US vs Australia for International Students
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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) |
| Fees for Visa |
USD 185 = Rs. 15,540 |
AUD 1,600 (UG) = Rs. 89,459 AUD 1,945 (PG) = Rs. 1,08,749 |
| Top Student Cities for Study |
|
|
| Average Annual Cost of Living
|
USD 12,000 - USD 13,000 (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 |
12 Months |
2-6 Years |
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
When deciding on a country of study, it is mandatory to understand which top-ranking universities exist there. To understand some of the top-ranking universities in the USA and Australia, here is QS ranking 2025:
| Top 10 Universities in USA | QS - WUR 2025 | Top 10 Universities in Australia | QS - WUR 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | #1 | The University of Melbourne | #13 |
| Harvard University | #4 | The University of Sydney | #18 |
| Stanford University | #6 | The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | #19 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | #10 | The Australian National University | #30 |
| University of Pennsylvania | #11 | Monash University | #37 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | #12 | The University of Queensland | #40 |
| University of Chicago | #21 | The University of Western Australia | #77 |
| Princeton University | #22 | The University of Adelaide | #82 |
| Yale University | #23 | University of Technology Sydney | #88 |
| Johns Hopkins University | #32 | RMIT University | #123 |
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.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Admission Requirements for USA vs Australia
This section aims to discuss 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 though you need to 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 three years of education at the UG level, you might need to take a one-year course to cover the difference.
- USA has also started accepting 15 years of education, however, few options are available right now. If you have studied at a premier Indian institute, some US universities might accept your three-year degree as well, although the cases are rare. You can check with the university’s admissions cell and ask about your case.
- To get admission in management courses you will have to appear for the GMAT and science courses, you need to take the GRE exam.
There are no cutoffs for colleges, so you need to score the best that 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. You will also need to appear for language exams like TOEFL or IELTS, irrespective of the degree. Even if the colleges may not require any language test for Indian students, you should still take either TOEFL or IELTS as they are essential for getting a visa. In the case of an MBA, you might be required to have a few years of work experience.
Australia Admission Requirements
- For UG courses in Australia, almost all universities require 12 years of pre-university education, which makes it easier for Indian students to get admission directly to the course/degree of their choice.
- In PG courses, you can get admission after finishing a three-year UG degree. In the case of engineering, you will need a four-year UG degree in engineering. To get admission in management courses you will have to appear for the GMAT, and in science courses you may need to take the GRE.
- You might not be required to have work experience in the case of management courses at some colleges.
- In the case of no work experience, you need to enrol in a graduate certificate or graduate diploma program.
- TOEFL or IELTS or PTE may be waivered by the university but are important for getting 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 |
(Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)
Cost of Studying PG Courses in the US vs Australia
The costs for postgraduate courses vary in both the countries - 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 for both USA and Australia, in terms of names, tenure, validity, costs and other miscellaneous factors. The following two sections separately throw light on the student visa-related details 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 length of 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). Check What is OPT extension in USA?
- It costs $185 to apply for this visa along with 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.
Australia Student Visa Requirements
For this visa, these rules apply -
- The Australian student visa is not granted in the form of a sticker.
- It costs AUD 1,600 to apply for an undergraduate student visa, Subclass (500) visa, and AUD 1,945 for a postgraduate student visa.
- Spouses get dependent only if the student is pursuing a Master's degree or PhD. The spouses of Master's and PhD students can work unlimited hours.
- Student visa holders are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during their study in Australia.
Post-Study Work Visa in Australia vs USA
Post-study work visa requirements and rules vary for international students studying at different levels of study. The following sections have been bifurcated country-wise for clarity.
US Post-Study Work Visa
If students want to stay back in the US to gain practical knowledge in their subject, they have the option to do so through OPT. It is temporary employment permission allowing students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study for 12 months. You can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but you cannot 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 where the intent is to recruit students, while still in school, to fill permanent positions upon graduation. Co-op programs are generally undertaken at colleges and universities. In most cases, you will have to apply for Work Visa upon getting a full-time job of a permanent nature.
Students who pursue STEM courses are given a stay back of 3 years.
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, 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 to get 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
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
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 such option which international students look for after graduating from countries abroad. There are certain rules and regulations which apply in order to get PR in either Australia or USA. These rules and basic eligibility criteria have been described below:
US PR
A permanent residency option is possible but it is a very long-drawn and slow process. It is a complicated process and requires the person applying for it to reside in the US for at least five years on the grounds of employment. After that you will be granted a “Green Card”, but the whole process might take years to complete. Check: US Student Visa: Myths vs. Reality
Australia PR
Getting a permanent residency permit to Australia is possible but it is a long process. The immigration officials conduct a thorough background check on the candidate to make sure s/he is not fraudulent. Because of the complicated process, the PR permit may take some time to get approved but it is possible to get Australian citizenship.
Check: How to get PR in Australia with Student Visa?
| PR for US (Green Card) |
PR for Australia |
|---|---|
| Students must have a good profession like a professor, researcher, etc. |
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 it's difficult to get PR in both countries, yet 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:
Climate in US & Australia
This section will discuss the weather conditions and estimated temperatures in both the US and Australia.
