Landing in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane is just the first step. For Nepali students, finding a part-time job often becomes the immediate next priority, not just for the pocket money but to meet living expenses in one of the world's most expensive countries.
The good news is that Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the country. According to the projections made in late 2025, the minimum wage rate hovers around AUD $24.10+ per hour, with the casual loading pushing actual student pay rates many times above AUD $30/hour.
However, things have begun to tighten. The “unlimited work hours” era of the pandemic is long gone. In the year 2026, working strictly within the prescribed limits of 48 hours per fortnight is your only safeguard against jeopardizing your visa.
In this guide, let’s look at some of the finest part-time jobs for Nepali students in Australia in 2026:
If you are still dreaming about your Australian education or are already enrolled there, this guide will help you make the right decision.
Yes, Nepali students are allowed to work legally in Australia if they hold the Student Visa (Subclass 500).
Here’s what the rules look like in 2026:
The Australian Government oversees the strict compliance with these rules. If you ever overwork, even by accident, you risk losing your visa.
The minimum pay rate in Australia is famed for being arguably among the highest in the world.
In 2026,
Actual earnings depend on what you work as, where you work, and what shift you work, but generally, even entry-level jobs earn quite a good wage.
Let us dive into the best student-friendly, in-demand, and feasible job options available.
Hospitality jobs remain the top choice for Nepali students and for good reason.
You will find work in:
Common roles include waiting staff, kitchen hands, baristas, and housekeeping assistants.
Why hospitality works just fine:
Even with basic English skills, Many students find jobs quickly, especially in busy cities.
Retail jobs are good if you want fixed hours and a structured work environment.
You can work at:
These roles focus on customer service, cashiering, and stock handling. These jobs are good for developing communication skills and thus building Australian work references.
Major retail chains usually have open hiring for international students during the peak seasons.
Cleaning jobs are extremely popular with Nepali students—and for good reasons.
They often offer:
Many students prefer cleaning jobs because these jobs can be done during classes and exams. Companies, offices, hotels, and residential properties often need staff for cleaning.
If you are fit and want to earn extra during your holidays, the warehouse jobs would be a good choice.
Roles involve:
These jobs usually offer longer shifts and higher hourly rates, and are best during semester breaks since at that time, work-hour limits are removed.
Considering the aging population of Australia, care-related jobs will be one of the fastest-growing sectors in 2026.
Benefits for students working in aged care and disability support are:
Some roles require short training courses, but the long-term benefits—financial and professional—are significant.
With app-based jobs for food delivery and rideshares taking off, students find total flexibility working for these companies.
Best thing is:
If you have a bike, scooter, or car—and the right licence—this option offers unmatched flexibility.
If you are strong in Mathematics, accounting, IT, or science, tutoring can be one of the highest-paid avenues for student jobs.
You could do tutoring for:
Tutoring is not only well-paid, but it also gives weight to your academic profile and improves your communication skills.
While big cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer more jobs, competition is intense, and living costs are high.
Many Nepali students find a better balance in:
These areas are likely to have:
Don’t just sit behind your computer looking up online job opportunities. While these work, you need a backup plan.
Sometimes, just walking in with a resume in person can get you that job faster than all your online applications put together.
Very often, students unknowingly create trouble for themselves. Avoid:
Always remember: your visa is for study first, work second.
The study is complemented by:
In many cases, your part-time job becomes the foundation for your future full-time career.
To work legally, you need:
In 2026, a casual student can expect an average earning of $28,000-$35,000 AUD per year if working the full 48 hours/fortnight consistently.
It is the biggest challenge.
Working in Australia is more than just paying rent; it is more of an education in itself. It teaches you time management, introduces you to Australian culture, and creates a network you can utilize for your future career. Whether you opt for the fast-paced life of a barista, the quiet focus as a cleaner, or the compassionate role of a care worker, opportunities in 2026 are abundant for those willing to work hard.
However, navigating the visa rules, finding the right course, and preparing to undertake it all start well before you step onto that plane.
Ensure that all your paperwork, university selection, and visa strategies are flawless. For guidance that takes your career seriously, contact Prasana International Educational Consultancy. With a trust built over two decades in the Nepali market, the consultancy ensures a smooth, compliant, and successful transition from being a student in Nepal to becoming a professional in Australia.