Can Students Work Full Time in Australia?

 

Australia’s world-class education, high standards of life, multicultural environment, and endless employment opportunities have made it the most preferred country for internationals to migrate, live, study, and work. Multitudes of internal students apply each year to Australian universities and seek employment opportunities while on study visas in Australia (subclass 500).

 

Despite this, an important question may arise, “Can students work full-time in Australia?”

I know coping with the financial commitment while studying abroad is hard. That’s why Australia has always been a dream country for foreign countries, as it allows students to work part-time and earn valuable income by providing them with employment opportunities. 

 

However, the Australian Government has set specific rules regarding work hours for international students in Australia. Some limits are placed on working hours to ensure students maintain a healthy balance between work and study. As it has been rightly said: 

 

“Boundaries are not restrictions; they are respect for the balance of life.”

 

Apart from knowing the actual working hours in Australia,  it is important for any international student to understand the value of working hours in order to manage their financial and academic commitments effectively.

Before moving forward, let me briefly examine the importance of international students’ working hours in Australia.

 

Understand the Importance of Working Hours for International Students

 

As Jana Kingsford wisely said, “Balance is not something you find; it is something you create.” The same is the case with understanding the value of working hours for international students as it can restrain international students from many serious consequences, including visa cancellation.

By following the working hours limits set by the Australian Government is essential for many reasons, such as: 

 

1. Academic Success

The first and foremost purpose of obtaining a student visa is your education. By limiting work hours, international students can focus more on their studies and ensure they achieve their academic goals without the distraction of excessive work commitments.

 

2. Health & Well-Being

As you know, overthinking can lead to stress, fatigue, and burnout. Maintaining a balance between work and study ensures you have enough time to rest, exercise, and engage in other social activities, which are vital to your health and well-being. 

 

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn.

 

3. Legal Compliance

Following the working hour restrictions is a legal requirement for student visa holders in Australia. When you violate these conditions, it can lead to severe consequences, including visa cancellation. So, staying within the allocated working hours limits helps the students to prevent themselves from many legal issues and ensure they can continue their studies without interruption.

 

“Obey the law, and the law will protect you.” – Thomas Jefferson.

 

4. Quality of Work Experience

Working within the set hours may encourage international students to seek meaningful employment opportunities that complement their studies. It will align your interest while studying and lead to valuable work experience to enhance your resume and future career prospects.

 

 “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs.

 

5. Financial Management

Working part-time while studying can help the students to cover their living expenses. Students must manage their finances wisely during their study abroad, and that’s why understanding the limits on working hours and planning your budgets are valuable.  Further, save money and avoid overreliance on part-time work for financial stability.

 

“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” – Warren Buffett.

 

Can Students Work Full Time in Australia?

There are specific allocated hours in which international students can work part-time. As an international student, you can not work full-time in Australia during your studies or course sessions. However, you can work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks or university holidays.

This flexibility can help the students gain valuable work experience and support themselves financially while studying in Australia. Furthermore, some specific sectors, like aged care, may have different work conditions that may allow them to work more hours.

 

What are the Working Hours for International Students in Australia in 2024?

 

Now, this is a perfect point to answer your question, “Can students work full-time in Australia?”

 

Previous Work Restrictions (40 hours per fortnight)

Previously, during COVID-19, student work restrictions were removed in January 2022, but they were temporary arrangements that ended on June 30, 2023.  Since July 1, 2023, the Australian Government has reintroduced new limits on the working hours for student visa holders (subclass 500) working in Australia.

In 2023, the Australian Government initiated a series of changes and updates regarding international student visa policies and regulations. International students’ working hours are no exception, as new working hours and rules for subclass 500 holders have also been set to mark. 

 

Since July 1, 2023, international students can:

• Work only when you have started your course of studies in Australia.
• Work up to 24 hours per week or 48 hours a fortnight, which is equivalent to approximately three days a week during their studies in Australia.
• Have unlimited working hours during their holidays or semester breaks.

