Australia Student Work Rights 2026
International students on Australia’s Student visa (subclass 500) can work while studying. Work rights change when your course is in session and during scheduled breaks.
While your course is in session, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. During scheduled breaks, you can work unlimited hours.
These work rights apply to students on the Student visa (subclass 500). Australia uses English and the currency is AUD.
After graduation, a post-study work stream may let eligible graduates work if they complete a qualifying degree. That means there may be a work path after study, depending on eligibility.
Australia has 59 universities, including the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, Monash University, and the University of Queensland. Common student cities include Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and Brisbane.
Questions about working & jobs in Australia
Can international students work in Australia while studying?
Yes. On the Student visa (subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
What can happen after graduation?
A post-study work stream may let eligible graduates work after completing a qualifying degree.
Which visa covers these work rights?
The Student visa (subclass 500).
More on Australia: destination overview · universities · scholarships · student visa