Study and work in Australia in 2026: updated complete guide

Study and work in Australia in 2026 combines the minimum wage of AUD$24.95 per hour (effective since July 2025) with a student visa system that authorizes 48 hours of work per fortnight, in a heated market in health, construction and hospitality. The program Study and Work in Australia from Be Easy offers a structured path for those who want to combine English, income and permanent residence via SkillSelect. This guide brings together up-to-date data on visas, salaries by sector, the main cities, the cost of living, and the path for those thinking about permanence.

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Why is Australia still one of the best destinations in 2026?

The combination of factors that make Australia a consistent destination includes elements that go far beyond climate and landscape.

Competitive salary

The Australian national minimum wage is one of the highest in the world. In 2026, the base amount remains at AUD$24.95 per hour, with an annual update scheduled for July (decision of the Fair Work Commission, as occurs every year). For a student authorized to work 48 hours a fortnight, this represents approximately AUD 1,156 gross per fortnight, or between AUD $2,200 and AUD $2,400 monthly in full months.

Job market receptive to foreigners

Australia faces labor shortages in sectors such as healthcare, construction, hospitality, and regional agriculture. Foreigners with skills in these areas have quick access to vacancies, even without perfect fluency in the language.

Path to permanent residence

The Australian immigration system is based on scores (SkillSelect). Students who complete a course on Australian soil earn additional points, and some professions have specific paths of residence (State Nomination) that reduce waiting time.

Quality of life

Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are among the world's highest-rated for quality of life, safety, and urban infrastructure. The lesser-known Gold Coast combines more affordable cost with direct access to the ocean and a strong tourism and hospitality market.

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What visa is required to study and work in Australia in 2026?

The type of visa defines the conditions of work and stay. The most used modalities in 2026 are:

Student Visa (Student Visa, subclass 500)

It is the most common for those who combine course and work. It allows you to work up to 48 hours a fortnight during the academic period. During school holidays (and when the government authorizes the suspension of the limit, as occurred in essential sectors), there are no restrictions on hours.

To obtain it, it is necessary:

• Accepted at an institution registered with CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)
• Sufficient financial proof to cover the first year of studies and maintenance
• OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) health insurance, mandatory for the entire term of the visa
• Motivation letter that proves genuine character as a student (Genuine Student requirement)

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462)

For young people between 18 and 35 years old. It allows you to work without restrictions on hours for the same employer for up to 6 months. It doesn't require school enrollment, but many choose to combine both. The First Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) can be renewed for a second and up to a third year, provided that regional work requirements are met.

Undergraduate student visa (Subclass 485, Temporary Graduate Visa)

For whom Completed higher education in Australia. Grants unrestricted employment rights for 2 to 4 years after completion. It is the main entry point for permanent residence via the skills process.

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How much do you earn working in Australia in 2026?

The national minimum wage in 2026 is AUD$24.95 per hour (approximately R$ 94 per hour at the March 2026 rate). The average wage varies widely by sector:

• Hospitality (hotels, restaurants, cafés): between AUD $24.95 and AUD $28.00 per hour, with increases on weekends and holidays (penalty rates)
• Civil construction: skilled workers in electrical, hydraulic and finishing installations receive between AUD $35.00 and AUD $55.00 per hour
• Health (caregivers, auxiliary nursing): between AUD$28.00 and AUD$40.00 per hour depending on certification level
• Retail: between AUD $24.95 and AUD $26.00 per hour in base positions
• Information Technology: annual salaries between AUD $75,000 and AUD $130,000 for profiles with 2 to 5 years of experience
• Regional agricultural work (farm work): between AUD $24.95 and AUD $30.00 per hour, with production bonuses on many farms

An important fact: the Australian penalty rate system guarantees an increase of 25% to 50% on the base salary for work on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. For those who work in the hospitality sector on weekends, this represents a significant gain.

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How is the job market in Australia for foreigners in 2026?

The Australian market is one of the most accessible for international workers for two main reasons: the language and the visa structure. With English as the native language, the communication barrier is lower than in non-English-speaking European destinations, and the visa system was designed to attract temporary workers in sectors with scarcity.

The sectors with the highest demand in 2026 include:

1. Health and care for the elderly (aged care): with the Australian population aging and the government investing in expanding care centers, it is one of the sectors with the most vacancies open to foreigners, even without prior certification
2. Hospitality: hotels, resorts, and restaurants, especially on the Gold Coast, Cairns and Sydney, are in constant demand for cooks, attendants, and supervisors
3. Construction: structural deficit of skilled workers, especially in NSW and Queensland, driven by public infrastructure projects
4. Technology: Sydney and Melbourne concentrate the main technology companies based in Australia, and the IT market remains warm for profiles with experience in cloud, data, and development
5. Language education and teaching: certified English teachers and instructors (CELTA/Delta) are in high demand at language schools across the country

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What are the best cities to study and work in Australia in 2026?

Sydney (NSW)

Largest city in the country and main business hub. It concentrates the majority of multinational companies, financial offices and technology companies. Higher salaries, but the cost of living is the highest in the country. Average room rent in Republic: AUD $350 to AUD $550 per week.

