1. The Core Rule: 48 Hours Per Fortnight
As of 2026, international students in Australia (Subclass 500) are permitted to work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
- What is a “Fortnight”? It is a 14-day period starting on a Monday and ending on the second Sunday.
- Rolling Check: You must not exceed 48 hours in any 14-day window. If you work 30 hours in Week 1, you can only work 18 hours in Week 2.
- Multiple Jobs: The 48-hour limit is cumulative. If you have two jobs, the total hours from both must stay under the cap.
2. When Can You Work “Unlimited” Hours?
There are two major exceptions to the 48-hour rule in 2026:
- Scheduled Course Breaks: During official summer, winter, or mid-semester breaks (as defined by your university calendar), you can work unlimited hours.
- Postgraduate Research Students: If you have commenced a Master’s by Research or a PhD (Doctoral degree), Condition 8105 grants you unlimited work rights year-round.
3. Critical “Do Not Start” Rule
A common mistake for new arrivals in 2026 is starting work too early.
Condition 8105 states: You (and your dependents) cannot begin working in Australia until your course of study has officially commenced.
Example: If you land in Sydney on February 1st but your orientation and classes start on February 24th, you are not legally allowed to work during those three weeks.
4. What Counts as “Work”?
It’s not just a 9-to-5 job. In the eyes of Home Affairs, “work” includes:
- Paid Employment: Casual, part-time, or full-time roles.
- ABN / Gig Work: Driving for Uber, DoorDash, or Menulog counts toward your 48 hours.
- Unpaid Internships: If the internship is not a mandatory requirement of your course, the hours count toward your limit.
- Trial Shifts: Even unpaid “training” or “trial” shifts are often considered work.
What doesn’t count? Mandatory clinical placements (for nursing/teaching) that are officially part of your CRICOS-registered course.
5. 2026 Compliance: Protecting Your Visa
In 2026, the Australian government is proposing a potential shift to 60 hours per fortnight starting July 1, 2026, to help with labor shortages. However, until that date, the 48-hour rule remains strictly enforced.
Consequences of a Breach:
- Visa Cancellation: Working even 49 hours in a fortnight can lead to the cancellation of your Subclass 500 visa.
- Employer Penalties: Your employer can be fined heavily for allowing a breach, which is why most reputable companies use VEVO checks to monitor your rights.
6. Quick Tips for Students
- Keep a Log: Use an app or a simple spreadsheet to track your hours across all jobs.
- Download your VEVO: Keep a PDF of your Visa Entitlement Verification Online status on your phone to show employers.
- Tax File Number (TFN): Never work “cash-in-hand.” It is illegal and leaves you with no protection against workplace exploitation.
