Australia may increase student visa work limits from 48 hours to 60 hours per fortnight during study periods under a proposed policy announced in a 2025 Parliamentary Budget Office Report.
However, it is important to understand that no legislative changes have been approved yet. Current Student Visa work restrictions remain fully in force.
At Australian Migration Agents, we regularly assist international students with understanding visa work conditions and avoiding breaches that could affect their immigration status.
Has Australia Increased Student Visa Work Hours to 60 Hours?
No. The proposed increase to 60 hours per fortnight is currently only a policy proposal. It has not been legislated or implemented.
At present, Student Visa (Subclass 500) holders must continue complying with the existing work limitation of:
- 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
Unless official migration law changes occur, students cannot legally work beyond the current limit during active study terms.
What Is the Proposed Change?
According to the Parliamentary Budget Office’s 2025 Election Commitments Report, the proposal would:
- Increase student work limits from 48 to 60 hours per fortnight
- Apply during study periods
- Commence from 1 July 2026 if adopted
- Operate on an ongoing basis
The proposal would effectively allow international students to work an additional 12 hours every fortnight while studying.
When Could the New Work Limit Start?
If approved and implemented, the proposed commencement date would be on 1 July 2026.
At this stage, there are no confirmed migration law amendments introducing the change.
Current Student Visa Work Rules Still Apply
Until any official legislative changes occur, international students must continue following existing visa conditions.
Current Student Visa holders generally must:
- Work no more than 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
- Remain enrolled in their course
- Maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress
- Comply with all visa conditions
Students who breach work conditions may face serious consequences, including visa cancellation.
Can Students Work Unlimited Hours During Holidays?
Yes. Current migration rules already allow international students to work unrestricted hours during official course breaks and vacation periods.
The proposed changes do not suggest altering these existing holiday work rights.
Why Was the Increase Proposed?
The proposal appears linked to economic and labour market considerations.
According to the Parliamentary Budget Office modelling, increasing student work hours may generate additional tax revenue through higher workforce participation among international students.
The report estimated increased government revenue over future financial years based on assumptions including:
- A large proportion of students already working at the current limit
- Many students increasing their hours if the cap rises
- Employment at or near minimum wage levels
The report also noted that the financial outcomes remain sensitive to factors such as:
- International student numbers
- Migration policy changes
- Economic conditions
- Labour market demand
[registered_migration_agents] [/registered_migration_agents]
Student Visa Work Rights and Migration Policy
The proposed work-hour increase forms part of broader discussions surrounding Australia’s international education and migration settings.
The report also referenced discussions involving:
- Potential caps on new overseas student commencements
- Migration planning adjustments
- Labour market participation by international students
At this stage, these discussions remain part of wider policy considerations rather than confirmed migration law changes.
Important Risks of Exceeding Work Limits
Many students mistakenly rely on social media rumours or unofficial information regarding work rights.
Working beyond permitted hours while holding a Student Visa can result in:
- Visa cancellation
- Future visa refusal risks
- Complications with permanent residency pathways
- Compliance investigations by the Department of Home Affairs
Until formal legislative amendments occur, students should not assume that 60-hour work rights are already available.
What Should International Students Do Now?
International students should continue following all existing Student Visa conditions.
This includes:
- Staying within the 48-hour per fortnight work limit during study periods
- Monitoring official government announcements
- Seeking professional migration advice if uncertain
- Avoiding reliance on unverified online claims
Only formal changes to migration legislation can alter visa work conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will student visa work hours increase to 60 hours per fortnight?
Possibly. A proposal has been announced, but no legislative changes have been passed yet.
Can international students work 60 hours per fortnight now?
No. The current legal limit remains 48 hours per fortnight during study periods.
When could the proposed changes begin?
The proposed commencement date is 1 July 2026 if the changes are approved.
Are work limits changing during holidays?
No. Students can already work unlimited hours during official course breaks.
Need Advice About Student Visa Work Rights?
Understanding Student Visa conditions is essential to maintaining lawful status in Australia.
At Australian Migration Agents, we assist students with:
- Student Visa compliance advice
- Work condition assessments
- Visa extension strategies
- Graduate visa pathways
- Migration planning after study
Obtaining professional migration advice before increasing your work hours can help you avoid serious visa complications.
[free_consultation]
Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
[/free_consultation]
Speak With Australian Migration Agents
If you are unsure about your Student Visa work rights or future migration options, Australian Migration Agents can help you understand your obligations and protect your immigration status in Australia.
.webp)