Good news — you absolutely can, and for most international students, it turns out to be one of the best decisions they make during their time here.
Working part-time while you study is not just about earning extra money, though that certainly makes life easier. It is about building real confidence, meeting Australians in genuine everyday settings, improving your English in ways that a classroom simply cannot replicate, and getting a practical feel for how professional life works in this country. Many students look back and say their part-time job was one of the most memorable and formative parts of their entire study experience.
Whether you are on a Student Visa subclass 500, completing a Bachelor degree, or finishing a Masters program, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about working hours for international students in Australia in 2026 — clearly, practically, and without unnecessary complexity.
This is always the first question, and it is the right one to start with. Here is the current position:
During Your Study Term: You can work up to 40 hours per fortnight — that is every two weeks — while your institution is in session. This applies to all Student Visa 500 holders regardless of whether you are studying at undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, or research level.
During Official Holiday Breaks: There is no cap. You can work unlimited hours when your institution is on a scheduled holiday break, which gives you a genuine opportunity to earn more, gain additional experience, and make the most of your time between semesters.
A quick note worth repeating: always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current conditions, as visa rules can change. If you are ever unsure about your specific situation, speak to a registered migration agent or your university's international student support team before making any decisions.
| Period | Permitted Working Hours |
| During study term (Student Visa 500) | Up to 40 hours per fortnight |
| During official institution holiday breaks | Unlimited hour |
| After graduation on Subclass 485 visa | Unlimited hours |
How many hours can a student work in Australia per month? During semester, the 40-hours-per-fortnight limit works out to approximately 80 hours per month, or an average of 20 hours per week. Most students find this genuinely manageable when planned well around their studies.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions from postgraduate students, and the answer is straightforward: no. Masters students follow exactly the same 40-hours-per-fortnight rule as undergraduate students during study periods. The unlimited hours entitlement during scheduled breaks applies equally.
If you are on a research-based Masters or PhD program, your enrolment structure may raise some additional questions worth clarifying. In those cases, speaking with your institution's international office or an education consultant familiar with Australian student visa conditions is a sensible step.
Australia has a strong, well-regulated labour market with plenty of genuine opportunities for student workers. The sectors below are consistently popular because they offer flexible scheduling, casual and part-time positions, and relatively straightforward entry points.
| Industry | Examples |
| Retail | Supermarkets, department stores, boutiques, shopping centres |
| Hospitality | Cafes, restaurants, bars, food delivery |
| Farming and Fruit Picking | Seasonal regional work |
| Services | Childcare, aged care, cleaning |
| Administration and Clerical | Office support, data entry, reception |
| Tutoring | Academic tutoring, language tutoring |
Whatever role you take on, Australian workplace law covers you fully. International students are entitled to exactly the same minimum wage, safe working conditions, and legal protections as any Australian worker. These are not formalities — they are enforced, and there are clear, accessible channels available if you ever feel those rights are not being upheld.
There is no single best method. In practice, a combination of approaches works far better than relying on any one channel alone.
| Method | Why It Works |
| Word of mouth and personal networks | Often how the first role is landed — ask classmates and housemates |
| University job boards and career portals | Employers posting here are often specifically looking for student workers |
| Online platforms — Seek, Indeed, Jora, LinkedIn | Large volume of casual and part-time listings updated regularly |
| Professional recruitment agencies | Useful for more structured or industry-specific positions |
| Alumni networks | Frequently overlooked, but can surface roles that never get publicly advertised |
| Walk-ins with a resume | Still effective in hospitality and retail, especially smaller local businesses |
Not all valuable work experience comes with a paycheck, and in Australia, voluntary and internship experience is genuinely respected by employers. If you are working toward a competitive career field, building your profile through volunteering or an internship can make a real difference.
Many charities and non-government organisations actively seek student volunteers, and the experience you gain can be substantial. Beyond the professional benefit, it is one of the most direct ways to meet Australians, build genuine relationships outside your university, and contribute to the community you are living in.