US Climate
The US is a huge area of land and has varied temperatures and climates in different areas. East Coast has a warm climate and covers cities like California, and Arizona. The Midwest and New England regions have frozen winters and cover cities like Chicago, and Boston. The Pacific Northwest has a humid oceanic climate and covers cities like Seattle, and Portland. The Southwest has a hot desert climate and covers cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas. The southeast has a warm to hot, humid climate and covers 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 is in the tropics where the average temperatures are in the mid-20 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 - USA or Australia?
Those who are confused between 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
- Are looking for a wider range of programs,
- Better job opportunities.
- Higher ROI
However, with pros, there are some cons also to studying in USA. If applicants plan to study in USA may have to pay a slightly higher cost of living and will have to go through 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
- 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 the cost of living in Australia has gone up and they stand at AUD 29,710 in 2024 from AUD 21,041 in 2023. So applicants will have to shell out extra dollars to live in Australia. The cost of living in Australia is higher than USA, thus, applicants must consider their options carefully.
Thus, applicants can choose their preferred destination for study based on several factors. In case 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 options which best suit them.
US vs. Australia FAQs
Q. Which is a better country for study USA or Australia?
A. The USA and Australia are popular study-abroad destinations for Indian students. If we compare them in terms of living costs, the average cost in Australia is 15.71 percent higher than in the United States. The USA is higher in terms of cost of studying and living in comparison to Australia. USA and Australia are among the top five countries abroad preferred among international students for higher education. Students who can afford to study and bear the living costs in USA can apply there and those who want a lower cost of studying and living can apply to Australia for study.
Q. Is Australia comparable to the US?
A. 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.
Q. Is Australia's economy better than the US?
A. 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.
Q. Is it cheaper to live in the US or Australia?
A. Yes, it is more expensive to live in Australia than in the US. According to numbers, Australia is around 23.5% costlier than the US. There are some places in Australia where students can live on a budget and study their popular programs. Plus there are good number of scholarships available for international students in Australia for covering tuition and living costs in comparison to USA.
Q. Which is the safest country for Indians, Australia or US?
A. Both countries are the safest countries to study abroad. The crime rate in Australia is much lower than in the United States of America. Australia ranks 47th while the USA ranks 30th according to their crime rates. It is so rare for police officers to carry guns due to the low crime rate. All they have are batons.
Q. Why choose Australia over us?
A. Australia has a much better quality of life. Sydney is considered the most beautiful and one of the most livable cities in the world. 4 of the States capital cities: Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide are all in the top 10 most livable cities in the world. Whilst no cities in America are on that list.
Q. Is the quality of life better in Australia than in the USA?
A. Australia is one of the countries with the highest standards of living and wages. They are known for one of the highest qualities of life and pay is significantly higher in the same industry. This translates to why there are many Americans, as they are here to accept new jobs.
Q. Why do people choose Australia to study abroad?
A. Australia is well known for its excellence in education among international standards because of which many students apply for admission for studying abroad. The Australian education sector comprises world-leading education institutions, premium training facilities, and outstanding lecturers and student support services.
Q. What happens if an international student fails a class in USA?
A. F-1 regulations require that students should be making “good academic progress”. However, DHS has recognized 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.
Q: Is Torrens University good for international students?
Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.
Q: Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: Is it worth studying at Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia?
Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science.
To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.
Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.
Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.
Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate
Q: Is it hard to get into the UTSA in San Antonio Texas?
According to various sources, University of Texas San Antonio has an overall acceptance rate of around 87% which makes it somewhat selective for international student admissions. Some of the general requirements to be considered for admission are given as follows:
- SAT/ACT scores
- Overall Student's GPA
- Letters of Recommendation
- High School Class Rank
- Additional Academic Records
Q: Is University of North Dakota good for Indian students?
The University of North Dakota is one of the top choices for international students to pursue their higher education. The UND warmly welcomes its international students as they have contributed a lot to the success of the university. Moreover, the university offers a top-notch environment, the best academic opportunities, technical & career training, etc. The university boasts over 1000 international students who represent more than 95 countries. Additionally, international students highly enjoy the facilities provided by the University of North Dakota. The UND is one of the largest research universities in the United States for international students.
Q: What is the PTE requirement for Stanley College Australia?
The PTE score for international students must be in the range of 50-57 for Stanley College Australia. However, students are expected to fulfill other English language proficiency tests along with PTE. The table below is the English language proficiency score for all the tests required at Stanley College:
Exam | Score Required |
|---|---|
Overall 60-78 | |
6.0 | |
50-57 | |
Cambridge English Advanced | 169 |
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
A postgraduate in English Literature from Jamia Milla Islamia, Niha has been associated with the education industry as a student counsellor for the past eight years now. Her expertise in customer service, communicat... Read Full Bio
- Universities in USA1036 Universities
- Universities in Australia121 Universities
- Universities in Canada173 Universities
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in Ireland33 Universities
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
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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
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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
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