Work in Australia

Sign up for free

expert consultation

Down Arrow

I accept the Terms & Conditions

Icon
Don't know what to do?

Get Free Counseling

Posted on March 13 2025

Can student visa dependents work in Australia?

profile-image
By  Editor
Updated March 13 2025

Yes, student visa dependents can work in Australia. The spouses or partners of an Australia student visa holder listed as dependents can work for the specified time based on the international student's degree level. If the student is pursuing a Master's or Doctorate study program, the dependent can work full-time. For Bachelor's degrees, the dependent can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight.

Work Rights for Australia Student Visa Dependents

*Want assistance to apply for an Australia student visa? Y-Axis is here to offer you complete support with the process.
 

Work rights for Australian student visa dependents

Dependents of Australian student visa holders usually have limited working hours, allowing them to work for a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight, but dependents of Master’s or Doctorate students can work full-time, meaning they have no restrictions on their working hours.

Detailed information about the working rights for the Australian student visa dependents is given below.

  • Dependents can only start working in Australia after the primary candidate with a valid Australia student visa has started their study program.
  • The 48-hour limited working hours per fortnight apply during the semester as well as semester break periods.
  • After the primary student completes their Master's or doctoral study program, the dependent can still pursue full-time employment.
  • If asked, dependents should provide proof of ties with the Australia student visa holder.
     

Read more…

Can an international student work in Australia?
 

Summary of work rights under Australian student visa

The working rights of the primary student visa holder, as well as the dependent, are given in the table below.

Work Condition

Masters or PhD By Research

Masters by coursework

Bachelors

Primary Australian student visa holder

The candidates can work full-time.

The candidates can work 48 hours per fortnight during the semester, but they can work full-time during breaks.

They can work for only 48 hours per fortnight during semesters as well as breaks.

Dependent

The candidates can work full-time.

The candidates can work full-time.

 

Also read…

What are the new rules for an Australian student visa in 2025?
 

Requirements to work in Australia as a student visa dependent

The documents required to work in Australia as a student visa dependent are given below.

  • For Student Visa (Subclass 500) holders:
    • An Australia Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
    • A valid passport and student visa.
    • Proof of adequate funds to support yourself and accompany dependents.

Requirements for Student visa dependents to work in Australia

 

  • For Australian student visa dependents:
    • Nomination of Student Dependents Form 919
    • A valid passport
    • Proof of relationship with the primary candidate
    • A good character Certificate
    • A valid identification document
    • Proof of Overseas Health Cover
    • A duly filled Australia student visa Form 157A (if applicable)
       

*Looking for assistance with Australia student visa? Sign up with Y-Axis, the world's No. 1 overseas immigration company, for end-to-end support with the process.

Tags:

Work in Australia

Australian student visa

Work in Australia

Australian student visa

Australia student visa

Australia student visa (subclass 500)

study in Australia

Australia student dependent visa new rules

Student dependent visa Australia working

Share

Options for you by Y-Axis

phone 1

Get it on your mobile

mail

Get News alerts

contact 1

Contact Y-Axis

Latest Article

Popular Post

Trending Article

exams to study abroad

Posted On April 30 2025

Top 7 Entrance Exams to Study Abroad for Indian Students