Work While Studying in Australia and 485 Visa Guide
Many international students choose Australia because it offers the opportunity to work during and after study.
Understanding work rights is important so you can plan your finances and career clearly.
This guide explains:
- Work limits during study
- Work rights for dependents
- Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485
- Post study work options
- Important conditions to follow
Can International Students Work in Australia?
Yes. Student visa holders can work while studying.
However, there are rules.
While Your Course Is in Session
Up to 48 hours per fortnight
A fortnight means 14 days starting on a Monday.
You must not start working until your course has officially begun.
During Official Study Breaks
You can work:
Unlimited hours during scheduled holidays and semester breaks.
Work Rights for Dependents
If your spouse or partner travels with you on a dependent visa:
If you are studying:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Diploma or VET program
Your dependents can work up to 48 hours per fortnight.
If you are studying:
- Master’s by coursework
- Master’s (Extended)
- Master’s by research
- Doctoral degree PhD
Your dependents can work more than 48 hours per fortnight.
Important: No one can work before the main student’s course starts.
Types of Jobs International Students Can Do
Common part time jobs include:
- Hospitality and retail
- Administrative support
- Customer service
- Campus jobs
- Tutoring
- Delivery services
Australia has a high minimum wage. As of July 2025, it is around AUD 24.95 per hour.
Working part time helps students:
- Gain Australian work experience
- Improve communication skills
- Support living expenses
What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485?
After completing your course in Australia, you may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485.
This visa allows international graduates to stay and work in Australia after study.
Streams of the 485 Visa
There are different streams depending on your qualification.
Post Higher Education Work Stream
For students who completed:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- PhD
Stay period:
- Up to 2 years for bachelor’s and coursework master’s
- Up to 3 years for research master’s or PhD
Post Vocational Education Work Stream
For students who completed:
- Associate degree
- Diploma
- Trade qualification
The qualification must relate to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
Stay period:
Up to 18 months.
Second Post Higher Education Work Stream
For students who:
- Studied in regional Australia
- Previously held a 485 visa
Stay period:
Up to 1 to 2 additional years depending on qualification.
Basic Eligibility for the 485 Visa
To apply, you must:
- Be under 35 years of age in most cases
- Have held a student visa in the last 6 months
- Have completed a CRICOS registered course
- Meet English requirements
- Provide police clearance
- Have adequate health insurance
You must apply while you are in Australia.
Does Post Study Work Lead to Permanent Residency?
A 485 visa does not automatically lead to permanent residency.
However, it may help you:
- Gain skilled work experience in Australia
- Improve your points score
- Qualify for skilled migration pathways
Permanent residency depends on:
- Skilled occupation list
- Points test score
- English level
- Age
- Work experience
Migration rules change frequently, so always check official government guidance.
Important Things to Remember
- Do not exceed work limits during study
- Keep evidence of employment
- Maintain valid health insurance
- Monitor visa expiry dates
- Plan early for post study visa options
Good planning improves your long term opportunities.
Next Step
If you are considering long term settlement, the next guide explains permanent residency pathways in Australia in simple terms.