Can I Study on a Working Holiday Visa at Lexis?
Many Working Holiday Visa holders choose to start their stay in Australia with an English course, and many also do a short job-ready training program.
Lexis runs short and flexible English courses that fit perfectly with the WHV lifestyle. You can study for as little as one or two weeks if you’re on the move, or stay longer if you’ve found a place you want to settle. Many WHV students choose to study first to get their English up before job hunting, or to take a break and meet new people after a few months of work or travel.
You can study for up to 17 weeks on your Working Holiday Visa.
How can I improve my chances of finding work?
Finding work is a top priority for most Working Holiday Visa holders, and Lexis has specific short courses designed to help you stand out.
A two-week Barista Training program is offered in Noosa and Brisbane. It’s a practical, hands-on course that covers espresso making, milk texturing, customer service, and basic cafe operations. You’ll finish with the confidence to walk into a cafe and actually know what you’re doing. It’s one of the most popular short courses among WHV students, and a real advantage in Australia’s competitive coffee scene.
Bar and Cocktail training is available at Lexis Noosa, again in a two week program. This course covers everything from pouring beers and mixing drinks to RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certification. It’s ideal if you’re looking for work in pubs, clubs, or licensed restaurants. Noosa has a strong hospitality industry, especially during summer, and this course gets you ready to jump in.
Both courses are short, affordable, and run regularly throughout the year. You can combine them with part-time English study or do them as standalone options, depending on your visa conditions.
What is the work situation in Australia?
All Lexis campuses support students looking for part-time or casual work. There are weekly Job Workshops where you can get help with resumes, interview skills, and job applications. Staff also post job leads on student noticeboards and in weekly newsletters. Local employers often contact Lexis directly when they’re hiring, especially in regional campuses like Noosa or Byron Bay.
Jobs vary depending on location, but common WHV roles include:
- Café and restaurant work
- Bar and pub shifts
- Retail
- Housekeeping and cleaning
- Tourism and events work
- Fruit picking or farm work (especially if you’re chasing a second-year visa)
In bigger cities like Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney, there’s a wider range of opportunities, but more competition too. In smaller towns like Noosa, jobs are more seasonal but there’s less competition if you’re prepared and flexible. The minimum wage for a casual worker in Australia is around $28/hr, which is enough to live and travel comfortably.
What about housing and accommodation?
Lexis can organise your accommodation when you first arrive, which is especially useful if you’re landing in a new city and don’t know anyone yet. Options include:
- Homestay: includes meals and a private room, ideal for short-term stays or first-time travellers
- Student houses: shared with other Lexis students, more social and independent
Most WHV students use Lexis housing for their first few weeks, then find something longer term through Facebook groups, Flatmates.com.au, or other local channels.
Rental prices vary by campus:
- Noosa: $230 to $320/week for a room in a share house
- Brisbane: $220 to $300/week, depending on suburb
- Sydney: $300 to $400/week, especially in Manly
- Perth: around $200 to $280/week
- Sunshine Coast and Byron: roughly $250 to $350/week
If you’re flexible and social, it’s not hard to find a room with other WHV students or local renters.
Does the school offer activities?
One of the biggest benefits of studying at Lexis as a WHV student is access to the activities program. Every campus runs free and low-cost activities throughout the week. These range from surf lessons, yoga, and beach barbecues to weekend trips, live music nights, and sports tournaments.
You don’t need to be a full-time student to take part. Activities are a great way to meet people, especially if you’ve just arrived in the country or moved to a new city. Many students say the social side of Lexis is what made their trip feel like a real experience, not just a job hunt or a backpacking loop.
Final Thought
If you’re on a Working Holiday Visa and looking for something more than just a job or a hostel bed, Lexis offers a smart way to plug into the local scene. You’ll improve your English, get help finding work, meet people from around the world, and get access to short courses that actually make a difference.
You can join for a week, stay for a month, or use it as a base between jobs. Whatever your plan, the setup at Lexis works with the way WHV life really happens.
You can read more about the requirements for study on a Working Holiday Visa here
For two great work-ready courses to kick off your Working Holiday, read more here
