Australia continues to attract students who want better education and career opportunities. A common question many students ask is, “Can an employer sponsor a student visa in Australia” while they study. In this article, we answer that question and explain all options based on the 2026 rules. At IMM Consult, we help students understand the right legal pathways.
1. What is the Student Visa in Australia?
Australia offers a Student Visa called Subclass 500. Australia’s Student Visa allows full-time study at recognised institutions. It also gives you limited work rights during your course. The visa helps students access quality learning and basic work opportunities. Students must meet financial, health, character, and English requirements.
What do I need to qualify for a student visa?
- Enrollment in an approved course
- Proof of financial capacity
- English language proof (if required)
- Health and character documents
2. Can My Employer Sponsor Me While I’m on a Student Visa?
No, employers cannot sponsor students on a Subclass 500 visa.
A Student Visa is designed purely for study. It’s not connected to an employment-based sponsorship. Employer‑sponsored visas follow a different process and legal pathway.
Why can’t employers sponsor student visas?
- Student visas are for education, not employment sponsorship
- Employer sponsorship requires a different visa category
- Employer‑sponsored visas are for skilled workers, not students
| Student Visa vs Employer‑Sponsored Visa | ||
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Employer-Sponsored Visa Allowed? | Purpose |
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) | No | Full-time study with limited work rights |
| Employer‑Sponsored Visas (e.g., 482 / 186) | Yes | Skilled employment/ permanent work |
3. Am I Allowed to Work While Studying in Australia?
Yes, you can work part-time on a student visa.
Students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight when their course is in session. During scheduled course breaks, they can work unlimited hours. Part-time work experience also strengthens your profile for future visa applications by showing real work experience in Australia.
What jobs do international students normally do?
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Delivery and logistics
- Admin and support roles
4. Can an Employer Support Me in Any Way While I’m on a Student Visa?
Yes, but only through course-linked programs.
Employers may participate in internships, work placements, or cooperative programs tied to your course. These are for training or learning, not visa sponsorship. They let you build experience without giving the employer control over your visa.
How can employers support students during their course?
- Paid or unpaid internships
- University-linked placements
- Industry training programs
5. Can an Employer Sponsor Me After I Finish Studying?
Yes, employers can sponsor you after graduation.
After you complete your studies, you can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows full-time work. From there, you may be eligible for employer‑sponsored visas like the TSS (Subclass 482) or permanent options like the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), especially if you have relevant experience.
What are my visa options after I finish studying?
- Temporary Graduate Visa (485)
- Employer-Sponsored Visa (482)
- Permanent Residency via ENS (186)
6. What Should Sri Lankan Students Know Before Looking for Sponsorship?
You must understand your visa limits and legal pathways.
A Student Visa (Subclass 500) does not allow employer sponsorship. However, you can legally work part-time, do internships, or have industry placements while studying. Building relevant experience helps when applying for future work sponsorship or permanent visas. Use trustworthy migration advice from registered agents like our IMM Consult to stay compliant and safe.
What should I check before asking for sponsorship?
- The conditions of your student visa (work limits)
- Legal work opportunities during your studies
- How to build meaningful experience
- Advice from credible migration agents or official sources
7. How IMM Consult Can Help You with Sponsorship and Student Visas
- Clear guidance on why student visas cannot be directly sponsored.
- Advice on legal work and course-based opportunities to gain practical experience.
- Insight into how employer involvement works through internships or placements.
- Step-by-step support for navigating post-study visas, such as 485 or employer-sponsored visas.
- Personalised strategies to plan safe and realistic long-term migration pathways.
Australia offers excellent study and work opportunities, but employers cannot directly sponsor a Student Visa. Our team at IMM Consult can guide you through legal work, internships, and post-study visa pathways. Contact us today to start your journey in Australia.
