Studying in Australia isn’t just about lectures and late-night assignments — it’s also about managing living costs, gaining local work experience, and making the most of your student visa.
And if you're an international student trying to juggle all that, one question probably keeps popping up:
“How many hours can I work in Australia as a student?”
It’s not just a casual curiosity — it affects your income, visa status, and even academic performance. Whether you're picking up weekend shifts at a café or working online after classes, knowing your legal limits could save you from visa trouble down the line.
Let’s break it down clearly, so you don’t risk making the wrong move.
🔍 Quick Answer: Student Working Hours in Australia
Straight to the point: If you hold a Student visa (subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session.
During official semester breaks: Unlimited hours are allowed.
Note for research degrees: Masters by research and PhD students aren’t capped during teaching periods. Always check your own visa in VEVO. Department of Education
What’s a “fortnight”? A 14-day window (Mon–Sun) used to total your hours.
🧑🎓 Working Hours for International Students in Australia: Who’s Eligible?
If you hold a Student visa (subclass 500) and your course has started, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods, and unlimited hours in official breaks.
All international students on a valid Student visa (subclass 500) visa once classes commence. Use VEVO to confirm your personal work conditions.
Rules vary based on:
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Academic level (bachelor’s vs master’s):
- Bachelor’s and master’s by coursework: 48 hours/fortnight in session.
- Master’s by research and PhD: no cap during term (still unlimited in breaks).
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Course commencement:
You cannot work before your course begins (condition 8105). Once you’ve officially started, normal limits apply.
-
Visa status & post-COVID updates:
COVID-era unlimited work ended 30 June 2023; from 1 July 2023 the cap is 48 hours/fortnight in session. (There was a specific aged-care carve-out that ended 31 Dec 2023.) (Department of Home Affairs Website, Study Australia, Department of Education)
Family members (dependants):
If you’re studying a master’s or doctorate, your eligible family members can work unrestricted hours once your course has started. Otherwise, they’re generally limited to 48 hours/fortnight.
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Masters Student Working Hours in Australia: Is It Any Different?
For masters students in Australia, the rule is the same as for undergraduates — you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during official breaks.
The only exception is for research students (Masters by Research, MPhil, and PhD), who enjoy no cap on working hours during study periods. This flexibility recognises that their workload is project- and thesis-based rather than fixed to classroom hours.
What Counts as “Work”? Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not every activity that looks like “work” is treated the same under Australian visa rules. Misunderstanding this is one of the easiest ways for students to breach conditions. Here’s what you need to know:
- Paid employment ✅
Any job where you receive wages or salary — retail, hospitality, admin, campus work — all count towards your 48-hour/fortnight limit.
- Unpaid internships ❌
If it’s arranged by your employer, those hours still count.
Only mandatory placements built into your course are usually exempt.
- Freelancing & gig economy work ⚠️
🚗 Uber, 🍔 food delivery, 💻 online gigs → yes, they’re counted as work.
The tricky part? Some platforms don’t show clear shift records, so it’s on you to track hours.
- Job Training Hours⏱️
If training is part of your employment contract (e.g., induction shifts or mandatory safety training), those hours are included in your total.
👉 Many students overstep by assuming only paid shifts matter. To avoid mistakes, confirm your obligations in VEVO and, if unsure, ask experts like PickMyUni before saying yes to extra hours.
What Happens If You Work More Than You’re Allowed?
Working beyond your permitted hours isn’t just a small mistake — it’s a serious breach of your student visa. The consequences can follow you for years:
❌ Visa cancellation – The Department of Home Affairs can cancel your Student visa if you’re found in breach.
✈️ Deportation risks – You may be required to leave Australia immediately, disrupting your studies and career plans.
🚫 Future visa problems – Overstaying your work rights leaves a record on your immigration file, making it harder to apply for future visas (including post-study work visas or permanent residency).
Part-Time Working Wages in Australia
Minimum wage: As of 2025, the national minimum wage is AUD $24.10 per hour — though many student jobs may pay slightly above this depending on the industry and penalty rates (like weekends or late nights).
Popular student-friendly part-time jobs:
- Hospitality & retail – cafés, restaurants, shops, and supermarkets
- Warehouse shifts – packaging, logistics, and delivery support
- University campus jobs – tutoring, admin, or library roles (convenient and flexible)
👉 Need more time to work without breaching visa rules? PickMyUni can help you switch to part-time study pathways so you can free up your schedule and increase your income options.
Key Tips to Stay Within Limits & Still Earn Enough
- Track shifts with apps like Hour Keeper or TimeSheet
- Choose jobs with higher hourly pay over longer shifts
- Look into tutoring or tech freelance gigs for flexibility
- Always calculate in fortnightly blocks (48 hrs/14 days)
- Say no to extra shifts if they risk breaching your visa conditions
❓ FAQs About Student Working Hours in Australia
