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Working 48 Hours a Fortnight on a Student Visa: Pay, Tax and Why There Is No 60-Hour Rule

A student visa lets you work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks. There is no 60-hour rule, whatever social media says. The national minimum wage has been A$26.44 an hour since 1 July 2026.

Leonid Kurza, co-founder of EdumappleBy Leonid Kurza · co-founder of Edumapple · checked

  • 48 hoursa fortnight in session
  • ₹1,770minimum wage an hour
  • ₹12 lakhtax-free a year for residents
  • unlimitedin course breaks

What 48 hours earns

At the minimum wage of ₹1,770 (A$26.44) an hour, 48 hours a fortnight comes to about A$1,270 a fortnight before tax. Casual jobs usually pay a loading on top, often 25% under awards, and many awards set rates above the minimum. That covers rent and food in most cities, but not tuition.

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Protect yourself

Get a payslip within a working day of each payment, keep a record of hours, and check your award rate with the Fair Work Ombudsman. Visa holders have the same workplace rights as Australian workers. Cash jobs below the minimum wage are illegal for the employer and risky for you.

Questions from Indian students: Work hours, pay and tax

How many hours can a student work in Australia?
Up to 48 hours a fortnight while the course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. You cannot work before your course starts.
Is there a 60-hour limit?
No. The rule on the Home Affairs page is 48 hours a fortnight in session. Working more is a breach of visa conditions.
Do PhD students have a limit?
No. Master's by research and doctoral students have no work limit; coursework master's students do.
How is a student taxed?
Students in Australia for more than six months are usually residents for tax and pay no tax on the first A$18,200 a year. You need a Tax File Number, and returns are due by 31 October.
What is superannuation?
Retirement savings your employer pays on top of wages; you can claim it when you leave Australia permanently.

Sources we checked