How much do international students earn in Australia?
Australia is one of the most popular destination for students in Nepal. Every year, thousands of students apply to Australian universities and colleges for their further studies. While consultancies tell you everything about universities and colleges, they are hesitant to tell you about earnings in Australia as an international student.
Besides, being able to work 20 hours a week, students usually don’t know how much an average international student earns in Australia.
So, let’s get right to it:
How much do international students earn in Australia?
Well there’s no fixed amount because some people are lucky and get high paying job and some dont. But, Australia ma Nepali has collected data from hundreds of students to find the high and low of how much students can earn in Australia.
Assuming a student works 20 hours a week at the minimum legal wage of $19.49, they should earn $390 a week. However, a student can work full time i.e. 38 hours per week, if they are on a break. During the period, a student can earn up to $740 per week.
If the student has a dependent with him/her, they also have working rights in Australia. A bachelor student’s dependent can work up to 40 hours or $780 every two weeks. But, a Masters student’s dependent can work full time, i.e. 40 hours ($780) per week.
| Classification | Earnings in AUD per week |
|---|---|
| Student only | $390 |
| Bachelors student with dependent | $390 (student) + $390 (dependent) = $780 |
| Masters student with dependent | $390 (student) + $780 (dependent) = $1170 |
However, the amounts mentioned above are assuming a perfect scenario. But it’s not always that simple. According to a survey, more than 25% of international students are paid less than half the legal working wage, around $12 an hour.
Iris , an Arts/Politics student at the Sydney University reported getting paid $7 an hour for “cleaning the kitchen, washing dishes, ordering the food” at a restaurant. There are more students like Iris, but they were too afraid to come forward with their issue. Most employers threatened students with deportation if they complained about low wages.
If you believe you are not receiving your minimum rights and conditions at work, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for FREE information and advice Contact Fair Work at at 13 13 94