Australian student visa holders (subclass 500) have limited work rights to meet their living expenses and support their studies while adhering to the strict visa conditions and work hour limits set by the Department of Home Affairs. International students on this visa may work in casual, paid, or part-time roles after their registered course has started.
What Are Australian Student Visa Work Conditions?
Australian student visa work conditions outline the rules that visa holders must follow to work legally in Australia. The conditions are that the visa holder:
- Cannot begin work in Australia until the course starts, unless they hold another visa with a work permit at the time of the student visa application
- Must maintain adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) during their stay in Australia
- Must obtain approval from the Minister for Home Affairs before changing your postgraduate research topic if it relates to a specified “critical technology” (in case the visa includes condition 8208)
- Can exercise their work rights after the study period officially begins
- Must remain enrolled full time and maintain satisfactory course progress
- Must not exceed the 48-hour-per-fortnight work limit while the course or training is in session, including during exam periods and while taking additional courses that count towards the main program
- Cannot calculate any formal work, internship, or placement that is a mandatory part of a registered course on CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) in the total hours of work
Student Visa Work Rights and Hour Limits
The student visa (subclass 500) allows the visa holder to study a course at an Australian education provider, include dependent family members, remain in Australia for the duration of the course for up to five years, depending on the program length, travel in and out of the country, and work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session and work unrestricted hours during the course breaks. There is no work hour limit for students who have started a master’s degree by research or a doctoral degree.
The 48-Hour-Per-Fortnight Rule Explained
During a study period, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours/fortnight. This work limitation applies to all jobs, including paid and unpaid work that counts as employment by the Australian government. The 48-hour work limit applies to any 14-day period, not per week. Plan your work hours carefully to avoid exceeding the limit within any fortnight.
When the 48-Hour Limit Applies
Student visa holders can only work over 48 hours per fortnight if:
- A student visa is granted related to a master’s degree by research or a doctorate degree, and the holder’s master’s degree by research or doctorate degree has started
- It is a registered part of your course, specified as a mandatory component when the course particulars were entered into the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
Unlimited Work During Course Breaks
International students may work unrestricted hours:
- During scheduled study session breaks
- If the course was suspended as per Standard 9 of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students
- If they have a valid visa and have completed the course listed on the confirmation of enrolment
- If enrolment has been mistakenly cancelled due to the default of the education provider, and the student has yet to get a new enrolment.
Postgraduate Research Students – Special Work Rights
Student visa holders enrolled in a master's by research or doctoral degree may work unlimited hours once their research program has started. Check the Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO) for relevant work conditions.
What Counts as “Work” on a Student Visa?
Not all activities count as “work” for student visa holders. It is important to understand what work counts and what does not to avoid accidental breaches.
Paid Employment
Any paid job for an Australian employer counts towards the 48-hour fortnightly limit during term time, including:
- Casual, part-time, and full-time work (within the permitted work hours limit)
- Commission-based or freelance work, paid internationally or through an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Gig economy work, like food delivery services
- Any work where the primary student visa holder receives remuneration (salary, wages, or benefits)
Unpaid Work, Volunteering, and Internships
- Mandatory internships or placements that are a required part of your registered course do not count towards the 48-hour work limit, regardless of whether they are paid or unpaid.
- If the internship or placement is optional or part of an elective subject, any hours worked count towards the 48-hour limit, even if unpaid.
- Hours spent on genuinely voluntary work for a non-profit organisation do not count towards the 48-hour limit, provided the role is an unpaid position for an Australian resident
Multiple Jobs and Combined Hours
The visa holders are permitted to hold multiple jobs simultaneously as long as the number of work hours across all jobs does not exceed the 48-hour/fortnight limit and does not affect the scheduled course performance.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Course-Based Work
WIL encompasses activities that integrate academic theory with real-world experience for a broader learning outcome and is often mandatory for fields like healthcare, the aged care sector, and education.
Placements, Internships, and Clinical Training
Only placements, internships, or clinical training that are mandatory and a registered part of your course are exempt from the 48-hour work limit. Otherwise, all other paid or unpaid placements are included in your 48-hour allowance.
Evidence Required for WIL Exemptions
To qualify for a work exemption:
- Your placement should be listed in your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) or in the official course syllabus
- A signed placement agreement or written confirmation from the provider
Common Student Visa Work Breaches
Most visa work breaches occur due to a misunderstanding of the conditions rather than intent.
