Holders of the subclass 500 Student visa are subject to a work hour restriction while their course of study is in session. From 1 July 2023, the standard restriction is 48 hours per fortnight (approximately three days per week). This condition applies while the enrolled course is in session — during scheduled vacation periods or official course breaks, there is no work restriction.

The work restriction is imposed through visa condition 8105 (or equivalent work limitation conditions). A student who works beyond the permitted hours is in breach of their visa conditions and may face visa cancellation.

• Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 8 — work-related conditions that apply to student visa holders, including the work limitation conditions
• DHA: Work restrictions for student visa holders — current guidance at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• DHA: Check visa details and conditions — individual students should check their specific visa conditions at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

The 48-hour fortnight limit

A "fortnight" for the purpose of the work restriction is any 14-day period. Student visa holders may work up to 48 hours in any 14-day period while their course is in session. Working 48 hours per fortnight is approximately equivalent to three full working days per week or six hours per day on a five-day week.

The restriction applies regardless of:

• The type of work (casual, part-time, or any employment arrangement)
• Whether the work is with one employer or multiple employers — hours are cumulative across all jobs
• Whether the work is paid or unpaid (though volunteer work in some educational contexts may be treated differently — students should confirm with DHA or their education provider)

When there is no work restriction

The 48-hour limit applies only while the course is in session. When the course is not in session — during official scheduled vacation periods or mid-semester breaks — student visa holders may work without restriction. The key is whether the education provider's calendar designates the period as a vacation or break period.

Exceptions — research degree students

Students who are enrolled in a masters degree by research or a doctoral degree (PhD) are exempt from the 48-hour fortnightly limit. These students may work more than 48 hours per fortnight while in Australia, regardless of whether their course is in session. This exception recognises the different nature of research degrees, where clear distinctions between "in session" and "not in session" may not apply.

Student dependants

Family members on a student visa (as dependants) may have different work entitlements. The work conditions for dependants depend on whether the primary student is studying a postgraduate program or an undergraduate/vocational program. Students and their family members should check the specific conditions on their individual visas using the DHA visa conditions checker.

Consequences of breaching work conditions

Working beyond the permitted hours is a breach of visa conditions and may result in:

• Visa cancellation — the DHA may cancel a student visa where a holder has significantly or repeatedly breached work conditions
• Future visa refusals — a breach may affect future visa applications, including applications for the subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa or other post-study pathways

Employers who knowingly allow student visa holders to work in excess of their permitted hours may also face penalties under the Migration Act 1958.

History of the restriction

The student work restriction has changed several times in recent years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were temporarily lifted in various sectors to address workforce shortages. The current 48-hour fortnightly cap was introduced from 1 July 2023, replacing an earlier 40-hour fortnightly cap that applied from January 2023. Students should check the DHA work restrictions page for any future changes.

The work restriction applies from the day the student commences their course. Prior to commencing study, student visa holders may have separate work conditions. Students who have not yet started their enrolled course should check their specific visa conditions carefully.

Education providers have obligations to monitor student attendance and course progress under the ESOS (Education Services for Overseas Students) framework. Students who work excessive hours may fall behind in their studies, which can trigger notifications to DHA from the education provider and put the student's visa at risk on grounds beyond work condition breach.