US vs Australia for International Students - Which is Better for Study?
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While making choices can be difficult for US vs Australia, some key factors differentiate studying in US from studying in Australia. These comparisons can be made in terms of course offerings, fee variations, scholarship availability, visa approval, and acceptance rates. If you plan to study abroad and are stuck between USA vs Australia you can read this blog for guidance. You will understand in detail which is better for studying, USA or Australia.
- USA vs Australia Country Highlights
- Popular Courses in US vs Australia
- Top 10 Universities in US vs Australia 2026
- Admission Requirements for USA vs Australia
- Costs of Studying UG Courses in US vs Australia
- Cost of Studying PG Courses in the US vs Australia
- Student Visa Requirements in Australia vs USA
- Post-Study Work Visa in Australia vs America
- Popular Jobs in US & Australia
- PR in US & Australia
- Scholarships for International Students in US & Australia
- Climate in US & Australia
- Which one to Choose - Australia or America?
USA vs Australia Country Highlights
| Factors of Difference |
US |
Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Capital |
Washington, D.C. |
Canberra |
| Size |
7,741,220 sq. km |
9,833,517 sq. km |
| Currency |
US Dollar (USD) |
Australian Dollar (AUD) |
| Student Visa Fees |
F1 Visa Fee (Both UG & PG): USD 185 (₹16,064) |
Subclass 500 Visa Fee (Both UG & PG): AUD 2,000 (₹1,12,993) |
| Top Student Cities for Study |
|
|
| Average Annual Cost of Living | USD 14,000 - USD 20,000 (depending on location) | AUD 29,710 |
| Part-Time Work Permission | 20 hours a week | 48 hours a fortnight |
| Top Five Universities |
|
|
| Work Permit After Study |
F1 Visa Holders (Non-STEM): 12 Months | STEM OPT Extension for F1 Visa Holders: 24 Months |
2-3 Years (depending on degree of completion) |
Popular Courses in US vs Australia
Many foreign students apply to study popular courses from top universities in USA and Australia. Both countries are globally recognized because of their quality education in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Popular Courses in the US
Some of the popular courses offered in the US are as follows:
- Data Science
- Data Analytics
- IT
- Business Analytics
- Engineering Management
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- MBA
- Architecture
- Biomedical and Biotech
- Arts and Design
Australia Popular Courses
Popularly opted and offered courses in Australia are as follows:
- Accounting
- MBA
- Health Care
- Information Technology
- Education
- Hotel Management.
Top 10 Universities in US vs Australia 2026
When deciding on a country of study, it is essential to understand which top-ranking universities are located there. To understand some of the top-ranking universities in the USA and Australia, here is QS ranking 2026:
| Top 10 Universities in USA | QS - WUR 2026 | Top 10 Universities in Australia | QS - WUR 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | #1 | The University of Melbourne | #19 |
| Stanford University | #4 | The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | #20 |
| Harvard University | #5 | The University of Sydney | #25 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | #10 | The Australian National University | #32 |
| University of Chicago | #13 | Monash University | #36 |
| University of Pennsylvania | #15 | The University of Queensland | #42 |
| Cornell University | #16 | The University of Western Australia | #77 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | #17 | The University of Adelaide | #82 |
| Yale University | #21 | University of Technology Sydney | #96 |
| Johns Hopkins University | #24 | RMIT University | #125 |
For the year 2025, the above-given universities have been ranked by QS. The majority of the US universities have made it to the top 50 in comparison to the Australian universities. Check out the full list of some of the top 100 universities globally.
Admission Requirements for USA vs Australia
This section discusses the admission requirements for both the USA and Australia. Read on to find the difference between USA vs Australia for international students:
US Admission Requirements
- For undergraduate (UG) courses, you need to have completed 12 years of schooling. To get admission, you must appear for the SAT or ACT exam.
- In postgraduate (PG) courses, you need 16 years of education. For Indian students, it translates to 12 years of schooling and four years of undergraduate education. However, since most Indian colleges offer a three-year undergraduate education, you may need to take a one-year course to cover the difference.
- USA has also started accepting 15 years of education. However, few options are currently available. If you have studied at a premier Indian institute, some US universities might also accept your three-year degree, although the cases are rare. You can contact the university’s admissions office and inquire about your specific case.
