Which sectors hire the most international students in Australia in 2026
From 1 July 2026, the Australian national minimum wage rises to AUD 26.44 per hour, following a Fair Work Commission decision published on 2 June 2026. This figure repositions Australia as one of the most competitive destinations in the world for anyone planning to build a professional path while studying.
The market does not hire uniformly. Some sectors take on international students far more readily than others, and understanding this map makes all the difference when planning your study abroad project.
What are the work rights under the Subclass 500?
The Australian Student Visa, Subclass 500, authorises paid work within limits set by the Department of Home Affairs:
- During the academic term: 48 hours per fortnight
- During scheduled school holidays: unlimited hours
These conditions apply to visa holders and to dependants included in the same application. The 48-hour fortnightly limit works out to about 24 hours a week, enough to cover a meaningful share of living costs without compromising academic performance.
Breaching the rules can lead to visa cancellation. Keeping formal employment contracts and holding on to payslips as proof is something those who have been through the experience strongly recommend.
Which sectors hire the most international students?
The Australian market concentrates opportunities in six main categories. The table below summarises the hiring profile, the cities with the highest volume of vacancies and the level of entry barrier:
Hospitality and tourism
This sector accounts for one of the largest demands for temporary labour in the country. Hotels, restaurants, cafés and tour operators take on international students in front-of-house service, kitchen support, reception and operational roles.
Main requirement: functional English at an intermediate or advanced level. Those who arrive with strong fluency have an edge at properties geared towards international tourists.
The best cities to work in Australia hold a good share of these vacancies in Gold Coast, Sydney and Cairns, with hiring peaks between November and March, during the Australian summer.
Healthcare and aged care
Health care and social assistance is the largest employing sector in Australia, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Demand for aged care professionals, home support and hospital assistance has outstripped supply for years.
Students with a background in nursing, physiotherapy or health sciences have direct access to paid internships and clinical support positions.
- A Certificate III in Individual Support opens doors without requiring a completed degree
- First aid and safe handling certifications are valued advantages
The Australian job market in 2026 points to health as the field with the highest volume of new vacancies opening throughout the year.
Agriculture and horticulture
Rural regions offer work in harvesting, planting, packing and farm operations. The seasonality is intense: Queensland peaks between June and October; Victoria and South Australia, between November and April.
Students who combine term weeks in the capital cities with periods of regional work during the holidays can build up experience without clashing with the Subclass 500 limit. Work in rural regions serves as evidence of genuine professional immersion on any international résumé.
Retail and food service
Cashiers, shelf stockers, fast-food attendants and baristas make up the most accessible base of the Australian market. Turnover is high, which makes it easier to get in during your first months in the country.
How to work legally during your study abroad period in Australia involves registering a Tax File Number (TFN) and opening a bank account before you start, two steps included in Be Easy's support curation.
Technology and IT
The Australian technology sector is growing at a fast pace, driven by digital transformation and demand for cybersecurity. Students of computer science, software engineering and data analysis access paid internships and junior positions paying above the national minimum.
The entry requirements are more demanding:
- Proficient English in a technical context
- A portfolio with practical projects or open source contributions
- Certifications in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) as a differentiator
Part-time jobs in Australia in the IT field reach AUD 40 to 55 per hour in junior positions with a specialisation.
How do you balance work and study in practice?
The most common pattern among those on a study abroad programme in Australia: study in the morning, work in the afternoon or on the night shift two to three days a week. The 48-hour fortnightly limit comfortably covers this rhythm.
A study abroad project focused on temporary jobs defines the field of work before departure. A résumé in the Australian format cuts weeks off the time to your first hire.
During school holidays, full-time work lets you build a financial buffer. In sectors such as aged care and horticulture, this period generates concrete evidence of professional experience for an international résumé.
A study abroad experience in Australia for international students goes beyond the immediate salary: formal work experience in an English-speaking environment adds to your résumé in a way that standalone courses cannot replicate. Be Easy's study and work in Australia programme covers everything from choosing the city to support in the local job market.
What can you expect to earn in each sector?
The Fair Work Commission set the national minimum wage at AUD 26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, a 6% increase over the previous period. The practical figures by sector sit close to or above this floor:
These figures are a reference based on the national minimum and on the modern awards (sector agreements). Specific salaries vary by employer, state and qualification level.
Healthcare and IT sustain the highest entry-level salaries. The overview of in-demand professions in Australia confirms this gap.
Frequently asked questions about sectors that hire international students in Australia
Can any international student work in Australia?
Yes, provided the Subclass 500 visa is active and the course runs for a minimum of 16 weeks. The right to work is tied to the visa, not to nationality. The 48-hour fortnightly limit applies during the academic term.
What is a fortnight in the Australian context?
A fortnight is a period of 14 consecutive days. The 48-hour limit is counted within that block, not per week. In practice, this works out to about 24 hours a week, with flexibility to spread them across the 14 days.
Which sectors require no prior experience?
Hospitality, retail and food service are the most accessible for those arriving without an Australian work history. Demand is high, selection processes are straightforward and turnover ensures a steady stream of vacancies. Functional English is the central requirement.
Does regional work count towards a visa extension?
For Working Holiday Visa holders (Subclass 417 or 462), yes. Students on a Subclass 500 do not get this benefit automatically, but regional work can be used as professional evidence when applying for later visas such as the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
Is it hard to find a job right after arriving?
The first job usually takes between 2 and 6 weeks. Finding a job in Australia as an international student has a learning curve, but it is achievable with a résumé in the Australian format, a cover letter in English and previous references.
Be Easy: boutique study abroad consultancy
Be Easy supports students who want to make the most of every stage of their study abroad experience in Australia, from choosing the course to the first work contract. Our curation includes guidance on work rights, the sectors best aligned with each student's profile and how to build a genuine international résumé. To structure your project with the support of a dedicated senior consultant, get in touch with us and discover the options available in study and work in Australia.
