Working while studying

Working part-time during your course is a great way to gain experience at an Australian workplace, earn money for expenses, find your first Australian referee and expand your professional networks.

Please keep in mind that you are here to successfully complete your chosen course of study. Make sure that you get the study-work-life balance right!

Work restrictions for student visa holders

As a student visa (subclass 500) holder you have to familiarise yourself with the work limitations attached to your visa. Generally, you cannot work in Australia as a student visa holder before you have started your course of study.

You and your family members can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study is in session. If you have started a master degree by research or doctoral degree you and your family members can work more than 48 hours a fortnight. A fortnight is a period of 14 days starting on a Monday.

Please check the Department of Home Affairs' website for further details and updates.

General Information

Please note, the University does not issue letters confirming dates of official breaks and your or your dependant's work rights.

You may download and complete this Working while studying – student declaration form or this special student declaration form for courses with three study periods and submit it to your employer. Undergraduate Nursing students can request a letter confirming their study breaks by emailing NHSenquiries@flinders.edu.au with the subject line "Confirmation of study breaks letter request."

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you remain compliant with your visa conditions.

Registered employers and labour supply companies are able to check the work entitlements of a prospective employee by accessing the Department of Home Affairs' Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) facility.

Tax file number

If you are already in Australia, you can apply for a Tax file number (TFN) through the Australian Taxation office. More details about the relevant application process can be found here.

Preparing your application, finding jobs and knowing your work rights

Many useful resources and tips for the preparation of your application are available on CareerHub. It also includes an International Student Page from where you can access information about finding part-time work, your work rights and responsibilities and more.

Jobs and employment scams

Make sure that you don’t become the victim of scammers while looking for work. Helpful information to keep you safe is available at Jobs and employment scams | Scamwatch and SAPOL - Scams and cybercrime.