Can You Stay in Australia After a Working Holiday Visa? Here’s How Studying a Course May Help

So, your Working Holiday Visa is ticking down, and you’re thinking… “How do I stay in Australia a little longer?”

If you’re loving life Down Under, you’re definitely not alone. Many Working Holiday Makers find themselves not quite ready to pack up and are looking into options to extend their stay. One popular pathway? Switching from a Working Holiday Visa to a Student Visa.

And yep, studying a course with a CRICOS-registered provider like AIWT could be a key step in that direction.

Let’s break it down.

Why Switch From a Working Holiday Visa to a Student Visa?

Your Working Holiday Visa is great, flexible, work-friendly, and packed with adventure. But it does come with an expiry date (usually 12 months unless extended), and some work limitations too.

Switching to a Student Visa may allow you to:

Stay longer in Australia (usually for the duration of your course).
Study something meaningful or career-relevant.
Work part-time while you study (up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods).
Open up future visa options (depending on your goals).

It won’t suit everyone, but for many, it’s a win-win, more time in Oz and something solid to show for it.

What Courses Can You Study on a Student Visa?

To be eligible for a Student Visa, you must study a CRICOS-approved course (that’s the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).

At AIWT, we offer a wide range of CRICOS-approved courses for international students, including:

We’re a Perth-based RTO with a multicultural campus, flexible schedules, and trainers who know their stuff, but most importantly, we’re a CRICOS provider (CRICOS: 02645B), which is a requirement for any Student Visa application.

How to Transition From Working Holiday

While AIWT is not a migration agent and can’t offer immigration advice, here’s a general idea of what the process may involve:

Choose a CRICOS-approved course and receive a Letter of Offer.
Accept the offer and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) – this is essential for your visa application.
Apply for your Student Visa (subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs.
Meet visa requirements, such as:
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance (OSHC)
- English language proficiency (depending on your country)

We strongly recommend chatting with a registered migration agent to explore your personal options and ensure you meet all requirements.

Is Studying Worth It?

Enrolling in a course could give you:

Practical, job-ready skills.
Opportunities to meet new people and grow your network.
The possibility to explore further visa options in future (depending on eligibility).

It’s not a guaranteed pathway to permanent residency and should never be treated as such, but it could open doors to exciting new chapters.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re currently in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa and considering study, we’re happy to help!

Our friendly team at AIWT can talk you through our courses, schedules, fees, and how the enrolment process works for international students. Contact us for more info about upcoming intakes and support available.

Disclaimer:
This blog is for general information purposes only and does not constitute migration or visa advice. For personalised immigration advice, please speak with a registered migration agent or consult the Department of Home Affairs.

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Disclaimer: The content in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Course availability, content, funding, and eligibility criteria may change. For the latest updates and full enrolment information, please visit aiwt.edu.au or contact our admissions team directly. AIWT does not guarantee employment outcomes upon course completion.