If you are interested in finding out about working while studying (opens an external site) you must become familiar with the relevant Australian Government requirements.

Please note that you are not able to work:

• until your course commences; and
• until you have been granted a visa with permission to work by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) (opens an external site).

Changes to Work Conditions - Effective 26 March 2012

International Students (excluding Higher Degree Research HDR)

Since 26 April 2008 student visas have been granted with work rights attached. These work rights are granted with certain conditions and these conditions have changed. Under the new conditions, students will be able to work up to 40 hours per fortnight (14 days) during semester, commencing on a Monday and ending on the following Sunday. Students are able to work unrestricted hours during any scheduled course break.

Higher Degree Research (HDR) Students

The new changes will also grant Master by Research and PhD students unlimited work rights during study.

The Department's working while studying website (opens an external site) provides useful information, including:

• new permission to work arrangements
• arrangements and requirements for members of your family (e.g. spouse, dependants) applying for permission to work
• applying for a Tax File Number

For a comprehensive list of the student visa conditions visit the Department of Immigration and Citizensip website (opens an external site). 

You should not rely on part-time work as your main source of financial support. While working you will have to abide by Australian taxation laws (opens an external site).

You can contact our student advisors with any queries. If you are an AUSAID sponsored student you may contact our sponsored student team.

The UTS Careers and Appointments Service at UTS has a list of part-time and holiday jobs and can help you prepare a resume and practice interview skills.

Post-study work visa – Effective 2013

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) plans to introduce new post-study work visas for international students who complete undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Australia. The post-study work visa will allow international graduates to gain practical work experience in Australia on completion of their degree course.

The duration of the post-study work visa will depend on the degree attained by the graduate:

• Bachelor and Master by Coursework graduates who have spent at least two academic years studying that degree will receive two years post-study work rights
• Master by Research graduates will receive three years post-study work rights
• PhD graduates will receive four years post-study work rights

To apply for a post-study work visa, graduates will need to lodge a post-study work visa application within six months of the date of completion of their course, and provide evidence that they have met the requirement for the award of your degree.

The post-study work visa arrangement may be available in 2013.

For further details, contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) (opens an external site).