- To gain admission to management courses, you must appear for the GMAT. For science courses, you are required to take the GRE exam.
There are no cutoffs for colleges, so you must score the best you can in all the exams. Colleges provide average scores accepted to different courses on their websites. That will give some idea about what’s considered a good score. Regardless of your degree, you must also take language exams such as TOEFL or IELTS. Even if colleges may not require a language test for Indian students, you should still take the TOEFL or IELTS, as they are essential for obtaining a visa. For an MBA, you may be required to have several years of work experience.
Australia Admission Requirements
- For undergraduate courses in Australia, almost all universities require 12 years of pre-university education, which makes it easier for Indian students to gain direct admission to the course or degree of their choice.
- In PG courses, you can gain admission after completing a three-year undergraduate degree. In the field of engineering, a four-year undergraduate degree in engineering is required. To get admission in management courses, you must appear for the GMAT; in science courses, you may need to take the GRE.
- You might not be required to have work experience in management courses at some colleges.
- If you have no work experience, you must enrol in a graduate certificate or diploma program.
- The university may waive the requirement for TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores, but these scores are still important for obtaining a student visa.
Costs of Studying UG Courses in US vs Australia
The prospective students looking to apply for admission to either US or Australia for an undergraduate course can find a fee-related overview below for comparison:
| Particulars |
Undergraduate Course Fees in US |
Undergraduate Course Fees in Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Fee |
B.Tech: INR 27.41 Lakhs BBA: 25.13 Lakhs BHM: 24.14 Lakhs |
B.Tech: INR 20.08 Lakhs BBA: 18.43 Lakhs BHM: 16.93 Lakhs |
| Average Living Expense |
INR 10.5 Lakhs |
INR 16.62 Lakhs |
| Duration |
4 Years |
3-4 Years |
| Exams Accepted |
IELTS, TOEFL |
IELTS, PTE |
If interested in studying in the USA, consider applying to Top ROI Universities in USA, which can give good returns and will also save money for future use.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
(Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)
Cost of Studying PG Courses in the US vs Australia
The costs for postgraduate courses vary in both countries, the US and Australia. Read on for a detailed explanation and comparison for international students:
| Particulars |
Postgraduate Course Fees in US |
Postgraduate Course Fees in Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Fee |
MS: INR 24.01 Lakhs MBA: INR 28.45 Lakhs |
MS: INR 21.14 Lakhs MBA: INR 19.93 Lakhs |
| Average Living Expense |
INR 10.5 Lakhs |
INR 16.62 Lakhs |
| Duration |
2 Years |
1-2 Years |
| Exams Accepted |
IELTS, TOEFL |
IELTS, TOEFL |
Student Visa Requirements in Australia vs USA
The student visas differ between the USA and Australia in terms of names, tenure, validity, costs, and other miscellaneous factors. The following two sections provide separate details on student visa-related matters for international students.
US Student Visa
A full-time student visa for USA is called an F1 student visa. This F1 student visa has the following regulations -
- A personal interview for a US student visa is compulsory, and you must appear for an appointment to provide Biometrics.
- You can remain in the US for up to 90 days beyond the time it takes to complete your academic program unless you have been approved to stay and work for some time under the OPT Program (Optional Practical Training).
- The application fee for this visa, also known as the MRV fee, is $185, in addition to the SEVIS fee of $350. You will be required to pay an additional $185 for the dependent visa (per dependant)
- You cannot work more than 20 hours per week. However, during holidays, breaks, and summer sessions, the student may work up to 40 hours per week.
- The student can only work on campus for a commercial firm that provides services to the college, such as a bookstore or cafeteria.
Check: US Student Visa: Myths vs. Reality
Australia Student Visa Requirements
For those applying in Australia, the student visa rules that apply are as follows:
- The Australian student visa is not granted in the form of a sticker.
- The costs for an undergraduate student visa, Subclass 500 visa, are AUD 1,600, and for a postgraduate student visa, AUD 1,945.
- Spouses get dependent only if the student is pursuing a Master's degree or a PhD. The spouses of Master's and PhD students can work unlimited hours.
- Student visa holders can work up to 40 hours per fortnight while studying in Australia.
Post-Study Work Visa in Australia vs America
Post-study work visa requirements and rules vary for international students studying at different levels of education. For clarity, the following sections have been divided by country.
