All initial Student Visas are granted with the condition 8101, No Work. This means when you land in Australia you are not entitled to work.

You and members of your family can, however, apply for permission to work but only after you have commenced your studies in Australia.

The main applicant holding the student visa can work 20 hours per week during any week when your course is in session. There are no restrictions on the hours of work when the course is not in session such as vacation periods.

The secondary applicant, i.e. the spouse/partner, can also apply to work 20 hours a week. Secondary applicants can only work more than 20 hours if the main applicant is doing postgraduate study.