International students studying in Australia should not rely on work to pay for the costs of their studies and living expenses, it is claimed.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) is reminding overseas students that while the work conditions offered as part of a student visa provide an opportunity to gain Australian work experience and can improve their English language skills, it usually cannot provide all the financing they need due to work restrictions.
‘Most international students are restricted to a maximum of 40 hours’ work per fortnight while their course is in session and may only work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks,’ said a DIBP spokesman.
‘These conditions protect students from the pressures of excessive work commitments which might mean that they are unable to finish their course successfully,’ the spokesman added.