Queensland is an exceptional place to build your career
With a thriving economy and strong job growth across industries such as healthcare, technology, tourism, construction and more—Queensland offers genuine opportunities for career development. Supported by world-class education and training providers, Queensland delivers an education that equips you for real-world success.
Importantly, according to Jobs and Skills Australia, 75% of employers place equal or greater emphasis on personal attributes compared to technical skills. What does this mean for you? Your qualification is just the starting point. It’s the combination of your education, personal qualities, and employability skills that employers truly value.
Not sure what employability skills are? Study Queensland can help.
How can I prepare for a job?
Talent-Ed: Study Queensland Employability Program
Talent-Ed is a free Study Queensland initiative designed to support international students in developing the skills, mindsets, and experiences that enhance employability. Whether you are seeking work during your studies or preparing for employment after graduation, Talent-Ed provides practical tools that can be applied throughout your career journey.
Working in Queensland
Students can find casual and part-time work across a range of industries. Some popular fields that students choose during their studies are hospitality, retail, tourism and administrative roles. Queensland’s strong economy and growing industries, such as healthcare, education and technology, are also excellent places for students to seek out more specialised roles. Just make sure you check your visa conditions as a student visa holder and always follow Australian workplace law.
After you complete your studies, you may be eligible for post-study work rights that can help you begin your career journey in Queensland. The length of time depends on your individual visa (subclass 500), so be sure to check your entitlements with the Department of Home Affairs. Gaining professional experience in Queensland is a powerful way to build a globally competitive resume.
How many hours can a student work in Australia?
The Australian international student visa (subclass 500) allows you to work while you study. While you can’t always work unrestricted hours, it’s still a great opportunity to gain work experience and support yourself financially.
The Australian government allows students to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (two-week period) when their course of study or training is in session. During semester breaks, students can work unrestricted hours. Additionally, students studying a master's by research or doctoral degree, and their family members, have no work limits.
Look for jobs that offer flexible hours to balance your study and work commitments. Part-time work, casual jobs and internships are popular among students as they provide flexibility and the chance to get industry-relevant experience. To ensure satisfactory course progress, remember to prioritise your studies over work and ensure your work hours don’t interfere with your academic performance.
How do I find a job?
You can look for a job in Queensland to help you support yourself through your studies using various resources and platforms. There are plenty of schools, agencies and websites that can assist you in securing employment. Your local Study Cluster or Regional Development Agency might also have resources to assist with job searches in your region, including:
- Cairns
- Gold Coast
- Sunshine Coast
- Toowoomba
- Townsville
- Regional Development Australia - Jobs North Queensland
Contact your educational institution to see if they provide job placement services or explore job search engines such as:
- Prosple - a platform tailored for international students and graduates. It offers targeted job listings and free employability resources to support your journey.
- Seek
- Indeed
- Career One
- Adzuna
- Job Active
Internships are also a valuable way to get practical training in a real work environment. In the first instance, check with your education provider to see if you can undertake an internship as part of your studies. Here are some internship providers to research:
These resources and networks will help you more easily navigate the job market in Queensland. Start your search today and begin an exciting new stage of your career.
Are you an employer interested in hiring international students and graduates?
Discover the benefits of tapping into Queensland’s global talent pool.
International students and graduates bring unique insights, global perspectives, and a broad range of capabilities that can strengthen your workforce. Learn how employing this dynamic group can help your organisation grow, innovate, and stay competitive in an increasingly diverse and interconnected business environment.