Exchange in Australia: what are regional areas?

Did you know that choosing the right city for your exchange in Australia can make the difference in obtaining permanent residence? While many students only dream of Sydney or Melbourne, regional Australian areas offer incredible advantages that go far beyond what you imagine.

Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast aren't just alternative destinations. These are real golden opportunities for those seeking quality of life, more affordable costs and, above all, easier paths to immigration. In 2025, these cities stand out as strategic choices for Brazilians who want to transform their exchange into a life project abroad.

‍

What makes a city “regional” in Australia

The Australian government classifies its cities into specific categories for immigration purposes. Unlike what many people think, “regional” doesn't mean rural or isolated. In fact, cities like Perth, Adelaide, and Gold Coast are part of category 2, officially known as “Cities and Major Regional Centres”.

These metropolises have all the infrastructure of large urban centers, but with exclusive benefits that Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (category 1) do not offer. It's as if the Australian government has created an incentive system to better distribute the population across the country, and you can take advantage of this strategy to your advantage.

The regional ranking has nothing to do with development or quality of life. Perth, for example, is Australia's fourth largest city and a major business hub. Gold Coast is known worldwide for its paradisiacal beaches and thriving tourist economy. Adelaide is considered one of the most cost-effective cities in the country.

‍

Why Perth is a Smart Choice in 2025

Perth surprises many Brazilians with its modernity and professional opportunities. As the economic hub of Western Australia, the city offers a robust labor market, especially in the areas of mining, engineering, and technology.

The cost of living in Perth is approximately 20% lower than in Sydney, but salaries remain competitive. For students who plan Living in Australia after the studies, this represents significant savings during the adaptation period.

The city has excellent universities and educational institutions, including some of main internationally recognized institutions.

Perth also offers a unique lifestyle, with stunning beaches just minutes from the city center and a Mediterranean climate reminiscent of the Brazilian one. The city has invested heavily in infrastructure and public transportation, making it increasingly attractive to young professionals.

‍

Adelaide: the city of festivals and opportunities

Adelaide has won the hearts of many Brazilian exchange students with its welcoming atmosphere and affordable cost of living. Known as the “festival city”, it offers a vibrant cultural scene without the chaos of larger metropolises.

For those seeking Save money during the exchange, Adelaide is unbeatable. Rentals are up to 40% cheaper than in Sydney, and the city has an excellent free transportation system in the center.

The labor market in Adelaide has been growing consistently, especially in the areas of health, education, and technology. The city is home to important research and development centers, offering interesting opportunities for students from various fields.

Adelaide also stands out for its ease of movement. It's possible to cross the entire city by bike in less than an hour, and most of the tourist sights and essential services are within walking distance of the center.

‍

Gold Coast: where paradise meets opportunities

If you've always dreamed of studying with an ocean view, Gold Coast may be your ideal destination. This seaside city combines world-famous beaches with a rapidly growing education sector.

The local economy doesn't rely solely on tourism. Gold Coast has become a hub for technology startups, audiovisual production, and digital businesses. Companies like Warner Bros., Village Roadshow, and dozens of international production companies have operations in the region.

For hospitality, tourism, and entertainment students, Gold Coast offers unparalleled practical opportunities. It is possible to work at luxury resorts, international events, and companies in the entertainment sector while studying.

The city also has prestigious universities, including Griffith University, renowned for its business and engineering programs. The young and international environment makes it easier for Brazilian students to adapt.

‍

The concrete benefits of regional areas

Choosing an Australian regional area isn't just a matter of personal preference. It's a strategic decision that can significantly ease your immigration process and professional career.

Extra points in the immigration system: Students who complete at least two years of study in regional areas automatically receive 5 extra points in the Australian skilled immigration system. These points can be decisive for those seeking permanent residence.

Extended postgraduate visa: Graduates from regional category 2 areas are entitled to a three-year post-study work visa, compared to the standard two years in category 1 cities. For category 3 areas, this period may extend to four years.

Expanded list of professions: Regional areas have access to the Regional Occupation List (ROL), which includes professions not available to candidates from large cities. This considerably broadens your career and immigration options.

Sponsored visa opportunities: Companies in regional areas find it easier to sponsor international workers, including access to visas that can lead directly to permanent residence.

‍

Cost of living: the deciding factor for many students

The difference in the cost of living between regional areas and large Australian cities can represent thousands of dollars of savings per year. For a exchange in Australia successfully, this savings can be invested in courses, trips, or savings for the future.

In Perth, a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs an average of AUD $1,800 a month, compared to AUD $2,500 in Sydney. In Adelaide, that amount drops to around AUD $1,400. Food, transportation, and entertainment follow the same savings ratio.

This difference in costs doesn't mean lower quality. On the contrary, many regional areas offer a better quality of life, with less traffic, more green spaces, and more welcoming communities.

‍

Labor market and professional opportunities

Contrary to what some may think, Australian regional areas do not suffer from a lack of professional opportunities. In fact, many of these cities have lower unemployment rates than Sydney and Melbourne.

Perth is a global hub for the mining and energy industry, offering salaries among the highest in Australia for qualified professionals. The city also has a growing technology sector, with several international companies establishing local offices.

Adelaide has become a hub for defense, medical technology and renewable energy industries. The South Australian government has invested heavily in attracting innovative companies, creating an environment conducive to young professionals.

Gold Coast, in addition to tourism, has a diversified economy that includes construction, information technology, and financial services. The proximity to Brisbane further expands professional opportunities.

‍

Social and cultural life in regional areas

A common concern among students is whether regional areas will provide adequate social and cultural life. The answer is a resounding yes. Each of these cities has a unique and vibrant cultural identity.

Perth has a world-renowned music scene, spectacular beaches and a growing international community. The city offers music, art, and culture festivals throughout the year.

Adelaide is literally known as the “festival city”, with events such as the Adelaide Fringe (largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere) and Adelaide Festival of Arts. The region's food and wine scene is recognized worldwide.

Gold Coast combines the energy of a beach city with large international events. The city regularly hosts world sports competitions, music festivals, and cultural events.

‍

Visa process and documentation

For Brazilian students, Australian visa process for regional areas it follows the same standard procedures, but with some additional advantages.

The Australian government has demonstrated greater flexibility in approving visas for students who choose regional areas, recognizing its contribution to the development of those regions.

In addition, students in regional areas have access to special work and residence visa transition programs, including exclusive pathways not available to students from large cities.

‍

Transportation and connectivity

A valid concern about regional areas is connectivity. Fortunately, Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast have excellent transportation infrastructure and international connectivity.

Perth has an international airport with direct flights to Asia, Europe, and other Australian cities. The city's public transportation system is modern and efficient.

Adelaide is just an hour and a half flight from Melbourne and two hours from Sydney. The city has an integrated train and bus system that serves the entire metropolitan region.

Gold Coast has its own international airport and is just an hour's drive from Brisbane. The public transport system includes the modern G:link light rail.

‍

Be Easy: make your Australian dream a reality

Choosing a regional area in Australia may be the smartest decision of your international journey. Perth, Adelaide and Gold Coast offer the best of both worlds: exceptional quality of life and strategic advantages for your future.

Na Be Easy, we understand that each student has unique objectives, and our options to study and work in Australia are designed to maximize your opportunities. Our specialized team offers full support, from choosing the ideal city to planning your post-exchange career. Contact us and discover how to transform your Australian exchange into the first step to a new life!

‍