US Post-Study Work Visa
If students want to stay back in the US to gain practical knowledge in their subject, they can do so through OPT. It is a temporary employment permit that allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study for 12 months. After enrolling for at least 9 months, you can apply for OPT but not begin employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document.
Read about the Difference between OPT & CPT
The Student Co-Op Program is a formally structured program that aims to recruit students while they are still in school to fill permanent positions upon graduation. Co-op programs are generally undertaken at colleges and universities. In most cases, you must apply for a work visa after securing a permanent, full-time job. Students who pursue STEM courses are given a stayback of 3 years. They can also extend their tenure in the USA after graduation through STEM OPT Extension.
Check: All About Post Study Work Permit in the US
Post-Higher Education Work Visa in Australia
Graduates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree may be eligible to apply for a two-year post-study work visa. Other graduates may be eligible to apply for a Subclass 485 visa through the Graduate Work Stream.
Read: Post Higher Work Visa in Australia
Popular Jobs in US & Australia
The aim of getting a full-time job after studying abroad in the same country is an aspiration of more than 60% of international students. Some of the popular jobs in the USA and Australia are as follows:
Popular Jobs in the US
There is a vast range of highest paying jobs in USA available in different sectors. Some of the jobs in the following fields in the USA are very popular:
- Management
- Advertising
- Finance
- Dentistry
- Software Engineering
- Biomedical
- Pharmacy
- Data Science
- IT & Computers
Read: Popular Job Sectors in US
Australia Popular Jobs
Just like USA, there are some of the highest paying jobs in Australia as well. The top job sectors in Australia where international students find a full-time placement after graduating are as follows:
- Education
- Medical Services
- Hospitality Industry
- Computer System Design
- IT
- Accounting
Check: Popular Job Sectors in Australia
PR in US & Australia
Permanent residency is one option international students look for after graduating from abroad. Certain rules and regulations apply to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Australia or the USA. These rules and basic eligibility criteria have been described below:
US PR
A permanent residency option is possible, but it is a long and slow process. Permanent residency USA is a complicated process that requires the person applying to have resided in the US for at least five years on the grounds of employment. After that, you will be granted a “Green Card,” but the process may take years to complete.
Australia PR
Getting a permanent residency permit in Australia is possible, but it is a long process. Immigration officials conduct a thorough background check on the candidate to ensure they are not fraudulent. Due to the complex process, obtaining a PR permit may take some time to be approved; however, it is possible to become an Australian citizen.
Check: How to get PR in Australia with Student Visa?
| PR for US (Green Card) |
PR for Australia |
|---|---|
| Students must have a good profession, such as a professor or researcher. |
Students must have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. |
| He/she must be a multinational manager or executive who meets specific criteria. |
Meet Education & Work Experience Requirements |
| Must clear the medical exams and background check |
English Language Proficiency |
| Students must be second or third-preference immigrant workers. |
Either be sponsored or nominated by an employer, the government, or family |
Though getting PR in both countries is difficult, students must adhere to the basic eligibility and guidelines before applying for a permanent residency in either USA or Australia.
Scholarships for International Students in US & Australia
The following scholarships are offered to international students in USA and Australia based on merit or need, university-specific, respective country's government-specific, etc:
| US Scholarships for International Students |
Australia Scholarships for International Students |
|---|---|
| Endeavour Awards |
University of Adelaide Ashok Khurana Scholarship for Indian Students |
| Western Sydney University - Vice-Chancellor's Academic Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships |
University of Queensland Postgraduate Coursework Scholarships |
| Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian students |
University of Queensland India-Australia BEL Excellence Scholarship |
| South Asia Excellence Scholarship |
|
| S.N. Bose Scholars Student Exchange Program for Indian Students |
|
| Tata Scholarships at Cornell |
Federation University Future Leader Scholarship Package for Brisbane Campus |
| Yale University Fox International Fellowships |
Climate in US & Australia
This section will discuss the weather conditions and estimated temperatures in the US and Australia.
