How Many Hours Can You Work on a Student Visa in Australia? — Rules for 2026

One of the most common questions international students ask is: "How many hours can I work on my student visa in Australia?" The answer seems straightforward, but the rules have changed several times in recent years, and the details matter more than you might think.

Getting your work hours wrong is not a minor issue — breaching your visa conditions can lead to a warning, visa cancellation, or even a ban on future Australian visas. This guide explains the current rules clearly, covers the recent changes, and provides practical advice on working legally while studying in Australia.

As of 2026, international students on a student visa (subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during scheduled study periods. This is set out in visa condition 8105.

Key points about the 48-hour rule:

• Fortnight means any 14-day period starting from the Monday of each fortnight, not a calendar month or any random 14-day window. The fortnightly period aligns with your visa grant date and repeats on a rolling basis.
• 48 hours includes all paid work — whether for one employer or multiple employers. Volunteer work is generally not counted, but unpaid trial shifts or internships that benefit an employer may be considered "work."
• Self-employment counts. If you are freelancing, driving for a ride-share service, or operating an online business, these hours all count towards your 48-hour limit.
• The limit applies during "scheduled course periods" — essentially, any period during your academic semester when you are expected to be engaged in study.

The 48-hour fortnightly limit is roughly equivalent to 24 hours per week, but the fortnightly calculation gives you more flexibility. For example, you could work 30 hours in one week and 18 hours the next, as long as the total does not exceed 48.

During scheduled semester breaks (also called vacation periods), there is no limit on the number of hours you can work. You can work full-time during these periods.

What counts as a scheduled break?

• The period between Semester 1 and Semester 2 (typically mid-June to mid-July).
• The end-of-year break between Semester 2 and the start of the next academic year (typically mid-November to late February).
• Any other formally scheduled break in your course calendar (e.g., mid-semester breaks lasting a week or more, though practice varies by institution).

Important: The break must be a scheduled break in your course timetable. If you have a gap between trimesters or your class schedule does not have classes on certain days, that does not count as a scheduled break. The break must be formally recognised in your institution's academic calendar as a vacation or non-study period.

If you have finished all course requirements (received your completion letter) and are waiting for graduation, you are also considered to be in a break period and can work unlimited hours while your 485 application is being processed.

The work hour rules for international students have changed multiple times, which has caused significant confusion:

• Before 2022: The limit was 40 hours per fortnight (20 hours per week equivalent).
• January 2022 to June 2023: The 40-hour limit was temporarily lifted entirely due to workforce shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. International students could work unlimited hours during both study periods and breaks.
• July 2023: A new limit of 48 hours per fortnight was introduced, replacing the previous 40-hour limit. This represented a permanent increase from the pre-pandemic limit while ending the unlimited work rights.
• 2024 to 2026: The 48-hour limit remains in place as of the date of this guide. The government has periodically reviewed the limit but has maintained it as a balanced approach between student welfare and workforce needs.

The increase from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight is significant — it means you can work an additional shift per week compared to the old rules, which translates to approximately AUD 3,000 to AUD 5,000 more per year in potential earnings at minimum wage.

Breaching your visa condition 8105 is a serious matter. The consequences can include:

• Warning notice: For a first minor breach, the Department of Home Affairs may issue a warning notice (a "notice of intention to consider cancellation") rather than immediate cancellation. This gives you an opportunity to respond and explain the circumstances.
• Visa cancellation: For repeated or significant breaches, your student visa can be cancelled. Cancellation is recorded on your immigration history and can affect future visa applications for any country.
• Detention and removal: In extreme cases (continued working after visa cancellation), you could face immigration detention and removal from Australia.
• Section 116 cancellation: Even if you are not caught immediately, the Department can cancel your visa at any time if evidence of a breach is discovered — including retrospectively.

How does the Department know your work hours?

