From 30 June 2023, work restrictions for student visa holders, including those listed below, will be re-introduced and you will be able to work up to a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight in a study period when your course is in session.
The Department of Home Affairs provides important information about your working rights on Student visa (subclass 500). Some of the work restrictions are listed below:
- You must not work in Australia before your course of study commences.
- You can only work up to 48 hours in a fortnight when your course of study is in session (the start date of the trimester until the end date of the exam period, as well as Trimester 3 if you are enrolled in any unit). This includes work experience related to your degree, unless it is a mandatory component of that degree.
- During the official trimester break, you can work unlimited hours.
- If you complete your course in line with your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) end date you can work unlimited hours.
- Your dependent partner can work 48 hours a week once the course has commenced (whether the course is in session or on holidays).
- The 48 hours work restriction does not apply if the main applicant is studying a masters degree by research or a PhD.
- You can work unlimited hours while you are on intermission
- If you complete your course early, contact the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for advice on work rights.
Please note that 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. For more information view the Work restrictions for student visa holders webpage.
For more details about work restrictions and understanding your work rights, you can check the Department of Home Affairs Check visa details and conditions webpage. This resource is essential, as advice on work conditions and definitions of in and out of session may change.
If you are not sure which visa you currently have, check your conditions at Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO) or look at the visa grant letter you received.
For the most up-to-date information about working in Australia, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.