Can I Work on a Student Visa in Australia? How Many Hours? (2026)
How is the 48-hour fortnight counted?
A fortnight is any consecutive 14-day period starting on a Monday, and all paid work across all jobs counts toward the 48 hours. You cannot average it out over a month — every rolling fortnight must stay at 48 hours or under while your course is in session.
When can I work unlimited hours?
You can work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks — semester holidays, inter-semester breaks, and after your course is officially complete while your visa is still valid. You cannot start working before your course has started.
What happens if I work more than 48 hours?
Exceeding the cap breaches visa condition 8105 and can lead to visa cancellation. Employers who push students past the limit are the ones breaking the law too — you have the same minimum wage and workplace rights as any Australian worker, and the Fair Work Ombudsman can help without putting your visa at risk.
How much does the student visa cost in 2026?
The student visa costs $2,500 AUD from 1 July 2026. Lower fees apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens, eligible ASEAN citizens, and applicants in the ELICOS and non-award sectors. You must also hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay.
Do I need a TFN to work as a student?
Yes — get a Tax File Number before your first payday. It is free and takes about 20 minutes online. Without it, tax is withheld from your pay at the highest rate.
General information only, not personal migration advice.
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