Student visa (Subclass 500) working hours in Australia
Australia remains one of the topmost study abroad destinations for international students, especially Indians. Home to highly-reputed universities, ample research facilities and a variety of part-time work opportunities, students dream to study in Australia. Working while studying in Australia gives students an opportunity to gain experience and support themselves. Hence, it’s crucial to know the work limits for an international student who is on the Australia student visa. Read the article to learn more about the student visa subclass 500 working hours in 2025.
This Story also Contains
- What is the Student Visa 500?
- Australia Student Visa Subclass 500 Working Hours
- Australia Student Visa Work Rules
- Penalties For Exceeding Australian Immigration Work Limits
- Student Visa Subclass 500 Work Restrictions
- Student Visa Working Conditions Australia
- Part-time Student Jobs and Salaries in Australia
- Best Tips to Stick to your Work Limits in Australia
Read more: Job Opportunities in Australia
What is the Student Visa 500?
The student visa subclass 500 permits an international student to live, work, and study in top universities in Australia while they are enrolled in a full-time course at a registered education institution. To maintain the status of the visa and studies, it is recommended to be fully aware of the international student work rights in Australia and 500 visa work restrictions.
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Australia Student Visa Subclass 500 Working Hours
From 1 July 2023, the government gave relaxation to study visa holders on the 40-hour work hours, allowing them to work for unlimited hours. They officially re-introduced Student visa work cap Australia which is continuing. There have been changes to student visa working hours Australia 2025. From 40 hours, it has changed to 48 hours per fortnight. This has been done so that student visa holders can focus on their studies in Australia, while taking up paid jobs and gain work experience simultaneously while studying.
Working Hours for International Students in Australia
Study Period | Allowed Work Hours |
|---|---|
During study sessions | 48 hours per fortnight |
During official course breaks | Unlimited |
Research students (Masters/PhD) | Unlimited when engaged in research |
Note: 1 Fortnight= 14 consecutive days
Working hours for dependent in Australia
Student's Course Level | Dependent Work Hours |
|---|---|
Bachelor’s Degree or lower | 48 hours per fortnight |
Master’s or Doctoral Degree | Unlimited hours |
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Australia Student Visa Work Rules
These are the Australia visa subclass 500 work rules for international students in 2025:
The student visa part-time job hours are up to 48 hours every two weeks.
They can only start working once their course has started.
The Australian student visa work hours during semester breaks is unlimited. Students can work for unlimited hours during official course breaks.
After enrolling in masters or PhD programs, students can work for unrestricted hours.
Students can work full-time once they have fulfilled their course requirements.
Students must continue to study while working, assure enough attendance as required, and ensure the course is progressing smoothly. In case a student cancels his/her admission, doesn’t have proper attendance or does not make enough course progress, it may cause violation of visa rules.
Read More:
Penalties For Exceeding Australian Immigration Work Limits
There can be serious consequences if an Australian student visa holder violates the 48-hours work limit, including:
Visa rejection
Deportation from Australia
Banning re-issue of passport in the future
Also Read:
Student Visa Subclass 500 Work Restrictions
Student visas in Australia are subject to condition 8105, allowing international students limited work in Australia. Under these restrictions,
Students (and their dependents, if any) can work only after their course has started.
Students (and their dependants, if any) must follow the work hours restrictions as given in their visa conditions.
Student Working Hour Limit in Australia
Student type | When course is in session | When course isn’t in session |
Coursework students who have started their degree | 48 hours per fortnight | Unlimited hours |
Graduate researchers who have started their degree | Unlimited hours | N/A |
AusAwards or Defence students | 48 hours per fortnight | Unlimited hour |
Australia Dependant Visa Work Hour Restrictions
Dependant type | When course is in session | When course isn't in session |
Dependants of student visa holders enrolled in a Master or Doctorate degree | Unlimited hours | N/A |
Dependants of all other student visa holders | 48 hours per fortnight | N/A |
Student Visa Working Conditions Australia
There is no difference between the work rights of international students and other employees. According to the Australian workplace law, it is mandatory for every employee to abide by the rules and regulations of the Australian workplace law. Employers cannot hire a student visa holder who breaches his/her visa conditions.
In case international students don’t find themselves being treated fairly in the workplace, they can get in touch with the Fair Work Ombudsman. In such situations, your employer cannot cancel your visa if you take stand against workplace exploitation.
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Part-time Student Jobs and Salaries in Australia
International students who are on student visa subclass 500 can work part-time while studying and earn an average hourly wage of AUD 20-35 per hour. These are some of the most popular part-time job roles and their salaries in Australia.
Part-time Jobs and Salaries in Australia
Job Role | Average Hourly Wage (AUD) |
Retail Sales Assistant | $24.50 |
Café/Restaurant Staff | $25.00 |
Customer Service Assistant | $24.00 |
Administrative Assistant | $26.00 |
Private Tutor | $35.00 |
Warehouse/Delivery Driver | $22.00 |
Best Tips to Stick to your Work Limits in Australia
With the help of mobile apps or excel sheets, you must keep tracking your work hours.
You must ask for an advanced roster schedule to be able to manage time effectively.
Try avoiding cash jobs as they might often be illegal and risky.
Refer to the official university job portals to find reliable and authentic job listings.
Talk to your employer regarding your work hour limit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long is the 500 visa valid for?
A:
The Australian subclass visa 500 is valid for five years. It includes the duration of the course plus an additional three months time.
Q: What happens if a student works more than 20 hours in Australia?
A:
If a student works for more than 20 hours per week in Australia, their visas can get cancelled. They can be deported and there can be restrictions on re-issuing study visas in the future. What is the restriction of subclass 500 visas?
Q: Is student visa 500 a temporary visa?
A:
Yes, the Australian subclass visa 500 is a temporary visa. It allows international students to study in Australia for a maximum of 5 years.
Q: Can I work more than 48 hours per two weeks in Australia as a student?
A:
No, you cannot work for more than 48 hours per two weeks in Australia as a student. While classes are not in session, you can work for unlimited hours.
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