A proposal advanced by the Liberal Party of Australia–National Party of Australia Coalition would increase the work limit for holders of the Student visa from 48 to 60 hours per fortnight during study periods, with a proposed commencement date of 1 July 2026. It is important to state clearly: this is not current law. It is a policy proposal that has been costed in the 2025 Election Commitments Report by the Parliamentary Budget Office. The existing 48-hour cap during study terms remains the lawful visa condition.

According to the Parliamentary Budget Office modelling, the proposal would generate additional personal income tax revenue over the forward estimates, driven by increased hours worked. From a fiscal perspective, the projected uplift is measurable. However, migration policy must be assessed on more than projected revenue. A Student visa is granted for the purpose of genuine education in Australia. Work rights are deliberately limited to support living expenses while preserving academic focus. Expanding the cap to 60 hours per fortnight would represent a meaningful recalibration of that balance. At that threshold, students could approach near full-time employment while undertaking full-time study.

The policy question is not whether international students contribute to the workforce, they already do. The question is whether expanding work rights risks altering the fundamental character of the visa framework.

International education is one of Australia’s most significant export sectors. Its credibility rests on academic integrity, genuine enrolment and clear regulatory boundaries. When the practical distinction between study and labour participation narrows, systemic risks can follow; including academic underperformance, compliance pressures and broader public concern about the purpose of temporary visa programs.

The Parliamentary Budget Office itself notes uncertainty in behavioural assumptions, including workforce participation rates and student headcount projections. Reform of this magnitude requires careful scrutiny beyond short-term fiscal outcomes. Policy debate is appropriate. Evidence-led reform is welcome. But clarity of purpose remains essential.

A Student visa must remain, in principle and in practice, a visa for study first.

At Newsted, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.