Imagine arriving in Melbourne with your bags and your dreams. You’ve just started your Master’s on an Australia student visa, and the cost of rent and living hits you fast. You find a café job, something you can do between classes. You ask your friend, “Can international students work in Australia while they study?” They say yes, but with limits. You’re relieved until that limit changes yet again. This is the reality for many studying abroad: they juggle classes, rent, and legal Australia student visa work rights.
Since July 1, 2023, international students on a subclass‑500 visa are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic terms. That’s a bump from the older 40-hour limit, but still capped. During scheduled breaks (summer, mid‑semester), students may work unlimited hours.
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With skyrocketing rent and living costs, many wonder, “Can I earn enough?” Working 24 hours a week helps but not enough to cover everything. Supporters say these Australia student visa work rights give essential income. Critics argue students overwork and fall behind academically .
The Buzz: Proposed Australia Student Visa Updates
In mid-2025, Australia’s Coalition party proposed increasing the cap to 60 hours per fortnight as part of their election platform Their reasoning? More tax revenue, around A$417 million extra and help students finance living expenses.
Education experts and Universities in Australia caution that allowing 30+ hours per week could push students into ignoring academics and lure people seeking work, not study. Labor’s Education Minister called it “truly bizarre,” warning it could change student priorities.
This change is not law merely a promise. It depends on election results and parliamentary approval. For now, the Australia student work limit per fortnight remains at 48 hours.
What Every Student Should Know
1. Australia student visa conditions today allow 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks.
2. Post-study work visa Australia offers 2–6 years of work rights after graduation, depending on your degree.
3. If you do exceed hours, you risk visa cancellation, some students were deported after working illegally up to 60 hours.
4. For most international student jobs—retail, hospitality, admin, Australia working while studying offers vital experience.
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Balancing Act: Study, Work & Well‑Being
- Use a time‑tracking app (like “Record My Hours”) to manage your fortnightly limit
- Be aware: even though Australia student work limit per fortnight is 48, your visa document may still show “40.” Check VEVO to confirm.
- Know your rights—minimum wage, safe conditions and report exploitation to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Beyond Study: How Work Opens Doors
- Job skills: Retail, hospitality, admin, tutoring—valuable experience while working part-time.
- Networking: Working connects you with professionals, boosting career chances post-graduation.
- Language & culture immersion, an edge in global careers and life in Australia.
Post‑Study Work Visa Australia: What’s the Next Step?
After graduation, you can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
- Bachelor’s = 2–4 yrs, Master’s = 3–5 yrs, PhD = up to 6 yrs.
- Eligibility: must graduate from eligible institutions, meet English and requirements.
This path supports international graduates gaining experience, settling in Australia, and possibly moving to PR. It’s aligned with the goal of Australia student visa work rights fostering both study and career growth.
Your Journey, Your Career
Australia offers incredible opportunities to study and work but it’s essential to understand the rules. From Australia student visa work rights to post-study work visa Australia, this guide equips you with the facts:
- You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time right now, with unlimited hours during breaks.
- A proposed increase to 60 hours is still in the pipeline—not yet law.
- Exceeding your hours can lead to visa cancellation.
- Working wisely adds skills, income, and future career advantages.
- After graduation, you can stay on with a post-study work visa Australia for up to 6 years.
Take the next step: contact KP Visa & Travels for tailored advice, visa application help, and support through every stage of your study and work abroad journey.
With smart planning, you can study, work, and thrive in Australia legally and successfully. Ready to start? We’re here for you.
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