Australia Sets Work Hour Limits for Student Visa Holders

The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs has set a work hour limit for international students holding the Subclass 500 student visa, permitting them to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course of study or training is in session. This visa is specifically designed for individuals wishing to study in Australia.

The 48-hour fortnightly cap is a key condition of the visa, applicable during active study or training periods, allowing students to work no more than approximately 24 hours per week during term time. The Department of Home Affairs outlined these conditions as part of the official requirements published on its website.

The work restriction is directly tied to whether a course is actively running, with different rules potentially applying during scheduled breaks. Understanding these conditions is crucial for students planning to partially fund their studies through part-time employment, as working beyond the permitted hours constitutes a breach of visa conditions, which can affect their right to remain in Australia.