US Climate
The US is a huge area of land with varied temperatures and climates. The East Coast has a warm climate and includes cities such as those in California and Arizona. The Midwest and New England regions experience cold winters, with cities such as Chicago and Boston. The Pacific Northwest has a humid oceanic climate, characterised by cities such as Seattle and Portland. The Southwest has a hot desert climate, characterised by cities such as Phoenix and Las Vegas. The Southeast has a warm to hot, humid climate, covering cities like Houston and New Orleans.
Get more information at Study Guide for International Students in the USA
Climate in Australia
The country is located in the southern hemisphere. This means Australia's summer starts in December, and winter begins in June. Nearly a third of Australia lies in the tropics, where the average temperatures are in the mid-20s degrees Celsius. The southern areas are in a temperate zone.
Climate Comparison - US vs Australia
For a detailed overview, check out the temperature variations in US and Australia for a better understanding below:
| Temperature |
US |
Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature |
18.7 °C |
24.4 °C |
| Nighttime Temperature |
7.1 °C |
12.6 °C |
| Rain days: |
7 - 8 |
5 - 6 |
| Sunshine Hours |
7.2 |
8.0 |
Must read: International Student Guide to Australia
Which one to Choose - Australia or America?
Those who are confused between the two major student destinations for study can choose between them based on the following aspects,
Applicants can choose to study in USA if:
- They wish to study at top-ranking universities, as most US universities are globally ranked and recognised.
- For those seeking to pursue STEM education across a broader range of programs.
- Better job opportunities and higher-paying jobs after graduation.
- Higher ROI after graduating from US universities like the Ivy League schools.
However, with pros, there are some cons also to studying in USA. If applicants plan to study in the USA, they may incur a slightly higher cost of living and will need to undergo a complex visa process.
On the other hand, applicants can choose to study in Australia if,
- Wish to attend TEQSA-recognised top Australian universities like Level 1 Universities in Australia or even the Go8 universities in Australia.
- Looking for short courses in Australia or for shorter program durations
- Want a simpler admission process
- Interested in studying in a warmer climate
Recently, the proof shows that the cost of living in Australia has increased, standing at AUD 29,710 in 2024 and AUD 21,041 in 2023. Therefore, applicants will have to pay extra costs to live in Australia. The cost of living in Australia is higher than in the USA. Therefore, applicants must carefully consider their options.
Thus, applicants can choose their preferred study destination based on several factors. If it gets difficult to conclude, applicants can sign up for free Shiksha Study Abroad Counselling and request a callback. Our team of expert counsellors will help applicants navigate their best options.
Based on recent 2023 data, both Australia and the US economies have shown resilience, but have also faced challenges. Australia had experienced slower growth due to high inflation and interest rates, while there was low unemployment. On the hand, the US recorded a stronger GDP growth but also dealt with inflation concerns. Both countries faced global economic uncertainties. Australia's resource exports remained strong, particularly in critical minerals. The US dollar's strength impacted global trade. Labor shortages affected both economies. While the US economy appeared stronger in some metrics, Australia maintained its reputation for economic stability. Ultimately, declaring one "better" oversimplifies complex economic realities.
F-1 regulations require that students should be making “good academic progress”. However, DHS has recognised that students may fail a class, which does not affect their status. The purpose of F-1 status is to study and complete a degree. Although F-1 regulations recognize that students may have academic problems and delays, getting poor grades may result in problems. If you are having difficulty, we strongly recommend that you meet with an International Student Advisor to discuss your situation.
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Comments
(29)
V
3 years ago
P
3 years ago
K
3 years ago
P
3 years ago
Hi Kiran, please go through the below URL and check out the list of universities offering MS in Healthcare Management in USA: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/usa/mba-in-healthcare-management-colleges-ds
D
4 years ago
P
4 years ago
Hi Sruthi, please refer to the below URLs and check out the list of best Data Science colleges in US and Australia: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/top-10-master-of-data-science-colleges-in-usa-articlepage-1861 https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/top-10-master-of-data-science-colleges-in-australia-arti
Australia and the USA have many things in common, some obvious and some subtle. Both are large landmasses, predominantly English speaking, with an ancient native population, and relatively recently settled by European cultures. Both are democracies and both are meritocracies. Yes, both USA and Australia can be compared in terms of higher education for their courses, ROI, post-study work options, post-study staying rules and applying for higher degree level studies as well. Degrees from both the countries are valid abroad and renowned for good job opportunities.