Guide to Working Hours for Nepali Students in Australia 2025

Dreaming of a world-class education and a part-time job to support your life in Australia? For international students in Australia, a student visa (subclass 500) offers the unique opportunity to balance a high-quality education with practical work experience. However, understanding the rules and regulations is crucial for a successful and stress-free journey.

If you're a Nepali student planning to study in Australia, understanding working hours for students in Australia is the key to managing your finances, study-life balance, and visa compliance. This definitive guide will walk you through the specifics of working hours for students in Australia, covering everything from the latest government regulations and your legal rights to the best strategies for managing your academic and professional life. 

How Many Hours Can a Student Work in Australia?

The most important rule to know is the 48-hour per fortnight work limit. A fortnight is a 14-day period, and this cap applies to all student visa holders.

• During the Academic Term: You can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight once your course has officially started. You can't begin working until your course has commenced.
• During Scheduled Course Breaks: You can work unlimited hours during your official university holidays, semester breaks, or any other break recognised by your education provider.
  
  

This flexible arrangement allows you to work more in one week and less in another, as long as your total hours do not exceed 48 over a two-week period.

Who is Exempt from the Work Hour Cap?

While the 48-hour fortnight cap applies to most students, there are specific exemptions:

• Master's by Research or PhD Students: If you are enrolled in one of these postgraduate research programmes, you have no work hour limit.
• Work Required by Your Course: Any work or training that is a mandatory, registered part of your course (e.g., a professional placement, internship, or clinical training) does not count towards the 48-hour limit.

What Happens if You Work more than 48 hours?

You might be tempted to exceed the working hours for students in Australia to earn extra money, but the risks are far greater than the potential rewards. The Department of Home Affairs takes visa compliance very seriously.

• Visa Cancellation: Working over the 48-hour limit is a direct breach of your visa conditions. If this is discovered, your student visa could be cancelled, requiring you to leave the country.
• Impact on Future Visas: A history of visa non-compliance can permanently affect your ability to apply for future visas to Australia, including post-study work visas or permanent residency.
• Academic Failure: Overworking can severely compromise your academic performance. Your primary purpose in Australia is to study, and failing to maintain satisfactory academic progress can also lead to visa cancellation.
  
  

Expert Advice: Do not listen to anyone who tells you that a few extra hours won't matter. The Australian government has robust systems in place to monitor compliance.

Your Rights as a Student Worker in Australia

In Australia, all employees—including international students—have the same workplace rights and protections. The Fair Work Ombudsman is the government agency responsible for enforcing these rights.

Pay and Wages

The minimum wage is reviewed annually. As of July 1, 2025, the national minimum wage is AU $24.95 per hour. This is the legal minimum you must be paid. Many roles, particularly casual positions, pay more due to a "casual loading" of 25%, bringing the hourly rate to over AU$31.

Key Entitlements

• Payslips: Your employer must provide you with a payslip within one day of being paid. This is your record of hours worked, pay rate, and tax deductions.
• Superannuation: Your employer must pay a portion of your earnings into a superannuation (retirement fund) account.
• Safe Workplace: You have the right to a safe and healthy work environment.
• Legal Protections: It is illegal for an employer to threaten to cancel your visa or report you for seeking help. Your visa will not be cancelled for reporting underpayment or exploitation to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
  
  

Crucial Warning: Be wary of employers offering to pay you in cash 'off the books.' This practice is illegal and leaves you with no record of your employment, no legal protections, and no way to prove your work experience.

Finding and Balancing Work with Your Studies

Finding a part-time job in Australia is a great way to gain experience and manage your finances. Here are some popular sectors and tips for a successful work-life-study balance.

Common Job Types

• Hospitality: This is one of the most common sectors for international students due to flexible hours. Roles include bar staff, waitstaff, and kitchen hands.
• Retail: Look for positions in supermarkets, clothing stores, and department stores.
• Administrative Roles: Many students find work as receptionists or office assistants.
• On-Campus Work: Universities often hire students for roles in libraries, student services, or as tutors.
  
  

Strategies for Success

• Create a Schedule: Use a calendar or a time management app to schedule your classes, study time, and work shifts. Be disciplined and stick to it.
• Communicate with Your Employer: Be upfront about your study commitments and exam periods. A good employer will be flexible and help you manage your schedule.
• Utilise University Breaks: Work unlimited hours during official semester breaks to build your savings. This reduces the pressure to overwork during the academic term.
• Set a Budget: Know your monthly expenses and have a clear financial goal. This will prevent you from taking on extra shifts that you don't need, which could impact your studies.
• Prioritise Well-being: Remember to schedule time for rest, exercise, and social activities. A balanced life is key to avoiding burnout and maintaining focus.
  
  
  

Moving abroad is exciting and can also be a bit overwhelming. At AECC Nepal, we help you with your entire study-abroad plan, from finding the right course to applying for your visa, preparing your finances, and yes, even helping you understand job opportunities once you're there. Need help figuring out your next steps? Talk to AECC Nepal today — your overseas study plan starts here.

Working Hours for Nepali Students in Australia FAQs