Explore the UK
Whether you wish to work, study, travel or join up with a partner in the UK, it's a place that offers Australians a world of opportunity. Not only can you access competitive, flexible employment with attractive salaries, you’ve got close access to Europe’s diversity and in London, a ready-made Aussie community!
Australians wanting to travel to the UK as skilled employees are very attractive to the UK government as they’re needed to fill both current and ongoing skill shortages. In this role, you can work as an employee or a consultant, or even be self-employed. You can often gain effective tax breaks. British employers value the high work ethic of Australians and this acts in your favor when looking for a job. In fact, you'll find that many UK recruitment companies will be keen to secure your skills allowing you to be specific in your job requirements and your salary. In fact, it's common to secure a large pay rise from one job to the next. Additionally, many jobs are contract roles so you'll have the flexibility to travel Europe between different jobs.
Over time, if you find that you are enjoying the UK way of life; your visa can lead to settlement. This in turn may result in you being naturalised and obtaining a British Passport. As an Australian you can hold dual passports for both the UK and Australia. If you do return to Australia, your overseas work experience in your field makes you very employable. You'll be in a more competitive position to negotiate a senior role and a large salary.
For Australians wanting to go to the UK for a shorter period, a working holiday visa is ideal. Available to Australian citizens aged 17 to 30 this visa gets you to London and its surrounds, which are geared to young people. There are interesting jobs to do, fantastic travel opportunities, amazing sightseeing, regular events, hundreds of pubs and clubs and the chance to meet people from all over the world. This visa allows you to travel and work for up to two years – the perfect way to see the world and earn an income as you go.
Irrespective of why you are there, the UK offers a great lifestyle to Australians. It's the gateway to Europe, and competitive airfares and accommodation make most European cities very accessible. Australians generally don’t need a visa to travel, so you can book your weekend getaway at the last minute at a bargain price – and wake up to a latte in Rome!
London in summer is glorious as there are fantastic parks where festivals are regularly hosted. If you prefer a quieter scene, you can enjoy a barbecue and throw the frisbee around. In winter, you'll experience a white Christmas and be dazzled by the lights of Regent Street. If you like the snow, there are dozens of cheap ski deals to the European slopes. The streets are lined with hundreds of pubs, and on a cold, wet day there is little better than cozying up with a buddy, some fish and chips and a pint of Guinness.
If you would like more information on the UK, please click on resources to start your virtual journey!
