application Steps
Choose Your Course & Get CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
Find a CRICOS-registered institution (Australian university or vocational provider). Apply to your chosen course and obtain your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the institution. This is mandatory for student visa application.
Create Your ImmiAccount
Register at the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal. This is your official government account for visa applications in Australia.
Apply for Subclass 500 Student Visa
Submit your application through ImmiAccount. Required: valid passport, CoE, proof of financial capacity, health insurance details, and character documents.
Provide Essential Evidence
GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) statement, Financial capacity proof (AUD $24,505/year living costs minimum), OSHC health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover), English test (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent).
Complete Biometrics & Medical Exam
Attend a biometric appointment at an Australian VAC (Visa Application Centre). Undergo medical examination by AHPRA-approved panel doctor. Chest X-ray and health tests required.
Visa Processing & Decision
Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks. You'll receive a decision email. Once approved, you'll receive your grant notice with visa conditions.
Official Government Resources
Department of Home Affairs - Student Visa
Official student visa (Subclass 500) information and application portal.
CRICOS Course Search
Find CRICOS-registered courses from Australian education providers.
Fair Work Ombudsman
Know your workplace rights, minimum wage, and work hour limits as a student.
Tax File Number (TFN) Application
Apply for your TFN through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to work legally.
ImmiAccount Login
Access your official visa application account with Department of Home Affairs.
StudyAustralia.gov.au
Comprehensive official guide to studying in Australia for international students.
Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)
Who Qualifies?
- Completed 2+ year CRICOS course (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD)
- Within 6 months of course completion
- Still in Australia or applying from abroad
Visa Duration
- Bachelor's Degree: 2 years
- Master's Degree: 3 years
- PhD: 4 years
How to Apply
- Gather required documents: degree/qualification certificate, transcript, character documents
- Log into your ImmiAccount
- Select "Subclass 485 - Temporary Graduate Visa"
- Complete the application form and upload all documents
- Pay the visa application fee (currently AUD $1,135)
- Submit and wait for decision (typically 3-4 weeks)
Key Dates & Application Timeline
Semester 1 Intake
February
Apply by October (previous year)
Semester 2 Intake
July/August
Apply by April
Visa Processing
4-6 weeks
Standard timeline from submission
Arrival Time
Before Semester
Arrive 2 weeks before orientation
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your Australian Adventure?
Australia offers the highest student wages globally, clear pathways to residency, and an incredible lifestyle. Start building your future today.