Tourist visa vs student visa: which one to choose for short term exchange

One of the most important decisions when planning a short-term exchange is choosing the appropriate visa type. Let's take a detailed look at each option for all Be Easy destinations and help you make the best decision.

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What defines a short-term exchange

Short-term exchanges are programs that range from 2 weeks to 6 months, focused primarily on language learning abroad, cultural experiences, or specific programs such as High School for teenagers.

These programs are ideal for those seeking a transformative international experience without compromising long academic or professional periods in Brazil.

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Tourist visa: advantages and limitations

Main advantages

The tourist visa offers some important facilities:

• Simplified process: Less complex documentation and faster approval
• Lower initial costs: Reduced consular fees in most countries
• Travel flexibility: Greater freedom to explore the country and neighboring countries
• Less red tape: Less stringent documentary requirements

Significant limitations

However, restrictions can severely impact your experience:

• Total work ban: Impossibility to obtain income during the stay
• Study Restrictions: Limitation on the type and duration of courses allowed
• Full financial proof: Need to demonstrate resources for the entire stay
• Lower institutional support: Limited access to student services

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Student visa: strategic investment

Why choose a student visa

The student visa, even for short programs, offers transformative benefits:

• Work permit: Possibility of part-time work in most destinations
• International professional experience: Networking and Career Development
• Full institutional support: Access to all student services
• Extension flexibility: Easy to extend your stay if desired
• Increased credibility: Official status that facilitates various processes

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Complete analysis by destination Be Easy

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Ireland: world leader in flexibility

Ireland revolutionized the exchange market with its friendly policies. As detailed in our guide on How to apply for a student visa for Ireland:

Tourist visa: Brazilians can stay up to 90 days without a visa, suitable for courses of up to 12 weeks.

Student visa: For courses of 25 weeks or more, the main difference is that a visa is obtained upon arrival in the country. It allows work of 20 hours a week during the course and 40 hours during holidays, with an average wage of €10-12/hour.

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Spain: growing opportunities

With the program Study and Work in Spain, the country offers excellent prospects. Our article about How to get a student visa for Spain details the process:

Tourist visa: Up to 90 days for language courses, without a work permit.

Student visa: Compulsory for courses longer than 90 days, it allows work of up to 30 hours a week with an average salary of €8-10/hour. The process must be initiated in Brazil through consulates.

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Malta: important changes in 2025

Malta has undergone significant updates. As explained in our Update on the new rules for Malta:

Tourist visa: 90 days within the Schengen area, ideal for short courses.

Student visa: For courses longer than 90 days, the new rules require greater financial proof. It allows part-time work after 12 weeks, with an average wage of €8-9/hour.

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Australia: rigor that pays off

Australia maintains strict standards but offers excellent returns. Our guide on How to get a student visa for Australia explains in detail:

Tourist visa: It does not allow studies, only tourism.

Student visa: Required for any course. It allows for 48-hour biweekly work during the course and full time during holidays, with an average salary of AUD 22-25/hour (one of the highest in the world).

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Canada: perfect balance

Canada offers excellent value for money with programs such as Public College and Private Co-op College:

Tourist visa: Allows courses of up to 6 months without a specific student visa.

Student visa: Required for courses longer than 6 months, it allows work of 20 hours a week during the course and full time during holidays, with an average salary of CAD 15-18/hour.

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New Zealand: exceptional quality of life

With the program Study and Work in New Zealand:

Tourist visa: Up to 3 months for language courses, without a work permit.

Student visa: For courses starting at 14 weeks, it allows work of 20 hours a week with an average salary of NZD 18-20/hour.

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Germany: excellent education

The program Study and Work in Germany offers unique opportunities. Our guide on German visa documents provides full details:

Tourist visa: Up to 90 days for language courses.

Student visa: For courses longer than 3 months, it allows work of 20 hours a week with an average wage of €12-15/hour (new minimum wage 2025).

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United States: premium market

Tourist Visa (ESTA/B1/B2): Up to 90 days for recreational language courses.

Student Visa (F-1): Required for formal academic courses, allows for limited campus work and internships through the OPT program.

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England: tradition and quality

Tourist visa: Up to 6 months for language courses.

Student visa: For long or academic courses, with limited part-time work possibilities.

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United Arab Emirates: international hub

With the program Study and Work in the United Arab Emirates:

Tourist visa: Up to 90 days, without a work permit.

Student visa: Allows part-time work, with competitive tax-free salaries.

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Decisive factors for your choice

Program duration and objectives

• Up to 3 months: Tourist visa may be suitable for purely educational programs
• 3 to 6 months: Student visa generally offers better value for money
• Over 6 months: Student visa is essential and often mandatory

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Need for supplementary income

If you need or want to work during the exchange to:

• Defray part of housing and food expenses
• Gain international professional experience
• Expand your professional network
• Practicing the language in the work environment

A student visa is essential.

Future plans

For those who see the exchange as a first step to:

• Possible permanent immigration
• Longer programs in the future
• International career development
• Specialization in a specific area

The student visa provides a much stronger foundation.

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Be Easy

Choosing between a tourist visa and a student visa is a strategic decision that defines your entire international experience. Na Be Easy, our specialized team analyzes your profile, financial objectives, and career goals to recommend the most advantageous option. We offer full documentation, visa process, and financial planning support for all of our destinations. Contact us and transform your exchange into a smart investment for your future, with the peace of mind of having specialists who know each destination and its peculiarities in depth!

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