Doc Summary
Yes—if you hold a Working Holiday (subclass 417) or a Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa, you can study or train in Australia for up to 4 months (commonly treated as 17 weeks). This makes short courses, English programs, and skills upgrades possible without switching to a full Student visa. Always confirm conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/working-holiday-417 and https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-and-holiday-462.
What Your Working Holiday Visa Allows #
- Work rights: generally up to 6 months with any one employer (condition 8547). See visa conditions here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/working-holiday-417.
- Study or training: up to 4 months while in Australia.
- Stay: typically up to 12 months, with potential eligibility for a second or third year if you complete specified work. Details: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/visa-options/working-holiday.
- Travel: multiple entries while your visa is valid.
If you need to complete more than 4 months of study, you should consider moving to a Student visa (subclass 500): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500.
How Much Study Can You Do? #
The Department permits study or training for “up to 4 months.” Education providers and migration advisers commonly treat this as a practical limit of 17 weeks of scheduled course time. Holiday breaks are usually not counted as study time, but the Department assesses your circumstances as a whole. If in doubt, check with your provider and the Department’s guidance.
Any study or training undertaken while you are in Australia—whether in-person or online—may count toward the 4‑month cap. If your main goal is longer study (for example, a year-long VET or higher education program), apply for a Student visa instead.
To ensure your study is recognised and compliant, choose CRICOS-registered courses and providers: https://cricos.education.gov.au/.
Examples of Courses You Can Take on a WHV #
- ELICOS (English language) programs up to 17 weeks
- Short VET skill sets and micro-credentials (certificate units, job-ready skill sets)
- RSA, RSG, White Card, First Aid/CPR, Barista, Food Safety
- Bootcamps and workshops that fit within the 4‑month limit (e.g., digital marketing, coding, UX)
Studying Longer Than 4 Months #
If your course runs for more than 4 months—or you decide to continue studying beyond initial short courses—you will need to apply for the Student visa (subclass 500). You can lodge an onshore application if you are eligible; always check your visa conditions, timing, and any bridging visa implications: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500.
On a Student visa, you must study with a CRICOS-registered provider, maintain attendance, and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). For official guidance on studying in Australia, see Study Australia: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/.
Work Rules While Studying on a WHV #
- Limit of 6 months with one employer (condition 8547) generally applies. In special cases, you may request permission to exceed this limit; see Department guidance and forms.
- You can combine part-time study with work, provided total study stays within the 4‑month cap.
- Know your workplace rights and minimum pay rates via the Fair Work Ombudsman: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/.
Compliance and Enrolment Tips #
- Enrol with reputable, CRICOS-registered providers (https://cricos.education.gov.au/).
- Keep written evidence of enrolment, attendance, and course dates to demonstrate you remain under the 4‑month limit.
- Health cover: WHV holders should have adequate health insurance. Some passport holders may access Medicare under reciprocal agreements, but cover varies; confirm your eligibility and consider private insurance.
- If your study plans change, check your totals immediately and seek advice before breaching your visa conditions.
Pathways After Your Working Holiday #
- Transition to Student visa (subclass 500) for longer study: packaging options, English + VET, or higher education.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Convert your work experience into nationally recognised qualifications, which can support study or migration pathways.
- Skilled migration or employer sponsorship: Explore eligibility after gaining qualifications and experience in Australia, subject to current policy settings.
Skills Campus can guide you on study options, RPL assessments, and the most suitable visa strategy for your goals in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Can I take multiple short courses? #
Yes, provided the total scheduled study time in Australia does not exceed 4 months during your visa period.
Does online study count toward the limit? #
It can. If you undertake the study while physically in Australia, it may count toward the 4‑month cap—even if it is online. When unsure, verify with your provider and the Department.
Is 4 months the same as 17 weeks? #
The Department states “up to 4 months.” Providers often operationalise this as 17 weeks of scheduled classes. Because policies and interpretations can change, confirm what applies to your exact course and dates.
Can I study full-time on a WHV? #
You can study up to the 4‑month limit. If your intended program requires more time, apply for a Student visa before you exceed the cap.
Get Personalised Help #
Planning to study short courses now and a longer qualification later? Need RPL to fast-track your credential? Skills Campus can help you select compliant courses, package your study, and plan a pathway from Working Holiday to Student visa—without breaching your conditions.
Visit Skills Campus: https://skillscampus.com.au/ and speak with an expert today: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact
Important: Visa rules can change. Always cross-check details on the Department of Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/working-holiday-417 https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-and-holiday-462 https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500
