Part-Time Work Regulations in Australia for International Students 2026
International students in Australia can work while studying, but strict regulations govern work hours, visa conditions, and employment rights. Understanding these rules is crucial to avoid visa cancellations and maximize your Australian experience in 2026.
Critical Update 2024-2026
From 1 July 2023, international students can work 48 hours per fortnight during term time (increased from 40 hours). During official course breaks, unlimited work hours are permitted. Violations can result in immediate visa cancellation.
Work Hour Limits 2026
| Period | Work Hour Limit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| During Term/Semester | 48 hours per fortnight | Fortnight = 14 consecutive days starting from your course commencement |
| Official Course Breaks | Unlimited hours | Summer break, winter break, mid-semester break (as per academic calendar) |
| Before Course Starts | Unlimited hours | From visa grant date until course commencement |
| After Course Completion | Unlimited hours (if valid CoE) | Until current visa expires or new visa granted |
Important: The 48-hour limit applies per fortnight, not per week. Working 48 hours in one week means you cannot work the following week. Exceeding limits even by 1 hour can trigger visa cancellation investigations.
Student Visa Work Rights (Subclass 500)
You CAN Work If:
- Your Student Visa (Subclass 500) has been granted
- Your course has officially commenced (check your CoE start date)
- You stay within the 48 hours/fortnight limit during term time
- Your employer is a legitimate Australian business
- You have a Tax File Number (TFN)
You CANNOT Work If:
- Your visa application is still being processed (even if bridging visa granted)
- Your course hasn't started yet (unless visa condition allows)
- You exceed 48 hours/fortnight during term time
- Your visa has expired
- In specific restricted occupations (sex work in some states)
Most Common Jobs for International Students 2026
| Job Type | Average Pay (AUD/hour) | Flexibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Assistant | $23 - $28 | High (weekend shifts) | Customer service skills |
| Hospitality (Café/Restaurant) | $24 - $30 | High (evening/weekend) | Fast-paced workers |
| Barista | $25 - $32 | Moderate | Coffee culture enthusiasts |
| Supermarket Checkout | $23 - $27 | High | Reliable, punctual students |
| Food Delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash) | $20 - $35 | Very High (own schedule) | Bike/car owners |
| Tutoring (Private/Online) | $30 - $60 | Very High | Academic high-achievers |
| Library/Admin Assistant | $25 - $32 | Moderate | Campus-based students |
| Aged Care Assistant | $28 - $35 | Moderate | Healthcare/nursing students |
| Research Assistant (University) | $35 - $50 | Low (project-based) | Postgraduate students |
Tip: Weekend casual rates are typically 150% (Saturday) and 200% (Sunday) of base hourly rate. Public holidays pay 250%. Prioritize weekend shifts for maximum earnings within 48-hour limit.
How Much Can You Earn? (2026 Calculations)
Monthly Earning Potential (During Term)
Scenario 1: Hospitality (Weekdays)
- Hourly rate: $26/hour
- Hours: 48 hours/fortnight = 24 hours/week
- Weekly earnings: 24 × $26 = $624
- Monthly earnings: ~$2,496
Scenario 2: Retail (Weekends Only)
- Base rate: $24/hour
- Saturday (150%): $36/hour × 12 hours = $432
- Sunday (200%): $48/hour × 12 hours = $576
- Weekly earnings: $1,008
- Monthly earnings: ~$4,032
Scenario 3: Tutoring (High Skilled)
- Hourly rate: $45/hour
- Hours: 24 hours/week
- Weekly earnings: 24 × $45 = $1,080
- Monthly earnings: ~$4,320
Pro Strategy: Working weekends only (24 hours) at penalty rates can earn $4,000+/month while keeping weekdays free for studies - maximizing both income and academic performance within legal limits.
Your Employment Rights in Australia
Fair Work Act Protections
- National Minimum Wage: $23.23/hour (as of July 2023, reviewed annually)
- Penalty rates for weekends (150% Sat, 200% Sun) and public holidays (250%)
- Superannuation (11.5% of wages) paid by employer to your super fund
- 4 weeks annual leave per year (for permanent employees)
- 10 days personal/sick leave per year (permanent employees)
- Protection from unfair dismissal
- Safe working conditions under WHS laws
- Equal pay regardless of visa status (same as Australian citizens)
Tax and Superannuation for Students
Tax File Number (TFN)
- Required: Yes, to work legally
- Apply: ato.gov.au (free)
- Processing: 28 days
- Tax-Free Threshold: $18,200/year
- Student Tax Rate: Same as residents if earn under $45K/year
Superannuation
- Rate: 11.5% of gross wages
- Paid by: Employer (not deducted from your wage)
- Access: When leaving Australia permanently
- Claim: Via Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP)
- Average refund: $3,000-$8,000
Example: If you earn $25,000 in a financial year (below $18,200 threshold), you'll likely get a full tax refund when you lodge your tax return in July. Plus, your employer has contributed $2,875 to super (which you can claim when leaving Australia).
