In Australia, a student visa holder and dependent family members have permission to work included with the study visa. A Student and his family members must not breach the work conditions that apply to their student visa. Students and their families must not breach the work conditions that apply to their student visa.
A Student cannot work until he have commenced his course in Australia. Once his course has commenced he is permitted to work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight (period of 14 days commencing on any Monday and ending on the second following Sunday) when his course is in session, and unlimited hours when his course is not in session.

Work that is a formal registered part of students course is not included in the limit of 40 hours per fortnight.
Voluntary, unpaid work, is not included in the limit of 40 hours per fortnight if it:

• is of benefit to the community
• is for a non-profit organisation
• is genuinely voluntary (that is, you are not paid either in cash or other—board and lodging is acceptable).

If the voluntary work could have been undertaken by an Australian resident who would have received a wage, then this is included in the 40 hours.

If student is a postgraduate research student:

• you can work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight during any preliminary courses you undertake
• if you have commenced your masters by research or doctoral degree in Australia, there is no limit on the number of hours you may work.

Family members:

• must not start work until the primary visa holder has commenced their course in Australia
• can work up to 40 hours per fortnight at all times unless the primary visa holder has commenced a course towards a masters or doctoral degree and holds a Student visa (subclass 500). In this case there is no limit on the number of hours a family member might work.