Working while studying

Working while you study: know your visa limits

Adelaide University recognises that many international students choose to work part-time while studying.

If you're thinking about taking on a job, it's important to understand how this fits with your visa conditions and study commitments.

This page outlines key information to help you stay informed about your work rights, visa restrictions, and where to find support and resources.

Our goal is to ensure you’re treated fairly in the workplace and that your academic success remains your top priority as you continue your journey at Adelaide University.

If you decide to work a part-time job while studying there are a few things to consider - and it's important to make sure the extra workload doesn’t negatively affect your studies.

Here are some resources to aid your awareness of student visa conditions surrounding working hours and to be sure that you are being treated fairly by your employer.

Are you being unfairly treated at work?

Whatever your age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, culture, religion or visa status, you have rights. Free, confidential support is available, and you don't have to report anything to use it.

Talk to someone if you or someone you know is:

working for little or no pay, or paying off a debt that never seems to end
threatened or made to work under conditions they didn't agree to
unable to stop work, leave, or decide when to eat, sleep or rest

Call 1800 000 277 Salvation Army Additional Referral Pathway - Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm

Visit the Salvation Army website

Talk to an International Student Advisor

If you're in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). Adelaide University won't cancel your enrolment for talking to us about work problems.

Visa work restrictions

International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight once their program has commenced.

This is governed by Visa Condition 8105 – Work Limitation. You must not begin work before your program starts. Visit the Academic Calendar to view the critical dates.

The 48-hour limit applies:

During teaching periods and primary examination periods (even if you don’t have exams)
Any time you are enrolled in courses that count towards your main program, including including non-standard teaching periods (e.g. Terms, Summer, Winter)
When Work Integrated Learning (WIL) hours are undertaken as an elective

The 48-hour limit does not apply if:

The work is a mandatory part of your CRICOS-registered program (e.g. compulsory WIL courses that must be undertaken in your program). Refer to your program’s webpage for more information at adelaide.edu.au/study/. Non-mandatory WIL hours (ie: elective courses) count towards your 48-hour limit
You are enrolled in a Masters by research or a doctorate degree

You can work unlimited hours:

From the day after your primary examination period ends
During scheduled program breaks (e.g. mid-semester or end-of-year breaks), provided you are not enrolled in any courses during that time
After completing your program, as listed on your Confirmation of Enrolment, while holding a valid visa For full details, visit:

Know Your Workplace Rights in Australia:

In addition to visa conditions, you must also understand your rights as a worker in Australia. Before starting work, make sure you:

Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) and provide it to your employer
Review your rights via the Fair Work Ombudsman, which offers guidance tailored to international students
Understand State and Federal awards, which set legal pay rates and working conditions
Visit SafeWork SA for advice on employment conditions at both state and national levels
Refer to the Department of Home Affairs – Visa Conditions for further information.