Australia is a popular choice for international students because it offers quality education and the chance to work while studying. A part-time job can help students manage daily expenses, gain useful experience and become more confident in a new country.
A common question many students ask is, how many hours can international students work in Australia? The answer depends on the conditions of your student visa, so it is important to understand the rules before starting a job. Following the correct work limits can help you protect your visa and keep a healthy balance between work and study.
If you’re planning your studies in Australia and need expert advice on choosing the right course, university or student visa, Future Care advisor is here to guide you every step of the way.
How the 48-Hour Work Rule Works?
If you have an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can usually work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. A fortnight simply means 14 consecutive days, so your total working hours are calculated over two weeks rather than one. It gives you the flexibility to balance your studies with part-time work while earning extra income and gaining valuable experience.
During official semester breaks and scheduled holidays, students can usually work unlimited hours. However, it is important to keep track of your working hours and follow your visa conditions at all times. Staying within the allowed work limit helps you maintain your visa status and continue your studies without any issues.
When Does the Work Limit Apply?
The 48-hour work limit applies while your course is in session, including teaching weeks and exam periods. This means you must make sure your total working hours do not exceed the allowed limit during any 14-day period.
Once your institution begins an official semester break or scheduled holiday, you can usually work unlimited hours. However, these breaks must be part of your academic calendar. If you are unsure whether you can work full-time, it is always best to check your course schedule or confirm your work rights before accepting additional shifts.
What Counts as “Work”?
This is something many students overlook. Under Australian visa rules, work includes more than just a paid shift at a cafe or retail store. It covers:
- Any paid employment: casual, part-time or contract work
- Work through an ABN (Australian Business Number), such as freelancing or ride-sharing
- Paid trial shifts, even short ones
- Paid internships that are not a required part of your course
What Jobs Can International Students Do in Australia?
International students in Australia have access to a wide range of part-time jobs across different industries. Many employers offer flexible shifts, making it easier for students to work around their class schedules while earning an income and gaining valuable workplace experience.
Popular Part-Time Jobs for International Students
Students can find part-time work in many industries. The best job will depend on your skills, English level, location and class timetable.
How Much Can International Students Earn in Australia?
Your earnings will depend on the type of job, your experience, location and working hours. From 1 July 2026, Australia’s National Minimum Wage is AUD $26.44 per hour. Casual workers may receive a higher hourly rate because their pay often includes casual loading.
Jobs in hospitality, retail, administration, delivery services and customer support may offer different pay rates. Some roles also pay more for evening, weekend or public holiday shifts. International students have the same basic workplace protections as other employees, so employers must provide fair pay and follow Australian employment laws.
Earn More on Weekends and Holidays
If you work on weekends or public holidays, you earn significantly more. The exact rates depend on your industry award, but here is a general idea:
- Saturday: around 125% to 150% of your base rate
- Sunday: around 150% to 175% of your base rate
- Public holidays: up to 200% to 250% of your base rate
So, if your base rate is $25 per hour, a Sunday shift could pay you $37.50 or more. A public holiday shift could push that beyond $50 per hour. Many students plan their schedules around weekends for exactly this reason.
What Steps to Take Before Starting a Job?
Before you actually start a job in Australia, there are a few things you really should do first, otherwise it can get messy later. Not only does it help you follow the local rules, it also protects your rights, and keeps you from getting stuck with some surprise issue you didn’t expect.
- Verify Your Visa Conditions
- Apply for a Tax File Number
- Open an Australian Bank Account
- Confirm Your Salary Details
- Keep Your Employment Records
Check the visa and understand what work conditions are attached to your student visa. It can be confirmed by accessing the visa grant letter you received or by accessing information via the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. It is not advisable to rely on information from friends or social networking channels as these rules keep changing.
If you’re planning on working, you’ll want to apply for a Tax File Number, TFN. This is a normal step in Australia. Your employer will likely request it so they can handle your pay and tax the right way. The good part is that applying is free, and you can do it once you’ve arrived.
Most employers make payments through Australian bank accounts. Having your own bank account makes it easier to receive payments and maintain paid records. Be cautious if your prospective employer offers cash payments without providing pay slips and records of employment
keep your employment records. Save everything that matters, like your employment agreement, rosters, pay slips, timesheets, and even the bank payment screenshots or receipts. It might feel excessive at first, but if you ever question your hours or your pay, these documents are usually what helps you sort it out fast.
Save important documents related to your job, including your employment agreement, rosters, pay slips, timesheets and bank payment records. Keeping these documents can be helpful if you ever have questions about your working hours or pay.
Workplace Rights for International Students
Your visa may limit how many hours you can work, but it does not remove your workplace rights. International students have the same basic workplace protections as other employees in Australia. These include the right to receive lawful pay, work in a safe environment and receive pay slips.
International students have the right to:
- Receive the correct pay
- Receive a payslip
- Work in safe conditions
- Be treated fairly
- Keep their passport and personal documents
- Ask questions about their employment
- Report underpayment or unsafe work
- Receive applicable workplace entitlements
An employer does not have the authority to cancel a student’s visa. Students who believe they are being underpaid or treated unfairly can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Tips for Balancing Work and Study in Australia
Working part-time can help you earn money and gain experience, but your studies should always come first. A good balance between work and education will help you enjoy your time in Australia and achieve better results.
Final Thoughts
Working while studying in Australia helps you to get beneficial work experience, improve skills and make more money. Understanding the rules, effectively managing your time and prioritizing your schoolwork will help you a great deal.
Future Care Consultants is available to help you with course selection, university applications or understanding the student visa procedure if you intend to study in Australia. Every step of the way, our skilled staff is available to help you, therefore simplifying and strengthening your study abroad trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Usually, overseas students on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) may labor up to 48 hours every fortnight when their course is in progress. Usually, official semester breaks let them officially work without restriction if their visa circumstances permit.
Yes. During formal course vacations, most foreign students are permitted to work full-time. Still, your education provider has to approve the break and you should always check your visa conditions before working more hours.
Affirmative. You should apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) if you intend to be employed in Australia. Most employers will ask for it to enable them to keep your tax records in order and pay you fairly.
Working more hours than your visa permits could have major effects, including problems with your visa. Keeping track of your working hours and always abiding by the requirements of your visa falls on you.
Many students hold positions as baristas, waiters, customer service representatives, teachers, warehouse workers or delivery drivers. Your study schedule, talents, and experience will help you determine the ideal employment.
Yes, International students are permitted to work for many companies. Still, your student visa’s work limit determines how many hours you may work for all of your employers taken together.