Working Hours in Australia: Latest Rules & Insights for 2025

In Australia, a full-time employee works for 38 hours each week. Overtime hours and their payment should be determined or discussed. While studying, international students can work 20 hours per week and as many as desired during their vacation. As soon as research is underway, those doing postgraduate studies have no limit on how many hours they can work. No one is allowed to infringe workers’ rights, because they are all protected by the Fair Work Act 2009. The first two hours of overtime attract 150%, and everything passed that earns 200%. People employed in the industry should be able to rest after their workday ends. Starting July 2023, Australian apprentices are allowed to work 48 hours each fortnight. On average, students have a workload of 14 hours each week; more than 20 hours may make studying harder. If you go past the rules, your visa could be taken away, or you may face fines. More and more jobs are offering employees flexible and 4-day work schedules. You will find out more information by reading on.

Overview of Working Hours in Australia in 2025

Here’s an overview of working hours in Australia:

• Working hours in Australia are the official and usual hours that employers and their workers agree on.

• In most cases, a full-time job is 38 hours each week.

• Work hours depend on the employer and the industry the worker is in.

• Overtime work should only happen if necessary and should always be compensated correctly.

• The Fair Work Act controls the length of work hours, working conditions, and employee protections.

• Using information from a recent study on employees, we can see that part-time and casual work hours are more fitting or flexible than those of full-time employees.

Also Read: Work Permit: All You Need To Know To Work Abroad

Standard Full-Time Working Hours in Australia: Updated 2025

 This section covers all details about standard full-time working hours in Australia:

• Most full-time employees are expected to work for approximately 38 hours every week, usually from Monday to Friday.

• Most people work from 9 am to 5 pm every day.

• Being paid for extra work is required if overtime is given.

• Their hours depend on their agreement and can differ for each person.

• In most cases, “standard working hours in Australia” describe the 38-hour workweek.

• Under the Fair Work Act, legal hours are set for the average person’s work week.

• Work contracts given to employees by employers should specify the hours they should work.

• Topics like employment law and regulations for getting a work visa can be connected internally.

Overtime, Flexible Hours, and Breaks

This section covers overtime, flexible hours and breaks as a part of the working hours in Australia:

• You can get overtime pay at 150% of your regular rate for the first two hours that exceed the standard hours.

• Hourly wage rates increase by 200 per cent after the first two hours of overtime.

• Some companies offer flexible hours that involve start and end times that are not all together, or the option to work from home if allowed by the industry rules.

• The length of each break changes based on the employee’s scheduled shift and the guidelines of their job sector.

• As an illustration, workers must usually be given a 30-minute break without pay if their shift is more than five hours.

• Every industry's laws for breaks and rest are meant to look after workers’ wellness.

Working Hours in Australia for International Students: Latest Guide 2025

This section covers everything you need to know about working hours in Australia for international students:

• Limiting student work hours makes it easier for them to deal with their study and workload.

• Both international and local students joining Australian universities have to obey these rules.

• Students must know how many hours per week they are allowed to work while still studying.

• Going beyond your workplace limits can make you less focused and harm your general well-being.

• The topic deals with laws, the best ways to handle your work hours, and the consequences of not following the rules.

Also Read: Australia Work Permit from India: Latest Guide

How Many Hours Can International Students Work in Australia?

This section explains “How many hours can international students work in Australia?”

• “How many hours student can work in Australia?” Those with a student visa (500) can have 48 hours of working hours in Australia for international students every fortnight during their study time.

• In the case of official breaks, students are allowed to work as much as they want with no limits.

• The 48-hour limit is applied to all work combined, not only the current job.

• Per the most recent change, employees can now work up to 48 hours within two weeks, instead of the old maximum of 40 hours.

• They can work as part-time or casual workers if they do not exceed the specified hours.

Exceptions & Special Cases

Here are some exceptions and exceptional cases related to “How many hours can international students work in Australia?”

• “How many hours student can work in Australia?”As soon as their research work officially starts, students can work as long and intensively as necessary.

• Before, students working in aged care could do unlimited shifts because of certain time-limited exemptions, but now those rules have ended.

• Certain conditions decide the work rights of international student dependents depending on the main student’s schooling.

• Higher courses often grant international students’ family units unlimited rights to find full-time employment.

• It’s necessary to check the latest news from the government now and then for new details.

• It is essential to follow government sources online to know about updates regarding working hours for students in Australia.

