Work conditions for student visa holders

You can't work until you have started your course in Australia. Once your course has begun, you can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. You may also work unlimited hours when your course isn't in session.

• Work that is a formal registered part of your course isn't included in the limit of 48 hours per fortnight.
• If you are doing voluntary, unpaid work, it isn't included in the limit of 48 hours per fortnight if it:
  • benefits the community
  • is for a non-profit organisation
  • would not otherwise be undertaken in return for wages by an Australian resident (that is, it is a designated volunteer position), and
  • is genuinely voluntary (that is, you receive no payment, either in cash or kind - except board and lodging if applicable).
• If you are a research student and you have commenced your masters by research or PhD in Australia, there's no limit to the number of hours you may work.
• You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during any preliminary courses you undertake before starting your masters by research or PhD.

Dependent family members

• Must not start work until the primary visa holder has started the course in Australia
• Can work up to 48 hours per fortnight at all times unless the primary visa holder has commenced a course towards a masters or doctoral degree. In this case, there's no limit to the number of hours a dependent family member may work.

The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs consider your course to be 'in-session':

• for the duration of the advertised trimesters, including exam periods
• if you have completed your studies and your Confirmation of Enrolment is still valid (except masters by research or PhD students who have submitted their thesis for marking)
• when you are undertaking another course, during a break from your main course and points from that course will be credited to your main course.