How to apply

- the application process is designed to be as straightforward as possible. We aim to provide you with excellent service at every stage and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Application Deadlines - 12 month program

  • Basic arrival package 4 weeks before your chosen date of departure
  • Surf, Sand and Sun 6 weeks before your chosen date of departure
  • Skills and Thrills 6 weeks before your chosen date of departure
  • Outback 6 weeks before your chosen date of departure

If you would like to enhance your package by choosing one or more of the tours, trips or courses, simply tick the relevant box on the application form and send the appropriate payment. If you are purchasing the Surf Sand and Sun, Skills and Thrills or Outback packages and plan to travel within the next six weeks, please call BUNAC. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Step One – application form

Please complete the correct application form to secure your place on the program. Applications are accepted year-round. If you wish to depart for Australia within the next eight weeks or you have any other questions at all please call BUNAC on: 1-800-462-8622.

On receipt of your application we will confirm your place on the program and email your acceptance information. This includes visa instructions, insurance and flight information. The dates you give for entering Australia will determine the date by which you must complete Step 2. If you fail to meet your deadline, we will consider you have withdrawn from the program and a $100 cancellation fee will apply. BUNAC reserves the right to reject any application which is not considered to be in the best interests of the program. If your application is unsuccessful, your money will be refunded in full.

Step Two - Visa Application

After you’ve received your approval from Australian immigration you will be required to submit the following to BUNAC USA:

a. A copy of your 462 visa approval

b. Bank Statement showing proof of AU$5000 in a bank account. Use this website: www.xe.com for the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars. This can be a copy of your last bank statement or an official letter from your bank.

c. Flight itinerary - a copy of your confirmed flight itinerary showing your entry into either Sydney or Melbourne and exit within 12 months

d. Travel insurance - It is a program requirement that you purchase insurance to cover you during your time in Australia on the 462 visa. American citizens are not eligible for any coverage under Medicare (Australia’s socialized medical system). We recommend you take advantage of the BUNAC insurance policy and cover yourself for your entire time abroad. We have developed a special, discount travel package exclusively for BUNAC participants which provides coverage far superior to any other policy and at a significantly lower price. Full policy details will be sent on acceptance. Payment is required when you submit Step 2. If you choose to purchase an alternative policy you must provide the policy name and number when you submit your step 2 materials.

Cancellation conditions

Cancellations are only deemed to be requested when written notification is received by BUNAC, but not otherwise. In all circumstances the visa fee is not refundable once the visa application has been made. The figure below is the cancellation fee. The value of your refund is equal to the amount that you have paid less the figure below (refunds will be made by check, payable to the applicant):

The following are specific application and cancellation conditions.

Number of days before departure: 0 – 15 15+
Basic arrivals package No refund $200
Surf Sand and Sun $420 $300
Skills and Thrills $420 $300
Outback $420 $300

Please note that the above conditions apply only to the Work & Holiday Australia program fees. Separate cancellation fees and conditions may apply to any flight bookings you make.

Latest photos

Latest profile

Emily Schmidt

Did you travel during your time on the Work Australia program?

Yes – LOTS!!! Went to Tasmania for a bit, spent Australia Day weekend in Melbourne, rented a car and drove myself from Brisbane to Cairns ( I thought I would enjoy doing that more than taking the Greyhound trip most backpackers do) . I also rented a car and drove the Great Ocean Road from Melblourne to South Australia. Spent 2 months camping around New Zealand.

Read more about Emily Schmidt's trip