Working in Australia

As an international student in Australia, you have the opportunity to work while you study. It’s important you understand your work rights, visa conditions and responsibilities to ensure you comply with Australian laws and protect yourself at work.

You can only begin working after:

• your course has officially commenced, and
• the Department of Home Affairs has granted you a visa that includes permission to work.

For detailed information about your visa conditions, including work restrictions, visit the Department of Home Affairs Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO) (opens an external site).

You should not rely on part-time work as your main source of financial support while in Australia. While working you must abide by Australian taxation laws. For information about your working rights as an international student in Australia, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman (opens an external site).

Visit UTS CareerHub (opens an external site) for a list of part-time jobs and internship opportunities.

Work restrictions

Student visa (subclass 500) holders are restricted by the Australian government to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.

NOTE: Students enrolled in a research degree (such as a Master’s by Research) are permitted to work more than 48 hours per fortnight throughout their course.

Mid-session StuVac

Work restrictions still apply during StuVac in all academic sessions, as it counts as your course being in session. 

Final assessment period

Work restrictions apply for the entire final assessment period, even if you finish your exams early – after that, you can work more than 48 hours per fortnight until your next session commences. Check your academic calendar for these dates.

NOTE: Students enrolled in a subject or on clinical placement during any part of the vacation periods are not eligible for unrestricted work hours, regardless of early completion.

Post-study work visa

International students who complete an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Australia may be able to apply for a post-study work visa through the Department of Home Affairs. This visa enables graduates to gain practical work experience in Australia after completing their degree.

Eligibility requirements apply, and not all qualifications may be eligible. Students should refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for detailed eligibility criteria.

The duration of the post-study work visa will depend on the degree attained by the graduate. These durations are liable to change, so check the Department of Home Affairs website (opens an external site) for the most up-to-date information.

Tax in Australia

If you are a student enrolled in a course of six months duration or more, you are considered a resident for tax purposes and must pay income tax. To work in Australia, you must have a tax file number (opens external site), also known as a TFN. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is responsible for the administration of Australian Government taxation.

Information regarding taxation in Australia is available on the ATO website's studying in Australia page (opens an external site).