International students on a Student Visa (subclass 500) are typically permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during university semesters and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. The following list details high-demand, flexible casual jobs commonly held by students.

Note: The expected income is based on 2025 Australian minimum wage rates and casual loadings, often ranging from AUD $28 to $35+ per hour depending on the time of day/week (penalty rates for evenings, weekends, and public holidays significantly increase the rate).

1. Wait Staff / Barista (Hospitality)

1. Short Description: Serving customers in restaurants, cafes, or pubs, often including taking orders, food/drink delivery, and clearing tables. Barista work requires specific skill/training but often pays slightly more.
2. Location: Found everywhere, but high concentrations in CBDs, university precincts, and busy metropolitan areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane).
3. Expected Income: AUD $28 – $35 per hour (plus tips, where applicable).
4. Job Time: Highly flexible shifts including evenings and weekends (high penalty rates apply), which fit well around day-time classes.

2. Retail Sales Assistant / Cashier

1. Short Description: Working in shops, supermarkets (e.g., Woolworths, Coles), department stores, or fast-food chains. Tasks include customer service, operating the cash register, restocking shelves, and maintaining store presentation.
2. Location: Shopping centres, major suburban hubs, and university bookshops/merchandise stores across all cities.
3. Expected Income: AUD $27 – $32 per hour.
4. Job Time: Flexible hours, particularly late afternoons, weekends, and public holidays when stores are busiest and demand for staff is high.

3. Private Tutor / Academic Assistant

1. Short Description: Tutoring other students (high school or university peers) in a subject you excel in, or working as a university teaching/research assistant (if you have high academic standing).
2. Location: On-campus (university roles), libraries, or online/remote (private tutoring).
3. Expected Income: AUD $35 – $60+ per hour (Often the highest paid student job, reflecting specialist knowledge).
4. Job Time: Highly flexible and negotiable; mostly evenings and weekends to fit student schedules. Note: University-mandated work related to your course may not count toward the 48-hour limit.

4. Food Delivery Rider / Driver

1. Short Description: Delivering food orders (e.g., Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog) using a bicycle, scooter, or car. This is often classed as an independent contractor role (ABN needed).
2. Location: Major urban centres with high restaurant and population density (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth).
3. Expected Income: AUD $20 – $35 per hour (varies widely based on demand, incentives, and tips).
4. Job Time: Completely flexible; popular during lunch, dinner, and late-night peak periods. Excellent for students needing erratic schedules.

5. Aged Care or Disability Support Worker

1. Short Description: Providing non-medical support, companionship, and assistance with daily activities (cooking, cleaning) to elderly or disabled clients in their homes or facilities. This requires training and a criminal record check.
2. Location: Community-based (travel required) or residential facilities in all metropolitan and regional areas.
3. Expected Income: AUD $30 – $38 per hour (One of the highest-paid consistent casual roles due to demand and award rates).
4. Job Time: Early mornings, late afternoons, and nights; highly demanding but reliable shifts are often available.

6. Office Administrator / Data Entry

1. Short Description: Performing general clerical duties, handling phone calls, data entry, filing, and basic office support in small businesses or university administrative departments.
2. Location: Business districts, commercial areas, or on-campus administration offices.
3. Expected Income: AUD $28 – $32 per hour.
4. Job Time: Usually business hours (9 am – 5 pm), but often offered on a part-time basis (e.g., 2-3 days per week) or specifically for afternoon/evening coverage.

7. Cleaner / Housekeeper

1. Short Description: Cleaning commercial offices, residential properties, hotels, or university facilities. Requires minimal experience and is often physically demanding.
2. Location: Commercial buildings in CBDs (often cleaned after hours) and private homes in suburban areas.
3. Expected Income: AUD $27 – $35 per hour (Often includes good penalty rates for late-night shifts).
4. Job Time: Very early mornings (before office hours) or late evenings/night shifts. This makes it ideal for students with clear days for study.

8. Campus Ambassador / Event Staff

1. Short Description: Working for the university or the student union (USU/Union House) to assist with open days, orientation events, student recruitment, or promoting campus services.
2. Location: On-campus (most convenient location).
3. Expected Income: AUD $25 – $30 per hour.
4. Job Time: Highly flexible, ad-hoc shifts tied to specific events or promotional campaigns (e.g., O-Week, exam periods).

9. Call Centre Agent / Customer Service

1. Short Description: Answering customer inquiries, providing support, and handling complaints via phone, email, or live chat for banks, telcos, or other large businesses.
2. Location: Large office buildings, often located in suburban business parks or sometimes remote/work-from-home.
3. Expected Income: AUD $27 – $33 per hour.
4. Job Time: Often includes evening and weekend shifts to cover national and international time zones, fitting the student schedule.

10. Freelancer / Digital Content Creator

1. Short Description: Using specific skills (e.g., graphic design, web development, translation, copy editing) to complete projects for clients found on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Airtasker. Requires an ABN.
2. Location: Remote/Work-from-home (highest flexibility).
3. Expected Income: AUD $20 – $50+ per hour (Varies greatly by skill, experience, and project type).
4. Job Time: 100% flexible and self-managed. Students choose projects and deadlines that fit perfectly around academic commitments.