Working While Studying

If you decide to work a part-time job while studying there are a few things to consider.

It's important to make sure the extra workload doesn’t negatively affect your studies, to be aware of student visa conditions surrounding work, and to make sure you're being treated fairly and legally by your employer.

Visa work restrictions

Check your visa conditions and read information from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) regarding restrictions on your work.

Coursework students are generally limited to 40 hours work per fortnight (two week period). This means that:

  • If you work more than 20 hours in a given week, you must make sure you work less than 20 hours in the week before and the week after.
  • You can only work over 40 hours per fortnight during official University breaks. If your dependants intend to work, make sure they understand their visa conditions and stick to them.
  • The following table demonstrates an example of what '40 hours per fortnight' means:
Managing your work hours - Coursework Students
  Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6
Best 20 hours 20 hours 20 hours 20 hours 20 hours 20 hours
Not OK 30 30 10 10 10 10
OK 10 hours 30 hours 10 hours 30 hours 10 hours 30 hours
Not OK 10 30 10 30 30 10

Temporary relaxation of work restrictions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced temporary relaxation of working hour restrictions for student visa holders working in certain industries. For further information, and to confirm whether you are eligible, please see the Department of Home Affairs' website.

Your work rights

In addition to your visa conditions, there are also working conditions you need to be aware of if you are going to work in Australia. Before agreeing to work anywhere, it's important to know a few things.