Student Visa Work Hours in Australia: What You Need to Know
Migratio Editorial · Last updated
TL;DR: Student visa (subclass 500) holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Work is unlimited during official scheduled course breaks. Work cannot start before the course commences. Postgraduate research students (Masters by research and doctoral) have no hour cap. Dependants have their own rules under condition 8105 or 8104 depending on their visa. Breaching these conditions can lead to visa cancellation.
One of the most common questions for international students in Australia is how many hours they can work each week. The answer depends on whether your course is in session, what level of study you are undertaking, and whether you are the primary student or a family member on a secondary visa. This article explains the current rules under visa condition 8105, how to count your hours correctly, and what happens if the limit is exceeded.
The 48-Hour Fortnightly Cap
Condition 8105: The Legal Basis
Work Cannot Start Before Your Course Begins
Unlimited Hours During Official Course Breaks
Postgraduate Research Students: No Hour Cap
Work Rights for Dependants and Family Members
Volunteering, Unpaid Work & What Counts as 'Work'
Consequences of Breaching Condition 8105
Frequently asked questions
Compare MARA-registered migration agents
Related: Student Dependent Visa Australia: Bringing a Partner or Children on a Student Visa · 485 Visa Australia (Temporary Graduate): Streams, Duration and Requirements · Student Visa Financial Requirements in Australia