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Studying in Australia can provide International Students with more than an academic qualification. Depending on their Visa conditions, students may also have opportunities to work while completing their studies.
Understanding the rules for student visa work in Australia is important before accepting a job. Student Visa (subclass 500) holders generally have limits on how much they can work while their course is in session, although different arrangements apply in certain circumstances.
Working while studying can help you gain experience, develop professional skills and build connections in Australia. However, employment should be balanced with your studies, and you must always follow the work conditions attached to your Visa.
This guide explains how student work rights operate in Australia, including working-hour limits, course breaks, research degrees, workplace rights and finding a job.
Can International Students Work in Australia?
Yes. International Students holding an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) can generally work while studying, subject to their Visa conditions.
The Australian Government’s Study Australia website states that International Students can work while studying and gain practical experience and professional networks.
However, holding a Student Visa does not mean you can automatically work unlimited hours throughout your studies.
Your work rights depend on factors such as:
- Whether your course has started
- Whether your course is currently in session
- Whether you are on an official course break
- The type of qualification you are studying
- The specific conditions attached to your Visa
Students should check their individual Visa conditions through Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) before starting employment.
How Many Hours Can International Students Work in Australia?
A fortnight for Student Visa work conditions is a period of 14 days beginning on a Monday.
This means you should monitor your total working hours across the entire fortnight rather than assuming that the restriction is simply 24 hours every week.
For example, your hours could potentially vary from one week to the next, provided you remain within the applicable 48-hour fortnightly limit and continue to comply with your Visa conditions.
Course in Session
Most International Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
Scheduled Course Break
Student Visa holders can generally work unlimited hours when their course is not in session.
Research Degrees
Different rules can apply to eligible master’s by research and doctoral students after their programme has commenced.
Can International Students Work Full-Time During Study Breaks?
Student Visa holders can generally work unlimited hours when their course is not in session.
This can include scheduled course breaks recognized by your education provider.
However, it is important to understand what the Australian Government considers a course to be “in session”.
Your course is generally considered in session during:
- School semesters or teaching periods
- Examination periods
- Certain periods where you take another course that counts towards your main programme
Scheduled course breaks are generally treated differently.
Students should check their academic calendar and Visa conditions rather than assuming that any period without classes automatically allows unlimited work.
Can You Work Before Your Course Starts?
Generally, Student Visa holders cannot begin working in Australia before their course starts.
There can be an exception where the student held another Visa that permitted them to work at the time they applied for their Student Visa.
For most new International Students arriving in Australia, this means you should wait until your course has officially commenced before beginning employment.
Always check your Visa grant letter and VEVO for the conditions that apply to you.
Can Master’s and PhD Students Work More Hours?
Different rules can apply to students undertaking certain research qualifications.
Students whose Student Visa was granted in relation to a master’s degree by research or doctoral degree can work more than 48 hours per fortnight once their master’s by research or doctoral programme has commenced.
This exception does not generally apply to a standard master’s degree by coursework.
Students completing a master’s degree by coursework are generally still subject to the 48-hour-per-fortnight restriction while their course is in session.
Because the distinction between coursework and research programmes is important, postgraduate students should check their specific Visa conditions before accepting additional working hours.
Does Work Placement Count Towards the 48-Hour Limit?
Some Australian courses include internships, clinical placements, industry training or other work components.
If work is a registered mandatory component of your course and meets the relevant Visa requirements, different arrangements can apply to those hours.
However, not every internship or placement is automatically excluded from your work-hour limit.
Students undertaking work experience should check whether the placement is a formal and mandatory component of their registered course.
Can International Students Have More Than One Job?
Yes. Student Visa holders can generally work for more than one employer.
However, having multiple jobs does not provide separate work-hour allowances.
Your total hours across your jobs must remain within the work restriction applying to your Visa.
Keeping accurate records of your shifts can help you avoid accidentally exceeding your permitted hours.
What Jobs Can International Students Do in Australia?
International Students work across many different industries.
Part-time and casual employment can be particularly suitable because working hours may be easier to arrange around classes and study commitments.
Common areas where students may find opportunities include:
The jobs available to you will depend on your experience, qualifications, location and employer requirements.
Some occupations may also require additional licenses, certificates, checks or professional requirements.
How Can International Students Find Jobs in Australia?
Finding your first job in Australia may take time, particularly if you have recently arrived and do not yet have local work experience.
Study Australia recommends several ways students can look for employment.
- Contact your university or institution’s careers and employability service.
- Check university job boards and alumni networks.
- Speak with friends, classmates and community contacts.
