Europe

United Kingdom

The UK Youth Mobility Scheme lets Australians aged 18-35 live and work for up to three years. London rents are high; the rest of Britain is cheaper than Sydney.

Currency

GBP

1 AUD = 0.52 GBP (mid-market, 2026-05-21)

Cost of living

105% of Sydney

Working Holiday Visa for Australians

Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5)

Age 18-35 | up to 36 months

Smartraveller

Check live advisory

Emergency: 999 (also 112)

Working Holiday Visa

Scheme: Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5)
Visa class: YMS
Eligible age: 18-35
Max stay: 36 months

Source: www.gov.uk

Tourist or short-stay entry

Standard Visitor visa

Up to 6 months. Work rights: none.

Australian passport-holders are non-visa nationals; entry permission stamped on arrival.

Source: www.gov.uk

Highlights

Three-year YMS gives meaningful career runway, not just a holiday.
Easy onward travel to the EU once you arrive.
English-speaking job market; high demand for hospitality, construction and healthcare.
National Health Service surcharge paid up front entitles you to NHS care.

Watch outs

London rents (especially in Zones 1-2) eat most of a typical hospitality wage.
'No recourse to public funds' on YMS means you cannot claim Universal Credit or council benefits.
UK weather and short winter days affect mood for many travellers.
Brexit ended free EU movement; you cannot work in EU countries on a UK YMS.

Money tips

Open a UK bank account (Monzo, Starling, Revolut) within the first week; Australian cards rack up fees.
Set up a UK SIM (giffgaff, Smarty, Lebara) for cheap data; international roaming is expensive.
Council tax is a real bill if you rent solo; usually included in shared-house rent.
National Insurance (NI) number takes 4-8 weeks; you can work while waiting if you have a job offer.

Typical costs (AUD)

Hostel bed per night: $60
Budget meal: $25
Mid-range meal: $45
Beer (bar): $9
Public transport day pass: $15

Indicative only. Tourist-zone prices are usually 50-100% higher than local prices.

Practical basics

Power plug: Type G (three-pin)
Drives on: Left (same as AU)
Emergency number: 999 (also 112)

Sources

Last updated 2026-05-21.