Work while studying in Australia | IDP Vietnam

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.

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.

International students working in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (two weeks) during the semester. This is the standard work limit for student visa holders while classes are in session and they are studying full-time.

During the semester

While your course is active, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight which is roughly 24 hours per week across a two-week period. This cap is cumulative across all employers, so if you’re juggling more than one job, your total combined hours must not exceed 48 per fortnight.

Australia measures work limits in fortnights (two-week periods) rather than weeks, so keep track of your hours across the full two-week window, not just week by week.

During semester breaks

International students in Australia are permitted to work unlimited hours during scheduled semester breaks such as summer holidays or mid-year breaks. To qualify, you generally need to be returning to full-time study after the break. This is a great window to take on additional shifts, save for the next term, or gain more substantial work experience in your field.

Hour limits and break entitlements can vary based on your student visa conditions and course structure. We recommend checking with your institution or visiting the Department of Home Affairs website to confirm what applies to you

Australia offers a wide range of job opportunities for international students across a variety of industries. Common roles include:

• Retail: Sales assistants, cashiers, stock assistants

• Hospitality: Waitstaff, baristas, kitchen hands, hotel front desk

• On-campus roles: Library assistants, administrative support, peer tutoring

• Private tutoring: If you have existing qualifications or professional work experience, you might be able to get casual or part-time work in your field

• Internships: Paid or unpaid placements can be a great way to get exposure to professional, financial and creative industries

• Volunteering: Volunteering at charities and non-government organisations (NGOs) can be a great way to meet friends, get some hands on work experience and give back to the community

As a general rule, freelancing and self-employment are not permitted on a student visa. You must be employed by an employer with a formal, written employment agreement in place.

Work related to your degree

If your course includes a compulsory work placement, internship, or practicum, good news: these components are typically exempt from the 48-hour fortnightly cap, provided the placement is a genuine, registered requirement of your program.

This exemption recognises that practical, course-integrated experience is part of your education, not simply a side job. Your institution’s student services team can confirm whether your placement qualifies.

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.

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.

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!