 

Note: A fortnight is considered a 14-day period that starts on a Monday). For example, a holder’s 48 working hours and fortnightly working limit will be calculated as follows:

 

• Week 1: 15 hours of work
• Week 2: 30 hours of work
• Week 3: 30 hours of work
• Week 4: 10 hours of work

 

While there are a couple of exceptions to this, such as:

 

1. Students studying master studies by researching a PhD have no work restrictions during studies or training and are exempt from this session.  
2. If you’re enrolled in a course that includes work as part of its curriculum (e.g., student placements that go towards course credit), these hours will not count towards the 48-hour cap.

 

Working Hours Rights for International Students in Australia in 2024

In Australia, overseas workers or working international students can enjoy the same working rights in the Australian workplace as all other employees may have. These rights ensure that students can work safely and fairly during their studies in Australia. If you plan to have a job in Australia, knowing these working rights in the workplace and being familiar with what you are entitled to is essential.

 

Note: If you are looking for a new job, the Australian Government’s Fair Work Ombudsman can help. They offer a wide range of free resources, tools, and free help guides to help you start a new job.

 

Let’s have a look at the key work rights for international students.

 

Minimum Wage

In Australia, all workers, including overseas students, must be paid at least the minimum wage as set by the Fair Work Commission. In a country or society, it is illegal to be discriminated against or disadvantaged by race, religion, age, gender, marital status, sexuality, or disability.

Payslips

At Australian workplaces, employers are also required to provide payslips that detail the hours worked, pay rate, and any deductions. This transparency helps many students to keep track of their incomes and make sure they are paid correctly.

Safe Workplace

Your employers must provide a safe working environment by following occupational health and safety regulations. They should give you proper training, information, supervision, and equipment so that you can work safely and prevent yourself from workplace injuries.

Leave Entitlements

Workplace rights allow workers to be entitled to various types of leaves, including annual, sick, and parental leaves. These entitlements will let the students take time off when they need to without losing their jobs.

Fair Treatment

Under workplace rights, all employees must treat workers or overseas students fairly, and they have no right to unfair dismissal, discrimination, or workplace bullying. This means that international students have the right to be treated in a respectful manner at the workplace in Australia.

Superannuation

While working in Australia, international students are entitled to the same workplace rights as Australian residents, including superannuation, referred to as “super,” a compulsory retirement savings system. Employers are required to contribute to a superannuation fund for their employees. International students are also entitled to these contributions, which they can claim when they leave Australia.

Here is a complete guide that can help you learn the ways to withdraw your super if you leave Australia permanently: Click Here to read more.

Taxation

When international students study in Australia for more than six months, they are considered citizens for tax purposes. So, while working in an Australian workplace, they need to pay taxes and have a Tax File Number (TFN). All residents of Australia pay tax and receive ‘super’, superannuation payments from their employers. 

Note: You can visit the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website to apply for a Tax File Number (TEN).

Workplace Rights Protection

While working in Australia, international students can seek help without fear of visa cancellation, even if they breach their work-related visa conditions. The Australian Government supports them and prevents them from any kind of workplace exploitation. For this purpose, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is also committed to securing workplace rights and protecting all workers in Australia, including international students.

 

Note: It is crucial to review your visa conditions to understand any work restrictions fully. You can check it out at the Department of Home Affairs Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO). You can also find the best possible employment opportunities at the Equal Opportunity Commission.

 

What are the Rules and Regulations for International Students in 2024?

However, all international students are required to abide by the work limitations on their student visa. There are some important rules and regulations under their student visa that are required to follow, such as:

 

Consistent Study Program

Students are required to pursue a consistent study program in Australian institutes that has been approved by the Australian Government.

Fulfilment of Study Requirements

All international students must fulfil all of the requirements of their prior study program in which they are enrolled.

Attendance and Course Progress

Overseas students are required to maintain satisfactory attendance in their study course as well as demonstrate satisfactory course progress for each study period or semester  as required by their school or university in Australia.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

International students enrolled in Australian academic institutes must maintain the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) during their study period in Australia.

