Here you can find information for international students about student visa holder work rights and important information about fair work.
Working while you study
On 1 July 2023, work restrictions for student visa holders were re-introduced.
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.
From 1 July 2023, work restrictions for student visa holders have been re-introduced and capped at the increased rate of 48 hours per fortnight.
For more information, see the Department of Home Affairs website regarding visa details and conditions and Temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders.
8104 – Work restriction
This condition means you cannot work more than 48 hours a fortnight, unless you are the family member of a student.
Family members of student visa holders cannot work before the student’s course starts, unless they, or the student visa holder, held another visa that permitted them to work in Australia when they applied for the student visa.
Family members of student visa holders who have started studying a masters or doctorate degree can work unrestricted hours.
Family members of all other student visa holders can work no more than 48 hours a fortnight.
8105 – Work restriction
This condition means you cannot work in Australia before your course starts unless at the time of applying for this visa, you held another visa that permitted you to work in Australia.
You also cannot work more than 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study or training is in session.
The 48 hours a fortnight work limit does not apply if:
- you engage in work that was specified as a requirement of the course when the course particulars were entered into the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students; or
- you hold a student visa granted in relation to a masters degree by research or doctoral degree and you have commenced the masters degree by research or doctoral degree.
Please be advised that the academic calendar dates will change. You can see the academic calendar dates here.
When is my course 'in session'?
Your course is 'in session' during Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3; and if you enrol in Summer Term, or have completed your studies while your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is still valid.
Work that is a formal registered part of your course is not included in the limit of 48 hours per fortnight.
If you are doing voluntary, unpaid work, it is not included in the limit of 48 hours per fortnight if it:
- is of benefit to the community
- is for a non-profit organisation
- would not otherwise be undertaken in return for wages by an Australian resident (that is, it is a designated volunteer position), and
- is genuinely voluntary (that is, no remuneration, either in cash or kind is received - board and lodging acceptable).
For more information visit:
Working after you finish study
For information on post study work arrangements visit - Post study work arrangements
See also:
Student visa holder work rights and important fair work information
Prior to finding work, find out about your rights. Information can also be easily found online at the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website. This website includes everything you need to know about working in Australia. If you are still unsure, contact Student Employability.
If you feel that you have been a victim of exploitation by an employer, do not hesitate to contact a Fair Work Ombudsman immediately.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has also recently established an Overseas Workers’ Team. A free interpreter service for those from non-English speaking backgrounds is available by calling 13 14 50 and information about workplace laws is translated into 27 different languages at http://www.fairwork.gov.au/languages
