Australia raises working holiday visa age limit to 35 for Koreans

The Australian government has raised the eligible age for Korean nationals applying for a working holiday visa to 35, opening up broader opportunities for young people to live and work abroad. The change allows participants — from university students to working professionals — to work, study and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.

Australia announced that starting Wednesday, it raised the age limit for South Korean passport holders applying for the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) from 18 to 30 to 18 to 35.

The Australian working holiday program is a cultural exchange initiative that allows young people to stay in the country for up to 12 months, taking on short-term work and, if they choose, pursuing study alongside it. It offers an immersive overseas experience that goes beyond tourism, letting participants work, learn and build a life in a new environment.

The age ceiling expansion is expected to broaden the program's appeal well beyond its traditional image as an option mainly for university students and recent graduates. It stands to become a practical choice not only for young people weighing their next steps after graduation, but also for those looking to recharge mid-career or prepare for a new professional direction.

Participants can pick up practical English naturally through real work and daily life, while building a global network through interactions with people of diverse nationalities. Living independently in an unfamiliar environment also fosters self-reliance and problem-solving skills, giving participants a chance to grow in ways that extend well beyond the workplace.

Australia's status as an English-speaking country makes it particularly well suited for developing both everyday and professional language skills. The ability to earn money for living expenses and travel while on the program is another major draw. As of Wednesday, Australia's national minimum wage stands at around 30,000 won ($20) per hour, allowing participants to cover their costs while using weekends and holidays to travel freely across the country.

The working holiday period also offers ample opportunity to experience Australia's diverse attractions firsthand. Participants can explore a wide range of natural landscapes and urban cultures across the country, from Sydney and Melbourne to the Gold Coast, Cairns, Perth and Tasmania.

Jo Jin-ha, director of Tourism Australia's Korea office, said the working holiday program offers "a special time to discover yourself and grow in a new environment, beyond just travel and work." He added that he hopes the age expansion will encourage more young Koreans "to create their own experiences in Australia — spanning English, career development, travel and cultural exchange."