Can international students work during an exchange in Australia?

Anyone planning a study and work exchange in Australia faces a practical question before departure: what is the current rule for working on a student visa, and how much is it possible to earn?

The answer has changed over the past few years. The study and work programme in Australia operates under work rules revised by the Australian government in November 2023, and financial planning needs to reflect that updated picture.

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What is the work hour limit for international students in Australia?

The rule in force since November 2023 returned to the 48-hour fortnightly limit during the academic term, following the temporary unrestricted work period that ran from July 2022 to July 2023 (during the post-pandemic recovery).

How it works in practice:

• Academic term: maximum of 48 hours per fortnight (equivalent to 24 hours per week)
• Academic holidays: work with no hour restrictions
• Research master's and doctoral degrees: no restrictions in any period

Points that commonly cause confusion:

• The limit is per fortnight, not per week. Working 30 hours in one week and 18 in the next gives 48 hours in the period, which is permitted.
• Those who work more than one job must add up the hours from all contracts. The 48-hour ceiling applies to the combined total.
• The Subclass 500 does not authorise self-employment or gig economy platforms.

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What is the minimum wage in Australia for international students?

Since July 2024, the Australian National Minimum Wage has been AUD 24.10 per hour, according to the Fair Work Commission. This rate applies to adult workers in roles covered by Modern Awards without a specific rate.

The sectors where international students most commonly work have their own rates:

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Hospitality and tourism

Covered by the Hospitality Industry General Award. Minimum rate for entry-level positions from AUD 24.39 per hour. Weekends and public holidays carry mandatory loading.

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Retail and commerce

Covered by the General Retail Industry Award. Entry rate from AUD 24.10 per hour. Saturdays have a loading; Sundays and public holidays attract penalty rates.

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Horticulture and agricultural work

Covered by the Horticulture Award. Payment by piece rates or hourly rate from AUD 24.10. Widely used by students in rural areas on Working Holiday Maker visas, but also available for Subclass 500 holders during holidays.

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IT and corporate services

Generally covered by Enterprise Agreements or individual contracts above the minimum. Technical support and multilingual customer service roles pay above AUD 30 per hour at large companies.

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How much can you earn working 48 hours per fortnight?

At the minimum wage of AUD 24.10 and 48 fortnightly hours, gross earnings per fortnight are approximately AUD 1,157 (before tax and superannuation deductions). Monthly, that is equivalent to approximately AUD 2,313 gross.

Reference by period:

• Academic term (48h/fortnight): approximate gross income of AUD 2,313 per month
• Holidays (no hour limit, example 80h/fortnight): approximate gross income of AUD 3,856 per month

The minimum wage in Australia in 2026 details the adjustments applied by the Fair Work Commission each July and how they affect financial planning for the exchange.

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Which sectors hire the most international students?

Australia has four sectors that absorb large numbers of international students, each with a different profile in terms of hours, English requirements and earning potential:

Hospitality: cafés, restaurants, bars and hotels hire regularly and have hours compatible with English courses and undergraduate programmes. It is the most accessible sector for those arriving without experience in the local market.

Retail: supermarkets and retail chains hire on a part-time basis with flexible scheduling. Advanced English is not required for cashier and shelf-stacking roles.

Care and aged care: a growing sector with constant demand. Aged care certificate courses (Certificate III) are compatible with the student visa and open access to roles paying above the minimum rate.

IT and multilingual support: technology companies with regional headquarters in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have support vacancies in various languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin). Solid English and, frequently, prior experience in technical support are required.

The work-focused exchange in Australia in 2026 includes a map of search channels by sector and city, with practical differences between the main markets.

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Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth: which city has more opportunities?

The choice of city affects the volume of available vacancies, the salary paid above the minimum and the cost of living that will absorb that income.

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Melbourne

Second largest city, established university hub. Housing costs between AUD 900 and AUD 1,400 per month for a shared room, depending on distance from the CBD. A highly developed café and hospitality sector; bilingual positions exist in technology and consulting.

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Sydney

The city with the highest absolute volume of vacancies, particularly in technology and financial services. The highest cost of living in the country: shared room between AUD 1,100 and AUD 1,600 per month. Those who secure a position above the minimum here can offset the costs more easily.

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Brisbane

Rapid growth with a cost of living 15 to 20 per cent lower than Sydney. The labour market has expanded in preparation for the 2032 Olympic Games. Positions in construction, hospitality and technology are in high demand.

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Perth

The lowest cost of living of the four cities and a market heavily tied to mining and energy. It has logistics and support positions that hire international students, but the volume of IT and services vacancies is lower than in Sydney and Melbourne.

The best cities to study in Australia differ considerably in housing, transport and access to the part-time job market.

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How does the Tax File Number (TFN) work for international students?

The Tax File Number (TFN) is the tax registration required to work legally in Australia. Any employer can hire without a TFN, but in that case the withholding tax is applied at the maximum rate of 47 per cent.

With a TFN applied for, the withholding falls to the tax bracket corresponding to the estimated annual income. For those earning up to AUD 18,200 per year (the tax-free threshold), the tax can be zero or very low.

How to obtain the TFN:

• With TFN applied for before starting work: tax calculated by income bracket, with the possibility of exemption below AUD 18,200 per year.
• Without TFN (maximum withholding): 47 per cent tax deducted at source. It is possible to recover part of it in the annual return, but it is inefficient for monthly cash flow.

The application is made through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website and the number arrives within 28 business days. It is advisable to apply as soon as enrolment is confirmed, before departure or in the first days in the country.

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Why does Australia combine English learning and work experience in one programme?

Australia has a qualifications system (AQF) aligned with the labour market. Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma and undergraduate courses have credibility recognised by employers across the country.

Australia is also part of the qualifications mobility agreement with the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand, which facilitates degree validation and the portability of work experience across those markets.

For those who have English as their goal, an English exchange in Australia has the advantage of combining language immersion with legal work permission from the start, unlike countries that restrict work to specific periods of the year or require a tourist visa first.

The study and work in Australia 2026 plan integrates the three planning pillars into a single pathway.

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Frequently asked questions about working during an exchange in Australia

Does the 48-hour fortnightly limit apply to doctoral students?
No. Subclass 500 holders enrolled in research master's or doctoral programmes have work permission with no hour restrictions during any period of the year, academic or not. The 48-hour fortnightly restriction applies only to undergraduate, diploma and English language students.

Can I work during the July holidays without any hour limit?
Yes. Regular academic holidays have no work hour limit for Subclass 500 holders. The 48-hour fortnightly limit applies only during the academic term.

Is the TFN mandatory before starting work?
It is not technically mandatory, but working without a TFN subjects the student to a 47 per cent withholding tax. It is highly recommended to apply before or immediately upon arrival, through the ATO website. The number arrives within 28 business days.

Does my Subclass 500 visa allow self-employment?
No. The Subclass 500 only authorises formal employment with a registered contract. Self-employment, freelancing and gig economy platforms are not covered by the student visa.

Which city is easiest for landing a first job without local experience?
Melbourne and Brisbane tend to have the most accessible hospitality and retail markets for those arriving without experience in the Australian labour market. Sydney has more absolute vacancies but also greater competition. Perth has lower volume, but the cost-to-opportunity ratio is often favourable.

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Be Easy: boutique study abroad consultancy

Be Easy supports those who want to structure a real project in Australia: from financial planning and city selection to assistance with the visa, TFN and arrival in the country. We have a curated selection of CRICOS-recognised programmes and a dedicated senior consultant who evaluates your profile before you depart. To understand the options and get started, get in touch with us through our study and work in Australia programme.