How Many Hours Can International Students Work in Australia in 2026?

In 2026, international students holding an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) are generally permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. During official course breaks, students may work unrestricted hours. These work rights are set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and form part of the visa conditions attached to the Student Visa.

Understanding these work limitations helps international students manage employment opportunities while remaining compliant with their visa conditions.

How Work Rights Are Attached to the Student Visa

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) includes specific work conditions that allow international students to undertake limited employment while studying in Australia.

These work rights are intended to help students gain work experience and support their living expenses during their studies.

Students holding a valid Student Visa may generally:

• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session  

• Work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks  

• Begin working only after their course has commenced  

These work conditions are automatically attached to the visa when it is granted.

What the Australian Department of Home Affairs Considers as a Fortnight

The Australian Department of Home Affairs defines a fortnight as a 14 day period.

This means the permitted work hours are calculated across a two week timeframe rather than a single calendar week.

For example:

• A student may work more hours in one week if fewer hours are worked in the following week  

• The total work hours across the 14 day period should not exceed the permitted limit 

  
  

Students should keep track of their working hours to ensure that they remain within the allowed limits.

When Students May Work Unlimited Hours

International students may work unlimited hours during official course breaks.

These breaks are scheduled by the education provider and form part of the academic calendar.

Examples of periods when unrestricted work may be permitted include:

• Semester breaks between academic terms  

• Scheduled holiday periods  

• Breaks between completed courses where the student has enrolled in a new program  

Students should confirm these break periods with their education provider.

Work Rights for Postgraduate Research Students

Students enrolled in certain postgraduate research programs may have different work arrangements.

For example:

• Students undertaking a master’s degree by research or doctoral program may work unrestricted hours once their course has commenced  

These arrangements reflect the structure of research based academic programs.

Students should review the conditions attached to their visa to understand their specific work rights.

Why Following Work Conditions Is Important

Work conditions form part of the legal obligations attached to the Student Visa.

International students are expected to comply with these conditions throughout their stay in Australia.

Working beyond the permitted hours may affect a student’s visa status.

Understanding the work limitations helps students balance employment with their academic responsibilities.

Practical Steps for Managing Work While Studying

Students working in Australia while studying may consider the following steps:

1. Confirm the work conditions attached to their Student Visa  

2. Track working hours across each 14 day period  

3. Speak with employers about visa work limitations  

4. Check the academic calendar to identify official course breaks  

5. Prioritise study commitments while managing employment  

These steps help students maintain compliance with their visa conditions.

How LMSD Supports Students Understanding Work Rights

Understanding visa conditions can sometimes be challenging for students who are new to Australia.

At LMSD, we help students understand the work rights attached to their Student Visa and how these conditions apply during their studies. This includes explaining how work hour limits operate, how course schedules affect employment opportunities, and how students can remain compliant with migration requirements while working.

Our goal is to help students feel confident about managing both their studies and employment while living in Australia.

Final Thoughts

Many international students choose to work while studying in Australia as a way to gain experience and support their living expenses.

In 2026, the Student Visa continues to allow limited work during study periods and unrestricted work during official course breaks.

By understanding these conditions and managing work hours carefully, students can maintain compliance with their visa while focusing on their academic goals.

The information, updates, news, and advice provided are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalised guidance. For accurate advice regarding your specific migration case, we invite you to reach out to us directly by sending a message through this link: https://www.legacymigration.com.au/take-your-first-step-to-living-working-or-studying-in-australia

Migration Agents Registration Number: 1797357

QEAC Number: S041