 

What are the Consequences of Working More than Allowed Hours in Australia?

As you know, student visas come with working hours conditions that are meant to be followed. If international students don’t comply with the working hours conditions and work more than the allowed  48 hours per fortnight, they can face many penalties:

 

Visa Cancellation

The most severe consequence of working more than allowed hours is the cancellation of your student visa, which can lead to deportation as well.

Fines and Penalties

Another violation of working hours conditions may be fines and penalties that can be imposed on both the student and their employer.

Impact on Future Visa Applications

Violating work conditions can negatively affect your future visa applications and damage your international reputation in the embassy. 

 

What are the Types of Employment in Australia?

In Australia, there are three types of employment: full-time, part-time, casual and other internships. The type of employment you choose determines your working hours, pay rates, breaks, and other entitlements during your ongoing study course sessions.

Full-Time Employment

Generally, it involves working an average of 38 hours per week. However, international students are typically only eligible for part-time work while their course is in session due to visa conditions or restrictions.

Part-Time Employment

Part-time employees work fewer hours than full-time employees, usually on a regular schedule. Part-time employees receive benefits similar to full-time employees, such as paid annual leave and sick leave.

Casual Employment

It offers flexible, irregular hours, often on an hourly basis. Within casual employment, employees or international students do not receive paid leave but are compensated with a higher hourly rate to account for this.

Internships and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)

These types of work can be paid or unpaid and are often part of the student’s course requirements. They provide valuable industry experience and networking opportunities.

 

Essential Tips for Balance Work and Studying Effectively in Australia

Here are some essential tips that will help you to maintain your work balance and study effectively in Australia:

1. Time Management: You just plan your work schedule around your classes and study sessions.
2. Know Your Rights: You need to understand your work rights and conditions that can help you to avoid potential exploitation.
3. Identify Sources of Help: You must utilise university support services to seek jobs and understand work regulations.

 

Conclusion

Working in Australia while pursuing an education is a great deal for international students to meet their finances on their own. It is a valuable route to earn a handsome amount, gain experience, and grow their career in an international country like Australia. But, it is essential to keep yourself on track within the 48 working hours and be aware of important working conditions, restrictions, and regulations to comply with. It will help you to strike a balance between work and study in Australia.

If you want to work in Australia on your study visa, you must first be accepted into an Australian academic institute. For this purpose, you must apply for a study visa for Australia subclass 500 as early as possible to start your employment in Australia.  We at the Migration can significantly assist you in this process.

 

FAQs

Q: 1 What are working hours regulations for international students state wise in Australia?

According to the new rules working hours for international students is up to 48 hours per fortnight during their academic sessions. However, the general rules are the same nationwide, some states may have additional support services or specific guidelines for international students.

Q: 2 Do international students need to apply for a work permit to work in Australia?

No, international students with a valid student visa (subclass 500) do not need to apply for a separate work permit to work in Australia.

Q: 3 How many hours can international students work during the academic session?

From July 1, 2023, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic session.

Q: 4 Are there any restrictions on working hours during holidays?

No, international students can work unlimited hours during their semester breaks or holidays.

Q: 5 Can international students work before their course starts?

Students can only work after their course starts if they hold a visa that permits them to work when they apply for their student visa.

Q: 6  Are there any specific sectors where international students can work more hours?

Yes, students working in the aged care sector may have different conditions. For example, those already working in aged care as of May 9, 2023, could work unrestricted hours in that sector until December 31, 2023

Q: 7 What are the minimum wage and tax requirements for international students?

International students must be paid at least the minimum wage, pay income tax, and receive a pay slip for their work

Q: 8 What happens if a student breaches their work conditions?

Breaching work conditions can result in penalties, including visa cancellation. Students must follow the specified working hours.

Q: 9 How can students check their visa conditions?

Students can check their visa conditions using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.