The 48-Hour Fortnightly Limit
In July 2023, the Australian Government reintroduced caps on working hours for international students (Subclass 500 Visa). The limit is 48 hours per fortnight.
This limit only applies when your course is in session (during the semester). During official university breaks and holidays, you are permitted to work unlimited hours.
How is a "Fortnight" calculated?
The Department of Home Affairs is very strict about how a fortnight is calculated. A fortnight is defined as a 14-day period beginning on a Monday and ending on the second following Sunday.
You cannot "average out" your hours over a month. For example, you cannot work 60 hours one fortnight and 30 hours the next. If you hit 60 hours in any 14-day window during the semester, you have breached your visa conditions.
Australian Minimum Wage
As an international student, you have the exact same workplace rights as an Australian citizen. As of July 1, 2024, the National Minimum Wage is approximately $24.10 per hour.
Many jobs in hospitality and retail also require employers to pay Penalty Rates. This means you must be paid a higher hourly rate (often 125% to 200% of your base wage) if you work on evenings, weekends, or public holidays.
Are there any exceptions?
The 48-hour limit does not apply to:
- Work that is a registered, mandatory part of your course (e.g., nursing clinical placements).
- Voluntary, unpaid work for a registered non-profit organization (must be genuinely unpaid).
- Students studying a Master's by Research or a PhD. These students have unlimited work rights once their course commences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work for cash in hand to bypass the limit?
No. Working "cash in hand" off the books is illegal and highly risky. It makes you vulnerable to extreme wage theft and exploitation. If the government discovers you are working off the books to bypass visa limits, your visa will likely be cancelled.
Does the ATO talk to Home Affairs?
Yes. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) routinely shares data with the Department of Home Affairs. Single Touch Payroll (STP) means the government can see exactly how many hours your employer has reported for you each week.