Australia is going to put the cap back on work hours for international students from 30 June 2023 (Source: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government), updates on on Friday 2 September 2022.

“Until 30 June 2023, all ongoing students as well as new student arrivals and secondary applicants are able to work more than 40 hours a fortnight in any sector of the economy and work before their course of study commences.”

After 30 June 2023, international students will be restricted to work up to 40 hours a fortnight (in each 2 weeks) during semester and unlimited hours during breaks. 

Currently there are no restrictions on working hours for international students – to address workforce shortage, Australian Government removed work hours cap in January 2022. There had been concerns from many stakeholders that the uncapping may damage reputation of the education quality of Australia, the focus of students may move away from studies which are their core objectives and they may engage in more paid work. 

The decision to put working hours cap back has been taken to ensure that international students must maintain their course enrolment, satisfactory class attendance and satisfactory course progress. Students must maintain a balance between their study and work commitment even though there is no cap in the number of working hours, but without restriction, this objectives are unlikely to be achieved and hence the Government has reverted to the original working hour Rules for international students.