How to Get a Café Job in Australia as an International Student
Every morning, millions of Australians stop at a café before starting their day. A flat white. A long black. Maybe a chai latte. Coffee culture here is serious, and that means cafés always need good staff.
For international students, this is a real opportunity. Café jobs are available in every city, in every season. But walking in without the right qualifications and getting hired? That is very difficult.
This guide will show you exactly what Australian cafés look for and the best way to be ready.
Why Café Work Is a Good Choice
Café jobs are popular with international students for many reasons:
- Shifts are flexible, so you can work around your study timetable
- Cafés are everywhere – in the city, near universities, and in local neighbourhoods
- You practise English every day by talking to customers and colleagues
- You can find work quickly if you have the right qualifications
What Cafés in Australia Look For
Before you apply for a café job, it helps to know what employers want.
Experience with a coffee machine. Australian cafés use professional espresso machines. Employers want staff who know how to make coffee correctly and work quickly during busy times.
A food safety certificate. Most cafés require you to hold a qualification called SITXFSA005 — Use Hygienic Practices for Food Safety. This is a nationally recognised qualification in Australia. It shows employers that you understand food safety rules.
An RSA certificate. RSA stands for Responsible Service of Alcohol. Even if a café mostly serves coffee, many venues also serve alcohol. Having your RSA certificate means you are ready to work in more places, including restaurants and bars.
Can You Work in a Café on Your Visa?
Student visa holders can usually work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying (as of July, 2023). During scheduled course breaks, you can work more hours. Café work is a popular choice because shifts are easy to fit around your classes.
Working Holiday visa holders (subclass 417 and 462) can work full-time in hospitality. Many Working Holiday makers choose café work because it is easy to find and pays well.
Always check your visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website at homeaffairs.gov.au, as rules can change.
How to Get Your First Café Job
Many students worry because they have no experience in Australia. Here is a simple step-by-step plan:
Step 1: Get qualified. Complete a barista training course that includes nationally recognised qualifications. This shows employers you are ready to work, even without local experience.
Step 2: Practise your English for cafés. Australian café language is specific. Phrases like “Would you like that to stay or take away?” or “We have oat milk and almond milk” are used every day. Practising this vocabulary will help you feel confident at work.
Step 3: Write a resume. Include your qualifications, your availability, and any relevant work experience – even from your home country. If you need help with your resume, visit BROWNS’ free weekly Jobs Club class.
Step 4: Visit cafés in person. Go to cafés near your campus or home during quiet times – mid-morning or mid-afternoon are best. Introduce yourself and ask if they are hiring.
Step 5: Be ready for a trial shift. Many Australian cafés ask new staff to do a short trial before offering a job. This is normal. It is your chance to show what you can do.
A Program Designed for International Students
Barista@BROWNS is a 5-week program offered by BROWNS English Language School. It is designed for international students who want to work in hospitality in Australia.
The program combines English study with practical barista training. Each week includes:
- 8 hours of hospitality English — vocabulary, customer communication, and workplace language
- 12 hours of practical training — how to use a coffee machine, texture milk, create latte art, serve customers, follow hygiene rules, and more
- 5 hours of guided self-study and research
When you successfully complete the program, you will receive three nationally recognised qualifications:
- SITXFSA005 – Use Hygienic Practices for Food Safety
- SITHFAB025 – Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee
- SITHFAB021 – Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
These show employers that you have been trained to a professional standard.
The program is available at BROWNS campuses in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Melbourne.
Who Can Join?
- Age 18 or older
- Strong Pre-Intermediate English level or above
- Student visa, Working Holiday visa, or Visitor visa
Not sure about your English level? You can take the free BROWNS Online Placement Test at brownsenglish.edu.au/bopt
Start Your Café Career in Australia
If you want to work in a café in Australia, the right qualifications make a big difference. The Barista@BROWNS program gives you the skills, the certificates, and the confidence to get hired.
Find out more and check start dates at brownsenglish.edu.au/barista
BROWNS English Language School Pty Ltd trading as BROWNS English Language School and BROWNS Professional | CRICOS Provider Number: 02663M | ABN: 31 111 453 831 | RTO Code: 31998 | Award-Winning Australian School | The Best English Language School Australia | Study English in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Melbourne
