Best student jobs in Australia for international students with no experience is one of those searches I did repeatedly when I first arrived. I needed money, but I had no local experience and no idea where to start. The information online was generic and didn’t tell me what jobs were actually available or what they paid. I needed real information from someone who’d actually done these jobs.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve worked various student jobs, and I’ve watched friends work different ones. Some jobs were great. Others were terrible. The difference wasn’t always obvious until you actually did them.
So here’s everything I know about the best student jobs in Australia for international students with no experience, based on what actually works.
The Reality Check First
Let me start with this, because I wish someone had told me: most student jobs don’t require experience, but they do require availability and a good attitude.
Retail jobs are usually available. Supermarkets, clothing stores, department stores. They don’t require experience, but they want reliable people who can work weekends and evenings.
Hospitality jobs are usually available. Cafes, restaurants, bars. They don’t require experience, but they want people who can work fast and handle pressure.
Warehouse jobs are usually available. They’re physical work, but they pay well and don’t require experience.
But here’s what I’ve learned: the best jobs aren’t always the obvious ones. Some jobs pay better than others. Some have better hours. Some are less stressful. Consider what matters to you.
Retail Jobs: Supermarkets and Department Stores
This is where many students start, and here’s what you can expect.
Supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi hire international students regularly. They need people for checkout, shelf stacking, and customer service.
Pay is usually around $23 to $28 per hour, depending on your age and the time you work. Weekend and evening shifts pay more.
Hours are usually flexible. You can work weekends and evenings, which fits around study. But you might need to work some weekday shifts too.
But here’s what I’ve learned: supermarket jobs are reliable and pay consistently. They’re not exciting, but they’re steady work. If you need reliable income, supermarkets are a good option.
I’ve written about how to get a job at Coles, Woolworths, or Aldi if you want more detail on the application process.
Hospitality Jobs: Cafes and Restaurants
This is another common starting point, and here’s what it’s like.
Cafe and restaurant jobs are usually available. They need waitstaff, kitchen hands, and baristas. Experience helps but isn’t always required.
Pay varies. Base pay is usually around $23 to $26 per hour, but tips can add significantly. In busy places, tips can add $5 to $15 per hour.
Hours can be irregular. You might work lunch rushes, dinner rushes, or both. Weekends are usually busiest.
But here’s what I’ve learned: hospitality jobs can be stressful, but they pay well if you work in busy places. Tips make a big difference. If you can handle pressure and work fast, hospitality can be good money.
I’ve written about working in hospitality in Australia if you want more detail on pay and tips.
Warehouse Jobs: Physical but Well Paid
This is less common but can be good money, and here’s what it involves.
Warehouse jobs involve picking, packing, and moving goods. They’re physical work, but they pay well.
Pay is usually around $25 to $30 per hour, sometimes more for night shifts. Weekend shifts often pay even more.
Hours can be flexible. Some warehouses offer night shifts or weekend shifts, which can fit around study.
But here’s what I’ve learned: warehouse jobs are physical and can be tiring. But they pay well and don’t require experience. If you’re fit and don’t mind physical work, warehouses can be good money.
I’ve written about warehouse jobs for students in Australia if you want more detail.
Food Delivery: Flexible but Variable
This is becoming more popular, and here’s what it’s like.
Food delivery jobs like Uber Eats and DoorDash are flexible. You choose when to work, which can fit around study.
Pay is variable. You earn per delivery, so pay depends on how many deliveries you do and how far you travel. You might earn $20 to $30 per hour in busy times, but less in quiet times.
You need your own transport. Usually a bike, scooter, or car. This is an upfront cost.
But here’s what I’ve learned: food delivery is flexible, but pay is variable. You might earn well in busy times, but quiet times pay less. If you need flexible hours, it can work. But don’t count on consistent income.
I’ve written about food delivery jobs in Australia if you want more detail.
On Campus Jobs: Convenient but Competitive
This is convenient if you can get one, and here’s what’s available.
Universities offer various on campus jobs. Library assistants, student ambassadors, admin assistants, and more.
Pay is usually around $25 to $30 per hour, which is good for student jobs.
Hours are usually flexible and fit around your class schedule. This is convenient.
But here’s what I’ve learned: on campus jobs are competitive. Many students want them, so they’re not easy to get. Apply early and be persistent.
I’ve written about how to find on campus jobs at Australian universities if you want more detail.
Night Shift and Weekend Jobs: Higher Pay
This is worth considering if you can handle the hours, and here’s what you can expect.
Night shift and weekend jobs often pay more. Penalty rates mean you earn more for working unsocial hours.
Warehouses, security, and some retail jobs offer night shifts. These can pay $30 to $35 per hour or more.
But here’s what I’ve learned: night shifts and weekend work can be tiring and affect your study. Consider whether the extra pay is worth it. Don’t sacrifice your studies for extra money.
I’ve written about night shift and weekend jobs for students if you want more detail.
What Makes a Job Good for Students
This is important, because not all jobs are equal.
Good student jobs have: flexible hours that fit around study, reliable pay, reasonable pay rates, and manageable stress levels.
Bad student jobs have: inflexible hours, unreliable pay, low pay rates, or high stress levels that affect study.
But here’s what I’ve learned: what’s good depends on your situation. If you need money urgently, you might take a less ideal job. If you can be choosy, wait for something better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience for student jobs?
Usually no. Most student jobs don’t require experience. They want reliable people who can work weekends and evenings. But experience helps, especially for hospitality jobs.
How much can I earn from student jobs?
It depends on the job and hours. Most student jobs pay $23 to $30 per hour. If you work 20 hours per week, that’s $460 to $600 per week, or $23,920 to $31,200 per year. But remember, you can only work 48 hours per fortnight during semester.
Which jobs pay the most?
Warehouse jobs and night shift jobs usually pay the most, often $25 to $35 per hour. But they’re also more physical or have worse hours. Consider whether the extra pay is worth it.
Should I work multiple jobs?
Sometimes yes, but be careful. Working multiple jobs can be exhausting and affect your studies. It’s usually better to find one job with enough hours than multiple jobs.
How do I find student jobs?
Check online job boards, walk into stores and ask, check university job boards, and ask friends. Don’t limit yourself to one method. Use multiple approaches.
What if I can’t find a job?
Keep trying. Job searching takes time. Apply to many places, follow up, and don’t give up. Consider less popular jobs or areas. Sometimes you need to be flexible.
I’ve written about how to find casual retail jobs in Australia if you want more detail on the job search process.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best student jobs in Australia with no experience takes time and persistence. Retail, hospitality, and warehouse jobs are usually available. Food delivery and on campus jobs are options too. Consider what matters to you: pay, hours, flexibility, or stress levels.
Don’t expect to find the perfect job immediately. Most students start with whatever they can get and move to better jobs later. The key is getting started and building experience.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Start somewhere. Don’t wait for the perfect job. Get any job, build experience, and move to better jobs later. Experience matters more than you think.
If you’re still looking for work, check out my guides on how to find casual retail jobs and supermarket job application tips. And when you get your first job, learn from it. Even if it’s not perfect, it’s experience. Use it to get better jobs later.