Work rightsfor student visa holders
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during course, unlimited during breaks. Here's how Student Visa (Subclass 500) work rights actually work in 2026.
Study first. Work second. Always.
- During course48h / fortnight
- On breaksUnlimited
- Read time5 min
The big advantage (with rules)
One of the biggest advantages of studying in Australia is the ability to gain valuable work experience while completing your qualification. Student visa holders are generally permitted to work during their studies, helping them gain practical skills, build professional networks, and support their living expenses.
However, it is important to understand that the primary purpose of a student visa is to study. Work rights are a benefit attached to the visa, not the main reason for holding it.
When can you start working?
Your work rights depend on when your course begins and your current visa status.
Applying from outside Australia
If you apply for your Student Visa (Subclass 500) offshore, you can generally begin working only after:
- Your student visa has been granted
- Your course has officially commenced
Even if you arrive in Australia before your course starts, you cannot begin working until your studies have commenced.
Applying from within Australia
If you apply for a Student visa while in Australia, you can continue working under the conditions of the visa currently in effect while your application is being processed.
If your Student visa is granted before your course starts, you can continue working full-time until the course commencement date, provided you had work rights when you applied.
Once your course starts, the standard Student visa work limit applies - generally 48 hours per fortnight during study periods.
How many hours can you work?
Most student visa holders can work:
* Unless your course includes a mandatory work placement - those hours are exempt from the 48-hour limit.
Working during course breaks
Student visa holders may work unlimited hours during official study breaks that are recognised by their education provider. Examples include:
- Semester breaks
- Scheduled holidays between study terms
- End-of-course breaks before a new course starts (where permitted)
The break must be an official part of your course schedule.
Courses with work placement
Many Australian courses include practical training, internships, work placements, or industry experience as part of the curriculum. Examples include:
- Early Childhood Education
- Community Services
- Aged Care
- Nursing
- Hospitality
- Cookery
- Tourism
- Trades and Apprenticeship Pathways
Where the work placement is a mandatory part of the course, the hours completed as part of that placement are generally NOT counted towards the standard 48-hour-per-fortnight work limit. This allows students to complete the practical training required to graduate while still maintaining compliance with their visa conditions.
Can my partner work?
Yes. Family members included on a Student visa generally have work rights of up to 48 hours per fortnight.
If the main student is studying a Master's degree (coursework, extended or research) or a Doctoral degree (PhD), their partner can work unrestricted hours.
Always check the individual visa conditions in VEVO.
Finding work as an international student
Many international students work in industries such as:
Hospitality
Retail
Customer Service
Administration
Tourism
Construction
Childcare
Community Services
Australia's minimum wage is among the highest in the world, making part-time work an attractive option for many students. However, students should ensure their employment does not negatively affect their attendance, academic progress, or visa compliance.
Important visa conditions
As a student visa holder, you must:
- Remain enrolled in a registered course
- Maintain satisfactory course progress
- Maintain adequate attendance where required
- Hold valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Comply with all work limitations attached to your visa
Breaching visa conditions can lead to visa cancellation and may affect future visa applications.
Need advice about your work rights?
Every student's situation is different. Your work rights can depend on your current visa status, whether you are applying onshore or offshore, the type of course you choose, whether your course includes practical placement, and whether family members are included in your application.
At Edvise, we help students understand their visa conditions, study options, and work rights before they enrol.
Plan your studies, we'll handle the visa
We help students understand visa conditions, study options and work rights - before they commit to enrolment.