Temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders

To address workforce shortages, student visa work hours have been temporarily relaxed. This measure takes effect immediately for all ongoing students as well as new student arrivals, including secondary applicants. Students will be able to work before their course of study commences. They will also be able to work more than 40 hours a fortnight in any sector of the economy.  (Now Extended)

These temporary measures remain in place until further notice. Students must ensure they are aware of any changes to visa conditions, including work rights.

Post study work rights for select degrees in areas of verified skill shortages will be increased from:

• Two years to four years for select Bachelor’s degrees
• Three years to five years for select Masters degrees
• Four years to six years for select PhDs.

In addition, student visa holders who are outside Australia and arrive between 19 January 2022 and 19 March 2022 may be eligible for a refund of their VAC. Students can apply for a refund up until 31 December 2022. For more information on how to apply for a VAC refund see Getting a refund.

Information for students

You must continue to balance your study and work commitments even though there is flexibility in the number of hours you can work.

Students must still:

• maintain their course enrolment
• ensure satisfactory course attendance, and
• ensure satisfactory course progress.

Student visa holders who cancel their enrolment and stop attending classes, or fail to meet satisfactory course progress, may be in breach of their visa conditions.