How to Find Part-Time Jobs
Best Job Portals for Students 2026
| Platform | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Seek | All job types, largest database | seek.com.au |
| Indeed | Retail, hospitality, entry-level | au.indeed.com |
| Student Edge | Student-specific jobs | studentedge.org |
| Gumtree | Casual, local opportunities | gumtree.com.au |
| University Career Hub | On-campus, internships | Your uni website |
| Airtasker | Flexible gig work | airtasker.com |
Offline Job Search Tips
- Walk into cafés, restaurants, retail stores with printed CV
- Network at university events, career fairs, student clubs
- Check community notice boards (libraries, shopping centers, campus)
- Join international student Facebook groups for job leads
- Ask friends and classmates for referrals (most jobs come from networks)
Common Violations & Penalties
| Violation | Penalty | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Exceeding 48 hours/fortnight | Visa cancellation | Track hours meticulously, use spreadsheet or apps |
| Working before course starts | Visa cancellation | Check your CoE start date carefully |
| Working without TFN | 47% tax rate + penalties | Apply for TFN immediately upon visa grant |
| Accepting cash-in-hand work | No super, no legal protection, tax issues | Insist on legal employment with payslips |
| Not reporting income to ATO | Fines + interest + visa risks | Lodge annual tax return by Oct 31 every year |
Real Case: Visa Cancellation
In 2023, a student worked 52 hours in one fortnight (4 hours over limit) at a café. The employer reported hours to ATO. Department of Home Affairs detected the breach through automated data matching and cancelled the visa within 6 weeks. There was no warning or opportunity to explain. The student had to leave Australia immediately.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Income Legally
Work Weekends Only
24 hours across Sat-Sun earns more than 48 hours on weekdays due to penalty rates (150-200%). Plus, keeps weekdays free for classes and study.
Maximize Holiday Breaks
Work unlimited hours during official breaks (summer, winter, mid-semester). Earn $5,000-$8,000 in a 3-month summer break working full-time at $25/hour.
Seek High-Paying Roles
Tutoring ($40-60/hr), research assistant ($35-50/hr), aged care ($28-35/hr) pay significantly more than generic retail. Leverage your skills and education.
Track Hours Precisely
Use apps like Deputy, When I Work, or simple Excel to track fortnightly hours. Set reminders when approaching 40-hour mark to avoid accidental breaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work more than 48 hours if my employer needs me?
No. Visa conditions override employer requests. Working even 1 hour over the limit is a breach. Your employer should understand student visa restrictions. If they pressure you to work beyond legal hours, report them to Fair Work Ombudsman (1800 994 247).
What counts as "official course break"?
Summer vacation, winter vacation, and mid-semester breaks as listed in your institution's official academic calendar. Study breaks you create (e.g., not enrolling in optional summer semester) do NOT count. Public holidays during term time are still term time.
Can I work for multiple employers?
Yes, as long as combined hours don't exceed 48/fortnight during term time. However, managing multiple employers increases risk of accidental breaches. Use strict hour tracking if working multiple jobs.
Do volunteer work or unpaid internships count toward the 48-hour limit?
Generally no, if genuinely volunteer/unpaid and part of your course requirements. However, if it's paid work disguised as "volunteer," or involves tasks normally performed by paid staff, it counts toward your limit. Check with your university international office.
What if I finish my course early but my visa is still valid?
You can work unlimited hours after your course completion date until your visa expires. However, make sure your CoE reflects the actual completion date. If you've completed but your CoE shows a later date, technically you're still in "term time."
Resources & Support
Important Contacts
- Fair Work Ombudsman: 13 13 94 (workplace rights, unpaid wages)
- Department of Home Affairs: 131 881 (visa condition queries)
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO): 13 28 61 (TFN, tax queries)
- Study Melbourne Student Centre: 1800 056 449 (Victoria students)
- Emergency/Police: 000
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Last Updated: January 2026 | Author: PTE Test India Education Team | Sources: Department of Home Affairs, Fair Work Ombudsman, Australian Taxation Office, Study Australia | Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Always verify visa conditions on your grant notice and consult official government sources.
