How many hours can you work as a student in Australia balancing study and life is one of those questions that comes up when you need money but don’t want to affect your studies. Student visa rules limit work hours, but you also need to balance work with study and life. I’ve worked various hours, and I’ve watched friends work different amounts. Some balanced it well. Others struggled. The difference was understanding the limits and finding what worked for them.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve worked throughout my degree, and I’ve learned what hours work and what don’t. Some hours were manageable. Others were too much. The difference was finding the right balance.
So here’s everything I know about how many hours you can work as a student in Australia and how to balance it with study and life, based on what actually works.
The Legal Limits: What You’re Allowed
Let me start with this, because understanding the limits is important.
During semester, you can work 48 hours per fortnight. That’s about 24 hours per week on average. This is the legal limit for student visa holders.
During official university breaks, you can work unlimited hours. This includes semester breaks and summer holidays.
But here’s what I’ve learned: legal limits are one thing, but what you can actually handle is another. Don’t work maximum hours just because you can. Consider what you can handle without affecting your studies.
What Hours Actually Work
This is the practical part, and here’s what I’ve found works.
10 to 15 hours per week is usually manageable. This gives you time for study, work, and life. Most students can handle this without too much stress.
15 to 20 hours per week is doable but challenging. You need good time management. Some students handle this well. Others struggle.
20 to 24 hours per week is the maximum, and it’s hard. You’re working close to the limit, which leaves less time for study and life. Only do this if you really need the money.
But here’s what I’ve learned: what works depends on your course, your study load, and your personal situation. Some students can handle more hours. Others can’t. Find what works for you.
Balancing Work and Study: The Challenge
This is the real challenge, and here’s what works.
Plan your time. Know when assignments are due, when exams are, and plan your work hours around them. Don’t work during exam periods if you can avoid it.
Prioritise study. Your degree is your priority. Don’t let work affect your studies. If you need to reduce work hours to focus on study, do it.
Use breaks wisely. During semester breaks, you can work more hours. Use this time to earn money and take a break from study.
But here’s what I’ve learned: balancing work and study requires planning and discipline. Don’t just hope it will work out. Plan your time, prioritise study, and be realistic about what you can handle.
I’ve written about time management tips for international students if you want more detail.
The Impact on Your Life
This is important, because work affects more than just study.
Work takes time. Even 15 hours per week is significant. That’s time you can’t spend on study, socialising, or rest.
Work can be tiring. Physical jobs or stressful jobs can leave you tired, which affects your ability to study.
Work affects your social life. Working evenings and weekends means missing social events. Consider whether this is worth it.
But here’s what I’ve learned: work is necessary for most students, but it comes with costs. Consider the full picture: money, time, energy, and social life. Find a balance that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours should I work?
It depends on your situation. Most students work 10 to 20 hours per week. Start with fewer hours and increase if you can handle it. Don’t work maximum hours just because you can.
Will working affect my studies?
It can. Working takes time and energy. If you work too many hours, your studies can suffer. Be realistic about what you can handle.
Can I work more during breaks?
Yes. During official university breaks, you can work unlimited hours. Use this time to earn money and take a break from study.
Should I work during exam periods?
Usually no. Exam periods are stressful, and you need time to study. If you can, reduce work hours or take time off during exams.
How do I balance work and study?
Plan your time, prioritise study, and be realistic about what you can handle. Don’t work so much that your studies suffer. Your degree is your priority.
What if I need more money?
Consider working more during breaks, finding better paying jobs, or reducing expenses. But don’t sacrifice your studies for money. It’s not worth it.
Final Thoughts
How many hours you can work as a student in Australia depends on your situation. Legal limits allow 48 hours per fortnight during semester, but what you can actually handle is usually less. Most students work 10 to 20 hours per week. Find what works for you, and don’t sacrifice your studies for money.
Don’t work maximum hours just because you can. Consider what you can handle without affecting your studies. Your degree is your priority. Work is important, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your studies.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Balance matters. Don’t work so much that your studies suffer. Your degree is your priority. Work is important, but it’s not worth sacrificing your studies for.
If you’re still planning your work schedule, check out my guides on best student jobs in Australia and work rights for international students. And when you’re balancing work and study, be realistic about what you can handle. Don’t work so much that your studies suffer. Your degree is your priority.