Work While Studying in Australia 2026: Legal Hours, Pay and Visa Rules
In 2026, Australia remains one of the most popular destinations for international students. If you hold a subclass 500 student visa, you have the legal right to earn money while completing your studies. Knowing the exact rules keeps you compliant and helps you plan your finances from day one.
Current Work Hour Limits for Student Visa Holders
The Australian government updated its student visa work conditions in 2023. Those rules remain in force for 2026. Here is what your subclass 500 visa allows:
- You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your official study term.
- You can work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks and vacation periods.
- If you work as a registered nurse or carer, you can work unlimited hours year-round, provided your employer meets the relevant criteria.
- If you are the spouse or partner of a PhD or master’s by research student, you can work unlimited hours throughout the year.
- You cannot start working before your course officially begins.
- Your academic performance must stay on track. Failing subjects or poor attendance can affect your visa conditions.
“As of 2026, international students on a subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their study term, with unlimited hours permitted during scheduled course breaks.” — Australian Department of Home Affairs
For the full and current conditions, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs student visa page.
Types of Jobs You Can Do and What They Pay
Many employers actively hire international students for part-time roles. Below are common job types and their approximate hourly rates in 2026, based on the Fair Work Australia national minimum wage of AUD $24.10 per hour effective July 2025:
- Retail and customer service: AUD $24 to $28 per hour
- Hospitality (cafes, restaurants, hotels): AUD $25 to $30 per hour
- Tutoring and academic support: AUD $30 to $50 per hour
- Warehouse and logistics: AUD $26 to $32 per hour
- Aged care and disability support: AUD $28 to $38 per hour
- Administrative and office roles: AUD $25 to $35 per hour
All employers in Australia must pay at least the national minimum wage. You can check current award rates for your specific industry on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
How to Find Visa-Sponsored and Employer-Supported Work
Some students use their time in Australia to build skills that lead to longer-term opportunities, including employer sponsored visa pathways and skilled worker visa applications after graduation. Here is how to improve your chances:
- Target roles in sectors listed on Australia’s Skills in Demand visa occupation list, such as healthcare, construction, and technology.
- Ask your university’s career centre about internship programs and graduate employer partnerships.
- Keep your Tax File Number (TFN) ready. You need it before you start any paid work in Australia.
- Track your hours every fortnight to avoid breaching your visa conditions.
- Look for roles advertised with relocation packages or visa sponsorship for post-study transitions.
Q: Can I work more than 48 hours in a fortnight if I have two jobs?
A: No. The 48-hour limit applies across all jobs combined. It does not matter how many employers you have. Working beyond this limit during term time can result in visa cancellation.
Q: Does working while studying affect my pathway to permanent residency?
A: It can help. Gaining Australian work experience in a skilled occupation improves your points score for permanent residency through work pathways such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or employer-nominated options. Speak with a licensed immigration consultant to understand how your work history is counted.
Q: When can I start working after arriving in Australia on a student visa?
A: You can start working once your course officially begins. You cannot work during any period before your course start date, even if you have already arrived in the country.
Apply through the official portal or speak with a licensed immigration consultant to get started.
Disclaimer: Requirements and deadlines change. Always verify details on official government or employer websites before applying.