Exploring the Working Hours Rules for Students Visa (Subclass 500)

Many international students search for answers regarding the number of hours limitations on working while studying in Australia. There are still some common queries regarding these restrictions, such as “How many hours can an international student legally work in Australia?” and “Until when are international students allowed to work for an infinite number of hours in Australia?

In this article, we’ll cover the rules, regulations, rights, and requirements for those wanting to work while on an Australian student visa. 

Student Visa Working Hours Conditions

Students who have an Australia Student Visa are subject to Working Hours Condition 8105. Before their course begins, they are not allowed to work at all. 

An exception to the 40-hour rule is made for those who have started a Master by Research or Doctorate course, who are then allowed to work unlimited hours once they have begun their postgraduate research. 

The hours and rules for working are determined by the Australian labour laws and the Migration Act of 1958.

International students on a Subclass 500 student visa are generally allowed to work up to 40 hours over a period of two weeks. This is referred to as the fortnightly limit and equates to a maximum of 20 hours per week. 

To illustrate this, let’s look at an example:

•  Week 1: 10 hours, Week 2: 30 hours, Week 3: 20 hours, Week 4: 20 hours. 

• Here, the total hours worked over Week 1 and 2 (40) fall within the fortnightly limit, as does the total hours worked over Week 3 and 4 (40).

•  However, when looking at Week 2 and 3 together, the total hours worked (50) exceeds the fortnightly limit. 

Therefore, it is important to keep track of hours worked each week and to make sure not to exceed 20 hours.

Temporary Relaxation Of 40 hours 

Even though there is more flexibility in the hours that students can work in certain sectors, it is important to maintain a balance between study and work commitments. Students who work more than 40 hours per fortnight must ensure their enrollment, satisfactory course attendance, and satisfactory course progress. 

Student Visa Working Hours Rules

• If you are working on a Subclass 500 visa, then you must stay enrolled in the course of study you listed as your reason for needing a student visa. 
• Additionally, your attendance at course-related events (such as lectures, tutorials, exams, and classes) must be satisfactory according to the institution you are studying at. 
• You must also be making satisfactory progress in completing your course, meaning you are passing your units of study and progressing through the course at the expected rate. If you don’t meet these obligations and are still working, you may be found in breach of your visa conditions.

Minimum Wage

If you are legally working in Australia, regardless of your visa status, you have certain rights that are outlined in the National Employment Standards. These entitlements include leave, public holiday pay rates, and the Fair Work Information Statement and Casual Employment Information Statement. Additionally, those over the age of 21 are entitled to the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission, which is currently $21.38 per hour before taxes for permanent employees. Casual employees are also entitled to an additional 25% loading if they are paid less than the national minimum wage.

The Bottom Line

The Department of Home Affairs offers several work visas to overseas students and migrants in Australia. Every Australian visa has its own eligibility criteria and requirements. International students who are looking to build a career in Australia must satisfy the visa requirements. People often wonder how many hours a student can work in Australia? If you are on a Student visa 500, then you can work for 40 hours per fortnight. However, you can work for an unlimited number of hours after you have finished your studies. Additionally, there are many other visas that allow you to work in Australia. So, if you would like to apply for a work visa in Australia, you can schedule an appointment with migration agent in Adelaide

Recommended Read: How to Extend Your Student Visa?