Working hours for students in Australia: Hours, rules & work rights

Curious to know how many hours international students can work in Australia? Australia combines world-class education, a high standard of living, and valuable opportunities, making it one of the most popular study destinations for students from Nepal and around the world. So, understanding the working hours for students in Australia is essential for planning finances, managing study commitments, and gaining valuable work experience. While Australia allows eligible international students to work during their studies, specific work-hour limits and visa conditions apply.

In this guide, students will learn about the working hours for students in Australia, including current work limits, student visa work conditions, permitted working periods, and important rules international students should understand before taking up employment.

Department of Home Affairs rule: working hours for students in Australia are 48 hours per fortnight. But this rule doesn’t apply during semester breaks (or holidays recognized by the respective universities); thus, you can work full-time.

Note: Certain students are exempt from the working hours rule for students in Australia (i.e., they can work full-time), namely Master by Research or PhD students, and students whose course requires them to work.

If students don’t meet all of the following conditions, they are considered to be breaching the rules on working hours for students in Australia:

• They are enrolled in a full course as stipulated in their visa application.
• They have achieved satisfactory course progression.
• They have achieved satisfactory course attendance.

It is advised not to work over the 48-hour-per-fortnight rule, but if students do, any or all of the following may be the consequences of breaching the rules on working hours for students in Australia:

• Their visa may be cancelled permanently.
• It may also impact their future residency and PR prospects.
• It may prevent students from entering other countries, as the visa cancellation will stick out like a sore thumb.
• If a student's visa is revoked and thus they have to leave the country, they may not be able to complete coursework.
• Not only that, but overworking also has a huge impact on your mental health. Balancing work, study, and life is really important, so please do not overwork.

Students have the same working rights as other workers in Australia, except for the rules on working hours for students in Australia. The rights at work for students in Australia are:

• Students are to be paid at least the minimum wage set by the Australian government.
• They must be given a payslip showing hours worked, pay rate, tax deductions, etc.
• Other rights enjoyed by the Australian workforce (safe workplace, superannuation, etc.).

If students feel their workplace rights are being violated, they can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Generally, a student partner (or de facto partner) can work in Australia, but only up to 48 hours every fortnight. But an MRes or PhD student and their dependent can work unlimited hours.

No, students are not allowed to work more than 48 hours every fortnight as Australian student visa holders.

Students are paid at least AUD$24.94 per hour, and some part-time jobs include bartending, receptionist, waiter, cashier, etc.

Balancing study, work, and life in Australia can be really hard. When one thing goes right, life throws a bomb, and boom, another thing goes wrong. So, we advise:

• Realistically, decide, plan, and execute a list of priorities,
• Use resources at your disposal, such as university support, a roommate, etc.
• Take a break. Taking a break can help anyone rejuvenate and feel better. Extra income is good, but it is not better than your mental health. So, take a break once in a while.

Want to understand the working hours rules for students in Australia and are ready to take the next challenge in life: studying in Australia? Consult with expert counsellors at Search Education. We have over 10 years of experience guiding students toward their dream of studying abroad in Australia. We will make the process hassle-free. So, feel free to reach out to us or visit us on the 3rd floor of the Bandipur Building, Putalisadak, Kathmandu.

We also recommend that students learn about the recent Graduate Diploma of Management Learning cancellation and the announced policy changes in Australia.