Table of Contents
- USA vs Australia: Top-ranked universities
- Admission requirements for the USA and Australia
- Application process for US and Australian universities
- Cost of study – USA vs Australia
- Cost of Living – USA vs Australia
- Scholarships for students: USA vs Australia
- Student visa process: USA vs Australia
- USA vs Australia: post-study job opportunities
- Permanent Residency USA and Australia?
- Frequently Asked Questions
While the USA has 2,68,923 Indian students in 2022 – 2023, according to the Open Doors report, the Australian Education Ministry says the country was home to 120,277 Indian students in 2022 – 2023. As both countries are prominent study abroad choices, selecting one can be confusing for you.
We would like to be your guiding light – read on and understand the main points to decide which is better between the USA and Australia to study abroad.
USA vs Australia: Top-ranked universities
With globally competing universities, choosing one from Australia vs America can be an excellent choice for international students. Here are the top 10 universities in both countries, according to the latest QS World University Rankings.
| Top US Universities | Top Australian Universities |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | The University of Melbourne |
| Harvard University | The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) |
| Stanford University | The University of Sydney |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Australian National University (ANU) |
| University of Chicago | Monash University |
| University of Pennsylvania | The University of Queensland |
| Cornell University | The University of Western Australia |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | The University of Adelaide |
| Yale University | University of Technology Sydney |
| Princeton University | Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia) |
Admission requirements for the USA and Australia
Getting into Australian or US universities is like completing a ride with checkpoints like academic qualifications, financial readiness, and student visa requirements. The specific university sets the bar with criteria like minimum GPA, work experience, and certifications.
- Make sure you’ve got your academic qualifications in place
- Get good scores on entrance exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, etc.
- Have all your application documents ready
Documents required for admission – USA and Australia
- Duly filled application form
- Receipt of the application fee paid
- A valid passport copy
- Student visa
- Offer letter from the university
- Form I-20 for US universities
- Language proficiency proof – IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc.
- Mandatory entrance test results – GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT
- SOP (Statement of Purpose)
- At least 2 – 3 LOR
- A resume or CV
Application process for US and Australian universities
Your dream journey requires time management in the application process. Follow a timely application process to ensure your admission to your desired university in the US or Australia. Here is a general outline to help you with this:
- Visit the university website
- Read the guidelines and mark your deadlines
- Arrange the documents
- Complete the application process
- Move ahead with the student visa application process
Cost of study – USA vs Australia
Depending on your education provider, the level of study you choose, and your study location in, the cost of study varies in Australia vs the USA for international students.
The average cost of study in the USA for international students can be 30,000 – 50,000 USD or more.
In Australia, the average cost of study can be 15,000 – 30,000 USD or more. Note that your actual cost of study can be way higher than the general estimation.
| Level of study | Tuition fees in the US | Tuition fees in Australia |
| Undergraduate | 20,000 – 40,000 USD | 13,700 – 31,000 USD |
| Postgraduate | 20,000 – 45,000 USD | 15,000 – 34,200 USD |
| Doctoral | 28,000 – 55,000 USD | 13,700 – 28,800 USD |
Cost of Living – USA vs Australia
The US and Australia are countries generally regarded as costly for international students. A general picture of the essential costs will help you plan your spending and create a financial strategy.
- In the USA, the average cost of living can be 20,000 – 30,000 USD a year for international students in general.
- Australia – 22,000 USD for a single person, 27,000 USD for two people, plus 2,200 USD for a child.
Australia vs America living – here are your major costs to be considered while making a financial plan:
| Category of expense | USA | Australia |
| Accommodation | 500 – 1,200 USD | 250 – 1,200 USD |
| Travel | 50 – 70 USD | 80 – 170 USD |
| Food & Groceries | 450 – 650 USD | 250 – 1,200 USD |
| Books & Stationaries | 50 – 100 USD | 100 – 150 USD |
| Electricity, gas, internet, etc. | 100 – 200 USD | 70 – 180 USD |
| Entertainment | 150 – 300 USD | 220 – 420 USD |
| Others/ Extra money | 100 – 200 USD | 200 – 300 USD |
| Total | 1,400 – 2,720 USD | 1,170 – 3,620 USD |
Scholarships for international students: USA vs Australia
Academically bright minds are fostered with scholarships in the USA and Australia. In both countries, you can explore scholarship options funded by the government and private organizations. Don’t forget to go through each scholarship guideline before you think of applying.