A good starting point is govolunteer.com.au. State and territory-specific resources are listed below:
| State or Territory | Volunteering Organisation |
| ACT (Canberra) | Volunteering and Contact ACT |
| New South Wales | The Centre for Volunteering NSW |
| Northern Territory | Volunteering SA and NT |
| Queensland | Volunteering Queensland |
| South Australia | Volunteering SA and NT |
| Tasmania | Volunteering Tasmania |
| Victoria | Volunteering Victoria |
| Western Australia | Volunteering WA |
Your institution's careers centre is also worth approaching directly. Many universities run their own internship placement programs, and some state governments manage dedicated student entrepreneurship programs for those considering starting a business.
Many students arrive intending to study and leave, then find themselves genuinely drawn to building a life in Australia. If that sounds familiar, it is important to know that your student visa does not automatically extend once you graduate. You will need to apply for a new visa before your student visa expires.
Depending on your qualifications and circumstances, your options may include:
| Pathway | Who It Applies To |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) — Post-Study Work Stream | Graduates of Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral programs |
| SkillSelect Expression of Interest | Those seeking skilled professional worker status |
| State and Territory Government Nomination | Skilled and business migration candidates |
Navigating post-study visa options is genuinely complex, and the stakes of getting it wrong are significant. This is where speaking with a registered migration agent in Canberra, or a qualified OMARA-registered migration agent in your nearest city, makes real practical sense. A trusted education consultant who understands both study pathways and Australian migration law can help you plan strategically from your first year of study right through to permanent residency, if that is your goal.
International students on a Student Visa 500 can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during study periods, which averages out to approximately 20 hours per week. During officially scheduled institution holiday breaks, there is no limit on hours.
Yes. When your institution is on a scheduled holiday break, Student Visa 500 holders are permitted to work unlimited hours. This is a genuinely valuable window to increase income and gain additional work experience.
The 40-hours-per-fortnight limit during study periods works out to approximately 80 hours per month.
Yes. Australia shifted from a 20-hours-per-week cap to the current 40-hours-per-fortnight structure in 2023. As of 2026, this remains the applicable standard under Student Visa 500 conditions. Always confirm current rules with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
No. Masters students are subject to the same 40-hours-per-fortnight rule during study periods as all other Student Visa 500 holders. Unlimited hours apply equally during scheduled institution holidays.
Working beyond your visa conditions is a serious matter and can put your student visa at risk. If you are ever uncertain about a particular work arrangement, contact your university's international student office or speak with a registered OMARA migration agent before proceeding.
For standard part-time work during your studies, no. Your university's international student support team handles most routine questions well. However, if you are planning to change your visa, extend your stay, or move into a post-study or skilled migration pathway, engaging a registered migration agent in Canberra or another major city is strongly advisable.
Always verify that an agent is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). The OMARA register is publicly searchable and confirms whether an agent is currently authorised to provide migration advice. Be cautious of anyone offering visa or migration guidance without OMARA registration.
International students have exactly the same workplace rights as any other worker in Australia — minimum wage entitlements, safe working conditions, protection from exploitation, and access to the Fair Work Ombudsman if those rights are not upheld.
Depending on your nationality, age, and circumstances, this may be an option. The Department of Home Affairs website outlines eligibility in full. A qualified education consultant or registered OMARA migration agent can advise whether a Working Holiday Visa or another visa type better suits your goals.
Working while studying is genuinely rewarding, but it does require balance and honesty with yourself about your capacity.
Your studies come first. A part-time job should support your life in Australia, not compete with your academic progress. If work commitments start affecting your grades, it is time to reassess.
Understand your payslip from the start. Australian employers are required to pay correctly and on time. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides clear, accessible information on minimum rates across every industry. If something does not look right on your payslip, do not ignore it.
Apply for your Tax File Number early. You need it to work legally, ensure you are taxed correctly, and lodge your annual tax return. Many international students are entitled to a refund at the end of the financial year, so keeping your records in order is worthwhile from day one.
Use your university's support services. International student offices deal with employment-related questions regularly and are genuinely there to help. There is no reason to navigate any of this alone.