STUDENT SUPPORT

Getting ready to arrive and while you are here

Working while studying

SECTION LINKS

New Students

If you or members of your family wish to work whilst you are studying, you must hold a visa with permission to work. Student visas that were granted on or after 26 April 2008 automatically include permission to work. See: New permission to work arrangements for students

If your student visa was granted before 26 April 2008 and you have not applied for permission to work, you and your family members can lodge an application as soon as you have commenced your studies. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) prefers on-line applications.

Visa conditions

It is essential that you check your visa to ensure that condition 8105 (students) or 8104 (family members) is included on your visa before you start working. You and your family members can only work when you have commenced your course of study.

For a complete overview of visa conditions, see: DIAC - Conditions for Working While Studying.

Coursework students

You can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week when your course is in session and unlimited hours during periods of vacation. A week is defined as the seven-day period starting on a Monday. You course is in session during standard semesters or trimesters (including examination or assessment periods) and Summer Term if you are enrolled in subjects that counts towards your course. Please refer to the University's Academic Calendar for principal dates. Work restrictions may vary for family members of international students.

Research students

You can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week throughout the year if you are enrolled in a course of study leading to a master by research or doctorate degree. This restriction does not apply after you have submitted your thesis and International Student Services has notified DIAC that you are required to remain in Australia during the marking of your thesis.

Family members

Members of your family who are holding a student dependant visa cannot work for more than 20 hours per week. This restriction does not apply to family members of students who have commenced a course of study leading to a master or doctorate degree.

Visa Entitlement Verification

If you do not have a visa label placed in your passport, you can access your visa information by using Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) at any time. Many organisations across Australia, including businesses and recruitment agencies and banks, can also check your work rights after having obtained your consent.

If you wish to have a visa label placed in your passport, please visit the nearest DIAC office.

Finding work

It is up to the individual student to seek work. Student Services offers a Careers and Employment Service, which allows students to register their interest in seeking work .

Students should seek advice about minimum rates of pay and work conditions. For information about work rights, minimum pay and conditions, plus information specifically for International Students, refer to the Australian Government Workplace Ombudsman.

See also Tax File Number