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When students start planning to study abroad, Australia often comes up as a good choice. Good universities are one reason. Safe cities and student life are another. But there are so many more reasons to study in Australia.
Living in another country is expensive. Rent, food, bus pass, phone bill. Even small things like coffee or groceries add up every week. So naturally many students want a small job while studying.
That is why people often choose to work and study in Australia. Still, there are certain rules. And Study Smart helps to understand them early.
Yes, they can.
If someone has a valid Student Visa Subclass 500, they are allowed to work part time while studying full time. Most students start with simple jobs. Nothing fancy, just things like:
These jobs are quite common for students who want to work and study in Australia. They help cover small daily expenses and also give some work experience.
Now the important part.
The working hours in Australia for international students are limited. Right now the rule is simple. Students can work 48 hours in a fortnight while the course is running.
A fortnight just means two weeks. So if someone works 22 hours in one week and 26 in the next week, that is fine. It stays inside the limit. But crossing the limit can cause visa trouble. So most students keep track of their shifts carefully.
The work limit changes depending on the academic calendar.
Anyone planning to work and study in Australia should keep these rules in mind. It keeps things simple and safe.
In 2026 there has been some discussion about increasing the work limit. Some industries like hospitality and retail need workers. Because of that, people have suggested raising the limit to 60 hours per fortnight.
But right now nothing has changed officially. So the legal rule is still 48 hours per fortnight. Students can always check updates on the official immigration website
Many students compare Australia with European destinations when thinking about part-time work opportunities. If you are still deciding between destinations, it can help to understand how working while studying abroad differs between Europe and Australia.
Another reason many students like Australia is the pay. The country has a fairly high minimum wage. In 2026 the national minimum wage is around AUD 24.95 per hour. Some jobs pay more depending on the work.
For example:
Weekend shifts often pay higher because of extra rates.
Even though students can work part time, the visa rules still ask students to show enough funds. In 2026 students must show access to around AUD 29,710 for living costs per year.
Apart from this, students need to budget for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) fee, which as of March 2026 is AUD 2,000. You also need funds for first-year tuition, travel, and health insurance (OSHC).
Please note that the rules keep getting updated, so it is always best to check with your expert study abroad consultant.
International students working in Australia also have rights. They should receive:
Students must also apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) before working. Taking random cash jobs without records can cause problems later. It may even affect visa status.
Many students want to stay in Australia for some time after finishing their degree. For that they apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485.
Typical work rights are 2–3 years depending on the degree level.
Students who study in regional areas sometimes receive extra benefits too.
Australia is still a strong option for students who want good education and international exposure. The chance to work and study in Australia helps students learn independence. Managing study, work, and daily life teaches a lot.Just remember one thing.
Understand the working hours in Australia for international students before starting any job. Once students know the rules, life becomes much easier.
At Study Smart, we speak with students every day who are planning their study abroad journey. From university choices to visa guidance, we help make each step clearer. If you are thinking about Australia for 2026, it is worth exploring properly.
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