If you're on a Student Visa (subclass 500) in Australia, you can do internships — but you need to know the work-hour cap and the difference between 'work' and 'course-related placements'. This article explains the current rules, exceptions, and a checklist to stay compliant.
Work-Hour Cap for Student Visa Holders
As of July 2023, the Australian government reinstated the standard work-hour limit: 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. A fortnight means any 14-day period, starting on a Monday. This cap applies to all paid work, including paid internships. Unpaid work is generally not counted, but see the exception below.
Important: The cap does not apply during scheduled course breaks (e.g., summer or winter holidays). You can work unlimited hours then.
Course-Related Placements: The Key Exception
If your internship is a mandatory part of your course (e.g., a placement required for your degree), it may not count toward the 48-hour cap. This is called a 'work-integrated learning' (WIL) placement. To qualify:
- The placement must be registered with your education provider.
- It must be a requirement for your course (not optional).
- You must receive academic credit.
Check with your university's international student office to confirm your specific placement is exempt.
What Counts as 'Work'?
Under Australian law, 'work' is any activity that normally earns wages — even if you're unpaid. So an unpaid internship where you perform tasks that would otherwise be done by a paid employee could still count toward your cap. However, if the internship is truly voluntary (no expectation of payment, no obligation to perform tasks), it may not be considered work. The Department of Home Affairs looks at the substance of the arrangement, not the label.
Simple Checklist Before Accepting an Internship Offer
- Is it paid or unpaid? If paid, it counts toward the 48-hour cap (unless it's a course-required placement).
- Is it part of your course? If yes, get written confirmation from your university that it's a mandatory WIL placement.
- Will you exceed 48 hours in a fortnight? Add up all paid work (including this internship) for the fortnight. If it's over 48, you cannot accept the role during study periods.
- Is it during a break? If yes, the cap does not apply, but ensure you're not enrolled in any subjects during that break.
- Have you checked your visa conditions? Log into VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to see your specific work conditions — they can vary.
What Happens If You Breach?
Breaching work conditions can lead to visa cancellation, which affects future visa applications. If you're unsure, contact your university's international student support or a registered migration agent.
How Stride Can Help
Stride helps students find internships and opportunities filtered by eligibility — including visa status. You can see which roles match your work rights before applying, saving time and reducing risk.
FAQ
Can I do an unpaid internship without it counting toward the 48-hour cap?
Possibly, but it depends on the nature of the work. If the internship is truly voluntary (no expectation of work or reward), it may not be considered 'work'. However, if you're performing tasks that a paid employee would normally do, it likely counts. Always check with your university or a migration agent.
Does the 48-hour cap apply during semester breaks?
No. You can work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (e.g., summer holidays). But ensure you're not enrolled in any subjects during that break.
What if my internship is overseas?
Work done outside Australia is not subject to the 48-hour cap because the student visa only regulates work in Australia. However, you must still comply with local laws.
How do I prove my placement is course-related?
Get a letter from your university confirming the placement is a mandatory part of your course and that you will receive academic credit. Keep this with your visa documents.