The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs has officially published the work conditions attached to the Subclass 500 student visa for 2026, confirming that international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course of study or training is in session.
This 48-hour fortnightly cap is a key condition of the visa, which is designed for individuals who wish to travel to Australia to participate in a course of study. The limit applies specifically during active study or training periods, meaning students can work no more than roughly 24 hours per week during term time. The Department of Home Affairs, which oversees Australia's immigration system, outlined these conditions as part of the official Subclass 500 visa requirements published on its website.
Subclass 500 Visa Overview
The Subclass 500 visa permits holders to live in Australia for the duration of their course, with work rights built in as a supporting condition. The visa covers a wide range of courses, from English language programmes to postgraduate degrees at Australian universities and registered training organisations.
The work restriction is tied directly to whether a course is actively running, and the rules may differ during scheduled breaks. This means students must be aware of their course schedule to ensure they do not exceed the permitted hours during term time.
Implications for Nigerian Students
Australia remains one of the top destinations for Nigerian students considering studying abroad as part of the broader 'japa' wave. Understanding the conditions of the Subclass 500 visa, including how many hours a student can legally work, is critical for anyone planning to fund part of their studies through part-time employment.
Working beyond the permitted hours is a visa condition breach that can affect a student's right to remain in Australia. This makes it essential for prospective and current visa holders to understand the limit before taking on any employment.
Related Student Visa Updates
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that Australia had shared how long foreigners can stay in the country while on a student visa. Additionally, Australia published the conditions for its student visa, which apply to anyone seeking to study in the country. Applicants who fail to meet any of the conditions risk having their application rejected or declared invalid from the outset.