Balancing Work and Study: Tips for Students

If you’re wondering “How many hours student can work in Australia?”, here are some tips to help you manage work and study:

• Students should limit their working hours for students in Australia during study periods to 24 hours every week for better academics.

• Studying for too many hours can cause a drop in grades and make a person feel less healthy.

• It is a good idea for students to use university support services for both counselling and time management workshops so they can balance their responsibilities.

• Planning your study time and making sure it is first on your schedule is essential for positive results.

• Employing someone outside their allowed work hours may result in visa loss, health penalties, or deportation.

• Key tips include telling employers about your studies and defining the limits of your working hours for students in Australia.

• Motivate students to use university support to keep themselves compliant and healthy.

Also Read: Post Study Work Visa Australia: New 2025 Guide for Graduates

Impact of Working Hours in Australia on Health and Wellbeing: Updated 2025

 Here are some impacts that your working hours in Australia can have on your health and wellbeing:

• Working overtime for an extended period can raise a person’s stress level and cause them to feel tired.

• If your work-life balance is off, it could make you suffer from mental health problems and lower your academic results.

• Resting regularly and working reasonable hours boosts one’s productivity and health.

• Knowing they can take time off or adjust their hours makes studying and personal things easier for students.

• Workplaces are expected to help workers’ health by making shifts safe and practical.

• Resting is essential for students who want to stay focused, have energy, and succeed at school.

• Being aware of tiredness and irritability is very important for burnout.

• Both government and university offices provide help and guidance to workers who are stressed at work.

How to Report Workplace Issues and Seek Help?

Here’s how to report any workplace issues related to working hours in Australia and seek aid:

• Employees can report a lack of safety or exploitation at work without being threatened or punished.

• The Fair Work Ombudsman gives free advice, solves complaints, and enforces the rules for free.

• Reporting workplace issues does not impact the holder’s visa or work rights.

• If internal processes or unions are available to you, use them to discuss the issue.

• Taking notes on your time at work, earnings, and all forms of contact with your employer will help your case.

• Go to immigration or educational consultants when dealing with visas or complex workplace concerns.

• You can call these contacts if you encounter an urgent issue at work.

• Getting assistance at the beginning of a dispute keeps the situation from worsening and protects the rights given to you by law.

Also Read: Minimum IELTS Score for Australia Work Visa: Latest Guide

Industry Variations and Flexible Work Arrangements: Latest Guide 2025

 This section covers how industry variations and flexible work arrangements can affect your working hours in Australia:

• Usually, office employees work from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

• Tradescanuction workers usually have early shifts that run from 7 am to 3:30 pm.

• In general, hospitality and healthcare sectors work flexible hours, including shifts that may occur at any time of day, including weekends.

• More businesses are offering their employees the option of working at home. In specific industries, staggered schedules help workers balance work and life well.

• Many businesses that provide continuous coverage jobs allow their employees flexible working hours.

• The primary purpose of these changes is to boost employee satisfaction and productivity while still focusing on business.

This table shows the basic details based on industry for working hours in Australia:

Working Hours in Australia: Latest Rights, Protections, and Compliance in 2025

 Here’s how to pursue rights, protections and compliance regarding working hours in Australia:

• Employees in Mustia, including those, are protected by the Fair Work Act 2009.

• International students should never be pushed to go beyond their permit rules by their employers.

• It is legal for employees to cut off contact with their job once they are being unfairly treated at work without the risk of losing their visa or being punished.

• It is the job of the Fair Work Ombudsman to enforce workplace laws and assist employers and employees.

• The law requires employers to meet workplace rules to avoid getting into trouble.

• All employees ought to know what their rights are and inform others immediately if a wrongdoing occurs.

• Checking the worker’s visa entry document and wages and making the right overtime decisions are all parts of a compliance checklist for employers.

• Checking compliance among employees requires them to report their hours worked, know what is allowed with regard to visas, and immediately report any exploitation to the proper authorities.

Also Read: Freshers Job in Australia for Indian: A Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

Most people who work full-time in Australia are expected to have 38 working hours in Australia per week. Students who study full-time are not limited to the number of working hours in Australia if attending classes, but can work up to 48 working hours in Australia per fortnight if studying in a vacation period. The Fair Work Act 2009 ensures that employers must pay overtime at higher rates and has measures in place to protect every employee. Students need to find a balance between studying and working in order to do well academically. When employees go over their work limits, they may lose their visa and pay fines, jeopardising their status. Regularly check the rules and find advice from a professional if needed. Contact TerraTern for more information!