Student visa holders can normally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. This includes teaching weeks, exam periods, or any enrolled study period.  

 When can I work full time?

Student visa holders can work full time only after the official teaching and exam periods have ended and until the next study period begins.  

 When is my course considered in session? 

Your course is considered in session when you are enrolled in: 

• the standard semester teaching period (Semester 1 or Semester 2) including study break and examination periods (even if you do not have exams or your exams finish early).  
• an intensive or non-standard teaching period (please refer to your teaching periods and assessment end dates on studentConnect). 

If I finish my exams early, can I start working full time right away? 

No, you cannot start working full time as soon as you finish your exams. Your course is still considered in session until the end of the exam or assessment period as published on the UWA website or studentConnect. Student visa holders can only work unlimited hours when their course is not in session.  

Can I work full time if I am taking a summer unit or other non-standard teaching period unit? 

Your course is in session whenever you are enrolled in units that count towards your course. Student visa holders are permitted to work up to 48 hours a fortnight only when their course is in session.  

 Can I get a letter confirming that I can work full-time during the break? 

A letter confirming UWA’s vacation period is attached to this FAQ. You can also find a copy of your Statement of Enrolment via studentConnect, which outlines your individual teaching period start and end dates. If this information does not meet your employer's needs, you can pay for and order a Letter of Enrolment which states the semester and vacation dates and your current enrolment details. 

You can find a complete overview of work conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website and check your individual visa conditions anytime via the VEVO system. For any questions related to your visa status and conditions, please contact the Department of Home Affairs directly.  

For any other questions, you can contact the International Student Support Team via askUWA.