Student visa working hours in Australia
Obtaining a student visa in Australia is like hitting not just one or two — but many — birds with one stone.
Opportunities abound the moment you get hold of this much-coveted authorization from the Australian government effectively opening its doors for you to come, study and undertake several other activities here. Little wonder then students from all over the world (just like you) can’t wait to have their applications for a student visa approved by the proper authority.
It does not require rocket science to explain why international students prefer the so-called lucky country to the other destinations. For one, like we just said, Australia is a lucky country. By that, we mean it consistently ranks at the top of the Legatum Prosperity Index (please see happy index).
Being the largest island nation – or continent nation, if you like – in the world, it boasts of endless list of opportunities, conveniences, wonders and advantages for study, business, leisure or whatever you may wish to do here.
In this article, however, let’s focus our attention on student visa working hours in Australia, which is an interesting subject not only for you but maybe for your parents and other stakeholders of your future as well.
How Many Hours Can You Work in a Week?
Since we are discussing student visa working hours in Australia, the first question that should pop up on your mind right now is this: How many hours am I allowed to work, say in a week?
The Australian government gives you a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight when your course is in session.
The next question you may ask is this: What constitutes a fortnight? A fortnight is a period of 14 days commencing on any Monday and ending on the second following Sunday. There you go, you can work a maximum of 40 hours in a span of 14 days starting from any Monday and ending on the second following Sunday.
But when your course is not in session, the government permits you to work as many hours as you want.
We believe the rule is fair enough. You are here in Australia primarily to study. Other preoccupations should be secondary.
Another important point to take note of here is this: You can only start to work when your course also commences.
Exceptions to the 40 hours per fortnight
The law is quite clear on that, but the government allows certain allowances when it comes to its actual implementation.
For instance, work that forms part of the course that you are taking is not included in the 40-hour limitation. And so are voluntary or unpaid work, provided they are for the benefit of the community, undertaken for a non-profit organization or are genuinely voluntary (which means you do not receive cash or other forms of remuneration).
Postgraduate research students also enjoy some leeway from the rule. If you happen to be that kind of student and you have already started your masters or doctoral degree in Australia, there is no limit as to the number of hours you may want to work. If, however, you are still taking the preliminary courses, the maximum 40-hour per fortnight applies.
A Door to Open Other Doors
You may find the 40-hour limitation wanting. But if you come to think of it, the decision of the Australian government to allow you to work on the side while taking up your course may open up other opportunities for you in the future, if not now.
Creating network or linkages with other people, organizations and companies is one – and this is huge! These same people, organizations, and companies might be your bridge to a permanent work in the country after you will have completed your studies.
On the other hand, there are countless sights to see, food to taste, drinks to savor, festivities to enjoy, and activities worth including in your memory book in the only continent nation in the world. These you can enjoy from the earnings of your work.
We’re pretty sure you still have more questions about our topic that remain unanswered. You may, for instance, wonder how 40 hours a fortnight is calculated. Or if it happens that the student visa you’re holding does not permit you to work, what will you do?
If you are confronted with questions such as these, don’t worry. Our company Nowak Migration is always here to attend to your every query where visas and migration are concerned.
All you have to do is pick up your phone and give us a ring. If not, drop us a message through our email, website or Facebook page. Go to contact us page for more details how to get in touch with us.
We’re waiting for you.
