Can you work in Australia with a student visa?

 

It is no news that the cost of living is rising, and that could mean more international students considering working for longer hours while they study abroad. If you're thinking about studying in Australia, this article will help you understand what you need to know as an international student.

It is also important to note that working hours for international students in Australia will remain open and is likely to remain open until mid-2023.

What a glorious time to study in Australia?!

Let's get on to it.

1. What type of work can I do on a student visa in Australia?

It is important to know that although your student visa starts to cover you 90 days before your university program begins, you are not allowed to work during this time.

When it comes to the type of work you can do, you have lots of options, as long as you still meet the conditions of your visa. Many international students will take on part-time roles for the hours they are allowed to work on their visas.

Usually, with a student visa, you are allowed to work 40 hours every fortnight, which has increased from the previous 20 hours. However, the Australian government has removed restrictions on the number of hours an international student can work until at least mid-20233. 

This means that students can work unlimited hours per week in any industry, without compromising their visas. To adhere to their visa requirements, students must remain enrolled in their university courses and ensure satisfactory course attendance and satisfactory course progress while working.

During holidays, when university classes are not running, international students can work an unlimited number of hours. However, it is important to remember that you might still have assignments and revisions to do over the holidays, so only accept additional working hours if you're sure you can.

Australia also allows international students to start businesses on a student visa. You can launch any type of business – it may even fit around your studies better than being employed elsewhere.

2. What working rights will I have in Australia on a student visa?

Any visitor to Australia will receive the same working rights as residents. This means you are guaranteed the same minimum wage, which is currently AUS$20.33 per hour. So, if you are working a total of 40 hours each fortnight, you could earn a total of AUS$1,626.40 each month.

3. Can I volunteer on a student visa in Australia?

In Australia, volunteer work does not count towards your allotted working hours, and you can also take part in this kind of work as soon as you arrive in the country, rather than wait 90 days before your program begins.

Volunteering in Australia is categorized as any activity you carry out for an organization (private or non-profit) that is unpaid. Volunteer work can provide international students with work experience during their studies without worrying about the stricter rules of paid work.

4. Can I work in Australia after I complete my studies under a student visa?

Student visas in Australia are with the assumption that international students will leave after they complete their course. However, Australia does welcome international workers, and therefore any graduate with a degree from an Australian university applies for the 485 Skilled Graduate Temporary Visa. This visa is very common among international students because it allows them to stay within the country for 18 months, provided they have completed at least two years at an Australian university.

So here you have it. I believe this information will help you consider Australia a study destination. Make sure to drop your comment or ask any questions beneath this post.

Also, you can visit our FREE webinar to learn how to apply to schools abroad and win scholarships all by yourself. Click here to start.