Part-time Work

International students can work part-time while studying.

There is plenty of part-time work available in Sydney and surrounding regions.

Many students like to work part time while they are studying. Part-time work:

• Gives you extra money
• Can help you make friends and improve your English.

However:

• Work should not interfere with your studies or attendance in class
• You should not rely on income from part-time work to pay your living or tuition expenses.

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Permission to work

International students receive permission to work when they receive their student visa. You do not need to apply separately in Australia for permission to work.

Students can work up to 20 hours a week while their course is in session; this does not include any work that you have to do as a registered part of their course.

You can work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.

> Download DIAC Permission to Work fact sheet

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Tax file number (TFN)

What is a Tax File Number (TFN)?

An identity number issued to you by the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

Do I need a TFN?

• It is not compulsory to have a TFN. However, if you do not have a TFN, you may pay more tax than necessary on your income from your job, or on the interest on savings in your bank account.
• When you earn money from a part-time job you must pay Australian taxes. At the end of each financial year (30 June), you claim back the income tax from the ATO. This is easy to do. You then receive a tax refund cheque from the ATO.
• Your employer and your bank (if you open a bank account) will ask you for your Tax File Number.

When should I apply for a TFN?

• Before you start part-time work
• You can only apply for a TFN when you arrive in Australia

How do I apply for a TFN?

• Ask your International Student Coordinator at your TAFE NSW Institute to help you apply

More Information
Service	Website	Telephone	You can...
Australian Tax Office	www.ato.gov.au	ATO Infoline 132861 (8:00am to 6:00pm Mondays to Fridays)	...find information about Australian taxes ...apply online for an individual tax file number

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