Am I eligible to work part-time for 20 hours per week during my studies in Australia, and how does that translate to daily hours?
Yes, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa in Australia, you can work part-time, though the limit is 48 hours per fortnight rather than a strict weekly cap. That averages to about 24 hours per week, or roughly 5 to 8 hours per day depending on your schedule.
Yes, as an international student on a standard Subclass 500 Student Visa in Australia, you are legally permitted to work part-time. However, the Australian Government does not measure your work limit by a weekly cap; instead, it operates on a fortnightly cap that you need to track carefully.
Your Key Work Eligibility Rules
| Timeframe | Target / Limit | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Per Week (Average) | 24 hours | A general benchmark to average out your work schedule |
| Per Fortnight (Strict Limit) | 48 hours max | The absolute legal ceiling for any 14-day block starting on a Monday |
| Per Day (Example Distribution) | About 5 to 8 hours | Flexible, provided your total across the 14 days does not cross 48 |
How the Fortnightly Cap Works for You
While your course is in session, including semesters, terms, and exam periods, you can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight, with a fortnight defined strictly as a 14-day period starting on a Monday. This 48-hour limit applies to your total combined hours across all employers, so if you hold two part-time jobs, both count toward the same cap, though you can work unlimited hours during officially scheduled course breaks.
My Advice
Map your shifts against the exact 14-day calendar grid rather than assuming separate weekly compliance, since working 24 hours one week and 30 the next could push a crossover fortnight past the 48-hour limit and risk a visa breach.
How much can you actually earn part-time in Australia?
See how part-time work fits into your total budget and visa funds.
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