Working with your Visa
As an international student, it's important you understand your work conditions attached to your Australian temporary visa.
If you're in Australia on a student visa, the number of hours you're allowed to work is defined in your student visa conditions. These restrictions may include any work experience undertaken as part of your study, so it’s important to be aware of how any industry opportunities might impact your visa conditions.
If you are on a different visa, your work requirements might be different so it’s important to check your individual visa requirements.
For the most up-to-date information on working conditions for international students, visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
Work limits for coursework students
Once you have commenced studying, you are permitted to work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours when your course is out of session.
The Department of Home Affairs considers your course to be in session:
- during semester, including exam periods
- when you’re undertaking another course (during a break from your main course) and points from that course will be credited to your main course.
Your course is considered in session during:
- enrolment in advertised study periods including examination periods, regardless of exam status (even if you do not have any exams)
- You are enrolled in any subject with credit points counting towards your course
- when you are undertaking another course (during a break from your main course), and points taken from that course will be credited towards your main course.
Work limits for research students
If you're a research students and have commenced your masters by research or doctoral degree in Australia, there is no limit on the number of hours you may work.
Courses with work requirements
Practical work experience is a valuable part of many La Trobe courses. We offer this through:
- work-integrated learning (WIL) and work based learning (WBL)
- industry-based learning (IBL)
- placement subjects.
If your course doesn’t include compulsory Work Integrated Learning (WIL), Industry Based Learning (IBL) or placements as a part of your study plan, you can add them as electives. To find out more, visit our Work Integrated Learning and placements page.
How your course affects work hours
Any work that is part of your course may count towards the 48-hour per fortnight limit depending on whether it is a course requirement according to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS):
- If the work is specified as a course requirement with CRICOS, then the work won’t count towards your 48-hour limit.
- If the work isn't specified as a course requirement (for example, as part of an elective subject), then the work will count towards your 48-hour limit.
These guidelines may apply even if you're not being paid for the work. To confirm whether your course has a registered work component, visit the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Proving your work rights to employers
If your employer asks you to prove your work rights, you can download and supply a letter from La Trobe University to give to your employer.
If you need something personalised for your employer, then you can request a To Whom It May Concern Letter from La Trobe University.
To find out more, visit the international student rights FAQ page.
Your rights at work
Everyone in Australia, including international students, have basic rights and protections at work. You are entitled to minimum wages and fair conditions, so it’s important to be aware of your rights and where to go for help.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the Department of Education’s Support for International Students website.
Getting a Tax File Number
If you plan on working while you are in Australia, you will need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) so that your employer can pay you and you can pay the right amount of tax.
This is a number - unique to you - that is used to file tax reports and important government documents.
If you are working in Australia, you are required to file a tax return, which is tracked to your TFN. As an international student, you will likely receive a refund when you file your tax return.
To learn more about how tax and superannuation applies to you, visit the Study Melbourne website.