3.8 Working in Australia

Permission to Work 

Student visa holders have permission to work while studying in Australia.  Please note that you will NOT be able to work in Australia until the first official day of classes when the Lyndale Secondary College confirms your study commencement.  You may need to see the international student coordinator to request this to happen.

Working While Studying

1. You are not permitted to start work until you have commenced your course of study.
2. You can work a maximum of 40 hours a fortnight during the term and unlimited hours when your course is not in session.
3. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) considers your course to be ‘in session’:
   • for the duration of the advertised semesters (including exam periods) 
   • if you have completed your studies and your Confirmation of Enrolment is still in effect 
   • if you are undertaking another course, during a break from your main course and the points will be credited to your main course. (Source: Department of Immigration and Border Protection)

For a full list of student visa conditions please visit www.immi.gov.au/students/index.htm

Having a job to earn money sounds like an ideal way to help pay for your school expenses, but you must seriously consider the impact on all areas of your life. Proper time management skills will assist you to meet the requirements of your job and personal life while ensuring you have ample time to study and excel at school. During the senior years of schooling, remember you are in competition with all other students in your year level across the state of Victoria to find a university place. If you have a job, make sure you can meet the commitments of all your classes at Lyndale. If you are struggling with your time management, speak to someone at school.

Finding Work

You may find it difficult to find work in Australia as you will be joining the general Australian population in your search, therefore you should not rely on income from employment when budgeting to pay for living expenses.  There is no guarantee that employment companies will find work for you. To apply for a job look in newspaper, through online companies, or walk into a business and give them your résumé. 

Earning an Income

Taxes

Taxes are managed through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The tax you pay depends on how much you earn.

Getting a Tax File Number

You must obtain a Tax File Number to be able to work in Australia.  A tax file number (TFN) is your unique reference number to our tax system. When you start work, your employer will ask you to complete a tax file number declaration form.  If you do not provide a TFN your employment will be taxed at the highest personal income tax rate, which will mean less money in your wages each week.

You can apply for your TFN online at www.ato.gov.au, or phone 13 28 61, 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.  For the ATO interpreter service phone: 13 14 50.

Taxation Returns

If you pay too much tax you are entitled to a refund.  To get a refund you will need to lodge a tax return.  You can lodge online using e-tax (free), by mailing a paper tax return, or by paying a registered tax agent to complete and lodge the return for you.  If you lodge by e-tax your refund will normally be issued within 14 days.

• Lodge online using e-tax at www.ato.gov.au
• For a registered tax agent visit www.tapb.gov.au
• Tax returns are lodged at the end of the Australian tax year – (1 July to 30 June).

Superannuation

If your monthly wage is more than AU$450, your employer must contribute an additional sum equal to 9% of your wage into a superannuation (pension) account for you.  In most cases, you can access your contributions when you leave Australia permanently, although the contributions will be taxed. 

To check your eligibility to claim your superannuation and to apply for your payment, visit:  www.ato.gov.au/departaustralia. You will need to provide the details of your superannuation fund.

(Source: Australian Taxation Office)