Lori Meadows
International students in Australia can work a maximum of 48 hours every fortnight during term time, and unlimited hours during holidays. These rules apply to students on a valid student visa, and work is a great way for students to experience the local culture and gain practical experience. International students have the same workplace rights and protections as other employees in Australia, including minimum pay and conditions. It is important for students to understand the rules of their work visa, including any restrictions on the number of hours they can work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours during term time | 20 hours per week |
| Work hours during holidays | Unlimited |
| Work hours from 1 July 2023 | 48 hours every fortnight |
| Work rights | Same as other workers in Australia |
| Workplace issues | Contact Fair Work Ombudsman |
| Work visa | Required |
| Visa fee | A$535 |
| Visa application requirement | Confirmation of enrollment |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa rules and work rights
International students in Australia on a valid student visa can work for up to 20 hours per week during term time, and there is no limit on the number of hours they can work during recognised school vacations. From 1 July 2023, this limit will increase to 48 hours every fortnight during term time. It is important to note that this limit does not include any work that is a required component of a student's studies or training. Additionally, volunteer and unpaid work count towards the weekly limit.
Students must be accepted into an Australian educational institute before applying for a student visa. When applying, they need to provide confirmation of enrolment from the institution as proof of their educational purpose. Students are advised to apply for their visa as early as possible, as processing times can vary. The visa application fee is currently A$535.
International students have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia, including minimum pay and conditions. These rights are protected and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman, who provides free advice and assistance in multiple languages. Students can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman without fear of their visa being cancelled if they are experiencing issues such as workplace exploitation or unfair treatment.
It is important for international students to understand the rules of their work visa, including the number of hours they are allowed to work each week. Casual employees, for example, do not receive paid sick leave or annual leave and can be terminated at any time. Additionally, students should ensure they are being paid correctly, with tax being sent to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
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Workplace rights and protections
International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in the country. These rights and protections are outlined by the Australian Government's Fair Work Ombudsman, which offers free resources and tools to help international students prepare for their new jobs.
The Fair Work Ombudsman also helps international students with workplace issues, without the risk of their visas being cancelled. This includes issues such as not receiving the right pay or other entitlements, like leave or notice. The Ombudsman also provides advice in multiple languages.
All employees in Australia have basic rights and protections in the workplace, including minimum pay and conditions. These are set by a legal document, such as an award, an agreement, or a contract of employment. If an award or agreement does not apply, all employees in the national workplace relations system will receive basic minimum pay, conditions, and protections under Commonwealth workplace laws.
In addition, employees have the right to not be discriminated against, bullied, or sexually harassed in the workplace. Discrimination protection ensures that all workers, including international students, are treated equally and fairly. If you encounter unfair treatment, have concerns about your rights at work, or experience discrimination, you can contact support services like the Fair Work Ombudsman.
It is important for international students to understand their workplace rights, particularly around pay, working conditions, and health and safety. They should also be aware of their student visa work rights and any relevant certifications required for their jobs.
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Work hours and conditions
International students in Australia can work part-time or casually to support themselves financially while studying. They are entitled to the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia, including minimum pay and conditions. This means that international students cannot be treated unfairly or exploited in the workplace. The Fair Work Ombudsman ensures that these rights are protected and enforced under Australia's workplace laws.
International students can work for up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time (unless they are PhD or Master's by research students) and unlimited hours during their holiday breaks. A work week in Australia is considered to be Monday through the following Sunday. Students are not allowed to begin working until after their courses have commenced, although they may arrive in Australia up to 90 days before their course begins.
It is important for international students to understand the rules of their work visa before starting a job, including the number of hours they are allowed to work each week. They can refer to their ImmiAccount to find out their visa conditions. Additionally, volunteer and unpaid work count towards the 20-hour limit per week during term time. Working more than the allowed hours may result in the cancellation of the student visa.
International students should receive their wages through acceptable payment methods, such as cash (with taxes deducted), cheque, money or postal order, or electronic funds transfer into their bank account. They should also receive superannuation and check their pay slips to ensure compliance with tax regulations.
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Pay and entitlements
International students in Australia have the same workplace rights as permanent residents and citizens. This includes the right to fair pay, safe working conditions, and fair treatment at work. All employees in Australia have basic rights and protections in the workplace, including minimum pay and conditions.
The type of employment an international student chooses will determine their rates of pay, breaks, and entitlements. Full-time employees generally work 38 hours per week and receive pay for a full week's work, as well as entitlements such as paid annual and sick leave. Part-time employees work fewer than 38 hours per week but get the same minimum entitlements as full-time employees, such as sick leave and annual leave, on a pro-rata basis. Casual employees do not receive guaranteed hours of work and are not entitled to certain benefits, such as paid annual leave. Therefore, they receive a higher hourly rate of pay, known as "casual loading".
International students on a student visa are restricted to casual or part-time employment while studying, as full-time employment exceeds the allowable work hours for visa holders. From 1 July 2023, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. It is important to check your visa rules to ensure you are adhering to the work hour restrictions set out in your visa conditions.
To receive payments for your work in Australia, you will need an Australian bank account and a Tax File Number (TFN). It is recommended to apply for a TFN as soon as you start your job search, as it may take up to 28 days to arrive. Your employer is required to outline your pay in your employment contract and ensure you receive at least the minimum wage and provide regular pay slips. It is acceptable for your employer to pay you in cash as long as tax has been taken from your earnings and sent to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
If you are unsure about your rights or think you are not receiving the correct pay or entitlements, help is available. You can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice in multiple languages, or visit the Study Melbourne Hub, which can refer you to a free legal advice service.
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Visa conditions and restrictions
International students in Australia must abide by specific visa conditions and restrictions regarding their work and study. These regulations outline the number of hours they are permitted to work and the types of work they can undertake. As of 1 July 2023, international students on a valid visa can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during their holiday breaks. Prior to this date, the limit was 20 hours per week during school terms, and there was no limit on work hours during recognised school vacations. It's important to note that this rule does not apply to any work required as part of their studies or training.
International students should be aware that their visa conditions might vary, and they should check their ImmiAccount for specific details. Additionally, casual employment, which does not include paid sick leave or annual leave, may be an option for students seeking part-time work. However, casual employees can be terminated at any time. Fixed-term contracts are another option, providing similar conditions and entitlements to permanent employees. Regardless of the employment type, understanding the work restrictions of their visa is crucial before starting any job.
Visa holders should also be aware of their workplace rights and protections. International students have the same workplace entitlements as other employees in Australia, including minimum pay and conditions, regardless of their migration status. The Fair Work Ombudsman ensures that these rights are protected and enforced under Australia's workplace laws. Students can seek assistance from the Fair Work Ombudsman without fear of visa cancellation if they experience issues such as workplace exploitation or unfair treatment.
It is important to note that any family members accompanying an international student under their student visa have the same work rights: they can work up to 20 hours per week, but this cannot be exceeded, even during holidays. However, for students pursuing a graduate degree, their family members can work unlimited hours. Additionally, visa applicants should be aware of the application fee, which is currently A$535, and the requirement to provide confirmation of enrolment from an Australian educational institution.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in Australia on a valid student visa can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and unlimited hours during recognized school vacations.
Students must first be accepted into an Australian educational institute before applying for a student visa. A visa application fee of A$535 is required. Students can work once their course of study begins, but different work rights may apply, so it's important to check your ImmiAccount.
If an international student works more than the allowed hours, their visa may be cancelled.
International students have the same workplace rights and protections as other employees in Australia, including minimum pay and conditions. This is true regardless of migration status.
International students can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice in multiple languages. They can help without fear of the student's visa being cancelled.
