How many hours can Masters students work in Australia is one of those questions that comes up constantly. The rules have changed recently, and there’s a lot of confusion about what’s actually allowed. I’ve watched friends navigate these rules, and some got it right while others got into trouble. The difference was understanding the rules and planning ahead.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve worked part time jobs throughout my degree, and I’ve seen how the rules work in practice. Some students work the maximum hours and manage fine. Others work less and still struggle. It’s not just about the hours, it’s about balance.
So here’s everything I know about work hours for Masters students in Australia, based on the current rules and what actually happens.
The Basic Rule: 48 Hours Per Fortnight
Let me start with the current rule, because this is what matters most.
During semester, you can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight. A fortnight is 14 days, so that’s about 24 hours per week on average.
This applies to all work: casual jobs, part time jobs, internships, volunteer work that involves payment, anything where you’re getting paid or getting something of value.
This is a hard limit. Going over it can affect your visa, even if it’s accidental. You need to track your hours carefully.
But here’s what nobody tells you: the 48 hours applies during semester only. During official university breaks, you can work unlimited hours. This is important, and many students don’t realise it.
During Semester: The 48 Hour Limit
This is when the limit applies, and it’s strict.
You need to count all work hours. If you have multiple jobs, add them up. If you do freelance work, count those hours. If you do paid internships, count those hours.
You need to track your hours. Keep records of when you work, how many hours, and for which employer. You might need to show this if immigration asks.
You need to stay under 48 hours per fortnight. Not 49, not 50. 48 is the maximum. Going over, even by a few hours, can be a problem.
But here’s what I’ve learned: 48 hours per fortnight is actually quite a lot. That’s 24 hours per week on average. Most students work less than this and still cover their living costs.
During Breaks: Unlimited Hours
This is the part many students don’t realise, and it’s important.
During official university breaks, you can work unlimited hours. This includes summer breaks, winter breaks, and any other official breaks.
This is when you can really earn money. If you work full time during breaks, you can earn significant amounts to help cover costs during semester.
But here’s the catch: breaks are limited. Most Masters programs don’t have long breaks. You might have a few weeks here and there, not months of break time.
You still need to balance work and rest. Working full time during breaks can be exhausting, especially if you’re also trying to catch up on study or prepare for the next semester.
What Counts as Work?
This is important, because not everything counts towards the 48 hour limit.
Paid work counts. This includes casual jobs, part time jobs, contract work, freelance work, anything where you’re getting paid.
Unpaid internships usually don’t count, but check carefully. If you’re getting something of value, like accommodation or meals, it might count. If it’s truly unpaid and voluntary, it usually doesn’t count.
Volunteer work usually doesn’t count, but again, check carefully. If you’re getting payment or something of value, it counts. If it’s truly voluntary, it usually doesn’t count.
Work for your own business counts. If you have an ABN and are working for yourself, those hours count towards the limit.
The key is: if you’re getting paid or getting something of value, it probably counts. If you’re unsure, check with your university’s international student office or a migration agent.
How Much Can You Actually Earn?
This depends on your job and hours, but here’s the reality.
At minimum wage, which is around $23 per hour for casual work, 48 hours per fortnight is about $1,104 per fortnight, or about $28,700 per year if you work consistently.
But most students don’t work the full 48 hours. They work 15 to 30 hours per fortnight, which is about $345 to $690 per fortnight, or about $9,000 to $18,000 per year.
During breaks, if you work full time, you might earn $1,500 to $2,000 per fortnight, depending on your job.
This helps cover living costs, but it usually doesn’t cover everything. Most students still need savings or family support to cover course fees and some living costs.
I’ve written about work rights for international students in Australia if you want more detail on pay rates and conditions.
Balancing Work and Study
This is the real challenge, and it’s not just about hours.
Masters degrees are intensive. You’ll have assignments, readings, exams, and potentially research. Working too many hours can affect your studies.
You need to be realistic. Can you actually work 48 hours per fortnight and still do well in your Masters? Most students can’t. Most work 15 to 30 hours and still struggle to balance everything.
You need to prioritise. Your studies should come first. Don’t work so much that your grades suffer. Bad grades can affect your visa and your future opportunities.
You need to plan. Know when assignments are due, when exams are, and plan your work schedule around your study commitments.
I know students who worked the maximum hours and did well. I also know students who worked less and still struggled. The difference wasn’t just hours, it was organisation, planning, and knowing their limits.
What Happens If You Go Over?
This is important, because going over can have serious consequences.
If you accidentally go over the limit, you should stop working immediately and contact your university’s international student office. They can advise you on what to do.
If you deliberately go over the limit, you’re violating your visa conditions. This can lead to visa cancellation, which means you have to leave Australia.
Even accidental violations can be a problem. Immigration takes visa conditions seriously, and ignorance isn’t an excuse.
The key is: don’t go over. Track your hours carefully, and if you’re getting close to the limit, reduce your hours. It’s not worth the risk.
Tips for Managing Work Hours
Here’s what I’ve learned about managing work hours effectively:
Track your hours carefully. Keep a record of when you work and how many hours. Use a spreadsheet or app to track it.
Plan ahead. Know your study commitments and plan your work schedule around them. Don’t take on too much work during busy study periods.
Be honest with employers. Tell them you’re an international student with work hour limits. Most employers understand and will work with you.
Don’t take on multiple jobs without tracking. If you have multiple jobs, make sure you’re tracking all hours and staying under the limit.
Use breaks wisely. Work more during breaks when you can, so you can work less during semester when you need to focus on study.
Know your limits. Don’t work so much that your studies suffer. Your degree is more important than part time work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work more than 48 hours per fortnight?
No, not during semester. The 48 hour limit is strict. Going over can affect your visa. During official breaks, you can work unlimited hours.
Do all jobs count towards the 48 hour limit?
Most paid work counts. Unpaid volunteer work usually doesn’t count, but check carefully. If you’re getting something of value, it might count.
Can I work multiple jobs?
Yes, but you need to add up all your hours. If you have two jobs and work 25 hours per fortnight at each, that’s 50 hours total, which is over the limit.
What if I accidentally go over the limit?
Stop working immediately and contact your university’s international student office. They can advise you on what to do. Don’t ignore it and hope nobody notices.
Can I work during semester breaks?
Yes, and you can work unlimited hours during official university breaks. This is when you can really earn money to help cover costs.
How much can I earn working part time?
It depends on your job and hours. At minimum wage, working 48 hours per fortnight, you might earn around $28,700 per year. Most students work less and earn less.
Final Thoughts
Understanding work hours for Masters students in Australia is important, but it’s not just about knowing the rules. It’s about balancing work and study effectively, and knowing your limits.
The 48 hour per fortnight limit during semester is strict, and you need to track your hours carefully. But you can work unlimited hours during official breaks, which can help you earn more money.
Don’t work so much that your studies suffer. Your degree is more important than part time work. Find a balance that works for you.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Plan ahead, track your hours, and prioritise your studies. Part time work helps, but your degree comes first.
If you’re still planning your Masters journey, check out my guides on how to choose a Masters in Australia and work rights for international students. And if you’re working part time, make sure you understand the rules and track your hours carefully. It’s not worth risking your visa for a few extra hours of work.
