Australia Student Visa Work Hours Could Rise to 60 Hours? (2026 Update)

Student visa (subclass 500) allows holders to study in Australia and undertake limited work in accordance with visa conditions. This allowance falls under the "work hours" condition for this subclass, and as of early 2026, there are discussions about potential changes to these work limits. This blog explains what these work hours mean, current work hour rules, the proposed change in work hours, and more.

What Are Student Visa Working Hours?

The work hours under subclass 500 stipulate the number of hours an international student can perform paid work during their course enrolment. That said, there are specific rules on how many hours you can work.

Definition of Work Limits for International Students

When this visa is granted, it includes defined limits on paid work, dictating the maximum number of hours you are permitted to work while enrolled in a course. As of now, the rules stand at performing work for 48 hours per fortnight.

Why Governments Set Work Restrictions

The primary goal of getting this visa is to pursue education. Hence, the Australian Government sets these restrictions on work hours to ensure satisfactory course progress for students. These limits are intended to ensure students prioritise their studies while enrolled.

Current Student Visa Work Hour Rules

While the new rule for work hours is yet to come into effect, these are what the current rules state:

48 Hours Per Fortnight Rule Explained

Currently, the Department of Home Affairs allows student visa holders, and dependent family members included, to work for up to 48 hours per fortnight during their course.

Unlimited Work During Holidays

Student visa holders are allowed to work unlimited hours, but only during holidays. These can include official sessions or semester breaks, summer and winter holidays, and mid-session breaks.

Exceptions to Work Hour Limits

• Doctoral and Master’s by research students may have unrestricted work rights once their course has commenced.
• Master's degree (extended) and master's by coursework students' dependent family members can work for over 48 hours per fortnight.

Proposed 60-Hour Work Limit (2026 Update)

Here is a breakdown of what this new proposal means:

What Is the 60-Hour Proposal?

This proposal aims to raise the work-hours cap from 48 to 60 hours per fortnight. That said, it does not introduce any changes to working conditions, visa rules, or how students are entitled to unlimited work hours during official breaks.

Is the New Rule Confirmed?

This is currently still a proposal, and not legislation. Hence, it has not yet been confirmed, and students must continue to follow the 48-hour rule.

Expected Start Date

If confirmed, the new rule is expected to start from 1 July, 2026.

What This Means for Students

If implemented, the increased work limit may provide students with greater flexibility to manage work alongside their studies.

[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]

How Student Visa Work Hours Are Calculated

Here is how work hours for student visa holders is typically calculated:

What Is a Fortnight?

Under this visa, a fortnight is a 14-day period that begins on a Monday.

Examples of Allowed vs Not Allowed Work

• Allowed Work: Performing paid work for 30 hours in week 1, and 18 hours in week 2.
• Not Allowed Work: Performing paid work for 10 hours in week 1, and 40 hours in week 2.

Common Mistakes Students Make

• Starting work before their course commences.
• Working longer than the allowed number of hours per fortnight.
• Doing unpaid work that can be done by paid employees, under the 48-hour limit.

Consequences of Exceeding Work Limits

Breaching these work limits can lead to severe consequences:

Visa Cancellation Risks

Breaches of visa conditions may result in warnings or further action by the Department of Home Affairs, while repeated breaches can lead to an immediate visa cancellation, requiring you to leave Australia.

How Authorities Track Work Hours

The Department of Home Affairs uses data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Using your tax file number, they can access your payslips, tax records, and superannuation contributions to check if you are following the right amount of work hours.

Benefits of Working While Studying

Working while you study offers the following key benefits:

Financial Support

• Earning income to assist with living expenses, where permitted under visa conditions.
• Taking care of financial responsibilities back home.

Work Experience

• Gaining work experience in your resume to pursue employment opportunities after completing your course.

Networking Opportunities

• Networking with other employees in the workplace.
• Meeting new clients or employers to build your connections.

Tips to Stay Compliant with Work Restrictions

To stay compliant with your visa conditions, here are some tips to follow:

Track Your Work Hours

Use a simple spreadsheet to log the number of hours you work, starting every Monday, and calculate the number of hours worked in the previous two weeks.

Understand Your Visa Conditions

Check your Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) dashboard to check specific work rights applicable to your visa.

Avoid Cash Jobs or Overworking

Avoid "cash in hand" jobs that can often lead to overworking. If caught, these can lead to severe consequences.

Stay Updated with Policy Changes

Follow the news or consult a reliable immigration agent to stay on top of policy changes regarding your visa.

How Australian Migration Agents Can Help

At Australian Migration Agents, we have a team of registered immigration agents who can simplify the complexities of navigating student visa obligations. From lodging your application to accurately following current work hour limits, our agents can provide step-by-step guidance to help you remain compliant when you study in Australia.

[registered_migration_agents] [/registered_migration_agents]

FAQs on student visa working hours

What are the working hours for a student visa?

Currently, the work hours are set at 48 hours per fortnight.

How many hours can international students work in Australia in 2026?

As of now, they can work for up to 48 hours per fortnight in Australia.

Can I work 30 hours a week as a student in Australia?

Yes, as long as you only work 18 hours in the following week to stay within the visa's limit.

Will Australia increase work hours to 60?

It is currently under review, and if confirmed, the work hours can increase.

What happens if I exceed work limits?

Exceeding work limits can lead to your visa being cancelled.

Do all student visas have the same rules?

Yes, except for doctoral and master's by research students, who can work unlimited hours.