Work and study
At La Trobe, we want you to hit the ground running. From hands-on learning to industry placements, we want you to learn the useful skills employers are looking for – that’s why we’re #1 in Australia for student satisfaction.*
Gain practical experience during your course
Industry-based learning
We offer a wide range of industry placement opportunities where you can build the skills and experience to set you apart from the crowd.
Work-integrated learning, work-based learning and placements are built into many of our courses. Best of all, many of our work-based learning opportunities are also available online through experiential learning platforms like Practera. This means you’ll have access to a much wider range of experiences – whether they’re on the other side of town or the other side of the world.
Industry placement minor
The industry placement minor is a university-wide elective placement minor being offered at La Trobe University to support career and work-ready graduates.
Apply the knowledge and skills from your course in a professional work setting, gain valuable work experience, and build your professional network.
Designed with flexibility in mind, choose from completing one major placement in a single semester, or undertaking multiple placements over two or more semesters.
Remember that your working hours are limited by your student visa. Learn more about working with your visa
Successful Graduate
Our partnership with Successful Graduate is designed to help train you for the Australian job market before and during your international study. Get a head start on your Australian career.
Find part-time work on campus
Our Career Hub can help you if you're looking for a casual job on campus, searching for part-time employment or need help with your CV and interview skills.
Know your work rights
Everyone in Australia, including international students, have basic rights and protections at work. The Fair Work Ombudsman makes sure your rights are protected. You are entitled to minimum wages and fair conditions. To learn more, visit the Fair Work website.
Proving to your employer you have work rights
Your employer may ask you to prove your work rights. You can download this letter [PDF 130.7 KB] from La Trobe University to show them.
Career Ready Advantage
Career Ready Advantage is designed to help you actively prepare for your life beyond your degree. It’s co-designed with industry to help you develop the skills and personal attributes employers have told us they want.
Take your next steps
Have a question? Get in touch
*Canstar Blue, 2023, Best-Rated Universities in Australia (2023)
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As a student visa holder, you are permitted to work in Australia to supplement your income.
Student visas are subject to condition 8104 or 8105, which allow limited work in Australia. Under these conditions:
- You (and your dependents, if any) can only work after you have commenced your course.
- You (and your dependents, if any) must adhere to the work-hour restrictions set out in your visa conditions.
Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information about working in Australia.
Student work hours restrictions:
Student type | When course is in session | When course isn't in session |
Coursework students who have started their degree | 48 hours per fortnight* | Unlimited hours |
Graduate researchers who have started their degree | Unlimited hours | N/A |
AusAwards or Defence students | 48 hours per fortnight* | Unlimited hours |
*48 hours per fortnight takes effect from 1 July 2023
When your course is not in session, you may work unlimited hours if:
- it does not interfere with your studies.
- you are not enrolled in a Summer or Winter Semester.
Your course is considered in session:
- For the duration of advertised semesters or terms, including examination periods (even if you do not have any exams).
- Any time you are enrolled in one or more subjects which will count as credit towards your main course.
To find out the semester dates, as well as the examination period dates, see the University’s Academic calendar. If you are enrolled in an intensive or non-standard subject, refer to the subject's entry in the University Handbook for teaching and assessment period dates.
WIL Subjects:
Hours worked for internship subjects undertaken as electives will count towards your student visa work hour limits.
Voluntary work:
One way to gain valuable work experience is to work as a volunteer. Hours spent volunteering will not count towards your student visa work hour limits, if:
- your main purpose in Australia continues to be your studies (and any work remains a secondary activity)
- the work is genuinely voluntary and would not otherwise be undertaken by an Australian resident as employment.
- the activities are for a non-profit organisation and no remuneration (in cash or kind) is received in return.
Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information about working in Australia.