If you’re an Indian student planning to work while studying in Australia, your rights are set by your Student Visa (subclass 500) and enforced by the Department of Home Affairs.<\/p>\n
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during official breaks, with no signs of that changing before the 2027 intake.<\/p>\n
If you’re still weighing up universities and costs, our 2027 guide to studying in Australia<\/a> is a good starting point alongside this one.<\/p>\n Australia’s part-time work rules for Indian students remain unchanged heading into the 2027 intake. If you’re planning your move, the most important thing to know is how many hours you can work during your course and when you’re allowed to work more.<\/p>\n Currently, you can:<\/p>\n These remain the standard rules for most international students and should be the basis of your financial planning for 2027.<\/p>\n The Parliamentary Budget Office has outlined a proposal to raise the work limit to 60 hours per fortnight. As of August 2026, this remains a policy proposal only and has not been passed into law.<\/p>\n You should plan your work and expenses for 2027 based on the current 48-hour rule, not on expected changes that haven’t been confirmed.<\/p>\n If you’re planning to work while studying, you need a clear understanding of how Australia calculates working hours. The rules are precise, and small misunderstandings can lead to compliance issues under your Student Visa.<\/p>\n As an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. For example, if you start working on a Wednesday, your 14-day count begins from that point and keeps rolling forward, so you need to track your total hours across any 14 days, not week by week.<\/p>\n This is where many students make mistakes. The limit:<\/p>\n For example, if you work extra hours in one week, you’ll need to reduce your hours later in the same 14-day window to stay compliant. This rule is enforced by the Department of Home Affairs to keep your studies as the priority. Exceeding this limit can lead to visa warnings or cancellation, so track your hours consistently.<\/p>\n “In session” refers to periods when your course is active, including:<\/p>\n Short gaps between classes do not count as breaks.<\/p>\n A common misconception is that you can start working as soon as your visa is granted. This isn’t correct. Even if your student visa is approved weeks or months in advance, you cannot start working until your course officially begins.<\/p>\n You may only work earlier if you held another visa with valid work rights before switching to a student visa. Otherwise, your work eligibility begins strictly from your course start date, so plan your initial expenses carefully, as you may have no income during your first few weeks in Australia.<\/p>\n Unlimited work is allowed during:<\/p>\n Once your course finishes, your work rights typically shift again if you move onto a Post-Study Work Visa (subclass 485)<\/a>, so it’s worth understanding that transition well before you graduate. Always confirm your enrolment status before increasing your hours in the meantime.<\/p>\n Expert View<\/p>\n “The students who run into trouble are almost always the ones tracking hours by calendar week instead of a rolling 14-day window. I get them to log every shift from day one, across every job, so there’s never a gap between what they think they’ve worked and what actually counts.<\/em>” – Vijayalakshmi V, Counsellor, StudyIn<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Understanding your rights is as important as understanding the hour limits, especially when entering a new labour market. All workers are protected under the Fair Work Act 2009 and monitored by the Fair Work Ombudsman.<\/p>\n Following the Fair Work Commission’s 2026 Annual Wage Review, the national minimum wage is:<\/p>\n This applies regardless of nationality.<\/p>\n You are entitled to:<\/p>\n Your visa conditions do not reduce these rights.<\/p>\n Job availability is strongest in flexible sectors that fit around a typical academic schedule.<\/p>\n These roles offer flexible shifts, which helps you stay within your hour limits.<\/p>\n Most student-friendly roles pay within a predictable range, now that the minimum wage has risen to AUD 26.44 per hour:<\/p>\n These figures reflect the national minimum wage framework and industry awards current from 1 July 2026, meaning your pay can increase further for weekend or late-night shifts.<\/p>\n To see how far this income realistically stretches, check our 2027 cost of living budget guide<\/a> and our breakdown of living expenses by city<\/a>, since part-time earnings cover a much bigger share of your budget in some cities than others.<\/p>\n Your actual earnings will depend on your role, employer, and whether you’re hired as a casual or part-time employee.<\/p>\n Finding work requires preparation and awareness of the visa conditions that apply to you.