Most international students in Australia end up in casual roles — hospitality, retail, warehousing, food delivery. But part-time roles are more common than students realise, especially in aged care, admin, and childcare. The two employment types look similar on the surface. The differences matter, especially at tax time and when your visa hours are tight.

The One-Line Difference

• Casual = paid a 25% loading on top of the base rate, but no paid leave, no guaranteed hours, and either side can end the arrangement without notice.
• Part-time = fixed weekly hours, paid annual and sick leave, notice periods, but no casual loading.

The National Minimum Wage in 2026

From 1 July 2026:

• National minimum wage: $25.32 per hour (up from $24.10)
• Casual loading: +25% = $31.65 per hour base for casuals on the minimum wage
• Junior rates apply for under-21s
• Award rates (retail, hospitality, fast food) often sit above the minimum

Casual Employment: The Real Numbers

A casual barista on the Fast Food Industry Award (2026) gets:

• Base: $27.20/hr weekday
• +25% loading: $34.00/hr weekday
• Saturday: +25% penalty
• Sunday: +50% penalty
• Public holiday: +125% penalty

Pros for students:

• Higher hourly rate — the 25% loading exists specifically because casuals get no leave.
• Flexibility around exam periods.
• Easier to walk away from a bad boss.

Cons:

• No sick pay. Get COVID or a broken ankle and you earn zero.
• Hours can drop to 0 without warning.
• No paid public holidays if you're not rostered.

Part-Time Employment

A part-time childcare assistant working 20 hours/week gets:

• Base: $28.50/hr (Children's Services Award)
• No 25% loading, but…
• 4 weeks paid annual leave (pro-rated to 20 hrs = ~$4,560/yr)
• 10 days paid sick/carer's leave per year
• Paid public holidays if they fall on your rostered day
• Notice period on termination (usually 1–4 weeks depending on tenure)

Pros for students:

• Predictable income for rent budgeting.
• Paid leave = you can rest without losing pay.
• Long-term employers prefer part-time staff for skills-based roles.

Cons:

• Lower hourly rate.
• Less flexibility to change hours around exams — you have a contract.

Which One Is Better for International Students?

Casual wins if:

• Your schedule changes term-to-term.
• You're bumping up against the 48-hour fortnight cap.
• You value flexibility over predictability.

Part-time wins if:

• You've found a career-aligned role you can hold for 12+ months.
• You want the leave entitlements (huge for going home during breaks).
• You're already committed to a set number of weekly hours.

Casual Conversion Rights (2024 Reforms)

Since August 2024, casual employees can request conversion to part-time or full-time after 6 months of regular hours (12 months for small businesses). If your roster has been consistent, your employer must have a fair-work reason to say no.

For students, this often isn't attractive — you'd lose the 25% loading. But if you're applying for PR and need "employer-sponsored" evidence, part-time status carries more weight with case officers.

Superannuation: Same for Both

Employers must pay 12% superannuation (2026 rate) on top of your wage into a super fund, regardless of casual or part-time status. This applies to all employees earning more than $450/month.

International students can claim their super back as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) when they permanently leave Australia — currently taxed at 65% for working holiday and student visa holders.

Payslip Red Flags

By law, every payslip must show:

• Hours worked
• Ordinary hourly rate
• Loadings and penalties itemised separately
• Superannuation contribution amount
• Tax withheld

If any of these are missing, you're being underpaid. Fair Work Ombudsman: 13 13 94, free translation service available.

Tax Rate Reality Check

You'll pay the same income tax whether casual or part-time:

• 0% on the first $18,200
• 16% on $18,201 – $45,000 (2026 rate)
• Higher brackets above

For most students earning $25,000–$35,000/year, you'll get a tax refund at year-end because tax is withheld at the higher single-employer rate.

Related Reading

• Wage Calculator with casual loading and 2026 ATO brackets
• Work rights, laws, and what to do when underpaid
• Superannuation: how to claim it when you leave
• Tax return guide for international students