Student visa work hours and hospitality jobs in Australia
Hospitality is a popular job for international students, and the work limit on your visa is part of every roster decision. Here is how to handle it simply. Rules can change, so always confirm with the Department of Home Affairs.
By Diego Pascal, recruiter / 4 min read / Updated 26 October 2026
The basic rule
As of our last check, most student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Outside of scheduled course breaks, the limit does not apply in the same way. Check your visa conditions on VEVO and on the Home Affairs website, because your own situation may be different.
How a fortnight works
The limit is counted over fortnights, not weeks. A busy week followed by a quiet week can be fine, but two busy weeks can put you over. Keep a simple record of every shift.
Track your hours
- Write down each shift as soon as you finish it
- Count all paid work across every job you hold
- Check your total at the end of each week before saying yes to extra shifts
- Keep payslips and rosters as a record
Tell the venue on day one
Be clear about your limit when you apply. Managers value a person who says 'I can work up to this many hours a fortnight' more than someone who finds out later. It also protects you and the venue.
Why it matters
Working over your limit can put your visa at risk. If you are unsure, do not guess: ask your education provider or a registered migration agent.
Your CV
Write your visa type and your hours in one short line near the top, for example 'Student visa, available up to 24 hours per week, evenings and weekends'. It saves time for everyone.
Quick answers
- How many hours can a student visa holder work in hospitality?
- As of our last check, up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions, with different rules during scheduled breaks. Confirm the current rules with Home Affairs.
- Do all my jobs count toward the limit?
- Yes. Paid work across all employers counts toward your total.
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