Work Rights on a Student Visa in Australia

Work Rights on the Student Visa (Subclass 500)

The Student visa (subclass 500) allows international students to work in Australia while studying, subject to conditions.

How Many Hours Can You Work?

From 1 July 2023, the work limit for student visa holders is:

• During study sessions: Up to 48 hours per fortnight
• During scheduled course breaks: Unlimited hours

Prior to this change, the limit was 40 hours per fortnight. The 48-hour limit applies to all members of the student's family unit on the visa.

When Can You Start Working?

You can only start working after your course has commenced. You cannot work before your first day of class, even if you have arrived in Australia.

Healthcare Workers Exception

Student visa holders working in the healthcare sector were temporarily given unlimited work rights during the COVID-19 pandemic. From July 2023, healthcare workers returned to the standard 48-hour fortnight limit alongside all other student visa holders.

PhD and Masters Students

Students enrolled in a Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program have no work hour limit at any time — they can work unlimited hours throughout the year.

What Counts as "Work"?

Work means any paid employment or activity. It includes:

• Casual, part-time, and full-time employment
• Self-employment
• Paid internships or work placements

Volunteering (genuinely unpaid) generally does not count towards the work limit.

Your Workplace Rights

Student visa holders have the same workplace rights as Australian workers:

• Minimum wage and award entitlements
• Safe working conditions
• Protection against discrimination and exploitation
• Entitlement to superannuation

Employers who underpay international students face serious penalties. If you are being paid below the minimum wage or being exploited, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman — your visa status will not be used against you in a report about underpayment.

Breaching Your Work Conditions

Working more than the permitted hours is a visa condition breach and can result in:

• Visa cancellation
• A ban on returning to Australia for a period
• Cancellation of family member visas

Keep records of your hours worked in case of any question about compliance.

After Your Student Visa

When your student visa expires, you cannot continue working without another visa in place. Options for continuing to work in Australia include:

• Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — for recent graduates, allowing 2–6 years work rights
• Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) — sponsored by an employer
• Permanent residency through employer sponsorship or skilled migration