Australian passport / Working Holiday

Working Holiday in the United Kingdom for Australians (2026)

Check the essential requirements, then follow the five stages to prepare your application and trip.

Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.

Key facts at a glance

Age: 18–35 for AustraliansLearn moreReferences: AU-GB-ELIG-END
Length of stay: Up to 24 months initiallyLearn moreReferences: AU-GB-END AU-GB-EXT-END
Initial funds: GBP 2,530 held for 28 consecutive daysLearn moreReferences: AU-GB-ELIG-END
Visa fee: GBP 340 application fee, plus healthcare surchargeLearn moreReferences: AU-GB-END AU-GB-APPLY-END
Annual quota: To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: AU-GB-ELIG-END AU-GB-APPLY-END
Application dates and timing: Apply up to six months before travelLearn moreReferences: AU-GB-END AU-GB-APPLY-END AU-GB-DOC-END
Language: Certified translation for documents outside English or WelshLearn moreReferences: AU-GB-DOC-END
Study: Study permitted, with ATAS where applicableLearn moreReferences: AU-GB-END
Work: Most employment permittedLearn moreReferences: AU-GB-END

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Step 1

Check requirements and language preparation

Age

You may apply before turning 18 but must be 18 when permission starts. You must be 35 or younger when applying; turning 36 before travel does not itself disqualify an otherwise valid application.

References: AU-GB-ELIG-END

Length of stay

Australians can apply separately for one additional year. The extension is not automatic and is available only once.

References: AU-GB-END AU-GB-EXT-END

Initial funds

The final day of the holding period must fall within 31 days before the application. Keep evidence of the full required balance throughout.

References: AU-GB-ELIG-END

Visa fee

The overview states a healthcare surcharge usually GBP 776 for each year. Use the official calculator for the actual amount due; it is separate from savings.

References: AU-GB-END AU-GB-APPLY-END

Annual quota

The checked Australian eligibility and application guidance does not establish a numeric Australian allocation. Hong Kong and Taiwan ballot rules are not transferred.

References: AU-GB-ELIG-END AU-GB-APPLY-END

Application dates and timing

An initial application is online from outside the UK. The Australian route does not require the Hong Kong or Taiwan ballot evidence.

References: AU-GB-END AU-GB-APPLY-END AU-GB-DOC-END

Language

The checked scheme checklist does not establish an English-test score. Translation rules concern supporting evidence.

References: AU-GB-DOC-END

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Passport

The application tells you whether to use the identity-check app or attend a visa application centre. Do not assume every Australian uses the same identity method.

References: AU-GB-DOC-END AU-GB-APPLY-END

Insurance

The surcharge is part of the application and is separate from comprehensive travel insurance. Use the official service to calculate your charge.

References: AU-GB-END AU-GB-APPLY-END

Documents and participation

TB evidence is required only where the official TB rules apply. Documents outside English or Welsh need certified translations. Dependent-child and prior-participation restrictions also apply.

References: AU-GB-ELIG-END AU-GB-DOC-END

Step 2

Apply through the official route

Apply online from outside the UK. Pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge, then prove identity using the app or a visa-centre appointment as instructed by the application.

Check the Australian age timing, previous participation and dependent-child conditions. Plan the 28-day savings holding period.
Gather valid identity evidence, compliant bank statements, certified translations and any TB evidence required under the rules that apply to your circumstances.
Apply online from outside the UK no earlier than six months before travel. Pay the fee and surcharge and complete the identity method the service assigns.
Read the decision and entry or digital-status instructions. If later seeking the Australian one-year extension, make a separate eligible application while in the UK.

Read the official instructions ↗

Step 3

Read your approval and entry conditions

Read the entire approval notice: identity, dates, entry deadline and conditions. Keep it available offline. Do not assume the visa starts on your preferred date.

Step 4

Get ready for the trip

Keep application charges separate from the GBP 2,530 savings. Allow time for identity appointments and any additional evidence; a usual three-week decision is not a booking guarantee.

Passport, visa and requested evidence accessible offline.
Initial funds, insurance and departure costs checked separately.
First accommodation and airport transport arranged.

Step 5

Start your Working Holiday

Use your permission evidence to demonstrate your right to work and follow its validity dates. Check any ATAS condition before study and the self-employment restrictions before starting a business.

Work

Professional sport, including coaching, is excluded. Self-employment is conditional: rented premises, equipment no more than GBP 5,000 and no employees.

AU-GB-END

Study

Some subjects require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate. Confirm the course-specific position before enrolling.

AU-GB-END

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Language courses · commercial service

Plan a language course for your trip.

Through ViveCampus you can request language-course quotes with international-student discounts. Offers may vary by your country of origin and destination. A personalized quote confirms available discounts and the final price. Booking a course does not guarantee a visa.

Some subjects require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate. Confirm the course-specific position before enrolling.

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Frequently asked questions

Can Australians stay for three years automatically?

No. The initial grant is up to two years. A separate once-only application can add a year for eligible Australians.

References: AU-GB-END AU-GB-EXT-END

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Must I already be 18 when applying?

You may apply before 18, but must be 18 when permission starts. Australians must be no older than 35 when applying.

References: AU-GB-ELIG-END

How long must I hold the savings?

GBP 2,530 must remain available for 28 consecutive days, with the final day within 31 days before applying.

References: AU-GB-ELIG-END

Do Australians enter a ballot?

The checked application requires a ballot for Hong Kong and Taiwan. Australian applicants use the direct online scheme application.

References: AU-GB-APPLY-END AU-GB-DOC-END

Can I freelance or coach sport?

Professional sport, including coaching, is excluded. Self-employment is allowed only within the stated premises, equipment and no-employee conditions.

References: AU-GB-END

Does every applicant need a TB test or an English test?

TB evidence depends on the applicable official TB rules. The scheme checklist does not establish an English-test score; non-English or non-Welsh documents need certified translations.

References: AU-GB-DOC-END

Official sources

Research consulted: 17 October 2026. Check current requirements with the issuing authority before applying.