Do I get more part-time work hours in the USA or in Australia as an international student?
A country comparison lists part-time work permission of 20 hours a week in the USA and 48 hours a fortnight in Australia. Rules depend on your visa and can change, so check official government sources for the latest limits before you plan any work.
A country comparison lists part-time work permission of 20 hours a week for students in the USA and 48 hours a fortnight in Australia. These limits depend on your visa conditions and can change. Check the official government pages for the latest rules before you plan your finances.
Part-Time Work and Post-Study Work
| Factor | USA | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time work permission | 20 hours a week | 48 hours a fortnight |
| Work permit after study | F1 holders (non-STEM): 12 months; STEM OPT extension: 24 months | 2 to 3 years, depending on degree |
How to Use This
- Do not build your whole budget on part-time income, because work hours are limited and finding a job is not guaranteed.
- Post-study work periods differ by country and by degree, so compare them with your course and career plan.
- Always confirm limits with the official immigration pages of each country.
My Advice
Use part-time work as extra support, not as your main funding. Compare the post-study work periods too, because these often matter more for your career. Check the official pages for the latest hours and conditions before you decide.
How much can you actually earn part-time in Australia?
See how part-time work fits into your total budget and visa funds.
More Cost & living questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- How much monthly rent should I expect to pay for accommodation in Austria as an international student?
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
More Australia questions
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- How long will it take me to complete the MS program at Queensland University of Technology?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- What are the options for pursuing a master's in psychology or clinical psychology given my bachelor's background in biology in Australia/Canada?
- How long would it take me to complete the PG Certificate program at the University of Queensland?
- Can I apply for a master's program in Australia immediately after completing my bachelor's at age 25?
- How much extra should I keep aside for unexpected costs during my MS in the USA?