TL;DR
- International students can work in aged care while studying on a student visa, with work hour limits during term time (48 hours per fortnight).
- Aged care qualifications like Certificate III or IV in Individual Support are required to work in this sector.
- You can work full-time during study breaks but must adhere to visa conditions during term time.
- Aged care jobs offer a chance to gain hands-on experience in a growing sector.
- Finding a job in aged care is feasible due to high demand, especially in rural and regional areas.
Are you an international student in Australia and considering a career in aged care? If so, you’re not alone. Aged care is booming in Australia, and there’s an increasing need for skilled workers to support an ageing population. This could be a fantastic opportunity for you to gain hands-on work experience while you’re studying, all while contributing to a sector that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
But we understand you might be asking yourself – can I even work in aged care while on a student visa (subclass 500)? How does it all work, and how can I balance this with my studies? Don’t worry, you’re not alone in feeling uncertain about these questions. The good news is that working in aged care is not only possible, but it can also open the door to long-term career prospects and even permanent residency down the line.
So, let’s take a closer look at how you can get started, the benefits of working in this field, and what you need to know to make it all work.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
What is Aged Care?
Aged care refers to the support provided to older Australians who need assistance with everyday tasks or can no longer live independently. This includes everything from personal care to health services, and even accommodation. Whether it’s helping seniors with personal hygiene, providing transport, or offering social and emotional support, aged care services aim to ensure older people can continue living comfortably and independently in their communities.
Types of Aged Care Services:
- Home Care: This service allows seniors to stay in their own homes while receiving help with tasks such as food preparation, transport, and personal care.
- Residential Care: For those who can no longer live at home, residential care provides 24/7 support in nursing homes, with access to medical care and social services.
- Short-Term Care: If someone has recently been in the hospital, short-term care helps them recover while providing temporary respite care for carers.
As an international student, getting involved in aged care provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a sector that’s not only rewarding but also in high demand.
The Benefits of Working in Aged Care on a Student Visa
Working in aged care while studying in Australia comes with numerous benefits. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Gain Hands-On Experience
Working in aged care provides practical experience that will help you in your future career, whether you continue in the aged care sector or choose another healthcare-related field.
2. Contribute to the Community
You’ll play an important role in helping elderly people live their best lives, which is incredibly fulfilling.
3. Build Career Opportunities
The aged care sector is growing rapidly, and there’s a constant need for skilled workers. This could lead to full-time opportunities after you finish your studies.
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency
If you continue working in aged care, there are pathways for transitioning to permanent residency through skilled migration.
The aged care sector is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a real difference in the lives of others while building a career in one of Australia’s most vital industries.
Can You Work in Aged Care on a Student Visa?
Yes, international students can work in aged care while studying in Australia, but there are some restrictions and things you need to keep in mind:
1. Work Hour Limits
Student visa holders are usually allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time. However, during breaks or holidays, you can work full-time. This allows you to gain work experience without compromising your studies.
2. Relaxed Work Hours for Aged Care
In response to workforce shortages, the Australian government has relaxed work restrictions for student visa holders in the aged care sector. This means you can work more hours in aged care jobs, especially if you’re already employed in the sector.
3. Qualification Requirements
To work in aged care, you typically need a relevant qualification like a Certificate III or IV in Individual Support or Ageing Support. These qualifications are often required for roles like personal care assistant or aged care support worker.
By following these rules, you can gain valuable experience in aged care while still staying compliant with your visa requirements.
Steps to Get Started in Aged Care While on a Student Visa
If you’re interested in working in aged care, here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Choose a Relevant Aged Care Course
- What You Need: To work in aged care, you’ll need to complete a relevant qualification. Most international students complete a Certificate III or IV in Individual Support, which is CRICOS-registered.
- Where to Study: Choose a registered training organisation (RTO) that offers these qualifications. It’s important that your course is recognised by the Australian Government for your visa to be valid.
Step 2: Apply for a Student Visa
- Visa Type: You’ll need a Subclass 500 student visa to study and work in Australia.
- Work Rights: Once your visa is granted, you can start working, but remember to keep track of your work hours to comply with the visa conditions.
Step 3: Find Work in Aged Care
- Job Search: Once you’ve completed your aged care qualification, start applying for jobs in residential aged care facilities or home care organisations. These positions often look for personal care assistants, carers, and support workers.
- Industry Demand: The demand for aged care workers is high, especially in rural and regional areas, so you’re likely to find opportunities fairly easily.
Step 4: Work Within Your Visa Conditions
- Keep Track of Your Hours: Remember that student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. During holidays, you can work full-time, but make sure to comply with the work restrictions to avoid breaching your visa conditions.
Working in the aged care sector can be a rewarding experience that not only helps you earn money but also gives you a chance to develop your skills in an in-demand sector.
Challenges to Consider
While working in aged care on a student visa is a great opportunity, there are some challenges and considerations:
1. Work Hours
As mentioned, there are limits to how many hours you can work during term time. Finding the balance between work and study can be tricky, especially in a demanding field like aged care.
2. Language Barriers
Communication is key in aged care, and while not all roles require advanced English, strong language skills are important for ensuring the best care for patients. If you need to improve your English, consider attending free English language classes.
3. Work Availability
While there’s demand for aged care workers, finding a job that fits your visa conditions and your study schedule may take time. Flexibility in your job search and being open to part-time roles can help.
Despite these challenges, the aged care sector provides a pathway to meaningful work and long-term career growth in Australia.
Transitioning to Permanent Residency
One of the major advantages of working in aged care is the potential to transition from a student visa to permanent residency. However, it’s important to understand the correct pathways:
- Certificate III or IV in Individual Support: While these qualifications are essential for working in aged care, they do not directly lead to a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). These pathways are available only through the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), or if you have relevant experience and are nominated in a regional area.
- Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse Qualifications: If you pursue further studies and become an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse, these qualifications open doors to migration pathways, including the subclass 189 and subclass 186 skilled migration visas.
Working in aged care can still offer a great foundation and may provide valuable work experience as you build towards more advanced qualifications. Consider continuing your studies and gaining further qualifications to expand your permanent residency options.
Final Thoughts
Working in aged care on a student visa in Australia is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, contribute to a vital sector, and take steps towards a permanent career in Australia. While there are certain restrictions, such as work hour limits, there are plenty of ways to make the most of this opportunity, especially with the recent relaxations for aged care workers. If you’re interested in this field, gaining the necessary qualifications and starting your job search will set you up for success.
At Knowbal, we’re here to guide you through the process, from securing the right qualifications to finding the perfect job in aged care. Contact us today and take the first step towards building a meaningful career in Australia’s growing aged care sector!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I work full-time in aged care on a student visa?
Student visa holders can work full-time during study breaks but are limited to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods.
2. What qualifications do I need to work in aged care on a student visa?
You need a Certificate III or IV in Individual Support or Ageing Support, which are required for most entry-level aged care roles.
3. How many hours can I work in aged care while studying in Australia?
You can work 48 hours per fortnight during term time. During holidays, you can work full-time.
4. Can working in aged care lead to permanent residency in Australia?
Yes, working in aged care can contribute to eligibility for skilled migration visas, potentially leading to permanent residency.
5. Is it hard to find a job in aged care as a student visa holder?
The demand for aged care workers is high, so you should be able to find work, especially if you’re flexible and open to part-time positions.
Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!
