Is it difficult to live in Australia? Complete guide 2025
Turning the dream of living in Australia into reality may seem challenging, but with proper planning and the right information, this journey becomes much more accessible than you might think. Australia stands out as one of the most sought after destinations for Brazilians seeking quality of life, professional opportunities and a transformative international experience. Discover how to take the first steps towards your new life in the country of opportunities.
Why Australia is the ideal destination for Brazilians
Australia won the hearts of thousands of Brazilians for very concrete reasons. The country offers the Highest minimum wage in the world, with AUD$24.10 per hour in 2024, guaranteeing exceptional purchasing power and an enviable quality of life. In addition, the Brazilian-like climate facilitates adaptation, while paradisiacal landscapes and multicultural society create a welcoming environment for foreigners.
Australia's unique advantages:
- Robust economy: Dynamic labor market with low unemployment
- Competitive salaries: Compensation that allows significant savings
- Quality of life: Clean, safe and well-structured cities
- Cultural diversity: Society that values and celebrates different cultures
- Educational opportunities: Globally recognized education system
- Exuberant nature: Beaches, national parks and unique wildlife
How does the Study and Work in Australia program work
O Study and Work in Australia It is the most popular gateway for Brazilians who want to experience Australian life. This program combines quality education with practical professional experience, allowing you to financially support yourself while developing your skills and building an international career.
Program structure:
Basic requirements:
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Intermediate level of English
- Course with a minimum duration of 16 weeks
Work permissions:
- During the course: 48 biweekly hours (24 hours a week on average)
- During school holidays: 40 hours a week without restrictions
- Average salary: AUD $20-28 per hour depending on area
Available course types:
- General and Academic English
- Vocational Courses (VET)
- Business and Marketing Programs
- Certificates in Hospitality and Tourism
Job opportunities for international students
The Australian labor market is renowned for its openness to international workers, especially in sectors that value multilingual skills and intercultural experience. The opportunities are abundant and varied, allowing students to find positions appropriate to their profile and objectives.
Sectors with high demand:
Hospitality and Tourism
- Restaurants and cafés (entry-level positions)
- Hotels and resorts
- Tour operators
- Events and entertainment
Retail and Service
- Stores and shopping malls
- Supermarkets and pharmacies
- Multilingual call centers
- Customer service
Construction and Agriculture
- Well-paying seasonal jobs
- Opportunities in regional cities
- Valuable practical experience
- Possibility of a visa extension
Technical and Specialized Area
- Information Technology
- Engineering and architecture
- Health and care
- Education and teaching
How to find work:
- Prepare an Australian curriculum (specific local format)
- Use specialized platforms (Seek, Indeed, Gumtree)
- In-person networking (visit establishments in person)
- Take advantage of school connections (many institutions have partnerships)
- Consider seasonal jobs (agriculture, tourism)
How Australian institutions welcome international students
Australian educational institutions have developed specialized systems to ensure the success of international students. With more than 40% of students coming from abroad, schools and universities invest heavily in support and cultural integration.
Support offered by institutions:
Pre-arrival guidance:
- Informational webinars about life in Australia
- Travel preparation guides
- Accommodation and transportation information
- Connection with other Brazilian students
Academic support:
- Reinforcement classes in English
- Personalized tutoring
- Study Workshops
- Support with educational technology
Employment assistance:
- Curriculum preparation workshops
- Interview simulations
- Connections with local employers
- Employment Rights Guidance
Well-being and integration:
- Buddy system programs
- Cultural and social events
- Psychological support
- Public Health Guidance
Essential requirements for moving to Australia
To ensure a smooth transition to Australia, you need to comply with specific requirements set out by the Australian government. The process is well structured but requires attention to detail and advance planning.
Required documentation:
Personal documents:
- Valid passport for at least 6 months
- Birth certificate translated and apostilled
- Criminal record certificate Brazilian and other countries where he lived
- Medical exams performed by clinics approved by the Australian government
Academic documentation:
- School transcript Full translated
- Diplomas and certificates Apostilles
- Letters of recommendation (if applicable)
Financial proof:
- Statement of funds (AUD $21,041 per year of study)
- Bank statements From the last 3 months
- Income tax return
- Financial Sponsorship Letter (if applicable)
Mandatory Health Insurance (OSHC)
O Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) it is mandatory for all international students. This insurance covers:
- Basic medical appointments
- Hospital care
- Prescribed medications
- Ambulance (limited)
Average cost: AUD $450-600 per year
Main insurers:
- Medibank
- Bupa
- NIB
- Allianz Care
Australian student visa
O Student Visa (Subclass 500) it is the document that allows you to study and work legally in Australia. The online process is efficient but requires full documentation.
Application process:
- Confirmation of enrollment (CoE) of the chosen institution
- Online application through the official government website
- Upload documents digitized
- Payment of the fee (AUD $650 in 2024)
- Biometrics (if requested)
- Interview (rarely necessary)
Processing time: 4-6 weeks on average
Cost of living in Australia by city
The cost of living in Australia varies significantly between cities, making it essential to choose the destination that best suits your budget and objectives. Larger cities offer more job opportunities, but they also have higher costs.
Savings capacity
With the minimum wage of AUD$24.10 per hour working 48 hours a fortnight, a student can earn approximately AUD$2,300 monthly. Discounting living costs, it is possible to save between AUD $500-1,000 a month, depending on the city and lifestyle.
