“Australia Raises Minimum Wage to $24.95/hour from 1 July 2025 – The Highest in the World, Opening Doors to Stable Jobs and High Income for International Students in Social Work, Community Services & Healthcare”
1. New Minimum Wage Policy: Key Highlights
Throughout 2024–2025, Australia’s national minimum wage was set at $24.10 per hour, or $915.90 per week for full-time employees. Introduced on 1 July 2024, this adjustment aimed to help maintain workers’ purchasing power amidst rising living costs.
However, from 1 July 2025, the Fair Work Commission has approved a 3.75% increase, raising the base wage to $24.95 per hour (equivalent to $948.20 per week). More than a technical adjustment, this move is a strong statement from the Australian government in support of fair income and worker protection.
2. Australia Remains the Country with the Highest Minimum Wage in the World
According to Insider Guides, when adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), Australia’s new minimum wage translates to approximately USD $16.70 per hour—well above most other developed nations.
Minimum Wage & Work Conditions for International Students (2025 Update)
| Country | Minimum Wage (Hourly) | Est. USD Equivalent | Work Rights for International Students | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | $24.95 AUD | ~USD $16.72 | Up to 24 hours/week during study periods; unlimited during breaks | +25% casual loading |
| USA | $7.25 USD | $7.25 USD | Max 20 hrs/week during study, 40 hrs during holidays | Federal rate since 2009; states may vary |
| UK | £10 (ages 18–20) | ~USD $12.70 | 20 hrs/week depending on study level | Increases to £12.21 (~USD $15.51) for 21+ |
| Canada | $15–19 CAD (by state) | ~USD $10.95–13.87 | Up to 24 hrs/week off-campus, no work permit required | Nunavut has the highest rate at $19 CAD |
3. Real Impact on International Students & Workers in Care and Community Sectors
This wage increase has a particularly positive effect on essential service industries, which are also priority areas for skilled migration and government investment.
Key sectors include:
- Aged Care
- Disability Support
- Community Services
- Social Work
- Mental Health
International students studying programs like Certificate III in Individual Support, Diploma of Community Services, or Bachelor of Social Work have direct access to job opportunities during their studies—with one of the most competitive hourly rates globally.
4. Practical Benefits for International Students
- Higher income from legal part-time work (up to 48 hours per fortnight)
- Preferred hiring by non-profits, aged care homes, and NDIS providers
- Paid internships at community-based organisations
- Financial stability during study, reducing economic stress
5. Challenges & Recommendations
While the wage increase may raise operational costs for labour-intensive organisations, the Australian government is actively expanding its funding support for aged care, disability, and social services. These sectors remain long-term stable career paths—especially for those pursuing skilled migration.
Now Is the “Golden Time” to Enter the Social Work & Healthcare Fields
The rise in minimum wage is a powerful incentive for students in social work and community services. It not only ensures financial security during study but also paves a smoother path toward employment and migration after graduation.
In a time when Australia is facing severe labour shortages in care-related professions, this is a unique window of opportunity for Vietnamese students and workers looking for a sustainable future in Australia.
Planning to study, work, and migrate in Social Work or Community Services?
Don’t miss your chance to enter the highest-paying student job market in the world.
>> Book a consultation with a Next Gem advisor today to explore your personalised study–work–migration pathway.
