Study and work: Australia or Ireland? Complete guide
Both countries offer excellent educational opportunities, the possibility of working while studying, and an enviable quality of life. In this comprehensive guide, we compare essential aspects to help you make the best choice in 2025.
Minimum wage and purchasing power
Australia stands out for offering one of the highest minimum wages in the world, approximately AUD 24.10 per hour in 2024. This amount provides international students with excellent purchasing power, even working only part-time during their studies. With this salary, it is possible to cover a large part of the monthly expenses, including accommodation and food, making the experience in the country much more financially accessible.
In Ireland, on the other hand, the minimum wage in 2025 is €13.50 per hour, also representing an excellent opportunity for Brazilian students. Although slightly lower than the Australian one, the purchasing power in Ireland is surprising when compared to Brazil. While a Brazilian would have to work 580 hours on minimum wage to buy a €1,000 iPhone, in Ireland the same product can be purchased with just 74 hours of work. The program Study and Work in Ireland from Be Easy offers comprehensive guidance on how to make the most of these financial advantages.
Work Permits and Visas
Work rules for international students vary significantly between the two destinations. Understanding these differences is critical to properly planning your experience abroad.
In Australia:
- Permission to work 40 hours a fortnight during term time
- No limitation of hours during school holidays
- Need for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) requested before the trip
- OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) health insurance requirement
- Financial proof of approximately AUD 29,710 per year (2025)
In Ireland:
- Permission to work 20 hours a week during the term
- Up to 40 hours a week during holidays
- Visa requested only upon arrival in the country (Stamp 2)
- Course with a minimum duration of 25 weeks
- Financial proof of €4,680 (significantly lower than the Australian amount)
Cost of living and housing
The cost of living in Australia is considered relatively high, especially in large cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Accommodation represents the largest expense, ranging from AUD $180 to $350 per week, depending on the location and type of housing. Food costs approximately AUD$150 to $200 per week, while public transportation with a student fare is around AUD$40 per week. The high minimum wage, however, helps offset these high costs.
In Ireland, especially in Dublin, the cost of housing is also significant, ranging between €400-600 monthly for shared accommodation. Food costs between €200-300 per month, and public transport approximately €120 per month. Although the costs are considerable, the possibility of working while studying and the lower requirement for financial proof for the visa (€4,680 compared to AUD 29,710 in Australia) make Ireland a more affordable option initially for many Brazilians.
Climate, landscapes and lifestyle
The choice between Australia and Ireland also involves personal preferences related to the climate and lifestyle that each country offers.
- Clima: Australia has a climate similar to Brazil, with hot summers and mild winters, especially on the east coast. Ireland, on the other hand, has a temperate oceanic climate, with lower temperatures, frequent rains and four well-defined seasons.
- Natural landscapes: Australia is famous for its paradisiacal white sand beaches, Great Barrier Reef, and vast inland deserts. Ireland enchants with its verdant fields, stunning cliffs and medieval landscapes that seem like something out of fairytales.
- Lifestyle: Australians value outdoor activities, water sports, and a more relaxed pace of life. The Irish are renowned for their warm hospitality, rich musical tradition and pub culture, where socializing is a fundamental part of the local culture.
- Geographic location: While Australia offers easy access to explore Oceania and Asia, Ireland provides the incredible advantage of being in Europe, allowing trips between countries starting at €10, ideal for those who dream of discovering different cultures in a single experience of Study and Work in Australia.
Educational opportunities
Both countries offer excellent educational institutions, but with some important differences. Australia is recognized globally for academic excellence, with universities that encourage independent thinking and creativity. The Australian education system is especially strong in areas such as technology, agriculture, tourism, and environmental sciences. Australian institutions are strictly regulated by the government through CRICOS, ensuring high quality teaching for international students.
Ireland, for its part, stands out in areas such as information technology, international business, and health sciences. Dublin is an important technological hub, home to giants such as Google, Facebook and LinkedIn, offering excellent networking opportunities and internships. Irish universities are renowned for their practical approach and strong connection to the labor market, especially in business English courses and professional certifications in high-demand areas.
Perspectives of permanent immigration
For those considering staying abroad after completing their studies, the differences between immigration paths are significant and deserve special attention.
Australia offers the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), allowing graduates to remain and work in the country for 2 to 4 years after completing their studies, depending on the level and area of training. This period serves as a gateway to permanent residence opportunities through the Skilled Migration Program. Professionals in areas with a shortage of skilled labor, such as nursing, engineering, and information technology, have priority in Australian immigration programs.
In Ireland, graduates of higher education programs can apply for the Third Level Graduate Scheme, which allows them to remain in the country for up to 24 months after completing the course to seek full-time employment. This period is an excellent opportunity to obtain a Critical Skills Employment Permit, a document that paves the way for permanent residence after five years of living in the country. The Irish market is especially receptive to multilingual professionals in areas such as technology, digital marketing, and financial services.
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers full support for Brazilians who wish to study and work in both Australia and Ireland. Our specialized team assists at every stage, from choosing the ideal destination for your profile and objectives to preparing visa documentation, with personalized guidance that significantly increases your chances of approval. Contact us today for advice and discover which destination best aligns with your international dreams.
