If you’re an international student in Australia—or planning to become one—chances are, you’ve asked yourself: “Can I work full time while studying?” It’s a fair question. Between tuition, rent, and living costs, the ability to work isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity.
The good news? Australia has one of the most flexible student work policies in the world. The not-so-good news? Those rules have changed a few times over the last couple of years—and not everyone’s up to date.
This blog will walk you through exactly what your work rights are as an international student in Australia, what full-time means in practice, and what’s legally allowed in 2025. We’ll also bust a few myths, share real stories, and help you plan your student journey with clarity.
What Are the Basic Work Rights for International Students in Australia?
All international students on a valid Student Visa (Subclass 500) are allowed to work while studying in Australia. The Australian government understands that working not only supports your finances but also helps you gain local experience.
However, there are rules—and they’re stricter during study periods.
As of 2025, here’s what applies:
- You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (every two weeks) during study periods.
- You can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks and official university holidays.
- You can also work full time after your course ends while your student visa is still valid.
Quick example: Riya is doing a Master’s in Data Science in Sydney. During her semester, she works 20–22 hours per week at a tech support job. But during summer break in December and January, she takes up a full-time internship—legally.
What Does “Full Time” Work Actually Mean in Australia?
In general, full-time work is considered around 38–40 hours per week. Anything over 20 hours a week (or 40 hours a fortnight) is typically off-limits during active study terms, unless you’re working in an exempted sector or during semester breaks.
But here’s where nuance matters.
If you’re working two casual jobs—say, one at a cafe and one as a freelance designer—and the total hours exceed 48 per fortnight, you’re breaching visa conditions. That’s something many students accidentally do.
When Can Students Work Unlimited Hours?
You can work full time (unlimited hours) if:
- You’re on a semester break (like winter or summer vacation)
- You’ve completed your course and are waiting for graduation or a new visa (such as the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa)
- You’re enrolled in doctoral-level studies (PhD)—in this case, there’s no work limit at all, even during the semester
Real story from Applyon: Manpreet, a Master’s student, wasn’t aware that her part-time job during exams could exceed limits. She clocked 52 hours in a fortnight and received a warning notice during her visa extension process. That’s why knowing the rules isn’t optional—it’s crucial.
Why the Work Limit Matters (and What Happens if You Cross It)
Working beyond allowed hours is a breach of visa conditions, and yes—it’s taken seriously. You may:
- Get a formal warning from the Department of Home Affairs
- Face visa cancellation risks during extensions or future PR applications
- Be denied a Temporary Graduate Visa (485) if records show repeated violations
So no, it’s not just about the paycheck. It’s about protecting your long-term goals in Australia.
How Did COVID-19 Temporarily Change the Work Rules?
Between 2020 and early 2023, due to worker shortages during the pandemic, the Australian government temporarily removed the work hours limit for international students across all sectors.
That flexibility allowed many students to work full time and even overtime.
But as of 1 July 2023, the regular cap was reintroduced—with a slight increase from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight. That rule is expected to remain consistent throughout 2025, unless further updates are made.
Which Jobs Are Popular Among International Students?
Here are some part-time and casual roles that easily fit within the allowed 48-hour fortnightly limit:
- Retail assistant
- Cafe/barista jobs
- Delivery partners (Uber Eats, DoorDash)
- Admin roles in offices
- On-campus tutoring or research assistant jobs
- Freelancing (design, editing, social media)
Case study: Aayushi, an Applyon client and graphic design student, landed a part-time freelance gig creating logos for small businesses. She stayed within the allowed hours and built an impressive portfolio—all while studying.
What Happens After You Graduate?
Once you complete your course, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This visa allows you to work full time, gain local experience, and build a path toward Permanent Residency (PR).
Applyon helps students transition smoothly into post-study work rights by:
- Helping gather your course completion documentation
- Assisting with 485 visa applications
- Finding internships or graduate jobs aligned with your field
Important Tips to Stay Compliant
- Track your hours: Use apps or Google Calendar to log your work schedule
- Combine jobs smartly: Two small roles might push you over the limit
- Inform employers: Make sure they know your visa limits
- Ask ApplyOn: Unsure if your situation qualifies for full-time work? Just ask. Our advisors deal with this daily.
Final Thoughts: Know the Rules, Secure Your Future
Studying in Australia is an incredible opportunity—not just for academics, but for career growth too. But it all starts with staying informed and compliant. Working while studying is 100% possible—and even encouraged—as long as you respect the rules.
At Applyon, we help students not just study—but live smartly in Australia. Whether you’re applying for a student visa, managing your work schedule, or planning your transition to PR, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
FAQs
- Can international students work more than 48 hours during exams or assignments?
No. The 48-hour limit applies during active study periods, regardless of exam pressure or assignments. - Can I work full time between semesters?
Yes. During scheduled university breaks (e.g., December–January), you can work unlimited hours. - Do internships count toward the work limit?
If the internship is paid and not a mandatory part of your course, yes—it counts toward your limit. - What if I go slightly over 48 hours by accident?
A small error may not be penalized, but repeated or deliberate breaches can impact your visa and future immigration history. - Is freelancing or remote work allowed?
Yes, as long as you report the income and stay within the allowed hours. You must also follow tax and legal guidelines.
Thinking about working while studying in Australia?
Use Applyon’s advisory service to check your rights, get help with job placements, or plan your post-study visa strategy.
Still unsure if your job counts toward the limit? Ask our team—we’ve helped thousands stay compliant and build careers in Australia.
