Part-time work in Australia for students: rules, pay and tips
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We updated this guide on 15 October 2026.
A masters is a career decision first.
The right course builds skills employers value. The right plan keeps your costs clear.
We've answered the questions Indian students ask most about a masters in Australia, so you can choose with confidence.
Recognised qualifications. Australian masters degrees sit within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), at Level 9.
Career focus. Many courses include industry projects, placements or internships.
Course choice. From IT and engineering to business, health and education.
Work while you study. Up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session.
Post-study work. Eligible Indian graduates can stay up to three years after a masters under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).
The course. Then the country.
Start with the career you want. Work backwards to the skills you need. Then find the course that builds them.
Australia is a strong option when its courses match your goal.
Australia offers three types:
Most coursework masters take one to two years of full-time study. Your bachelor degree can affect the length.
Often, yes. Entry rules vary by university and course.
Some masters accept three-year bachelor degrees. Others ask for a four-year degree, honours or relevant work experience.
Your degree can also shape your course length. A related bachelor degree may give you credit and a shorter course.
Check each course's entry requirements before you shortlist.
Fields worth exploring include:
IT : data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and software engineering
Engineering: civil, electrical, mechanical and engineering management
Business: accounting, finance, business analytics and marketing
Health: nursing, public health and health management
Education: teaching and educational leadership
Choose a field where your background, interests and career goals meet.
Yes. Many Australian universities offer MBA programs.
MBAs usually look for work experience as well as academic results. Requirements vary by program.
If you're early in your career, a specialised business masters may suit you better. Examples include business analytics, finance or marketing.
You need to meet two requirements:
Your course. Each university sets its own English entry score. Masters courses often ask for more than the visa minimum.
Your visa. Most degree students need IELTS 6.0 overall, or an equivalent score.
Our guide to IELTS scores for Australia explains each requirement.
Plan for five costs:
Tuition. Each university sets its own fees. Compare them on StudyNet.io.
Living costs. For the visa, you show at least AUD 29,710 for 12 months. Real costs can be higher in large cities.
Student visa fee. AUD 2,500 for most students from 1 July 2026.
Health cover. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay.
Travel and set-up. Flights, a rental bond and your first weeks.
Scholarships can reduce your tuition. Our scholarships guide for Indian students explains your options.
Most Indian families pay through their bank under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
LRS limit: up to USD 250,000 per person, per financial year, across all purposes.
TCS on self-funded education payments: none up to ₹10 lakh a year, then 2% on the amount above. This applies from 1 April 2026.
TCS on loan-funded education payments: none, when the loan is from a qualifying financial institution.
Your bank applies the current rules. Check with your bank before you send money.
Many Australian universities accept tuition through Flywire. STUDYNET helps you pay your tuition through Flywire.
Yes. Education loans are a common way to fund a masters.
Approved education loans can also form part of your visa evidence of funds. The loan letter should show:
that the loan is approved, not just applied for
the approved amount
that the funds are for study in Australia
Compare interest rates, collateral rules and repayment terms across lenders.
Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
Under AI-ECTA, Indian passport holders can stay up to three years after a masters, by coursework or by research. Most applicants must be 35 or under.
Use that time to build Australian work experience. It strengthens your career wherever you go next.
Our guide to post-study work for Indian graduates explains the details.
Check these before you apply:
Career fit. Does the course build the skills your target role needs?
Practical learning. Are there placements, internships or industry projects?
Entry requirements. Academic, English and work experience.
Cost. Tuition and living costs in that city.
Intakes. Which start dates are offered?
Location. City or regional campus.
Explore masters courses and compare universities on StudyNet.io. You don't need to sign up.
Ask StudyNet.ai about entry requirements, scholarships and your statement of purpose, any time of day.
Your counsellor helps you shortlist courses and plan your application.
A masters is an investment in your career. Plan it with care.
We guide you from first question to first day.