Australia Research Degree Work Rights for Students and Families

Standard international students on a Student visa (subclass 500) are generally limited to 48 working hours per fortnight during study periods, under visa condition 8105.

Students undertaking a Master’s by Research or a PhD are not subject to this fortnightly hour cap once their course has commenced.

Family members accompanying a research-degree student may also be able to work beyond the standard limit, subject to their individual visa conditions.

The exemption applies from the commencement of the research degree — it does not apply to applicants who have not yet started their programme.

Coursework Master’s and undergraduate students remain subject to the standard 48-hour fortnightly limit; only genuine research degrees qualify for the exception.

This distinction is particularly relevant for experienced professionals considering a research pathway, and for applicants planning to travel with family.

This work-rights provision should not be treated as guaranteed employment, nor as a reason to select a research course that does not otherwise suit an applicant’s academic goals or profile.

TVC can review your academic background, experience and research interests to help assess whether a Research Master’s or PhD pathway is suitable for you.