Australian work culture for international students

Australian work culture is fairly laid back but they speak their mind openly and directly. Many international students studying in Australia want to work during their time. So, for them, they need to know the rules under their student visa restrictions.

International students in Australia on a valid student visa work for up to 20 hrs per week while their school session is on. During their vacations, there is no limit on the number of hours an international student can work. A work week in Australia starts from Monday and continues until Sunday. Although they are allowed to enter the country 90 days before the starting of the course they are not allowed to begin working until the course has commenced.

If the students work more than 20 hours he/her visa may get cancelled.

Work rules for Family members of international students:

Family Members (spouses or children) accompanying the student under their student visa has the same work rights as the student i.e. 20 hours per week. Unlike students, the family members do not get to exceed more than 20 hours per week even during holidays. For the students obtaining a graduate degree such as a master's degree, their family members are allowed to work unlimited hours. Family members are not allowed to work before the course of the student has begun.

Work Permission and visa Applications.

Students are granted permission to work along with their visa grant. This applies both to the student and their dependents who are travelling with them under their visa. The student visa application fee is around $500.

International students who want to study in Australia have to be first accepted by an educational institution based in Australia before they apply for their student visa.

When the student applies for their visa, they need to provide proof of their confirmation of enrolment issued by the institution with their visa application. This serves as a proof that the student is really staying in Australia to study. It is always recommended that the candidate should apply for their student visa as soon as possible so that they can prepare well in advance for their travel.