Working in Australia on a Student Visa

Australia has long been a top choice for international students, thanks to its high-quality education and the diverse cultural experiences. Studying in Australia isn’t just about studying from the books; it’s about adventuring into a new way of life and making the most of every opportunity. For many students, working while studying in Australia is a necessity to manage living expenses and gain practical experiences. Working while studying not only helps cover costs like rent, food and transportation. It also offers a chance to develop professional skills, build a network and immerse oneself in the local culture. Here, we will explore key aspects of working in Australia on a student visa. The following will be based on the latest guidelines and opportunities available.

Finding Work in Australia as an International Student

On-Campus Employment: Many universities offer on-campus employment opportunities that are convenient and are often related to your field of study. These can include roles in administration, the library or student services. On-campus jobs are a great way to balance work and study, as they usually offer flexible hours that fit around your class schedule.

Off-Campus Employment: Off-campus work provides a wider range of opportunities, from retail and hospitality to internships and part-time roles in various industries and sectors.

Internships and Professional Placements: Securing an internship or a professional placement can be incredibly beneficial. These roles not only provide income but also valuable industry experiences and networking opportunities. Many Australian universities have partnerships with local businesses, facilitating student placements. More information about these options can be obtained by contacting our educational counsellors specializing in study abroad programs.

Understanding About Student Visa in Australia

Student Visa (Subclass 500): The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the most common visa for international students in Australia. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course. This is up to 5 years, with the possibility to work part-time during your studies.

Visa Condition 8105: Students must be aware of their visa conditions, particularly condition 8105, which outlines work rights. These rights can be influenced by the level of the course and the visa held at the time of application. Importantly, students cannot work before their course starts unless they hold a visa that permitted work when they applied for their student visa.

VEVO System: To verify specific work conditions, students should use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. This system helps ensure they understand and comply with their visa conditions.

Work Restrictions for Student Visa Holders in Australia

Australia has long been a favored destination for international students, offering high quality education, scholarships and diverse cultural experiences. However, balancing work and study is essential and understanding the latest work restrictions is crucial for student visa holders. From 1 July 2023, new regulations have been implemented that affect the number of hours students can work while their course is in session. Let’s delve into these changes and what they mean for international students.

Temporary Relaxation of Work Limits: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian government relaxed work conditions for student visa holders. In January 2022, all work restrictions were lifted, allowing students to work more than the usual limit of 40 hours per fortnight. This measure was introduced to address workforce shortages in some sectors. However, this temporary relaxation ended on 30 June 2023, reinstating the standard work limits.

48-Hour Fortnight Limit: As of 1 July 2023, the working limit for international students in Australia is restricted to working no more than 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. This limit is equivalent to roughly three days of work per week. Ensuring that students can focus primarily on their studies while still having the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and support themselves financially.

An important exception was made for students working in the aged care sector. Student visa holders already employed in this sector as of 9 May 2023 were allowed to continue working unrestricted hours until 31 December 2023. This exemption applied only to work within the aged care sector. Similarly, work in the aged care sector had to be with an approved provider under the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Rules 2018.

Unrestricted Work During Breaks: When a student’s course of study or training is not in session, there are no restrictions on the number of hours they can work. This provides flexibility during holidays and scheduled breaks, allowing students to work full-time if they choose.

Postgraduate Research Students: Students pursuing a master’s degree by research or a doctoral degree have more flexibility and can work more than 48 hours a fortnight while in Australia.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Completing your studies in Australia opens the door to multiple career and personal growth opportunities. One of the most significant pathways is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows international students to stay in Australia temporarily after graduation to live, work, and continue their education. This visa provides an excellent opportunity to gain additional work experience in your field of study, enhancing your career prospects. With this visa, you can even bring your family members to Australia.

This is a temporary visa and  the duration of stay under this visa usually ranges from 2 to 3 years, depending on the qualification you hold. For instance:

• Bachelor’s degree holders typically receive a 2-year visa.
• Master’s degree holders generally receive a 2- 3-year visa. (2 for coursework and extended master’s degree, 3 for research masters degree)
• Ph.D. graduates are usually granted a 4-year visa.

To qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you need to meet the following criteria:

•       You must be 35 years old or younger when applying (with some exceptions possible).
•       You must be physically present in Australia at the time of your application.
•       You should possess an eligible visa.
•       You must have held a Student visa within the past six months.
•       You should have recently graduated with a degree from a CRICOS-registered course.
•       You must provide proof of adequate health insurance for all applicants.
•       You need to show that you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check to satisfy character requirements.
•       You must provide evidence of the necessary level of English proficiency.

Working while studying in Australia can be a rewarding experience that enhances your academic journey and personal growth. It provides financial support to cover living expenses like rent, food, and transportation, reducing financial stress and allowing you to focus more on your studies. It also offers invaluable professional experience, improving your employability after graduation and helping you develop skills like communication, teamwork, and time management. Additionally, working allows you to immerse yourself in Australian culture, meet new people, and enhance your English language skills, providing a deeper understanding of the local community and lifestyle.

However, balancing work and study in Australia is extremely important and requires excellent time management. Creating a schedule that allocates time for classes, study, and work is essential. Prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals can help maintain this balance. Remember, while working is important, your primary goal is academic success. Ensure your job doesn’t interfere with your study time and always prioritize your academic responsibilities.

By balancing your responsibilities, understanding visa regulations and finding suitable employment, you can make the most of your time in Australia. Through this, you can work and study in Australia, gain experience and enjoy the unique opportunities this beautiful country has to offer. StudyCo is dedicated to providing top-notch education consulting services to help you in every step of the way. Our team of experienced consultants offers personalized advice to assist you with information on working in Australia on a student visa, applications and ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process. With Study Co’s support, you can confidently navigate your educational journey in Australia and make the most of your time abroad.