Are you planning to go to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV)? After already seeing a sharp price increase in 2025, the WHV for Australia has now risen again from AU$670 to AU$840 or AUD 1,000. Here’s what you need to know.
The cost of applying for the Australian Working Holiday Visa has undergone several significant changes in recent years. Here’s a detailed overview of how the price has evolved and some possible reasons behind these frequent increases.
Cost of the Australia Working Holiday Visa in 2026
From 1 July 2026, the cost of a first Australian Working Holiday Visa increases to AUD 840.
For the first time, Australia is also introducing a different application fee for second and third Working Holiday Visas, which will now cost AUD 1,000 each.
On top of these fees, applicants should expect to pay an additional AUD 9 to AUD 15 in payment processing fees, depending on whether they pay by credit card or PayPal.
Price changes from 2010 to 2026
To better understand how the WHV Australia fee has evolved, let’s take a look at the data from the past years. As you can see, the price has considerably increased over the years.
| Year |
Price in AU$ |
|---|---|
| 2010 |
$230 |
| 2012 |
$235 |
| 2014 |
$280 |
| 2016 |
$440 |
| 2018 |
$450 |
| 2020 |
$485 |
| 2021 |
$495 |
| 2022 |
$510 |
| 2023 |
$635 |
| 2024 |
$650 |
| 2025 |
$670 |
| 2026 |
$840 (1st WHV) · $1.000 (2nd & 3rd WHV) |
What’s driving the price increases?
The recurring fee hikes can be explained by a couple of key factors:
- Inflation: inflation affects the entire Australian economy. Fee adjustments help offset the currency’s devaluation and administrative costs.
- Administrative costs: visa applications involve substantial administrative work for the Australian government, including document checks, system maintenance, and staffing.
Tips for managing your WHV budget
If you’re planning a trip to Australia, managing your budget wisely will help you enjoy your experience more fully. Here are some practical tips:
- Save more than the minimum
Try to save well beyond the AU$5,000 required for entry. Factor in your visa fees, departure preparation, and a buffer for your first few weeks in Australia.
Have a birthday or holiday coming up? Give your loved ones a wishlist of gifts so you actually get what you need for your trip! You can save some money this way. - Take advantage of our special offers
You’ll find many special offers on pvtistes.net, including free checked bags on flights, travel medical insurance, free money transfers, discounted vehicle rentals and more.
Feel free to share questions or experiences in the comments section. Your input helps other WHV travelers heading to Australia.
FAQ
You can pay by PayPal or bank card. The processing fees for PayPal are slightly lower.
Yes! Lucky you.
No, the Australian government does not provide refunds on rejected applications. However, refusals are extremely rare, especially if your file is complete. Follow our free application guide.
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