From 1 July, more than 16 million British adults¹ will be able to live and work in Australia as the age range for the country’s popular Working Holiday Visa increases to 18-35 years inclusive, a five-year increase from the current maximum age of 30 years. 

The exciting change is part of the recently announced Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA), which saw new arrangements for both Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program and the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS). The announcement provides a life-changing opportunity for the 45% of 25- to 34-year-olds who wished they had taken a gap year when they had the chance, and close to 1 in 10 who believe they are too old to start again.

This new data on working abroad also revealed the increased age range will be particularly attractive for nearly half (49%) of 25- to 34-year-olds who want to take a career break without losing momentum. Australia’s variety of available jobs will allow professionals from all fields to find employment – contrary to the belief held by 46% of 25- to 34-year-olds that working holiday visas are a good way to see the world, but will stall career development.

Commenting on the changes, Sally Cope, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager for UK & Northern Europe said, “Every year, more than 35,000 young Brits head to Australia to work and play, the Aussie way. Our research reveals close to half of 25- to 34-year-olds are considering working abroad to advance their careers, so this five-year age range increase presents a world of openings to these young professionals. And whilst the opportunities are endless, Australia also offers an incredible lifestyle – where else can you be in the boardroom at 4pm and by the beach an hour later? We’re sure there are many 30–35-year-olds who thought they had missed their chance to live and work Down Under who will jump at this exciting prospect; and Australia is ready to welcome them.”

Continually named one of the world’s best places to live and home to around 2,800 hours of sunshine annually, it’s no surprise the laidback Aussie lifestyle is a major draw for Brits. In fact, the research of 2,000 UK adults found that weather (30%), lifestyle (27%) and new experiences (23%) were among the top reasons Brits choose to live and work abroad. A more relaxed pace of life (20%), experiencing new cultures (20%) and a fresh start (19%) also made the list.

The Working Holiday Visa changes come as the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement enters into force from 1 July 2023. Further changes to Australia’s Working Holiday Visa are expected from 1 July 2024, where Brits will be able to apply for up to three years to live and work in Australia (previously two years) without any specified work requirements.