Exceeding the 48-Hour Limit
This is a common breach, often due to misunderstanding how the limit is calculated. A fortnight is 14 days, starting on any Monday and ending the following Sunday. It is not a breach of work conditions if the visa holder works 45 hours a fortnight (weeks 1 and 2) and 40 hours in weeks 3 and 4 during the study period. However, there is a breach if the student works for 60 hours in the fortnight of weeks 2 and 3.
Working Before the Course Commences
Working before the course begins is not permitted. Breaching work conditions can result in visa cancellation or refusal of future visa applications.
Misunderstanding Course Breaks
Many international students mistakenly think there are unlimited work hours during exam periods or short breaks between terms. The rule restricts work to 48 hours per fortnight during all sessions, including exam periods, and only allows unlimited work during scheduled course break dates or holidays.
Consequences of Breaching Student Visa Work Conditions
Breaching visa work conditions can have critical outcomes, including visa cancellation and future visa refusal.
Visa Cancellation Risks
The Department of Home Affairs may cancel your student visa if you repeatedly ignore the warning signs or exceed limits, which could cause you to leave the country.
Impact on Future Visa Applications
Past breaches can raise concerns about your Australian immigration history and risk your future visa approvals and any pathway to permanent residency.
How to Stay Compliant as an International Student
Staying compliant with the Australian workplace laws and Home Affairs rules requires planning and communication.
Practical Tips to Track Your Work Hours
Use digital planners/apps like Timesheet, Shifty, or Google planners to record start/end times, date, and total hours for each employer to stay within the 48-hour/fortnight limit.
Employer Communication and Contracts
Employers should respect the 48-hour/fortnight limit, meet the standard pay rates, and provide contracts, payslips, and work experience letters. Students must maintain clear communication with their employers about the study and exam schedules and use the Fair Work Ombudsman to fight against exploitation.
Maintaining Course Progress and Enrolment
Meeting the attendance requirements, adhering to the conditions in the visa grant letter, and remaining enrolled in the programme are paramount for protecting visa work rights.
Your Workplace Rights as an International Student
You have the right to be treated fairly under Australian workplace laws, like other employees.
Fair Work Protections in Australia
The Fair Work Ombudsman ensures student visa work conditions align with Australian workplace laws, so international students enjoy the same workplace rights, such as paid leave, right pay, protection from workplace exploitation, and other entitlements.
Where to Get Help With Workplace Issues
If you have work issues or need rights- and entitlements-related information, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
How an Australian Migration Agent Can Help
Navigating the student visa conditions and understanding Australian workplace laws can get overwhelming without professional guidance because they are more than technical details. You must understand your academic obligations, work rights, and compliance responsibilities to study and work in Australia.
At Australian Migration Agents, our MARN-registered team can assist you in understanding your student visa conditions and compliance requirements. Schedule a consultation for tailored guidance on your circumstances.
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FAQ
How Many Hours Can I Work on a Student Visa in Australia?
Student visa holders (subclass 500) can generally work 48 hours per fortnight during their course of study and can work unlimited hours during course breaks. This rule applies to primary student visa holders enrolled in a registered program. However, the number of hours should not exceed the allowed work hours under the student visa conditions, and the visa holder must maintain satisfactory attendance and fulfil the course requirements.
Does Unpaid or Volunteer Work Count Towards My 48-Hour Limit?
Yes, the 48-hour limit per fortnight includes unpaid trial shifts, internships (not part of the course), and roles where the student visa holder receives benefits instead of cash. If unsure about a specific work role, check the Fair Work Ombudsman website and verify your student visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs for clarity.
Can I Work Unlimited Hours During Semester Breaks?
Student visa holders can work unlimited hours during course breaks as long as they ensure satisfactory course progress, maintain satisfactory attendance, and adhere to the study visa conditions.
What Happens If I Accidentally Exceed My Work Limit?
Exceeding the work hour limit can include severe consequences, including visa cancellation, future visa refusal, and a negative Australian immigration history. If your visa is cancelled, you may be required to leave Australia.
Does Work Integrated Learning Count as Work Hours?
Yes, work-integrated learning (WIL) hours may be counted as work hours. Whether they count towards the 48-hour-per-fortnight work limits for international students in Australia depends on whether it is a mandatory WIL or an elective WIL.
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