The 24-Hour Work Rule: A Blessing or a Burden for International Students? 

by | Dec 23, 2024 | Off Campus

Ah, the life of an international student in Australia. Between classes, assignments, and learning to pronounce “Straya” like a local, we’re also juggling jobs to keep those rent payments and weekend avocado toasts coming. Enter the infamous 48-hour work limit, a rule we love and hate, designed to keep us focused on our studies but often making us feel like acrobats trying to balance academics, finances, and a slice of life. 

The 48-hour work rule in Australia limits international students to working a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight or 24 hours per week during academic sessions. This regulation ensures students prioritize their studies while still having the opportunity to earn income and gain work experience. During semester breaks, however, students can work unlimited hours. 

Let’s be real: balancing work and study is like trying to hold an umbrella, a coffee, and your laptop on a windy day, it’s not easy, but we’re making it work. The 24-hour rule ensures we don’t overwork ourselves, and yeah, that makes sense. After all, no one wants to see us dozing off in a lecture about The Fundamentals of Economics. But here’s the thing, we’re managing. We’re navigating the balance, and it’s part of the journey. 

Life’s expensive here, mates. From rent to textbooks that cost more than a return flight home, the struggle is real. But we’re resourceful. The 24-hour cap means we’ve become experts at “efficient earning”, maximising our shifts, picking jobs with better pay,  

For many international students, the 24-hour work cap is not just a legal guideline. It shapes their daily routines, their weekends, and their financial choices. Here’s how Western students describe their lived experiences: 

“Even with a 24-hour work week in aged care, covering rent and tuition feels like an uphill battle. Finding a field-related job that fits within this limit is almost impossible, which means missing out on valuable career experience. When vacations come, I can’t afford to visit home because every dollar I earn goes toward survival here.”
~ Rutu Babubhai Patel 

“When I first arrived, my casual job only gave me 12 hours a week, far below the 24-hour limit. That made it nearly impossible to manage rent and other expenses. Over time, I was given more shifts, but the financial stress never went away. Balancing these challenges while trying to build a life in a new country is no easy feat.”
~ Sankalpa Baral 

“My semester ended in October, but the summer holidays don’t officially start until mid-December. Even though I have time to work full-time, I’m still limited to 24 hours a week until the official vacation period begins. This means missing out on the chance to earn extra money to ease the rising costs of living.”
~ Ananya Kohli 

“Working as a casual sales associate while being a full-time student means I’m always juggling priorities. I have to plan my schedule weeks in advance so my manager knows when not to roster me. Even with careful budgeting, my limited hours barely cover my expenses, leaving no room for unexpected costs or savings.”
~ Kyra Liu 

“As a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) student, managing Sydney’s high living costs has been incredibly tough. Rent alone takes up most of my income, leaving little for groceries and utilities. Inflation has made things even harder, and the 24-hour work cap only adds to the pressure. Balancing studies, financial demands, and personal well-being feels like a daily challenge.”
~ Muhammad Zaman Naeem 

“Every day, the 24-hour work limit feels like a hurdle. It’s not just about managing expenses—it’s about staying motivated while watching your dreams take a backseat to financial struggles. We come here with hope, but sometimes it feels like we’re fighting just to keep that hope alive.”
~ Sonia 

While the 24-hour cap can feel limiting, it’s all about finding the right balance. But here’s a little reminder: always keep track of the hours you’re working. Whether it’s through an app or a simple spreadsheet, make sure you’re in control of your schedule. Staying organised means you can hustle with confidence, knowing you’re on the right side of the law. 

Still, there’s a silver lining. The limit forces us to focus on why we’re here: education, networking, and sneaking into the occasional beach trip. Without it, some of us might work ourselves into a burnt-out heap of assignments and late-night Uber Eats deliveries. 

The Good News! 

Here’s something to cheer you up: During your vacation, the Department of Home Affairs lets you work unlimited hours! The perfect opportunity to save up, splurge a little, or work toward your goals. 

What you need to do: 

  • Know when your semester vacation starts: Keep track of your holiday dates, and make sure you’re prepared to switch gears. 
  • Get a vacation letter: Request one from your university to confirm your time off. It’ll help if your employer needs proof. 

If you are a Western Sydney University student and want to apply for a vacation work letter, you can do so easily through the university’s online portal. Here’s how: 

  • Select the Letter Type: Once logged in, navigate to the section titled International Student Letters. 
  • Choose ‘Vacation Work Letter’: From the available options, select Vacation Work Letter. 
  • Make the Payment: Follow the instructions to make the required payment for processing the letter. 
  • Receive the Letter: After your payment is processed, the university will generate the letter, which you can download or receive via email. 

This letter allows you to legally work full-time hours during the approved vacation period as per your student visa requirements. Make sure you apply for the letter in advance to avoid any delays.

The 24-hour work limit isn’t perfect, but it’s like a traffic light, sometimes it feels like it’s holding you back when you’re in a rush, but it’s there to keep things moving safely and smoothly. It encourages us to find balance, focus on our priorities, and reminds us that life in Australia is about more than just making dollars, it’s about embracing the opportunities, growth, and unique experiences along the way.

Author

  • Jasmine Kaur

    Hi, this is Jasmine. I am pursuing a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at Western Sydney University. I am calligraphy artist, a poetry lover and a dog mom (you'll probably find me watching dog videos in my spare time). My special talent? Adding a Punjabi tadka to Italian and English dishes. Yes, you'll find garam masala in my pasta. I am all about yapping, helping, and making the world a little brighter, one poetry piece at a time. See you on the other side!

    View all posts

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