<\/p>\n You’ll need:<\/p>\n Without these, employers cannot legally hire you.<\/p>\n Once your documents are in place, focus on the right job channels. A combination of online platforms and local networks works best in Australia.<\/p>\n Websites like Seek, Indeed, Jora, and LinkedIn regularly list part-time roles. You can filter by location, hours, and job type to match your schedule.<\/p>\n Most universities offer dedicated career services, providing job listings, CV support, and access to on-campus roles that aren’t always advertised publicly. Roles such as library assistants, campus caf\u00e9s, or administrative support are often filled through these internal platforms.<\/p>\n Certain industries, especially hospitality and tourism, hire heavily during peak seasons. Keeping an eye on local listings during holidays or major events can help you secure short-term roles with flexible hours.<\/p>\n Many jobs are filled through referrals. Engaging with student communities, especially Indian student groups, and staying active on LinkedIn can help you discover opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.<\/p>\n To improve your chances, focus on consistency rather than volume. A well-prepared CV tailored to Australian standards, combined with regular applications and networking, will give you better results than applying randomly. Start early, stay organised, and align your job search with your academic schedule.<\/p>\n Part-time work in Australia can support your journey, but it works best when planned with clarity and discipline. If you understand your work limits, prepare your documents early, and choose roles that fit around your academic schedule, you’ll be able to manage both your finances and your studies effectively into the 2027 intake and beyond.<\/p>\n At every stage, focus on staying compliant with your Student Visa (subclass 500) conditions while making informed decisions about where and how you work. Small steps such as tracking your hours, understanding your payslips, and using trusted job channels can make a significant difference over time.<\/p>\n If you’re unsure about any part of the process, it’s always better to seek guidance early. StudyIn’s counsellors can help you build a routine that supports your goals, protects your visa status, and helps you make the most of your time in Australia.<\/p>\n
\nWhat Are the Latest Student Work Rules in Australia?<\/h2>\n
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Is the 60-Hour Rule Coming Into Effect for 2027?<\/h3>\n
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\nHow Many Hours Can Indian Students Work in Australia?<\/h2>\n
What Is the 48-Hour Fortnight Rule?<\/h3>\n
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What Does “In Session” Actually Mean?<\/h3>\n
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When Can You Start Working?<\/h3>\n
When Can You Work Unlimited Hours?<\/h3>\n
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What Workplace Rights Do International Students Have in Australia?<\/h2>\n
What Pay Should You Receive?<\/h3>\n
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What Additional Rights Apply?<\/h3>\n
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\nPopular Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in Australia<\/h2>\n
Common Job Roles<\/h3>\n
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How Much Can You Earn Working Part-Time?<\/h3>\n
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Typical Part-Time Jobs at a Glance<\/h3>\n
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\n \nJob Type<\/th>\n Typical Hours<\/th>\n Average Pay (AUD)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Caf\u00e9 \/ Barista<\/td>\n Evenings, weekends<\/td>\n $26 to $33<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Customer Service<\/td>\n Flexible shifts<\/td>\n $27 to $35<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n On-Campus Roles<\/td>\n Weekdays<\/td>\n $26 to $31<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Retail<\/td>\n Rotational shifts<\/td>\n $26 to $31<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tutor<\/td>\n Short sessions<\/td>\n $27 to $37<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Hospitality<\/td>\n Evenings<\/td>\n $26 to $33<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Warehouse<\/td>\n Early\/late shifts<\/td>\n $26 to $31<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n How to Find a Part-Time Job in Australia as an Indian Student<\/h2>\n
Set Up the Essentials Before You Apply<\/h3>\n
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Where to Find Part-Time Jobs<\/h3>\n
Job Boards<\/h4>\n
University Career Centres<\/h4>\n
Industry-Specific and Seasonal Opportunities<\/h4>\n
Community and Professional Networks<\/h4>\n
Build a Practical Job Search Approach<\/h3>\n
\nPlan Your Work and Study Balance With Confidence<\/h2>\n