One-line direct answer
Subclass 500 students can work 48 hours per fortnight during university term, unlimited hours during official breaks, and must receive weekend penalty rates (1.25–1.5x ordinary pay) and public holiday rates (2.5x); employers must also pay 11.5% superannuation into a retirement fund.
The 48-hour term-time cap and what it means
Your student visa (Subclass 500) permits a maximum of 48 hours of work per fortnight during your course. A fortnight is 14 consecutive days. This means:
- If your university defines a “fortnight” as Monday to Sunday, you count work hours across that span.
- 48 hours typically translates to two 12-hour shifts per week, or four 6-hour shifts, or any combination totalling no more than 48.
- Breaching the 48-hour cap can lead to visa cancellation (in severe cases) and deportation. Take this seriously.
Most international students work slightly under the cap (e.g., 40 hours per fortnight) to allow for exam weeks or when assignments pile up. It’s easier to stay in the habit of checking your hours weekly.
Full-time work during official breaks
During official university breaks (summer break, winter break, mid-semester breaks), you can work full-time—up to 38 hours per week or more, with no upper limit. The Department of Home Affairs expects these breaks to be defined by your university’s official academic calendar, not just any time when you don’t have classes.
Common break periods in Australia:
- Summer break: December–January (3–4 weeks)
- Winter break: June–July (2–3 weeks)
- Easter break: March–April (1–2 weeks, depending on the university)
- Semester break: between semesters (1–2 weeks)
Your university’s student handbook or online timetable will list exact break dates. Use the official dates; informal time off (e.g., a week you’re studying but not in scheduled classes) still counts as term time under visa rules.
Penalty rates: weekends and public holidays
Australia’s National Employment Standards require employers to pay penalty rates—higher pay for unsociable hours—regardless of your visa status.
Weekends: Ordinary work (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) pays the “award rate.” Weekend work (Sat–Sun) typically attracts a 1.25x–1.5x multiplier depending on the award. A cafe job at AUD 22/hour on a Saturday might pay AUD 27.50–33 (MYR 80–96) per hour.
Public holidays: Public holiday work (e.g., Anzac Day 25 April, Queen’s/King’s Birthday June, Christmas 25 Dec) attracts a 2.5x multiplier. If you work an 8-hour shift on a public holiday, you might earn AUD 22 × 8 × 2.5 = AUD 440 (MYR 1,276) instead of AUD 176.
These rates are mandatory. If an employer refuses to pay them, report it to the Fair Work Ombudsman (fairwork.gov.au).
Superannuation: the 11.5% you must receive
In addition to your hourly wage, Australian employers must contribute 11.5% of your ordinary earnings into a superannuation (retirement) fund. This contribution is mandatory and does not come out of your wage; it’s paid on top.
Example: If you earn AUD 22/hour for 40 hours over a fortnight (AUD 880), your employer must pay an additional AUD 101.20 (11.5%) into a super fund. You’ll eventually receive this money, but it’s locked until you reach preservation age (typically 60+) unless you meet other conditions (e.g., permanent residency).
Important: Superannuation is paid only on ordinary working hours, not on penalty-rate hours (weekends, public holidays), in most awards. Clarify this with your employer when you start.
If you’re leaving Australia after your studies, you may be able to claim your super as a “departing Australia superannuation payment” (DASP). However, rules changed in 2025—check with the ATO for the current threshold and conditions.
Where to check your superannuation and tax
Both your wages and superannuation are tracked by the ATO and your super fund. You can:
- Check tax online: Log into myGov and link to the ATO. You can see your salary, tax withheld, and TFN status.
- Check super: You can find your super fund’s name on your payslip. Visit the fund’s website or call to check your balance. Australian super funds are heavily regulated and transparent.
If you’re unclear about any deductions or contributions, ask your employer for a recent payslip, then verify it against the ATO’s records.
Postgraduate research and exceptional cases
Some postgraduate students undertake research or lab-based work integral to their thesis. Clarify with your university whether this counts against the 48-hour work limit. In many cases, university-supervised research does not count as “work” under visa terms—it’s part of your course. Confirm with both your university and your visa conditions before assuming.
If you switch from undergraduate to postgraduate study, your work restrictions may change. Check the Department of Home Affairs for the specific rules applying to your new visa (often still Subclass 500, but with different conditions).
Malaysian pathway
Whether you’re on an SPM, STPM, or UEC pathway (and therefore studying a diploma or foundation year first), once you’re enrolled in a Subclass 500 student visa, the 48-hour term-time rule applies. Prior qualifications don’t exempt you.
If you’re on a different visa (e.g., working holiday), different rules apply. Always verify your visa conditions via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before accepting a job.
Common questions
Q: What counts as “work” under the 48-hour rule?
A: Paid employment, including casual jobs, internships with pay, and part-time roles. Unpaid internships, volunteer work, and university work-study that’s part of your course don’t count. Confirm with your university if you’re unsure.
Q: I worked 50 hours in a fortnight by accident. Will my visa be cancelled?
A: A single breach by a small amount is unlikely to trigger immediate cancellation, but it’s a technical breach. If detected, the Department of Home Affairs may take action. The safest approach is to stay well under the cap (e.g., 40–45 hours) to account for shifts that run over or miscounting.
Q: Do I have to declare my work hours to my university?
A: No, not usually. However, your university may ask about your work and study balance in welfare checks. Be honest if asked.
Q: Can I work more than 48 hours if I don’t have classes some weeks?
A: No. The rule is 48 hours per fortnight during any part of the official teaching period, regardless of whether you personally have timetabled classes that week.
Q: What if my superannuation contributions are not paid?
A: Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or the ATO. Employers are required by law to pay super. This is a serious matter, and you can report it confidentially.
Q: Can I claim back superannuation I left behind when I return to Malaysia?
A: As of 2025, departing Australian superannuation payment (DASP) rules apply. You may be able to claim your super after you leave Australia, but conditions have tightened. Check the ATO website for the current rules and thresholds.
Sources
- Department of Home Affairs — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au (student visa work conditions)
- Fair Work Ombudsman — fairwork.gov.au (minimum wage, penalty rates, superannuation)
- ATO (Australian Taxation Office) — ato.gov.au (superannuation and departing payments)
- Fair Work Commission — fwc.gov.au (modern awards and pay rates)