One of the biggest practical advantages of studying in Australia is the right to work part-time — and it’s built directly into your Subclass 500 student visa. Nepali students regularly earn AUD 800–1,500 per fortnight from part-time work, which meaningfully offsets living costs. But the rules around hours, timing, and visa conditions matter. Getting them wrong can jeopardise your visa and future PR pathway.
The 48-Hour Fortnight Rule
During your enrolled study period (semesters, trimesters, or academic terms as defined by your institution), you may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight (two-week period). This changed from 40 hours in 2023 — a significant improvement that many students aren’t aware of. A fortnight runs from midnight Monday to the end of Sunday two weeks later.
During official university vacation periods (semester breaks, summer holidays), there is no hour restriction — you can work unlimited hours. Check your university’s official academic calendar to know exactly which weeks are “vacation” periods.
What Counts as Work?
Any paid employment counts toward your 48-hour limit, including:
- Casual and part-time employment (cafés, retail, supermarkets)
- Gig economy work (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog delivery)
- Self-employed work (tutoring, freelance, ABN-based work)
- Paid internships and industry placements (unless they are a mandatory unpaid component of your course)
Unpaid volunteer work, unpaid university-mandated placements (e.g., nursing clinical placements as part of curriculum), and unpaid internships do not count toward the limit.
Best Part-Time Jobs for Nepali Students in Australia
The Australian minimum wage in 2026 is AUD 24.10/hour (casual workers receive a 25% loading on top, bringing casual minimum to ~AUD 30.13/hour). Realistic part-time earnings at 48 hours/fortnight: AUD 1,447–1,800 per fortnight (AUD 3,000–3,900/month).
| Job Type | Hourly Rate (AUD) | Typical Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail / supermarket | $24–$28 | 15–24/week | Woolworths, Coles, IGA often hire internationally |
| Food delivery (Uber Eats) | $18–$30 effective | Flexible | ABN required; income varies by suburb and time |
| Aged care support worker | $28–$36 | 20–24/week | Cert III required; EVEC can advise on pathways |
| IT help desk / tech support | $22–$35 | 15–20/week | University IT departments often hire students |
| Tutoring (private) | $35–$60 | 5–10/week | Maths, science, IELTS tutoring in high demand |
| Hospitality (cafés/restaurants) | $24–$32 | 20–24/week | Weekend/evening penalty rates significantly higher |
Getting Your Tax File Number (TFN)
Apply for your Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) immediately after arriving — you can apply online at ato.gov.au. Your TFN is required by every employer before they can pay you. Without a TFN, employers are required to withhold 47% tax from your pay — compared to a typical 19–32% with a TFN. The TFN application is free and takes 2–4 weeks to arrive by post.
Superannuation — Money You May Be Leaving Behind
All Australian employers must contribute 11.5% of your wages to superannuation (retirement savings). As an international student, you can claim your accumulated superannuation back when you permanently depart Australia — this is called a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). Nepali students often overlook this: a student earning AUD 2,000/month for 2 years accumulates ~AUD 5,520 in superannuation — a meaningful lump sum to claim on departure.
Visa Compliance — Don’t Risk Your Future
Breaching your work conditions (working more than 48 hours/fortnight during term) is a serious visa violation that can result in visa cancellation and a potential ban from future Australian visas. Australian employers are not always aware of international students’ hour limits — it is your responsibility to track and manage your own hours. Use a simple spreadsheet or app to log every shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work unlimited hours in Australian university holidays?
Yes. During official university vacation periods, international students on a Subclass 500 visa can work unlimited hours. The 48-hour fortnightly limit only applies during enrolled study periods. Always check your university’s official academic calendar to confirm which weeks are vacation periods.
Does Uber Eats delivery count toward my 48-hour limit?
Yes. Any paid work — including gig economy delivery work — counts toward your 48-hour fortnight limit. If you do delivery through an ABN (as a self-employed contractor), you are still subject to the same work conditions under your student visa.
How much can I realistically earn while studying in Australia?
At 48 hours/fortnight (24 hrs/week) earning the casual minimum of AUD 30/hour, you earn approximately AUD 3,120/month. After tax (~15%), take-home is approximately AUD 2,650/month — enough to cover most of your rent and living expenses.
Get Expert Guidance from EVEC
EVEC has helped thousands of Nepali students successfully study abroad since 2005. Our AIRC-certified counsellors provide personalised guidance at every step — from choosing the right university to visa lodgement. Book your free consultation today.
- Student work rights (DIBP) (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
- Fair Work Australia — student wages (www.fairwork.gov.au)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work unlimited hours in Australian university holidays?
Yes. During official university vacation periods, international students on a Subclass 500 visa can work unlimited hours. The 48-hour fortnightly limit only applies during enrolled study periods. Always check your university's official academic calendar to confirm which weeks are vacation periods.
Does Uber Eats delivery count toward my 48-hour limit?
Yes. Any paid work — including gig economy delivery work — counts toward your 48-hour fortnight limit. If you do delivery through an ABN (as a self-employed contractor), you are still subject to the same work conditions under your student visa.
How much can I realistically earn while studying in Australia?
At 48 hours/fortnight (24 hrs/week) earning the casual minimum of AUD 30/hour, you earn approximately AUD 3,120/month. After tax (~15%), take-home is approximately AUD 2,650/month — enough to cover most of your rent and living expenses.
Get Expert Guidance from EVEC
EVEC has helped thousands of Nepali students successfully study abroad since 2005. Our AIRC-certified counsellors provide personalised guidance at every step — from choosing the right university to visa lodgement. Book your free consultation today.