- Contact recruitment agencies.
- Search reputable online job platforms.
- Attend career fairs and networking events.
Preparing an Australian-style résumé and adapting your application to each position can also help when applying.
Try to find employment that can accommodate your class timetable and academic responsibilities.
Do International Students Need a Tax File Number?
If you plan to work in Australia, you should apply for a Tax File Number (TFN).
A TFN is your personal reference number within Australia’s tax and superannuation systems.
Study Australia recommends that students apply for a TFN and provide it to their employer when starting work.
You may also need an Australian bank account so your employer can pay your wages.
What Are Your Workplace Rights as an International Student?
International Students working in Australia have workplace protections.
Australian workplace laws apply to International Students in the same way they protect other workers.
Your employer must follow applicable Australian workplace laws, regardless of your nationality or Visa status.
Depending on your employment circumstances, these protections can include:
- Minimum rates of pay
- Payslips
- Safe working conditions
- Appropriate breaks and working arrangements
- Superannuation where eligible
- Workers’ compensation protections
Your employer should provide you with a payslip within one working day of being paid.
International Students should also understand whether they are employed on a full-time, part-time or casual basis, as different employment arrangements can have different entitlements.
What Is the Minimum Wage for International Students in Australia?
International Students are entitled to applicable minimum pay rates in Australia.
There is not a separate lower minimum wage simply because you are an International Student.
The amount you should receive depends on factors such as your age, occupation, industry, employment arrangement and the relevant award or agreement.
Australia’s minimum wage rates can also change over time.
Students can use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) to check the applicable minimum pay rate for their employment.
If you believe you are being underpaid, you can seek information and assistance from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
What Should You Do if You Have Problems at Work?
International Students should not assume that they have fewer workplace rights because they hold a temporary Visa.
Employers cannot cancel an employee’s Visa. Only the Australian Government has authority over Visa decisions.
You should be cautious if an employer:
- Pays you below your legal entitlement
- Refuses to provide payslips
- Asks you to return part of your wages
- Asks you to pay money to obtain a job
- Takes or keeps your passport
- Pressures you to work beyond your Visa conditions
- Threatens you because of your Visa status
The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information about workplace rights, pay and employment conditions in Australia.
Can Working Help Pay for Your Studies in Australia?
Working while studying may help with some everyday expenses, but students should not rely on employment as their only source of funding.
Your earnings can depend on:
The number of hours you work
Your hourly rate
Your type of employment
Your location
Tax
Your study timetable
Availability of work
There is also no guarantee that you will find a job immediately after arriving in Australia.
Students should prepare sufficient funds for tuition fees and living expenses before beginning their studies.
Part-time work should be viewed as an opportunity to supplement your budget and gain experience rather than as a guaranteed way to cover the full cost of studying in Australia.
Can You Work in Australia After Graduation?
Your Student Visa work rights do not automatically continue indefinitely after your Visa expires.
International graduates who want to remain and work in Australia need to hold an appropriate Visa.
Depending on their circumstances and eligibility, some graduates may consider the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
The Post-Higher Education Work stream, for example, is available to eligible International Students who have recently graduated with a degree-level qualification or higher from an Australian institution.
Visa eligibility requirements can change, and completing an Australian qualification does not guarantee eligibility for a graduate or permanent Visa.
Students should check the latest Department of Home Affairs requirements when planning their post-study options.
How Can You Balance Work and Study in Australia?
Working can provide valuable experience, but your primary purpose for holding a Student Visa is to study.
Before accepting a job, consider your:
- Class timetable
- Assignment deadlines
- Examination periods
- Travel time between university and work
- Required independent study
- Personal wellbeing
- Visa work-hour restrictions
A flexible casual or part-time position may be easier to manage around university commitments.
Avoid taking on more work than you can realistically balance with your academic responsibilities.
How Can You Check Your Student Visa Work Conditions?
The safest way to confirm your individual work rights is through VEVO.
VEVO allows Visa holders to check information about their current Australian Visa, including applicable conditions.
This is particularly important because Visa conditions can differ depending on individual circumstances.
Plan Your Australian Study Journey with AUG
The opportunity to work while studying can be one of the benefits of studying in Australia, allowing students to gain experience, develop new skills and earn additional income.
However, it is important to understand your student visa work in Australia conditions and balance employment with your academic responsibilities.
AUG Student Services can help you explore Australian universities and courses, prepare your university application and understand the Student Visa process.
Start planning your Australian study journey early and make sure you understand the study, financial and Visa requirements before you go.
