For many international students in Melbourne, hospitality is the first stop on the journey to paid work in Australia. Cafés, restaurants, and bars are always hiring. But before you take your first shift, you need to know your rights around working hours, rosters, and public holidays in hospitality. Your study comes first.
The Fair Work Act sets a maximum of 38 hours a week for full-time employees, with extra hours allowed if they’re reasonable. As a student visa holder, you also need to factor in your visa’s work limits. Even if you’re just picking up weekend or evening shifts, your employer must still follow the legal rules on breaks, overtime, rosters, and public holiday pay. That doesn’t change.
In Victoria, hospitality work is governed by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award, which outlines entitlements such as pay rates, breaks, and penalty rates. This award applies whether you’re in a CBD café, a suburban restaurant, or a late-night bar.
Working Hours, Rosters, and Public Holidays in Hospitality
In Victoria, hospitality jobs fall under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award. It sets out entitlements like pay rates, breaks, and penalty rates. The award applies no matter where you work: a CBD café, a suburban restaurant, or a late-night bar. Every venue counts.
How Hospitality Rosters Work in Australia
Rosters are the backbone of hospitality jobs. Employers are expected to provide rosters in writing, often through apps, online portals, or a staff noticeboard. Under the Victorian hospitality regulations, rosters must be given at least seven days in advance, though changes can occur with proper notice.
For international students, this means you’ll usually know your shifts ahead of time, which helps balance study and work. A typical hospitality roster in Australia might include short weekday shifts, plus longer weekend or evening hours. If your roster changes at short notice, you may be entitled to extra pay.
It’s also worth checking whether your venue offers rostered days off (RDOs). These can be paid or unpaid, depending on the agreement, and are more common in full-time roles.
It’s critical to ensure that you are familiar with hospitality regulations in your state or territory.
Public Holidays And Your Entitlements In Hospitality
Hospitality doesn’t stop for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Easter, or other major holidays. But working on public holidays in Australia comes with extra rights. If you’re rostered on, you’ll usually receive penalty rates, which increase your base pay. This is known as public holiday pay in hospitality.
In Victoria, public holidays are set by the state government. Liquor Control Victoria oversees alcohol service rules, which means bars and clubs may have stricter conditions on those days. If you choose not to work on a public holiday, you cannot be treated unfairly, but you won’t be paid unless it’s part of your normal ordinary hours.
For many international students, public holiday shifts are a way to earn more in fewer hours.
Why Your Workplace Rights Count
Understanding working hours, rosters, and public holidays isn’t just about pay. It’s also about protecting your study schedule and well-being. Knowing when you can say no to extra hours, or when you should receive penalty rates, gives you confidence at work.
Employers must comply with Fair Work regulations, and in Melbourne, specific RSA rules apply if you’re serving alcohol. Completing the correct RSA course ensures you’re both job-ready and compliant with Liquor Control Victoria requirements.
Building A Stronger Future in Hospitality
Many international students start in casual jobs but want to move into more skilled, higher-paying roles. The best way to get there is by combining experience with training. Explore courses like the Barista Coffee Course, RSA (VIC), or the Food Handling Course. These not only boost your skills but also make you more employable in the hospitality industry.
At Complete Hospitality Training, you can upskill with practical courses taught by industry professionals. Want structured, hands-on training that fits around your roster? Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with us today.
Working Hours, Rosters, and Public Holiday FAQs
Do international students in Australia have limits on working hours?
Yes. Under visa conditions, international students are usually limited to a set number of hours during study periods. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date rules.
How much notice should I get for a hospitality roster change?
Under the Hospitality Award, rosters must be provided seven days in advance. Changes with shorter notice require agreement or may attract extra pay.
Do I get paid more for working on public holidays in hospitality?
Yes. Most hospitality workers receive penalty rates for public holidays. In Victoria, these rates are set by the Hospitality Award.
Can I refuse to work on a public holiday?
Yes. You can reasonably refuse if you have study or personal commitments. Employers cannot treat you unfairly for saying no.
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