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How to Prepare For a Gap Year in Australia
Wishing to escape your routine for a gap year in Australia? In a recent report by Allianz Partners Australia, one stat stood out. 66% of international students (from 88 countries) believed that pre-arrival education would have improved their experience.
While it’s wise to research a country before booking a trip, you may want to go deeper into what you should know before embarking on a gap year in Australia, or any other country far from home.
However, look no further! We’re here to help you prepare and share what you need to know when planning your gap year in Australia. From the price of a loaf of bread to how to meet people and everything in between. Get set for a trip down under…
Passport and visa rules for Australia
Whether you plan to stay in Australia for 18 months, a year or less, you’ll usually have to stop in another country en route, so do the following before:
- Check that your passport is valid for six months or more.
- Apply for the correct visa. An eVisitor is free of charge but must be completed outside Australia for trips lasting three, six or twelve months. However, if you’re set to study, opt for a student visa.
- Take a photocopy of your passport and Visa with you. In the event that these important travel documents are lost, you can use the information to apply for new ones.
- Be mindful of the steps to follow should you lose your passport.
How to apply for a working holiday visa for Australia
First, know what kind of work you’re open to doing, whether it’s specialised, an internship, or something more casual. Then give yourself plenty of time to apply for the visa. It can take a few weeks or even months to hear back.
Refer to our tips when working abroad to do so wisely.
Read up on Australia’s Digital Declaration
This is set to launch at the end of 2026. A digital declaration will replace the paper arrival card, which you have to fill out at customs. Currently, the paper forms request that you share personal information and anything to declare.
However, the aim of the Australian Government is to modernise border control with the Australia Travel Declaration(ATD). This will be a digital declaration requesting international visitors to share information through a Government website before arriving. You’ll then be given a QR code to present at border control.
Budget for the cost of living
Australia is one of our top long-haul destinations for a gap year but it’s also one of the most expensive places to live. Everyday living costs like fresh goods and utilities are 10%-25% higher than in the UK; for example, bread costs around £2.50, while it’s around £1.20 in the UK. On balance, salaries are 20% – 30% higher.
In the report by Allianz Partners Australia, 85% of students thought the cost of living in Australia was higher than they expected. Therefore, consider what you could do before leaving home and where you could work to support your living costs after arriving. Also, review what you can and can’t take through customs to avoid any unexpected charges.
View the cost-of-living calculator for assistance.
Please note: If you take out a working holiday visa before leaving home, you’ll need to have $5,000 (£2,425) in savings to cover primary costs. Plus, money for your return flight.
What job is most in demand in Australia?
There has always been a demand for jobs in the services, agriculture and tourism sectors in Australia.
However, the biggest and fastest-growing sectors in Australia are:
- Health and social care
- Construction
- Retail
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Education and training
Where can I book affordable accommodation for a gap year in Australia?
A unique way to source affordable accommodation and food (in return for labour) is to volunteer at a farm, while staying with an Australian farmer and their family. If you’re happy to muck in with tasks such as fruit picking, you’ll learn about the culture of Australian farming and the hospitality industry from field to fork. On the other hand, you have hostels, which are an inexpensive way to live and meet fellow travellers in Australia…Make Australian Friends
Most people who move to a new country (or city) feel a sense of loneliness for the first few months, but this doesn’t have to be the case! You can start to socialise and make new Australian friends in many different ways and enjoy new experiences at the same time. Just find an internet connection if you’re shy. For instance, refer to the experiences section on the Airbnb website and type in your location to book different experiences. For example, you could sample the best flavours on a food tour or learn about the country’s culture by attending live events. If you’ve been before, you’ll know that the Aussies love their sports and socialising. So, you’re sure to meet a friendly group of people soon and have something in common.
Find a new activity
If sport, animals and nature are some of your favourite interests, you’re sure to find something new to experience in Australia, while finding some new friends along the way. SPIN Holidays (special interest holidays) have been trending for the last year, so give it a nod!
Pursue your passion abroad: The Top SPIN Holidays.
Whichever activity you choose, always follow the safety guidelines and wear the recommended safety equipment when needed, such as life jackets when diving or helmets when climbing. For added protection, our Longstay & Gap Year policy covers 100 activities free of charge as standard.
Know how Australia’s healthcare system works
Only 17% of students strongly agree that they understand Australia’s healthcare system. To ensure you get adequate healthcare, enrol with Medicare. Medicare will entitle you to subsidised hospital treatments and medicines. Contact the nearest Medicare office to your accommodation before leaving home. Then, if/when you need medical help, you can claim a refund before leaving home.
Unsure what to do in an emergency abroad? Follow our guide.
First things first, note the 999 equivalent emergency number for Australia, which is: 000.
Do Brits get free healthcare in Australia?
Australia has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK. This means you can receive treatment at a reduced cost or for free at public hospitals in emergencies. However, apply for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) to secure treatment at a public hospital. Also, take out travel insurance to claim for 24/7 emergency healthcare and repatriation if and when needed.
Be aware of the risks
Each trip presents its own risks if you’re driving to a destination close to home, sailing, or flying far away from home. Australia’s carefree ethos is appealing too, but don’t say ‘no worries’ until you’ve researched the continent’s travel risks.
Also, be mindful of where you are and who you’re with, especially when you’re drinking alcohol. Unfortunately, the risk of methanol poisoning is becoming a growing threat around the globe, but there are steps to reduce the chances
Enhance your understanding of Australia’s travel risks by viewing foreign travel advice before leaving home.
Plus, sign up for regular travel alerts to be informed if any travel advice changes.
In the event that your trip has to be cancelled due to an unforeseen event, ensure your policy includes cancellation cover. Longstay & Gap Year provides cancellation cover for up to £3,500 for life’s great adventures and more…
Travel, with Confidence: Take out Longstay & Gap Year Travel Insurance
While it’s not the most exciting thing to consider when preparing for a gap year, travel insurance can cover the unforeseen risks you may encounter before or during a trip.
Consider a tailored policy like Longstay and Gap Year that can cover work, medical emergencies and many activities. Plus, the option to return home up to four times. A unique benefit, which gives you the opportunity to return home for celebrations and family gatherings.
Longstay & Gap Year also provides more coverage than any other provider!
Learn more about its key features and benefits.




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