Work permit regulations vary based on the level of study and the type of visa held during the student visa application process.
Students are generally prohibited from working before their course commences. However, exceptions exist for those who had a visa permitting work at the time of their student visa application. It's important to note that eligibility to work before the course starts depends on individual circumstances.
During the course duration, student visa holders are typically allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. This translates to approximately three days of work per week. A fortnight refers to a 14-day period starting on a Monday.
While working as a student in Australia, you must find the perfect balance between your study and work commitments.
Students must ensure to:
Student visa holders risk breaching their visa conditions if they:
Students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in Australia are permitted to work more than 48 hours per fortnight.
If you wish to remain in Australia following your studies, you'll need to apply for a post-study work permit. The Australian government offers three distinct types of post-study visas, each tailored to your qualifications:
It's important to familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria for applying for the post-study work permit in Australia, which are detailed below:
This visa, under the post-study work stream, is widely pursued by international students. Eligibility is extended to those who have recently graduated from an accredited institution in any relevant field of study. Applicants must ensure their visa application is lodged within 6 months of completing their course. The duration of the stay-back period is determined by the individual's qualifications, falling between 2 to 4 years.
Tailored for graduates with qualifications and skills listed in Australia's skilled occupations inventory, this visa stream requires alignment between the applicant's skills and the occupations in demand in the Australian job market. The stay-back period for visa holders is capped at 18 months. It's advisable to apply for the graduate stream visa within six months of course completion.
Designed for international students who have obtained an engineering degree from a specified Australian educational institution within the preceding two years, this visa offers a stay-back period of up to 18 months.