📅 Last Updated: April 24, 2026
Quick Summary
Five best freelancing platforms for international students in Australia: Upwork, Fiverr, Airtasker, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour. Earn $800-2,000/month doing remote work while studying. Flexible hours, work from home, no visa restrictions.
Key Facts:
- Best for beginners: Fiverr, Airtasker
- Highest earning potential: Upwork, Freelancer
- Average earnings: $800-2,000/month part-time
- Time commitment: 10-20 hours/week
- Skills needed: Writing, design, tutoring, virtual assistance, tech
Read time: 6 minutes
Whether you are a freelance writer, graphic designer, video maker, or marketing expert, there is an Australian freelancing platform, app or website to highlight your talent and work in Australia. We have listed our favourite best freelance websites in Australia, depending on your needs.
1 – Fiverr: great site for beginner freelancers who want to work in Australia
Amazingly easy to navigate, Fiverr is an Australian Freelance platform and a great website for beginners. As one of the top platforms in Australia, it offers more than 250 categories of professional services, from graphic design, translation, web development to writing. It also allows you to package your services rather than getting billed by the hour.
2 – Freelancer: a general website for freelancers looking for work in Australia
One of the biggest freelance websites to work in Australia, with 17 726 739 clients and freelancers. The website offers over 1350 job categories, such as software development, writing and data entry. One of the advantages of the website is that you can apply to small and large jobs that you choose, with a fixed price or hourly paid. Perfect for finding your ideal job working from home. You can also chat in real-time with recruiters, sometimes from high profile business such as Boeing, Intel and Microsoft.
3 – Upwork: great freelancing website for jobs on specialised projects
With over 5 million clients, 12 million users and 3 million jobs per year, Upwork is one of the world biggest freelance marketplace. You can apply for any job you’re interested in from some of the biggest companies such as GE, Airbnb and Microsoft. An online chat and video call system is also available. Again, a large selection of roles to work in Australia is available, from marketing experts, designers to accountants. The multiple billing methods make it quite flexible as well with the possibility to use credit cards, PayPal or bank transfer. Only downside: a service fee that ranges from 5% to 20% applies to use the marketplace. All in all, Upwork would be Australia freelance website advised for elaborate and specialized projects.
4 – Guru: a general platform to find work in Australia
One of the best platforms for beginners, namely because it makes it is easy to get paid on Guru. The website uses Safepay to secure payments. Moreover, Guru has a network of 1.5 million people willing to work in Australia on technical, creative or business projects. However, any user will have to pay service and membership fees.
5 – Aquent: matches you with the best hirer for you
Have you ever struggled to find a work in Australia that suited you in the past? Aquent might end the long search. An Australian freelance website specialised in marketing and creative jobs, the strength of this platform lies in its ability to match talented people with those looking to hire them. Indeed, Aquent’s book find deeper insights to find better matches for jobs, considering various factors such as location, availability and rates.
Are you a freelancer in Australia? Why wait to get your next clients and start generating income? Promote your own business with the freelancing websites listed above.
If you want to know more about your working rights, either with ABN or with a Student Visa, check out our blog.
If you want to continue studying while freelancing, don't hesitate to contact us for advice on the best courses and careers to stay in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freelancing in Australia
Can international students freelance in Australia?
Yes! International students on student visas can freelance in Australia. Freelance work counts toward your 48 hours per fortnight work limit. You need a Tax File Number (TFN) and must declare all freelance income.
How much can I earn freelancing as a student in Australia?
Part-time freelancers typically earn $800-2,000/month working 10-20 hours per week. Experienced freelancers can earn $3,000-5,000+/month. Rates vary by skill: writing ($30-80/hour), design ($40-100/hour), programming ($50-150/hour), virtual assistance ($20-40/hour).
Do I need an ABN to freelance in Australia?
Not required but recommended if you earn over $75,000/year or want to look more professional. International students can get an ABN free at business.gov.au. However, you can freelance using just your TFN for tax purposes.
What's the best freelancing platform for beginners?
Fiverr and Airtasker are best for beginners. Fiverr lets you create service packages ("gigs") that clients buy directly. Airtasker has simple local tasks. Both have lower competition than Upwork and don't require extensive portfolios.
How do I get paid on freelancing platforms?
Most platforms pay via PayPal, direct bank transfer, or Payoneer. Typical payment schedules: Upwork (weekly), Fiverr (14 days after completion), Airtasker (1-5 days), Freelancer (15 days). Always verify payment method works in Australia.
Can I freelance while working part-time in Australia?
Yes, but total work hours (job + freelancing) cannot exceed 48 hours per fortnight on a student visa. Track all hours carefully. Many students do 30 hours part-time job + 18 hours freelancing = 48 hours total.
Do I pay tax on freelance income in Australia?
Yes. All freelance income must be declared on your tax return. Keep invoices and receipts. You can claim deductions for computer, internet, software, and home office expenses. File taxes by October 31st each year.
What skills are most in-demand for freelancing?
Top skills in 2026: Content writing, graphic design, web development, social media management, video editing, virtual assistance, tutoring (especially English/French/Spanish), data entry, bookkeeping, and digital marketing.
Find more information about work in Australia on our blog articles:
- Three Things to Know When Looking for Work in Australia
- 5 Tips for Work-Life Balance to make the most out of your Australian life
- Be your own Boss with an Australian ABN
- Finding work experience while studying in Australia
- Full time working rights for student visa holders in tourism and hospitality: what you should know
