Student Visa Working Hours in Australia (2026)
Last updated: March 2026
If you're an international student in Australia, working while studying is a great way to support yourself—but staying within legal limits is vital for keeping your visa.
🧑🎓 Standard Work Limits (Subclass 500)
As of 2026, the Australian Government maintains the following work restrictions for most student visa holders:
- Limit: Up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session
- Definition of "In Session": Includes exam periods and any time you are enrolled in a study module (even if you aren't physically in class)
How a Fortnight is Calculated
A "fortnight" is not a rolling 14-day window.
According to the Department of Home Affairs:
A fortnight is a period of 14 days commencing on a Monday.
| Week 1 (Mon–Sun) | Week 2 (Mon–Sun) | Total Hours | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 hours | 18 hours | 48 hours | ✅ Allowed |
| 10 hours | 40 hours | 50 hours | ❌ Breach |
Note: You do not need to worry about overlapping windows like "Day 2 to Day 15".
You simply need to ensure that in any fixed two-week block starting on a Monday, you do not exceed 48 hours.
📅 When You Can Work Unlimited Hours
You are permitted to work unlimited hours in the following scenarios:
1. During Scheduled Course Breaks
This includes summer holidays and mid-semester breaks officially recognized by your education provider's academic calendar.
2. Masters by Research or PhD Students
Once you have commenced your Masters by Research or Doctoral degree (PhD) in Australia, you have unlimited work rights.
3. Masters by Coursework (Dependents Only)
If you are the dependent (partner/spouse) of a student enrolled in a Masters by Coursework or higher, the dependent usually has unlimited work rights.
⚠️ Important Rules to Remember
The "No Work Before Start" Rule
You cannot begin working in Australia until your course has actually commenced, even if your visa is already active and you have arrived in the country.
What Counts as Work?
Any time spent performing a task at the direction of an employer counts. This includes:
- Trial shifts
- Unpaid training
Unless it is a formal part of your course (Work Integrated Learning).
Volunteering
Genuine voluntary work for a non-profit does not count toward your 48-hour limit if:
- It is for a designated charity
- No person would normally be paid to do that work
🚫 Consequences of Non-Compliance
The Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) share data.
If you exceed your hours:
- Visa Cancellation: Your visa may be cancelled under Section 116 of the Migration Act
- Future Bans: You may be barred from applying for further visas (e.g. Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa) for several years
- Employer Fines: Employers face strict liability fines for allowing students to work beyond limits
💡 Practical Tips for 2026
- Use a Monday-Start Tracker: Since fortnights begin on Monday, track your hours Monday–Sunday
- Public Holidays Count: Working on public holidays still counts toward your total hours
- Multiple Employers: Combined hours across all jobs must stay under 48 hours per fortnight
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I "average out" my hours over a month?
No. The limit is strictly per 14-day period starting on a Monday.
Does working as an Uber driver count?
Yes. Gig economy work (Uber, DoorDash, freelancing) counts toward your 48-hour limit. You must track your working time carefully.
What if my course finishes early?
Once you have completed all requirements for your course, you are considered "out of session" and can work unlimited hours until your visa expires or you move to a new visa.
📌 Summary
- 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
- Unlimited hours during official breaks
- Strict enforcement — violations can affect your visa
- Always track your work hours carefully
👉 What to Read Next
Keeping within your work limits is critical — not just for compliance, but for maintaining your long-term visa options in Australia.