Australia vs Germany: what is the best destination to study and work in 2025?
Australia and Germany stand out as favorite destinations for Brazilians, offering excellent educational and professional opportunities. Each country has distinct characteristics in terms of labor market, education system, quality of life, and career prospects. With increasingly favorable immigration policies in both countries, 2025 presents itself as an ideal time to take this transformative step. Let's compare these destinations on essential aspects to help you make the best decision.
Minimum wage comparison: purchasing power in each country
Germany implemented a significant increase in the minimum wage for 2025, setting it at €12.82 per hour. With a standard working day of 40 hours a week, this represents approximately €2,222 monthly or €26,666 annually. This value places the country among the most attractive in Europe in terms of base compensation. A surprising fact revealed by the Institute of German Economics shows that Brazilian professionals are among the 10 nationalities with the highest salaries in Germany, with a monthly average of €4,565 full-time, even surpassing the average salary of native Germans. This promising scenario reflects the recognition of Brazilians' qualification and ability to adapt to the demanding German market.
In Australia, the minimum wage is even more competitive, reaching approximately AUD 24.10 per hour in 2024 (around €14.70), one of the highest in the world. For international students who work part-time, this means an average income of between AUD $20 and $30 per hour, providing excellent purchasing power even with reduced working hours. The program Study and Work in Australia allows students to take advantage of this advantage while developing their academic skills. It should be noted that sectors such as hospitality, tourism and retail often offer flexible opportunities ideal for students, with the possibility of bonuses on weekends and holidays that further increase compensation.
Differences in work permissions: flexibility and limitations
Work permits are a determining factor in choosing your exchange destination. Understanding each country's rules is essential to plan your international experience and maximize benefits during your stay:
- Australia:
- Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows you to work up to 40 biweekly hours during term time
- Full-time work allowed during school holidays, with no time limit
- Programs starting at 16 weeks now offer work permits
- Possibility of a Temporary Graduate visa after completing studies (2-4 years)
- Spouses of students in master's or doctoral programs receive work permits without hour restrictions
- Germany:
- Students can work up to 20 hours a week during the course (120 full days or 240 half days a year)
- Full-time work allowed during academic holidays
- Upon graduation, permission to seek employment for up to 18 months
- Easier to obtain permanent residence after training
- “Mini-job” opportunities up to 450€ per month with tax advantages
O Study and Work in Germany offers an additional advantage for those seeking to build a long-term career in Europe, with migration policies that facilitate the transition to permanent residence after academic training. The country also has specific programs for qualified professionals, such as the EU Blue Card, which provides mobility within the European Union and an easy path to permanent residence.
Cost of living and quality of life: balancing earnings and expenses
The cost of living in Australia is considered high, especially in large cities like Sydney and Melbourne. A monthly estimate for students includes: accommodation (AUD $180-350/week), food (AUD $150-200/week), transportation (AUD $40/week), and leisure (AUD $80-150/week). However, the high minimum wage compensates for these costs, allowing students to maintain a good quality of life even working part-time. Brisbane and Adelaide have more affordable costs and are interesting options for those who seek to optimize their budget without sacrificing the quality of educational institutions.
Germany has a more affordable cost of living, especially in medium-sized cities outside Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. Students usually spend between €1,500 and €2,000 monthly for all expenses. The German public system offers additional benefits that significantly reduce costs: efficient public transport with subsidized student passes (€70-90/month), comprehensive health insurance (€110/month for students), low-cost education, and strong labor protection. This combination of factors provides excellent value for money, especially for those planning to stay for longer periods. Cities such as Leipzig, Dresden and Nuremberg offer an excellent quality of life with costs up to 30% lower than those of the German metropolises.
Landscapes and climate: natural environments and cultural adaptation
The comparison between the natural scenarios and climatic conditions of each country can significantly influence your experience and well-being during the exchange:
- Australia: It has a climate similar to that of Brazil, with pleasant average temperatures all year round (15-35°C in the main cities). Paradisiacal landscapes include white sandy beaches, the famous Australian Outback with its unique rock formations, and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO world heritage site. Major Australian cities combine modern urban planning with proximity to unique natural beauty, providing an excellent balance between urban life and contact with nature.
- Germany: It has four well-defined seasons, including cold winters (temperatures between -5°C and 5°C) and moderate summers (18-30°C). Geographic diversity includes dense forests such as the Black Forest, mountain ranges such as the Bavarian Alps ideal for winter sports, picturesque rivers such as the Rhine with its medieval castles, and preserved historic cities. The architecture combines medieval, Renaissance, and contemporary elements, creating an urban setting rich in history and culture.
- Lifestyle: While Australia offers a more relaxed culture focused on outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and beach barbecuing, Germany offers a rich cultural experience, with more than 6,500 museums, traditional festivals such as Oktoberfest, and a strong sense of social organization. Work-life balance is valued in both countries, with Germans placing special emphasis on the clear separation between professional environment and free time.
- Adaptation: Brazilians often report less culture shock in Australia due to climate similarities and a more relaxed lifestyle, with well-established Brazilian communities in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. In Germany, language represents an additional challenge, but language immersion programs facilitate the transition. German precision and punctuality may require a period of adaptation for Brazilians, while objectivity and efficiency are highly valued cultural traits in the German social and professional context.
Long-Term Career Opportunities: Building Your Future
Long-term professional prospects vary considerably between the two countries. Australia offers excellent opportunities primarily in the areas of tourism, hospitality, healthcare, mining, and information technology. The country has immigration policies that favor qualified professionals, especially those who have studied at Australian institutions. The Skilled Migration program allows graduates in priority areas to apply for permanent residence, with a simplified process for those who have studied and worked in the country for at least two years.
Germany has a strong market for technical professionals, with more than 400,000 vacancies open for qualified workers in 2025. The European country stands out especially for careers in mechanical and automotive engineering, information technology, data science, the pharmaceutical industry, and the health sector. The German dual education model, which combines theory and practice, is recognized worldwide and opens doors to solid professional connections during studies. The aging German population creates growing demand for young professionals, while the country's solid innovation infrastructure maintains its global competitiveness.
Education system and recognition of diplomas
Both countries' education systems offer distinct advantages for international students. Australia has a high-quality education system with a practical focus, especially valued in areas such as business, design, tourism, and hospitality. Australian institutions have a strong presence in global rankings and offer dedicated support for international students, including specific departments for career guidance and cultural adaptation. The Australian academic calendar generally starts in February, with the possibility of entering in July as well.
Germany, on the other hand, is recognized worldwide for educational excellence, especially in the areas of science, engineering, medicine, and research. The country has 49 universities highlighted in the QS World Rankings 2024, the German system emphasizes academic independence and critical thinking, with semesters generally starting in October and April.
In terms of international recognition, both countries offer globally valued degrees, but the German academic tradition and its strong ties with industry can represent a competitive advantage for technical and scientific careers. The validation of Brazilian diplomas follows specific processes in each country, and is generally more direct to graduate courses than to full graduation.
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers customized programs for those who wish to study and work in both Australia and Germany. Our specialized team performs a detailed analysis of your profile to recommend the most appropriate destination for your academic and professional objectives. We offer full support at every stage, from choosing the ideal course to adapting to the destination country. Contact us today and make your international dream a reality!
