Working while you study can be a valuable part of your student experience in Australia. It offers the opportunity to earn income, gain practical experience, build local networks, and develop your language and workplace skills. However, it’s important to understand your work rights and responsibilities, visa conditions, and the systems you’ll need to engage with before you start.
This section outlines your working rights during and after your course, how to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN), and where to access support and guidance to ensure a safe and fair work experience.
Before you begin any paid work in Australia, you must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). Your TFN is a unique number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website, and it’s used to record your income and ensure the correct amount of tax is withheld.
You can apply for your TFN online via the ATO website. You will need your passport and an Australian address to complete the application.
At the end of each financial year (1 July to 30 June), you may be required to lodge a tax return if tax has been deducted from your wages. The ATO will assess your eligibility for a tax refund or additional payment.
⚠️ The ATO determines your tax residency separately from the Department of Home Affairs. To check your residency status for tax purposes, visit the ATO’s guide to residency.
International students on a valid student visa are permitted to work up to:
(two-week period) during study periods
during official university breaks or holidays
⚠️ If you enrol in classes during a non-compulsory summer or winter trimester, you must continue to observe the 48-hour per fortnight limit.
It’s your responsibility to monitor your hours and ensure your work does not interfere with your full-time study load. Breaching these conditions may affect your visa status.
Australia has strong laws in place to protect all workers, including international students. These rights include:
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is the key organisation that provides free advice, tools, and support to help you understand and protect your workplace rights.
📘 You can access translated resources, videos, and real stories to understand how workplace laws apply to you as a student.
Understanding and planning for your cost of living is a vital part of preparing for your studies in Sydney. Whether this is your first time living away from home or you’re managing finances independently for the first time, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed. Careful planning and access to reliable tools will help you feel more confident and in control.
This section outlines your financial responsibilities, provides guidance on how to plan a realistic student budget, and shares resources to help you make informed decisions about managing your money.
Sydney is a vibrant, world-class city, but it can also be expensive. As a student, it’s important to maintain a realistic and flexible budget that takes into account your personal needs, lifestyle choices, and unexpected expenses. Budgeting is not just about tracking your spending—it’s about ensuring you have enough to meet your essential costs, while still enjoying a full and healthy student life.
If you’ve never budgeted before, we recommend starting with a basic weekly or monthly plan that includes your income (from savings, family support, scholarships, or part-time work if eligible) and all regular expenses.
International Student Financial Obligations
If you are an international student, the Department of Home Affairs requires you to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while studying in Australia. As a guideline, a single student is expected to have access to at least AUD $29,710 per year, which is approximately AUD $2,476 per month.
This amount is intended to cover living costs only and does not include tuition fees, travel costs, or dependants. Your actual expenses may be higher or lower depending on your accommodation choices, lifestyle, and any dependants you may bring with you.
Below is a list of common living expenses that should be factored into your budget:
Remember that your expenses may fluctuate throughout the year (e.g. seasonal utility bills or holiday travel), so it’s wise to leave some room in your budget for unexpected costs.
Australia is known for being a safe and welcoming country, but it’s important for international students to understand key aspects of personal safety and everyday life. This includes being aware of local laws, emergency services, and how to respond in case of danger. Students should familiarise themselves with safety tips related to transport, nightlife, beach and water safety, and online behaviour. It’s also essential to know how to access support services, including health care, mental health resources, and reporting mechanisms for discrimination or harassment. Being informed helps students feel more confident and supported as they adjust to life in Australia, promoting a positive and secure study experience.
For more information refer to the Safety and Wellbeing page on our website.
Sydney Met's campus is located on the unceded territory of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who are the traditional owners of the land where the campus is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging. We extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia and Indigenous peoples globally who are presently studying, working, or contributing to Sydney Met.