Scholarships in the US for international students
International students can explore many scholarships in America. The table below shows some handpicked scholarship options you must explore while planning your admission:
| Scholarship | Amount |
| AAUW International Fellowships | 20,000 – 50,000 USD |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Programs | 64,000 USD |
| Cornell University Tata Scholarship | 80,000 USD |
| Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program | Variable |
| National Overseas Scholarship | 15,400 USD |
| The Next Genius University Scholarships | 1,20,000 USD |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | Variable |
| Inlaks Scholarship | 100,000 USD |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship | 24,000 USD |
Read More: Top Scholarships in the USA for Indian Students
Scholarships in Australia for international students
Why worry about the cost of studying in Australia if you can win a scholarship! Here are some prominent scholarships in Australia for international students, funded by the government, universities, and other organizations:
| Scholarship | Amount |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | 100% of the tuition fee + Stipend |
| Destination Australia Awards | Up to 15,000 USD |
| Australian Catholic University International Student Scholarships | Variable |
| Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI) | Variable |
| National Overseas Scholarship | 15,400 USD |
| The Next Genius University Scholarships | 1,20,000 USD |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | Variable |
| Inlaks Scholarship | 100,000 USD |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship | 24,000 USD |
Student visa process: USA vs Australia
Your admission process is the first part, followed by a visa application. With proper guidance and on-time action, getting a student visa is not a hard nut to crack.
Steps to get a US student visa
- Receive an offer letter from your university and note down your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) ID.
- Pay your SEVIS fee of 350 USD.
- You need to apply for and get the Form I-20 from your university.
- Fill out form DS-160 and apply for a US student visa (F-1, M-1, or J-1).
- Provide the documents, schedule your consular visa interview, and attend it.
Steps to get a student visa to Australia
- Start your application at least 8 weeks before the course starts
- Gather your documents
- Log in to ImmiAccount and start your application process
- Upload the documents
- Pay the visa application charge online
USA vs Australia: post-study job opportunities
Exploring your job opportunities is a must-do before you start your study abroad. Choosing the US or Australia can be confusing here – both countries host top job opportunities with attractive salaries, according to Glassdoor data.
| Job Opportunities | Salary in the US | Salry in Australia |
| Engineering – Software engineer, Mechanical engineer, Civil engineer, etc. | 100,000 USD | 105,064 USD |
| IT jobs – Data analyst, Data scientist, Cybersecurity analyst, etc. | 74,100 USD | 96,000 USD |
| Healthcare – Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist, etc. | 264,000 USD | 250,000 USD |
| Finance – Financial professional, Accountant, Finance Manager, etc. | 100,000 USD | 110,000 USD |
| Arts – Curator, Art teacher, etc. | 82,000 USD | 81,000 USD |
| Humanities – Teacher, Subject matter expert, Market Research analyst, etc. | 57,000 USD | 94,000 USD |
How to get permanent residency in the USA and Australia?
The USA and Australia are great countries to settle in. For permanent living, you need to obtain a permit after completing your studies and working for a few years.
- For permanent residency in the US, you must obtain a Green Card. Your duty is to find an employer and get your work visa in the US.
- Once you secure a job in Australia after your studies, you can apply for a Permanent Residency. Your application will be evaluated on points credited to your course of study, work, language skills, etc.
Are you planning to settle abroad? If so, dig deep and learn about the living standards, surety of peace, comfortability with climate, etc. Share your concerns and plans with our expert counselor to get proper guidance and valuable insights.
In short, You can choose the USA or Australia to study abroad as both countries offer excellent academic and job opportunities. Make sure you have enough funds to meet the cost of study and living. If not, get guidance on secured and unsecured education loan options with minimal interest rates.
How to choose between the USA and Australia for your needs? Well, our expert counselor can help you answer this question better. Streamline your study abroad journey. Check the link and register with us right now.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for international students – the USA or Australia?
Deciding which is better, the USA or Australia depends on your personal interests, goals, and concerns. From an academic perspective, both countries host a world-renowned education system and academic environment.
Does Australia have a better education system than America?
Both Australia and America are known for their excellent education system. However, if we look at the QS World University Rankings, there are 5 US universities under the top 10 and 0 Australian universities.
Is Australia more expensive than the USA for international students?
According to Global Economy rankings of the most expensive countries, Australia comes in 7th position, and the US is excluded from the top 10. But, according to Living Cost rankings, the US is the 7th most expensive country, whereas Australia ranks 10th. So, in general, Australia can be slightly more expensive, but there’s no big gap between the countries in living costs.
Which is more student-friendly, Australia or America?
The US and Australia are student-friendly countries, and the high number of international students getting into these countries testifies to that.
Is it better to do MS in Australia or America?
Both the US and Australia are good destinations for MS study. Make sure the university of your choice has an updated curriculum, offers great academic opportunities, and has better post-study job prospects.
