Work & Study in Australia

Working In Australia

Essentials

Depending on which country you are from, the type of work you wish to do, and the amount of time you wish to spend in Australia, there are different requirements for working in Australia with regards to visa, qualifications, etc. These can be quite complicated and you will find detailed information in other sections of bepacked.com:

For detailed information about visas, go to our visa section.

For detailed information about taxes etc. go to our banking section (coming soon).

Why not browse through the different types of work that young travellers often do while they’re in Australia?

Temping

‘Temping’, or working on a temporary basis, is a great way to earn a bit of extra money and has the added advantage of not requiring you to stay too long in one place. Our Australia Map will allow you to find available jobs shortly.

There are various agencies that you can go to if you want to be a temp. These agencies can help you by matching your skills to that of any prospective jobs. The most common jobs that require temps are secretaries, receptionists and junior office workers.

Fruitpicking

Fruitpicking is a very popular job among backpackers as it offers decent money and also a chance to spend time in a fun environment, outdoors and with other young people. The work is fairly physically demanding and tends to be seasonal but you can ‘follow the fruit’ and see a lot of rural Australia. Some employers provide meals and accommodation as well.

Nannying

Being a nanny or an au pair is a great job for anyone who loves kids. Most people will insist that you have childcare qualifications or at least lots of experience, so keep this in mind. When trying to find work, one of the best things to do is sign up with a reputable agency as most parents will try an agency before looking anywhere else. Otherwise, families sometimes place ads in their local paper. Nannying or being an au pair usually means living in with the family and adapting to their routine, so it isn’t a short term job.

Bar work

Working behind a bar is a fantastic job for backpackers as you will be able to meet new people, experience the local nightlife and make a fair bit of money as well. One very important thing to remember is that in New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland you may not work in a licensed club or restaurant without first getting a Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate (RSA). This can be done in one day and there are plenty of schools in the major cities offering courses. The course usually costs about $A88, but this certificate is a must have for anyone wanting to work behind a bar in these states. In venues that have poker machines or any gambling at all, you will also need a Responsible Conduct of Gambling certificate (RCG), which costs about $A75 and is usually available from the same schools as the RSA. The best way to get a job is to scan the newspapers for wanted ads, or simply check out the places themselves as they may have signs in the window advertising for help wanted. If you want to work in a more upscale venue experience is nearly always essential.

Waiting/Waitressing

Waiting or waitressing is another great option for backpackers, particularly if you can make a good coffee. There are usually plenty of jobs in this industry for travellers, but if you cannot make coffee, your options will be a bit limited. There are plenty of schools where you can learn to be a barista for about $A110.

Telemarketing and Marketing

These jobs are perfect for travellers as they are often aimed at backpackers, have high turnover and fun working environments. You must have great English skills as you’re unlikely to get a job in this industry otherwise; and an outgoing and confident personality is another must-have, as this is a difficult industry and pay rates are often linked to performance. The upshot of this system is bonuses for good work. Another advantage of this type of work is that experience is not usually required.

Studying In Australia

Studying in Australia doesn’t have to be about sitting in a classroom listening to some boring teacher drone on. There are plenty of short courses available that are fun and entertaining, and will teach you new and valuable skills.

Learn to Scuba-Dive

Australia is the perfect destination to learn to scuba-dive, as we have some of the most pristine waters and stunning reefs in the world. There are a huge range of companies offering courses in scuba diving all over the coasts of Australia.

Learn to Skydive

One of the best things about learning to skydive in Australia is the relatively low cost and the availability of this experience. Because Australia (due to a lower population) has far more wide open spaces, jumping out of a plane is easier than in built up areas like Europe. In order to become qualified to jump solo, there is a set number of jumps that must be done. Because jumping is cheaper in Australia, why not do all your training jumps here and return home with the skills to jump on your own?

Learn to Surf

Learning to surf is lots of fun and a great idea for anyone who loves the water and the ocean. There are lots of surf schools located on the main surf beaches of Australia. A learn-to-surf course will give you not only the necessary techniques of surfing, but also a good idea of the dangers of the sea and how to avoid them. If you do want to surf and have never done it before, it’s a good idea to take a course so that you know how to protect yourself in the ocean.

Learn to Make Coffee

Australians love coffee and in the bigger cities people can be quite finicky about how it is made, so if you want to work in a bar, you should invest in a barista course. It usually costs about $A110 and takes a day to do, but this makes it much easier to get employment as a waiter or waitress.

Learn to Be a Bartender

Some states in Australia (New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania) require you to have a qualification known as the RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate) before you work behind a bar or at any venue that is licensed to serve alcohol. This qualification can be achieved by taking a one day course that usually costs about $A85. These schools often also offer courses in wine appreciation, or how to make different cocktails, all of which are great skills to have if you plan to work in the hospitality industry.

Learn to Cook

There are lots of cooking schools all around Australia and because there’s such a great number of them, there’s also lots of variety in what you can learn. Whether it’s the fine art of sushi making that you’re into, or you want to learn to bake a feather-light soufflé, there’s a school in Australia that can help you to do it. Not only will you meet new people and learn a great new skill, it’s a really good way to learn about Australia’s fresh produce and culinary industry.

Learn to Sail

Learning to sail has never been more picturesque than in Australia. Locations like the fabulous Whitsunday Islands are home to plenty of sailing schools and training programs. Programs are usually run by yacht clubs and sailing schools dotted around the Australian coastline.

Learn to Fly

Learning to fly in Australia is easy, safe and affordable. There are lots of aviation schools where you can spend a day in a plane, just trying it out; or alternatively you can train to get your pilot’s licence by flying a set amount of hours each month. A pilot’s licence gained in Australia is recognised all around the world, and because flying in Australia is quite affordable, it’s the perfect place to get a qualification while enjoying some of the best views of Australian.

Learn to Speak English

Coming to a new country, even as a traveller, and not speaking the language can be difficult to say the least. Luckily there are lots of schools all around the country dedicated to helping people improve their English, no matter how much or how little you already know. The advantages of having a good command of English are many and varied, but one particular benefit is the fact that speaking good English will definitely help you to get a job here.