Melbourne (VIC)

Australia's second largest city and cultural capital. Strong market for creation, fashion, technology and gastronomy. Slightly lower cost of living than Sydney. Average rent: AUD $300 to AUD $500 per week per room. Recognized for its quality of life and cultural diversity.

Brisbane (QLD)

Capital of the state of Queensland and host of the 2032 Olympic Games. It is growing fast, with many infrastructure projects creating employment. More affordable cost of living than Sydney and Melbourne. Average rent: AUD $250 to AUD $400 per week per room. Warm weather year-round and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef.

Gold Coast (QLD)

Coastal city with a strong tourism and hospitality market. It is the main destination for those who want to combine beach, English and work. Lower cost of living than capital cities. Average rent: AUD $220 to AUD $380 per week per room. Access to world-famous beaches and an active lifestyle.

Perth (WA)

Capital of the most geographically distant state, but with an extremely hot mining and construction market. Wages in the mining sector are among the highest in the country. Moderate cost of living.

Those who also evaluate Europe in the same planning will find in the Be Easy Study and Work in Ireland program an English-speaking destination within the European Union, with a minimum wage of €14.15/h and a path to residence in 21 months via Critical Skills.

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How much does it cost to live in Australia in 2026?

The cost of living in Australia is high, but it goes hand in hand with salaries. The following reference is for initial planning:

Townhouse

• Sydney: AUD $350 to AUD $550 per week per room in Republic
• Melbourne: AUD $300 to AUD $480 per week per room
• Brisbane/Gold Coast: AUD $220 to AUD $380 per week per room
• Perth: AUD $250 to AUD $400 per week per room

Food

Cooking at home: AUD $150 to AUD $250 per week. Fast coffee meal: AUD $15 to AUD $25. Supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths have high prices compared to Brazil, but the range is wide.

Transportation

Most Australian cities are poorly served by public transport outside the center. Many students rent bikes or use apps. Sydney public transport card (Opal): between AUD $30 and AUD $80 per week depending on distances.

Health Insurance (OSHC)

Required for student visa holders. Approximate cost for 1 year: AUD $500 to AUD $700 per person.

Estimated total

A reasonable living student in Sydney spends between AUD$2,500 and AUD$3,500 monthly (housing, food, transportation, OSHC). In Brisbane or the Gold Coast, this amount drops to AUD $1,800 to AUD $2,800 monthly.

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What is the TFN and why do you need it?

The Tax File Number (TFN) is the Australian tax identification number. Without it, you can work, but the employer is required to deduct 47% of the salary in withholding tax. With the TFN, normal taxation for students with an annual income below AUD$18,200 is zero.

The TFN is requested online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website, still in Brazil, and can be obtained before boarding. It's one of the first documents you need to solve.

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What is the path to permanent residence in Australia?

The most common route for those starting out as a student:

1. Arriving with a student visa (subclass 500)
2. Complete the course (ELICOS, VET or undergraduate)
3. Apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which grants 2 to 4 years of unrestricted work
4. Accumulate skilled work experience in Australia
5. Submit EOI (Expression of Interest) in the SkillSelect system
6. Receive an invitation for Permanent Residence via SkillSelect (General Skilled Migration) or State Nomination

Professions that score highest in the system include nursing, construction, accounting, IT, and engineering. For students who studied in regional regions (outside the capitals), there are additional scores and easier residence paths. Those who also consider working in Germany will find a different market in the Be Easy Study and Work in Germany program: language required, but Blue Card with 21 months of eligibility for those with recognized qualifications.

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FAQ: frequently asked questions about studying and working in Australia in 2026

1. How much English do I need to have to go to Australia?

‍For the English Student Visa (ELICOS), there is no minimum language requirement. You can get to the basic level. For VET and undergraduate courses, IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 is required depending on the course and institution.

2. Can I go to Australia with my partner or spouse?

‍Yes. The spouse or actual partner of a student visa holder can apply for an accompanying visa (subclass 500). This visa allows work without hours restrictions while the holder is enrolled in a graduate course. For English and VET courses, the spouse's work restrictions follow those of the holder.

3. What is a working holiday visa and who can get it?

‍It is a tourist visa with a work permit, aimed at young people from countries with a bilateral agreement with Australia. Brazil is not on the list for subclass 417, but it is enabled for subclass 462 (Work and Holiday). The age limit is 35 years. The visa can be renewed for a second and a third year if regional working conditions are met.

4. How to open a bank account in Australia before boarding?

‍It is possible to open accounts with some Australian banks (such as Commonwealth Bank and Westpac) while still in Brazil, up to 12 months in advance before arrival. Be Easy provides guidance on this process as part of pre-shipment support.

5. How soon in advance should I apply for an Australian visa?

‍The student visa process takes an average of 4 to 6 weeks. For shipment in July/2026, the ideal is to start the process by April. Be Easy accompanies all documentation and communication with the partner school.

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Be Easy: Boutique exchange consultancy

Australia brings together English as a working language, competitive salary, diversity of cities and a real path for those thinking about permanence. Transforming this set into a functional project, with an approved visa, the right school and a structured arrival, requires more than an online survey. At Be Easy, a dedicated senior consultant follow the entire process, from choosing the destination to the first weeks in the country, with access to our curating of partner programs. Contact us to start your project.