Time management tips for international students balancing study and work in Australia is one of those topics that everyone needs but doesn’t always get right. Most international students need to work part time, but balancing work and study is challenging. I’ve struggled with it, and I’ve watched friends struggle too. Some managed well and did well in both. Others burned out or let one suffer for the other. The difference was having strategies and being realistic.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve worked part time throughout my degree, and I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Some strategies helped me manage better. Others didn’t work for me. The difference was finding what worked for my situation.
So here’s everything I know about time management for balancing study and work in Australia, based on what actually works.
The Reality: What You’re Actually Dealing With
Let me start with this, because understanding what you’re dealing with helps you manage it.
You have limited work hours. During semester, you can work 48 hours per fortnight. That’s about 24 hours per week on average. It’s not a lot, but it’s something.
You have study commitments. Lectures, tutorials, assignments, exams, group work. These take time, and they’re your priority.
You have other commitments. Food, sleep, socialising, taking care of yourself. These are necessary, but they take time too.
You need to balance everything. You can’t ignore study to work more. You can’t ignore work if you need the money. You need to find a balance.
But here’s what I’ve learned: balance is possible, but it requires planning and being realistic. Don’t try to do everything. Prioritise, plan, and be realistic about what you can do.
Planning: The Foundation
This is the foundation of everything else, and here’s what works.
Use a calendar or planner. Keep track of when assignments are due, when exams are, when you’re working, and when you have free time. Don’t try to remember everything.
Plan your weeks. Know what you need to do each week, and plan when you’ll do it. Don’t just hope you’ll find time.
Plan around your commitments. Know when you’re working, when you have classes, and when assignments are due. Plan your study time around these commitments.
Be realistic. Don’t plan to do more than you can actually do. Be realistic about how long things take and what you can accomplish.
But here’s what I’ve learned: planning takes time, but it saves time in the long run. A good plan helps you use your time effectively and avoid last minute stress.
Prioritising: What Matters Most
This is important, because you can’t do everything. You need to prioritise.
Study comes first. Your degree is your priority. Don’t let work interfere with your studies. If you need to reduce work hours to focus on study, do it.
Work is important, but secondary. You need money, but you can’t let work affect your studies. Find a balance that works.
Other commitments matter, but less. Socialising, hobbies, and other activities are important, but they’re less important than study and work.
But here’s what I’ve learned: priorities can change. During exam periods, study becomes even more important. During breaks, you might work more. Be flexible and adjust your priorities as needed.
Time Blocking: A Practical Strategy
This is a strategy that works for many people, and here’s how to do it.
Block out your fixed commitments. Classes, work shifts, these are fixed. Block them out first.
Block out study time. Plan when you’ll study, and treat it like a fixed commitment. Don’t just hope you’ll find time.
Leave buffer time. Don’t schedule everything back to back. Leave some buffer time for unexpected things or breaks.
Review and adjust. Your schedule won’t be perfect. Review it regularly and adjust as needed.
But here’s what I’ve learned: time blocking works for some people but not others. If it works for you, use it. If it doesn’t, find another system. The key is having some system, not necessarily time blocking.
Being Realistic: The Key to Success
This is the most important part, and here’s why.
You can’t do everything. Don’t try to work maximum hours, get perfect grades, have a great social life, and do everything else. Something has to give.
You need to sleep. Don’t sacrifice sleep to work or study more. You’ll perform worse, not better.
You need breaks. Don’t work and study constantly. You’ll burn out. Take breaks, rest, and take care of yourself.
But here’s what I’ve learned: being realistic is hard. It’s easy to be optimistic and plan to do more than you can. But being realistic helps you avoid stress and burnout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours should I work?
It depends on your situation. Some students work 10 to 15 hours per week and manage fine. Others work 20 to 24 hours and struggle. Find what works for you. Don’t work so much that your studies suffer.
How do I balance work and study during exam periods?
Reduce work hours if possible. Exam periods are stressful, and you need time to study. If you can reduce work hours during exam periods, do it. If you can’t, plan your study time carefully.
Can I work more during breaks?
Yes, usually. During semester breaks, you can work unlimited hours. Use this time to earn money and take a break from study. But don’t work so much that you’re exhausted when semester starts again.
How do I manage when I have assignments due and work shifts?
Plan ahead. Don’t wait until assignments are due. Start early, and work on assignments gradually. If you have work shifts when assignments are due, try to adjust your schedule if possible.
What if I can’t balance work and study?
Reduce work hours or reduce study load. You might need to work less or study part time. It’s better to do both well than to do both poorly. Be realistic about what you can handle.
Should I quit my job to focus on study?
Not necessarily, but it depends on your situation. If you can afford to study without working, that’s easier. But if you need to work, find a balance. Don’t quit your job unless you’re sure you can afford to study without it.
I’ve written about how many hours Masters students can work if you want more detail on work rights.
Final Thoughts
Time management for balancing study and work in Australia requires planning, prioritising, and being realistic. It’s challenging, but it’s possible if you have strategies and systems.
Don’t try to do everything. Prioritise study, plan your time, and be realistic about what you can do. Use breaks wisely, and don’t sacrifice sleep or your health.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Be realistic. You can’t do everything. Prioritise, plan, and find a balance that works. It’s better to do fewer things well than to do many things poorly.
If you’re still planning your study journey, check out my guides on how to study effectively in Australian universities and work rights for international students. And when you’re balancing work and study, plan ahead, prioritise study, and be realistic. Find a balance that works for you, and don’t be afraid to adjust if it’s not working.