Study in Australia

The Student visa (subclass 500) is the visa most international students use to study in Australia, letting you study and work part-time. As you study, you can work up to 48 hours every two weeks, which is roughly 24 hours a week. During school breaks, you are allowed to work full-time hours.

If you're doing a research Master's or a PhD, you’re permitted to work unlimited hours once your course starts.

After graduating (before your subclass 500 expires), you can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to stay in Australia and work full-time (you don’t need a job offer to be able to apply).

Working in a skilled job on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) can then lead directly to permanent residency.

Subclass 500 Key facts

• Duration: Lasts as long as your school programme, up to 5 years maximum for higher education.
• Work rights: You can work up to 48 hours every two weeks (a fortnight) when classes are running, and as many hours as you want during official school holidays.
• Eligibility: Proof of enrollment in an approved course, student health insurance (OSHC), and enough money to cover your first year of tuition (depending on the course you choose), travel (AUD $2,000-$3,000), and living expenses (at least AUD $29,710).
• What you can work while studying: Any part-time job or casual work is allowed, and it doesn't need to relate to your field of study.

Subclass 485 Key facts

• Duration: 2 years for a standard Bachelor’s degree or Master’s by coursework and 3-4 years for a research Master's or a PhD.
• Work rights: You can work full-time, part-time, or do freelance work in any industry, with zero restriction on the number of hours or the type of employer.
• Eligibility: You must have completed an eligible, CRICOS-registered Australian study course (apply before your subclass 500 expires, usually within 6 months of your final result) and most applicants must be under 35.
• What you can work while searching: Any job or freelance work while looking for a career-focused role.