• Tax records — the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has data on your employment and income.
• Employer records — employers report payment summaries and superannuation contributions that show hours and income.
• Data matching — the Department of Home Affairs has data-sharing arrangements with the ATO and other government agencies.
• Tips — reports from employers, co-workers, or others.

There is no "safe" way to exceed the work hour limit. Even if your employer pays you cash (which is itself illegal), you risk detection through multiple channels. The consequences are not worth the extra income.

If you work in Australia, you must comply with Australian tax laws. Here is what you need to know:

Tax File Number (TFN):

• Apply for a TFN through the ATO website as soon as you start working. Without a TFN, your employer must withhold tax at the highest rate (45% plus the Medicare levy).
• With a TFN, tax is withheld at normal rates based on your declared income level.

Tax-free threshold:

• As a tax resident (most international students are considered tax residents if they have been in Australia for more than 6 months), you can earn up to AUD 18,200 per year tax-free.
• If you are classified as a foreign resident for tax purposes (which can happen depending on your circumstances), there is no tax-free threshold and you are taxed from the first dollar.

Superannuation (super):

• Your employer must pay superannuation (currently 12% on top of your wages) into a super fund for you if you earn more than AUD 450 per month.
• When you permanently leave Australia, you can apply for a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) to claim your super back. Tax will be withheld on the payment (typically 35% to 45%), but you receive the remainder.

Tax return:

• You must lodge a tax return each year (the Australian tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June) if you have earned any income.
• Many students receive a tax refund because the tax withheld from their pay throughout the year exceeds their actual tax liability.
• You can lodge your own tax return through the ATO's myTax online system (free) or use a tax agent.

Working while studying is almost a necessity for many international students, but it needs to be balanced carefully:

• Your studies come first. Your student visa requires you to maintain satisfactory academic progress (visa condition 8202). If excessive work hours cause you to fail subjects, your enrolment — and by extension your visa — could be at risk.
• Track your hours carefully. Keep a simple spreadsheet or use a time-tracking app to log your work hours each fortnight. This protects you if there is ever a dispute about whether you exceeded the limit.
• Know your rights as a worker. International students have the same workplace rights as Australian citizens, including minimum wage, superannuation, leave entitlements, and protection from exploitation. The Fair Work Ombudsman (fairwork.gov.au) has resources in multiple languages.
• Be cautious of cash-in-hand work. Employers offering to pay cash without reporting to the ATO are breaking the law — and putting your visa at risk. If you are being exploited or underpaid, report it to the Fair Work Ombudsman. Reporting exploitation will not affect your visa status.
• Choose work that builds your career. If possible, find work related to your field of study. This strengthens your resume, provides Australian work experience for migration purposes, and makes your time at work more productive for your long-term goals.
• Maximise break period earnings. Plan your work schedule so you can take on more hours during semester breaks. Many employers hire casual workers specifically for holiday peak periods (retail, hospitality, events).

Understanding your work rights is a key part of a successful student experience in Australia. For comprehensive support with your studies and visa compliance, create a free Tilt SAMS account and stay informed through your personalised dashboard.

Can I work before my course starts?

No. You cannot work until your course has officially commenced. Your work rights begin on the day your course starts (not the day you arrive in Australia or the day your visa is granted).

Does volunteer work count towards the 48-hour limit?

Genuine volunteering for a registered charity or not-for-profit organisation generally does not count. However, "volunteering" for a for-profit business — even if unpaid — may be considered work by the Department of Home Affairs.

What about online freelance work?

Yes, freelance work (including online work for overseas clients) counts towards your 48-hour limit if you are physically in Australia when performing the work. The location of your client or payment method does not change this.

Can my employer be penalised for allowing me to work over the limit?

Employers have an obligation not to allow a visa holder to work in breach of their visa conditions. Employers who knowingly allow excessive hours can face penalties under immigration law.

What if I have two jobs — how does the 48-hour limit apply?

The 48 hours per fortnight is a total across all employment. If you work 30 hours at one job and 20 at another in the same fortnight, you have breached the limit.