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Student Visa Work Rights 2026: 48 Hours a Fortnight and Key Exceptions
Most Subclass 500 Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course of study or training is in session. Different rules can apply before the course starts, outside course sessions, to research students and to family members.
The 48-hour fortnight rule
The Department of Home Affairs states that Student visa holders and their family members can generally work up to 48 hours a fortnight while the student's course is in session. Student visa holders can generally work unlimited hours when their course is not in session, but family members may continue to have limited work rights.
When can a student work more than 48 hours?
Home Affairs states that a student studying a master's degree by research or a doctoral degree, and their family members, can work more than 48 hours a fortnight after the relevant course has commenced. The legislation also contains exceptions for work specified as a requirement of the course.
Family members of master's students
Home Affairs states that family members of a student studying a master's degree by coursework or a master's degree (Extended) can work more than 48 hours a fortnight. The primary student remains subject to the ordinary work limit while the course is in session unless a separate exception applies.
Work before the course commences
Student visa holders and family members generally cannot work before the student starts the course. The Migration Regulations contain detailed exceptions, including some circumstances involving a previous visa that already permitted work.
Conditions 8104 and 8105
The work-right framework can involve condition 8105 for the primary student and condition 8104 in relevant family-member circumstances. The exact conditions shown on the visa grant and VEVO are more important than relying on a generic label.
See the broader Australian Visa Conditions Database for other work and study conditions.
Check the condition on your own visa
A general explanation of a visa condition cannot confirm which conditions apply to an individual. Visa holders should check their visa grant letter and current in-effect visa conditions through Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO).
Browse the Australian Visa Conditions Database for other common conditions.
This article provides general information only and is not migration or legal advice. The legal effect of a condition can depend on the visa subclass, grant date, individual circumstances and current legislation.
