Student Visa Work Experience Requirement (Subclass 500)
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Student visa holders (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight when their course is in session — exceeding this limit may breach visa conditions.
If you are studying in Australia on a Student visa (Subclass 500), understanding Student Visa Work Experience Requirements is critical. Exceeding permitted hours or working when not authorised may result in serious consequences, including visa cancellation.
This guide outlines the key work conditions attached to the Subclass 500 visa and what counts towards your work limit.
If you would like a broader overview of eligibility, course requirements and visa conditions, you can read our complete guide to the Student Visa (Subclass 500) for a detailed breakdown of application requirements and compliance obligations.
Understanding Student Visa Work Experience Requirements
In most cases, you cannot work before your course officially begins.
This restriction applies to:
Student visa holders
Their dependents
An exception may apply if you previously held another visa that included work rights at the time you applied for your Student visa.
Your course is considered “in session” when:
The semester is active (including exam periods)
You are actively enrolled
Assessments or examinations are being conducted
You take an additional unit during a scheduled term break
The 48 Hours Per Fortnight Rule Explained
When your course is in session, you may work up to 48 hours per fortnight.
A fortnight means a 14-day period starting on a Monday.
It is important to understand:
It is not 24 hours per week
Your total hours across all jobs must not exceed 48 hours in any 14-day period
Example
If you work:
Week 1: 15 hours
Week 2: 30 hours
Total = 45 hours (within limit)
If your total reaches 60 hours within the same fortnight (this may be considered a breach of your visa condition.)
Having multiple employers does not increase your permitted hours. The combined total must remain within 48 hours per fortnight.
What Is Considered “Work” on a Student Visa?
You are considered working if you:
Attend a rostered shift
Are clocked on in an employer system
Are signed into a taxi or rideshare app and available for jobs
Receive payment recorded on a payslip
Unpaid meal breaks generally do not count as work hours.
Mandatory Course Placements (CRICOS)
An important exception applies to required course placements.
If your course includes a mandatory work placement listed in CRICOS, those required hours do not count toward your 48-hour work limit.
CRICOS refers to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students, regulated by the Department of Education.
When Can You Work Unlimited Hours?
Student visa holders may work unlimited hours when their course is officially not in session.
This may include:
Scheduled semester breaks
After completing your course (while your visa remains valid)
If your enrolment is formally deferred or suspended
Mandatory CRICOS-listed placements (for required hours only)
However, exam periods are still considered “in session.”
Special Rules for Postgraduate Students
Work rights vary depending on your level of study.
Master’s by Research or PhD
If you are enrolled in a Master’s by Research or a PhD:
You may work unlimited hours
Your dependents may also work unlimited hours
Master’s by Coursework
If you are enrolled in a Master’s by Coursework:
You are limited to 48 hours per fortnight when in session
Your dependents may work unlimited hours
Important Compliance Reminder
Work rights are a visa condition. Exceeding permitted hours or working without authorisation may result in:
Visa condition breaches
Visa cancellation
Impact on future visa applications
Always keep accurate records of your hours worked, particularly if you hold multiple jobs.
Unsure About Your Work Rights?
Work conditions may vary depending on your enrolment status and personal circumstances.
If you are unsure how the 48-hour limit applies to your situation, you may seek professional advice before making decisions about employment.
Disclaimer This content is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Work rights and visa conditions may vary depending on individual circumstances and current migration settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work more than 48 hours if I have two jobs?
No. The 48-hour limit applies to your total combined hours across all employers during each fortnight when your course is in session.
Does the 48-hour limit apply during exam periods?
Yes. Exam periods are considered “in session”, and the 48-hour per fortnight limit still applies.
Can I work unlimited hours during semester break?
Yes. You may work unlimited hours during officially scheduled semester breaks, provided your next course or term has not yet started.
What happens if I accidentally exceed 48 hours?
Exceeding the permitted work limit may result in a breach of your visa condition. The consequences depend on your circumstances and compliance history.
Do unpaid internships count toward the 48-hour limit?
If the internship is a mandatory component of your CRICOS-registered course, required hours do not count toward the 48-hour limit. Voluntary unpaid work may still be considered work depending on the circumstances.
Need Clarification on Your Student Visa Work Conditions?
Understanding Subclass 500 work requirements is essential to avoid unintended breaches.
If you would like personalised advice regarding your work rights, enrolment status or visa conditions, you may book a consultation with RACC Australia to discuss your situation.
Comments