Work while studying in Australia for Filipino students

Published: 30 June 2026

Studying in Australia is an exciting step. For many international students, the ability to work while studying makes the experience even more rewarding. Working while studying helps you live like a local, manage your living costs, gain local work experience, and build connections that could shape your career long after graduation. The good news? Australia’s student visa (subclass 500) does permit you to work while your course is in progress, subject to certain conditions. Here’s everything you need to know to do it right.

Can international students work in Australia?

Yes, international students in Australia can work while studying. If you hold a valid Australian student visa (subclass 500), your work rights are typically built into your visa conditions, so you don’t need to apply for a separate work permit to start earning.

That said, your right to work comes with specific rules around hours, eligibility, and the type of work you can do. Understanding these upfront will help you stay compliant and make the most of your time in Australia.

Am I eligible to work on my student visa?

Before you start applying for jobs in Australia, make sure you meet the following conditions:

• You hold a valid student visa (subclass 500)

• You are enrolled in a registered full-time course at an approved education provider

• Your course has commenced (you cannot work before your studies officially begin)

• Your visa conditions explicitly permit work (check your visa grant notice to confirm)

• You have or have applied for a Tax File Number (TFN); visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website to find out more information on getting a TFN, as well as what tax you may need to pay

Learn the latest Australian visa rules for international students in 2026.

Note: Visa conditions can vary depending on your individual circumstances. Always verify your specific entitlements with your institution or the Department of Home Affairs before starting work.

To protect your visa status, make sure you avoid the following:

• Exceeding 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session

• Starting work before your course officially begins (Check your ImmiAccount for specific student visa conditions)

• Continuing to work after your student visa expires

• Working as a self-employed person or independent contractor

• Working in roles that breach any specific conditions stated in your visa grant notice

Breaching your visa conditions is a serious matter and can result in visa cancellation or complications when applying for future visas. When in doubt, check with your institution’s international student office or the Department of Home Affairs.

Your workplace rights as a student in Australia

One of Australia’s strengths as a study destination is its strong worker protections, which extend and apply to to international students too. As an employee in Australia on a student visa, you are entitled to:

• Minimum wage: The current national minimum wage is AUD $24.10 per hour (before tax), though your rate may be higher depending on your industry award; refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman for the latest minimum wage rate(s)

• A written employment agreement: Your employer must provide this before you start

• Paid rest breaks and unpaid meal breaks: Based on the length of your shift

• Annual leave and personal/carer’s leave: Accrued over time as a permanent or part-time employee

• Protection from discrimination: Based on protected attributes such as race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, or ability

• A safe workplace: Your employer is legally required to maintain a safe working environment under the Work Health and Safety Act; to find out more about work health and safety, visit Safe Work Australia

If you believe your employer is not meeting these obligations, you can seek support from the Fair Work Ombudsman. They offer free advice and assistance in multiple languages.

Tax and money: What working students need to know

Before you start working while studying as an international student in Australia, you’ll need to register for a Tax File Number (TFN) through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Your TFN is your personal reference number for the tax system, and you’ll need to provide it to your employer when you start. Without one, your employer may be required to withhold tax at the highest rate.

All income you earn in Australia is taxable, including part-time wages. At the end of each financial year (which runs from 1 July to 30 June), you’ll generally need to lodge a tax return with the ATO. Depending on how much you earned, you may be eligible for a refund. It’s worth keeping your payslips and any work-related expense receipts throughout the year.

Australia is home to some of the world’s most respected universities, a multicultural society, and a strong job market, making it one of the most rewarding places to pursue an international education. Whether you're exploring your course options or seeking IELTS support for your visa application, IDP’s international education placement and services is here to help every step of the way.

Ready to take the next step? Book a free counselling session with IDP today!