While studying in Australia, Bhutanese students often balance academics with part-time work. Understanding the challenges and opportunities in employment and housing will help you adapt successfully.
1. Work Rights and Opportunities
International students, and their dependent are permitted to work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and unlimited hours during semester breaks for Bachelors Degree. For Masters, the student get to work for 24 hours per week, but the dependent get to work unlimited hours.
The adult minimum wage is A$23.23 per hour (as of July 2023), but wages may vary by industry.
Important Tips:
- Beware of exploitative employers who may offer less pay or unpaid work under the guise of “experience.”
- Report unfair treatment to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
- Seek jobs on-campus or through legitimate job portals like SEEK or Indeed.
2. Challenges in Accommodation
Securing affordable housing is one of the biggest hurdles for students, especially in cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Many students live in shared accommodations to save costs, but these can be overcrowded and far from campuses.
Tips to Find Housing:
- Explore options through university housing services or Bhutanese community groups.
- Compare rental prices across different suburbs using platforms like Domain or realestate.com.au.
- Read tenancy agreements carefully and document the property’s condition to avoid disputes.
3. Budgeting for Success
Living costs, including rent, utilities, and groceries, can average A$300 to A$400 per week. Create a realistic budget and look for student discounts on public transport, groceries, and entertainment.
A combination of smart planning and leveraging community support will help you thrive in Australia despite initial challenges.
If you choose TG Education Consultancy and Placement Firm, we have onshore support and guidance to make it easy for you to integrate quickly to the Australian Life.