How to get accommodation in Australia
Finding suitable housing is critical to a successful experience in Australia. The country offers several options that meet different profiles and budgets, from budget accommodations to luxury apartments.
Main types of accommodation:
Homestay
- Cost: AUD $200-350 per week
- It includes: Private room, meals, internet
- Advantages: Cultural immersion, safety, initial support
- Ideal for: First weeks, younger students
Shared apartments (Share house)
- Cost: AUD $150-300 per week
- It includes: Private room, shared common areas
- Advantages: Independence, networking, affordable cost
- Ideal for: Experienced students, long stays
Student residences
- Cost: AUD $250-400 per week
- It includes: Room, student facilities, social activities
- Advantages: Student environment, security, central location
- Ideal for: University students, academic networking
Own apartments (Studio/One bedroom)
- Cost: AUD $300-600 per week
- It includes: Total privacy, complete independence
- Advantages: Total freedom, without third-party rules
- Ideal for: Higher budget, couples, professionals
Platforms for seeking accommodation:
- Flatmates.com.au - Share houses and roommates
- .com.au domain - Apartments for rent
- Realestate.com.au - General real estate market
- Gumtree.com.au - Miscellaneous classifieds
- Facebook Groups - Specific groups by city
Tips for getting housing:
- Start the search 4-6 weeks in advance
- Prepare documents in English (references, receipts)
- Have a budget for Bond (4-6 weeks of deposit)
- Consider virtual inspections before arrival
- Be prepared for quick decisions (competitive market)
Unique characteristics of each Australian city
Each Australian city offers a unique experience, with distinct characteristics that may influence your choice of destination:
Sydney - The cosmopolitan city
- populace: 5.3 million
- Strengths: Robust labor market, intense cultural life
- Challenges: Higher cost of living, heavy traffic
- Ideal for: Ambitious professionals, lovers of urban life
Melbourne - Cultural Capital
- populace: 5.1 million
- Strengths: Art, gastronomy, cultural diversity
- Challenges: Variable climate, high costs
- Ideal for: Artists, students, coffee lovers
Brisbane - Perfect Balance
- populace: 2.5 million
- Strengths: Tropical climate, moderate cost of living
- Challenges: Fewer cultural options than Sydney/Melbourne
- Ideal for: Families, lovers of warm weather
Perth - Unique Opportunities
- populace: 2.1 million
- Strengths: High mining salaries, spectacular beaches
- Challenges: Geographic isolation, cost of trips
- Ideal for: Mining professionals, surfers
Adelaide - Peaceful charm
- populace: 1.4 million
- Strengths: Low cost of living, nearby wineries
- Challenges: Fewer job opportunities
- Ideal for: Students, retirees, relaxed lifestyle
Career opportunities and progression
Australia offers excellent prospects for international career building. The country has a skills-based immigration system that values qualified professionals, especially in sectors with a labor shortage.
Paths to permanent residence:
Skilled Migration Program
- List of occupations in demand (SkillSelect)
- Assessment of professional skills
- Scoring based on age, education, experience
Employer Sponsored Visas
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)
Graduate Visa (485)
- 2-4 years of work after graduation
- Opportunity to gain Australian experience
- Pathway to other permanent visas
Growing sectors:
- Tech: Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, development
- Cheers: Nursing, medicine, care for the elderly
- Construction: Engineering, architecture, specialized trades
- upbringing: Teaching, Research, Curricular Development
- Agriculture: Agricultural technology, sustainability
Financial planning for change
Sound financial planning is essential to the success of your Australian experience. Consider all the costs involved and prepare accordingly.
Estimated initial costs:
- Student visa: AUD $650
- Health Insurance (OSHC): AUD $450-600 per year
- Airline ticket: R$ 3,000-6,000
- Initial accommodation: AUD $800-1,200 (first 4 weeks)
- Course: AUD $5,000-15,000 per year
- Installation costs: AUD $1,000-2,000
Economy strategies:
- Take advantage of educational promotions Specials for Brazilians
- Choose shared accommodation to reduce costs
- Use public transport instead of a private car
- Cook at home and take advantage of local markets
- Explore free activities and national parks
To make their planning easier, many students opt for programs that include support with University abroad or specialized courses for Learn a language abroad, ensuring a smoother and more oriented transition.
Cultural adaptation and social integration
Adapting to Australian culture is generally easier for Brazilians due to the welcoming nature of Australians and the country's cultural diversity. However, some cultural differences deserve attention.
Features of Australian culture:
- Informality: More casual and direct relationships
- Work-life balance: Valuing free time and family
- Multiculturalism: Celebrating Cultural Diversity
- Love for nature: Outdoor activities are central to social life
- Fair Dinkum: Honesty and authenticity are valued
Integration tips:
- Participate in sporting activities (very popular)
- Explore local nature (hikes, beaches, parks)
- Be punctual (Australians value time)
- Learn local slang To connect better
- Respect queues and personal space
Be Easy
Na Be Easy, we specialize in turning the dream of living in Australia into a real and successful experience. Our team offers full support from choosing the ideal program to its adaptation in the country, ensuring that you make the most of all the opportunities that Australia has to offer. Contact us today and discover how we can help you start your Australian journey safely, with peace of mind and the certainty that you are making the right choice for your future!
