Last updated: October 2026
International students in Australia can work while studying if their Student visa conditions allow it.
The rules are designed to let students gain work experience and earn additional income while keeping study as the main purpose of the visa.
How Many Hours Can International Students Work?
Under current subclass 500 Student visa rules, eligible students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
A fortnight is a 14-day period.
Can Students Work Unlimited Hours During Holidays?
Eligible Student visa holders can generally work unlimited hours when their course is not in session, such as during recognised scheduled course breaks.
Students should confirm their institution’s academic calendar and their visa conditions.
Research Master’s and Doctoral Students
Students studying a master’s degree by research or a doctoral degree can have different work arrangements after the course has commenced.
Current Home Affairs guidance allows these students to work more than the normal 48-hour fortnight limit.
When Can You Start Working?
Student visa holders generally cannot begin working before their course starts unless their specific circumstances and previous visa conditions allow it.
Popular Part-Time Jobs
Common student jobs can include:
- Retail assistant
- Hospitality worker
- Barista
- Restaurant team member
- Warehouse assistant
- Customer service representative
- Administrative support
- Campus employment
- Tutoring
- Delivery or logistics work where visa conditions are followed
Can You Have More Than One Job?
Yes, but the total hours across all jobs must remain within the applicable work limit while the course is in session.
Students should track their own hours carefully.
Does Unpaid Work Count?
Some work experience can count toward the work-hour restriction even when unpaid.
Mandatory work placements that form a registered part of the course can be treated differently under the visa conditions.
Check the exact rules before accepting unpaid placements outside your course.
What Changed in October 2026?
Australia introduced new Student visa application rules from 2 October 2026, affecting who can apply from inside Australia and how certain family applications are handled.
The changes do not remove the need for students to follow their work conditions.
How Much Can Students Earn?
Pay depends on age, award classification, industry, shift type and employment arrangement.
International students have workplace rights and should receive lawful pay and conditions.
Use Australia’s Fair Work resources to check minimum pay rather than accepting cash arrangements below the legal rate.
Avoid Student Job Scams
- Do not pay for a guaranteed job
- Avoid employers asking you to work illegal hours
- Do not surrender your passport to an employer
- Be cautious of cash jobs with no records
- Keep payslips and your own record of hours
Can Nigerian Students Work?
Yes. Nigerian students holding a valid Australian Student visa can work according to the conditions attached to their visa.
Nationality does not remove the need to follow the 48-hour fortnight rule where it applies.
Official Sources
Final Thoughts
Part-time work can be useful while studying in Australia, but visa compliance should come first.
Stay within your permitted hours, understand when your course is in session and keep accurate records.
Disclaimer: Australian Student visa conditions can change. Always check VEVO and the latest Home Affairs guidance.
