en English
student visa work hours

Student Visa & Working Hours

  /    /  Student Visa & Working Hours

Student Visa Working Hours Explained

As you may already know it's possible to work up to 40 hours per fortnight on a student visa to Australia, but there's a few things to keep in mind here. Firstly, all student migration information should be sourced from a migration agent or an official Government website. No exceptions.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the federal government will remove the 40-hour-a-fortnight cap on student visa-holder workers, meaning they will no longer have restrictions on the number of hours they can work. Check the latest updates via our Facebook page.

Here’s a handy website, maintained by the Australian Government, so you know what you’re reading is legit.

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500

Subclass student’s visa work restrictions will fall under 8105 and most spouses’ visa will fall under 8104.

Student Visa Work Hours FAQS

Do I need to work 20 hours per week?

Some websites suggest that a student must work 20 hours per week. That is incorrect. A student may work 10 hours 1 week and 30 the next or, 40 hours in the last week of a fortnight. As long as 40 hours is not exceeded, it doesn’t matter when it’s worked in a fortnight. Please refer to the table below to see what hours you may be able to work depending on the type of study undertaken.

If my spouse comes on my student visa, can they work unlimited hours?

Some websites also mention that a spouse may work unlimited hours or the same hours as their spouse. That is only true if the main visa holder is studying a Masters or a Doctorate. Also, if the main visa holder is not studying a Masters or a Doctorate, then the spouse can only work 40 hours per week, no exception, even during course breaks.

Is there a maximum wage I can earn as a student?

The only true ‘unlimited’ statement is the amount of money that a student can legitimately make during the said 40 hours / fortnight. For example, if a freelancer charges $450 / hour for photography, for 40 hours per fortnight, then that is fine. There is not a ceiling on the earnings of legitimate services should you find a buyer willing to pay for them.

Check your working conditions in Australia by course type

Please refer to this handy table below to check what your, and your spouse, work rights are in Australia on a student visa. Note that volunteer work is not included in the hour limits below.

What type of course are you enrolled in? Hours per fortnight allowed during term? Hours per fortnight allowed during scheduled course breaks? How many hours can my Spouse work (per fortnight)? How many hours can my Spouse work during scheduled course breaks (per fortnight)?
ELICOS 40 Unlimited 40 40
Undergraduate 40 Unlimited 40 40
Diploma 40 Unlimited 40 40
Certificate 40 Unlimited 40 40
Masters 40 Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Masters (Research) Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Doctor Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Start your adventure today!