Plan
Australia Working Holiday: ballot planned for second- and third-year visas, no start date
Announced by Minister for Home Affairs (Australia)Sep 17, 2026Checked on the official page Oct 24
AustraliaVisas and rules
Study in Australia
Live in English while you study: language school, vocational study or a working holiday.
Currently listed9cities65schools
Country snapshot
Studying in Australia: costs and visas
Study paths and visa options differ by country. Always confirm official rules before applying.
Cost
about US$1,740 a month
That is about US$20,860 a year
Living costs to show for a student visa
Source: Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500)Home Affairs: Changes to Student visa application rules (from 2 October 2026, family members)
See the full cost breakdownEntry and permits
20AUD
ETA app service charge
3months at most
Each stay on an ETA
Source: Home Affairs: Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
See entry and permits in detailWorking holiday
Depends on your nationality
Source: Home Affairs: Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), first visaHome Affairs: Working Holiday visa, second visaHome Affairs: 6 month work limitation
See entry and permits in detailLanguageEnglish
Visa and working holiday rules can change. Check the latest official government or embassy guidance before you apply.
Step 1 — Choose a city
Cities to study in Australia
Compare the cities of Australia with photos and numbers.
46 schoolsSydney
Australia's largest city, close to the harbour and the beaches.
Places to stay: listings wanted
25 schoolsMelbourne
A city known for its cafés and laneways.
Places to stay: listings wanted
18 schoolsBrisbane
The capital of Queensland, spread along the river.
Places to stay: listings wanted
15 schoolsAdelaide
The capital of South Australia.
Places to stay: listings wanted
13 schoolsPerth
The capital of Western Australia, on the Indian Ocean side.
Places to stay: listings wanted
7 schoolsGold Coast
A beach city in Queensland with a long beach and high-rises.
Places to stay: listings wanted
3 schoolsCanberra
The capital of Australia.
Places to stay: listings wanted
2 schoolsCairns
A city in northern Queensland with a seaside lagoon.
Places to stay: listings wanted
2 schoolsHobart
The capital of Tasmania, a small harbour city.
Places to stay: listings wanted
Haven't decided where to go yet?
Tell us your budget and goals, and cities that may suit you come up.
- Budget
- Goal
- Duration
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Step 2 — Know your options
Ways to study in Australia
Length of stay, work rights, cost: each route differs on all three.
Language study
- Length and permit
- Up to 3 months on an ETA
- Can you work?
- Up to 48 hours a fortnight in session
- Cost
- Student visa funds AUD 29,710 a year
For people who want to build English first, or try study abroad for a short time.
Find schools
Vocational and career study
- Length and permit
- Up to 6 years, in line with enrolment
- Can you work?
- Up to 48 hours a fortnight in session
- Cost
- Funds proof AUD 29,710 a year
For people who want practical skills.
Find schools
Working holiday
- Length and permit
- Ages 18 to 30, 12 months
- Can you work?
- Same employer: usually 6 months
- Cost
- Funds usually AUD 5,000
For people who meet the age rule and want a longer stay with work.
Find jobsWe only send news we have checked against official announcements.
Get advice on studying in Australia
Tell us your budget and goals, and our team will suggest options for free.
Get free adviceFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to study for 3 months or less?
Citizens of Japan can travel on an ETA for a holiday or short study. The ETA app service charge is AUD 20, each stay is up to 3 months and study is limited to 3 months in total. If study is your main reason for travelling, you should apply for a student visa.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. On a student visa you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course is in session.
How much does it cost?
The official benchmark is the funds you must show for a student visa: travel, the first 12 months of course fees and living costs of AUD 29,710 a year for the student. Tuition for each school is shown on the listing pages.
Can Japanese citizens use the working holiday visa?
Yes. Japan is an eligible country and the age range is 18 to 30. You can stay 12 months; three months of specified work on the first visa lets you apply for a second, and six months on the second for a third.
How do I choose between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane?
The funds you must show for a student visa are the same in every city, AUD 29,710 a year. We do not publish an official figure for price differences between cities. The city diagnosis on this page ranks cities against your own preferences, such as climate and city size.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes, consultations are free. You don't need to have decided your budget, goals or city. Feel free to get in touch.
Sources for this page
- Home Affairs: Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)（checked October 9, 2026）
- Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500)（checked October 9, 2026）
- Home Affairs: Changes to Student visa application rules (from 2 October 2026, family members)（checked October 23, 2026）
- Home Affairs: Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), first visa（checked October 9, 2026）
- Home Affairs: Working Holiday visa, second visa（checked October 9, 2026）
- Home Affairs: 6 month work limitation（checked October 9, 2026）
