Can International Students Work in Aged Care While Studying?

Introduction

Australia had more than 500,000 paid aged care workers in 2023, yet workforce shortages are expected to continue as demand for care grows and the needs of older Australians become more complex. For international students, this creates opportunities to gain experience in a sector that continues to need skilled workers.

International students may be able to work in aged care while studying, provided their student visa allows employment, and they meet the requirements of the role. The key is making sure paid work fits within your visa conditions, study schedule, and course commitments. 

This guide covers:

• Student visa work limits and how they apply to aged care employment
• The difference between paid work and course-based placement
• Key checks before applying for an aged care role
• How relevant training builds readiness for care work
• Training options that can support your next step in the sector

Aged Care in Australia Today

Aged care includes support delivered in residential care facilities, homes and community settings. Workers help older people maintain their health, independence and quality of life. 

International workers are already well represented in the sector. In fact, the 2024 Aged Care Worker Survey found that 43% of surveyed direct-care workers were born overseas, reflecting the diverse workforce supporting Australia’s growing care needs. 

For international students, this can create useful workplace opportunities, but demand does not guarantee employment. Visa conditions, screening requirements and employer expectations still apply. 

Can International Students Work in Aged Care?

Most student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, with a fortnight covering 14 days from a Monday. During scheduled course breaks, students can generally work unlimited hours. To stay within your conditions, check VEVO, the Department of Home Affairs’ online service for viewing your current visa details and work rights.

Keep these rules in mind:

• Wait until your course starts. You generally cannot work before your course begins unless an exception applies.
• Count all jobs together. The 48-hour limit applies to your combined paid work.
• Track each fortnight. Make sure your total stays within the limit for every applicable 14-day period.
• Protect your study time. Plan shifts around classes, assessments and course requirements.

Benefits of Aged Care Work While Studying

Aged care employment can offer more than an income while you study. For students interested in care-related careers, it can also provide practical exposure to Australian workplaces.

Potential benefits include:

• Local work experience. Learn workplace expectations, routines and professional standards in Australia.
• Stronger communication skills. Build confidence through regular interaction with older people, families and colleagues.
• Practical care experience. Apply relevant skills in a real workplace within your role.
• Career insight. See which areas of care may suit your interests.
• Different roster options. Some services offer morning, evening and weekend shifts, depending on employer needs and visa limits.

The most useful experience comes from choosing a role that matches your current skills and remains manageable alongside your studies.

Getting Ready for Aged Care Work While Studying

For international students, taking on aged care work means balancing more than a job with classes. Visa conditions, course requirements, practical training, and weekly availability can all shape what type of work is realistic while you study in Australia.

Research Before You Apply

Start with the practical requirements that affect your eligibility and availability:

• Visa work rights. Check VEVO and confirm your permitted hours.
• Worker screening. Find out which police checks or screening requirements apply.
• Course timetable. Allow enough time for classes, assessments and placement.
• Employer requirements.  Check the qualifications, skills and clearances required.
• Résumé and references. Highlight relevant study, experience and transferrable skills.
• Transport and shifts. Make sure the roster is realistic alongside your studies.

Having these organised can help you focus on roles that fit your current eligibility and schedule.

Build the Right Skills

Once you understand what aged care work may involve, consider training that supports the type of role you want to pursue. When comparing aged care courses, consider:

• Practical skills. Check what care, communication and support tasks are covered.
• Placement requirements. Know how much supervised workplace experience is included.
• Role outcomes. See which positions the qualification can prepare you for.
• Study demands. Make sure the course fits alongside placement and paid work.

For instance, individual support ageing and disability training can develop skills for person-centred support across home, community and residential settings. Broader healthcare training courses, on the other hand, may suit students considering other health or community-service pathways.

Choosing training that aligns with your intended work can give you a clearer understanding of the responsibilities involved.

Keep Work Manageable

Once you start working, keep your roster realistic alongside classes, placement and assessments.

A few habits can help:

• Track paid hours across all employers.
• Leave enough time for study and placement.
• Review your availability when your course workload changes.
• Consider travel time when accepting shifts.

Aged care work can add useful experience while you study, but it should support your progress rather than compete with it.

Prepare for Aged Care Work With AICE

Working in aged care while studying can give international students useful exposure to Australian care settings. Understanding your work rights, developing relevant skills and choosing training that supports your goals can make the transition into the sector more manageable.

At Australian Institute of Career Education (AICE), we deliver nationally recognised training that combines industry-relevant learning with workplace placement. As a subsidiary of St Jude’s Health Care Services, we provide training informed by practical care environments and industry experience.

Contact AICE today to explore training options that support your study plans and future career in aged care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which AICE courses can prepare me for aged care work?

AICE offers the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) and CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support. Both international course offerings include 120 hours of mandatory work placement. 

Do international students have the same workplace rights in aged care?

Yes. International students working in Australia generally have the same workplace protections as other employees, including minimum pay rates, payslips, applicable breaks and a safe workplace.

Can international students work casually in aged care?

Yes, if their visa allows it and they meet the requirements of the role. Casual hours still count towards the applicable student visa work limit while the course is in session.