Many international students relocate to a new country to pursue educational opportunities and build their careers. They frequently find themselves juggling classes and work to cover living expenses while studying, as well as to gain professional experience. Hence, government authorities set some regulations and work limitations for international students to protect their rights and well-being while also ensuring that academic goals are not hampered.

In Australia, the Department of Home Affairs oversees the rights of international students and has outlined regulations for those on a Student Visa. If you plan to study in Australia, you must understand these rights in order to work in the country to manage your living costs without violating any visa conditions. This guide will help you comprehend the rights and work limitations for international students in Australia.

Work Regulations for International Students In Australia

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) permits Foreign students to enrol in full-time courses at accredited Australian institutions. It allows them to live, study, and work in Australia while pursuing their chosen course.

Foreign students with a student visa must follow certain regulations, such as:

• Maintain satisfactory attendance
• Have good academic progress
• Hold adequate health insurance coverage

These students are permitted to work part-time or take on casual jobs once their CRICOS-registered course commences. However, in order to legally work in Australia, students need to comply with the Australian study work regulations and register with the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) has no set minimum age for International students. The legal working age depends on the state or territory regulations for part-time or casual jobs. Thus, students can work once their course has started by staying compliant with both visa and local employment laws.

Current Work Limitations for International Students

From 1 July 2023, international students on Subclass 500 are obliged to follow the following regulations:

• They are allowed to work no more than 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
• During scheduled semester/term breaks or official university holidays, they are permitted to work any number of hours.

Note: In this context, a fortnight refers to any rolling 14-day period rather than a calendar week.

According to Australian student visa regulations, work restrictions apply to any work that pays, including employment, contract, or freelance arrangements. It also includes any work experience or internships, whether compensated or unpaid.

Exceptions to 48-hour Work Limitation:

• There is no 48-hour time limit for students completing work experience requirements as mandated by a CRICOS-registered course.
• Postgraduate research students (PhD and some Master’s by research students) can work any number of hours after the main course begins.
• Students working in the aged care sector can also work for unlimited hours.
• Certain dependents of students pursuing higher education may not be subject to the work-hour restriction.

Equal Workplace Rights Of International Students In Australia

Australian employers are required to adhere to legal standards and provide similar workplace rights to international students as they do to other Australian employees. Some of these rights include:

• Neither the employers nor the coworkers can discriminate against international students based on their nationality or visa status.
• International students are entitled to receive the minimum wage and award benefits.
• Employers must provide international students with payslips and superannuation contributions if their earnings meet the threshold amount.
• All employees, including international students, are equally protected under workplace safety regulations.
• International students have to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) to meet their taxation obligations.

Serious Consequences of Violating Work Conditions 

The Department of Home Affairs manages and investigates cases related to violations of work conditions by international students. Students who breach work restrictions may face severe consequences, including visa cancellation, denial of future visas, or other enforcement actions.

In some cases, the violation is related to workplace exploitation. As a result, the Australian employers may face fines or other severe consequences.

Practical Tips For International Students To Avoid Compliance Issues

Here are some of the tips that can help International students to stay compliant with the regulations:

• Keep track of your working hours for each day of the 14-day period and ensure that you do not exceed them.
• Always prioritise your studies and avoid working too many shifts to earn more.
• Follow the exact visa conditions outlined in your grant letter and Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) record.
• Before beginning a part-time job, apply for a TFN with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
• After receiving your TFN, always file your taxes on time.
• Ask your employer for your paystubs and employment records. Always keep them on file as proof of compliance in case the authorities request them.
• Make sure to update your visa information if you change providers, change courses, or complete your course.
• Stay up to date on the latest changes to Work Limitations for International Students in Australia.

End Note

Hence, international students are obliged to work not more than 48 hours in two weeks during their study terms in Australia. These work limitations can sound frustrating to some students, yet they are important to keep students focused on the task for which they actually came overseas, and that is studying. However, this can make living in the country hard for some students. But there are practical prospects that can help students to live, study and work without facing any legal complications.

At Ozee Migration, we not only assist students in obtaining an Australian student Visa, but also in exploring job opportunities that will allow them to support themselves while in the country. Book a consultation today to find out how we can assist you in turning your Australian dream into reality!

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