Working on a student visa

As an International student visa holder it is important you know your work rights and responsibilities. When starting work in Australia understanding your rights in the Australian workplace will help you get the most out of your experience of working in Australia. Understanding work experience & internships will also assist you to have productive and positive experiences working in Australia.

How many hours can you work?

Student visa work restrictions were relaxed throughout the pandemic, and completely removed in January 2022 to allow primary and secondary student visa holders to work over their normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight to address workforce shortages. The Australian Government has announced that student visa holders already working in the aged care sector on 9 May 2023 can continue to work unrestricted hours in the aged care sector until 31 December 2023. From 1 July 2023, work restrictions for all other student visa holders will be re-introduced and capped at the increased rate of 48 hours per fortnight. This ensures that student visa holders are able to focus on obtaining a quality Australian education and qualification, while remaining able to support themselves financially, gain valuable work experience, and contribute to Australia’s workforce needs. For more information see our media release: Addressing skills shortages in key industries and rebuilding the international education sector.

If you are on a student visa, you are usually limited to working up to 48 hours per fortnight when your course is in session, and unrestricted hours when your program is not in session. Work that is a requirement of your course is not limited to the 48 hours per fortnight.

If you are a postgraduate research student on a student visa, you can work unlimited hours during your studies. However, bear in mind that your visa requires you to maintain a full-time enrolment and complete your course within the duration specified in your Confirmation of Enrolment.

If you have dependent family members included on your student visa, they are also eligible to work.

When is my course 'not in session'?

Your course is considered 'not in session':

Volunteer work

You may take part in volunteer work outside of the 40 hours per fortnight if it fits within the description of volunteer work, which is work that:

  • is unpaid (you can be provided with meals, accomodation or out-of-pocket living expenses);
  • would not otherwise be done by an Australian for pay;
  • is short-term;
  • is incidental to your visit to Australia;
  • is done for a not-for-profit organisation; and
  • benefits the community.

Your rights at work

People working in Australia have basic rights and protections in the workplace. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Right to minimum pay.
  • Right to certain conditions in any job you are employed to do.

Most people who hire you for a job (employers) want to do the right thing. However, be careful about:

  • Unpaid work trials
  • Fake contracting agreements
  • Cash-in-hand pay arrangements

Always make sure you know the full name and contact deails of your employer. It will be difficult to solve problems if you do not have this information.


Watch this short video for information about Working in Australia (produced by Fairwork Australia).

Support

Department of Home Affairs Fairwork OmbudsmanEmployment Rights Legal Service

Tax file number

To be paid for working in Australia and pay the right amount of tax, you’ll need to get a tax file number (TFN). This is a unique number that stays the same even if you change your job, personal details or residency status.

Apply for a TFN