USA vs Australia: Which is Better for Indian students?

USA vs Australia: The United States of America (USA) is a top study destination for Indian students, while Australia is a major migrant hub for Indians. The USA stands as one of the top-ranked countries for international students, receiving more than 2 million admission applications, but only 1 million make it for admissions. Whereas Australia attracts international students with its job opportunities, varied scholarships, and degrees with global recognition.  The number of international students in Australia is expected to grow 9,40,000 by 2035. Before deciding between the USA and Australia, knowing about crucial factors such as cost of living,  study costs, job options, work visa details, scholarships, admission rates, etc. can be an added advantage for international students. Let’s check out all differences and comparisons related to immigrating USA vs Australia.

Table of Contents

• USA vs Australia: Quick highlights
• USA vs Australia: Education System
• Popular Courses in USA and Australia
• USA vs Australia: Top Universities
• USA vs Australia: Admission Requirements
• USA vs Australia: Cost of studying
• USA vs Australia: Cost of Living
• Scholarships offered in the USA and Australia
• USA vs Australia: Student Visa Requirements
• USA vs Australia: Post study work visa
• USA vs Australia: Permanent Residency
• USA vs Australia: Popular Jobs
• USA vs Australia: Lifestyle and Leisure Activities
• USA vs Australia: Climate Conditions
• Which is a better study destination, the USA or Australia?

USA vs Australia: Quick Highlights

Important factor	United States of America (USA)	Australia
Number of international students 2023	1,057,188	5,67,505
Capital	Washington, D.C.	Canberra
Area	9,525,067 km²	7,741,220 km²
Currency	US dollar (USD) ; 1 USD = 83.23 Indian Rupee	Australian dollar (AUD) ; 1 AUD = 55.13 Indian Rupee
Unemployment rate	3.60%	3.70%
Average income	US$ 76,770	US$ 60,840
Fees for visa	USD 350 (SEVIS fee) and USD 185 (border crossing fee)	AUD 630
Work permit after study	12 months	2-4 years
Best student cities	Dallas, Denver, Charlotte, Boston, Salt Lake city, and Portland	Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne

10 Major Factors to consider when deciding between the United States (US) or Australia 

USA vs Australia: Education System

In terms of academic approach, the main difference between the American and Australian higher education systems is that in the US, students can take general courses or courses not related to their discipline or major and can easily change majors if needed. Conversely, in Australia, academic degrees are highly focused and you cannot take unrelated courses. However, both education systems encourage students to be proactive rather than reactive. 
International students from all over the world can benefit from undergraduate and graduate degree programs and vocational education offered by prestigious American and Australian universities.

Regarding the grading system, a few things are common, both countries use (grade) letters and a GPA (Grade point average) system. If you come from a European country, it might take some time for you to completely understand how it works. In American and Australian universities, students' performance is evaluated on many criteria, including, exams, assignments, group discussions, class participation, etc. It’s worth noting that numerous colleges and universities in both destinations offer transfer credit for courses completed there.

Outcome: While the USA offers flexibility, Australia is ideal for students set on a specific discipline without plans to switch careers.

Popular Courses in USA and Australia

Popular courses in the USA include Data Science, Data Analytics, IT, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Engineering Management, MBA, Electrical Engineering, Architecture, Biomedical and Biotech, Arts and Design.

Popularly offered courses in Australia include Accounting, MBA, Health Care, Information Technology, Education, and Hotel Management.

Outcome:  Both the US and Australia offer advanced degrees/courses.

USA vs Australia: Top Universities

Both American and Australian educational systems are regarded as exceptional in the world. Comparing university rankings is a way to get an idea of education standards in both destinations. Here are the top universities in the USA and Australia and their ranking according to QS World Ranking 2024

USA

University Name	QS World Ranking 2024
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1
Harvard University	4
Stanford University	5
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	10
University of Chicago	11
University of Pennsylvania	12
Cornell University	13
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	15
Yale University	16

Australia

University Name	QS World Ranking 2024
The University of Melbourne	14
The University of New South Wales (UNSW)	=19
The University of Sydney	=19
Australian National University	=34
Monash University	42
The University of Queensland	43
The University of Western Australia	72
The University of Adelaide	89
University of Technology, Sydney	90

Outcome: USA wins with higher globally ranked universities.

USA vs Australia: Admission Requirements

The admission requirements differ based on institution, area of study, and level of degree. Let’s check the differences that both countries have in terms of admission requirements:

USA

• To enroll for undergraduate (UG) courses, you must have 12 years of schooling. You also need to appear for the SAT or ACT exam for admission.
• To enroll for postgraduate (PG) courses, Indian students require 16 years of education (12 years of schooling + 4 years of undergraduate education).
• Since most Indian colleges offer 3 years at UG level, to cover the difference you can take a one-year course. You also need to take the GRE Exam.
• Some US universities might accept 15 years of education (three-year UG degree) as well, if you have studied at a premier Indian institution, although the cases are rare. Contact the university’s admission cell and ask about your case.
• For admission to Management Courses, you must appear for the GMAT exam and for science-related courses, GRE test scores are required.
• Please note that colleges do not impose any cutoffs, but mention the average scores required for admission to courses on their official website. It is advised to score the best you can in all the exams.
• Also, irrespective of the degree, you must appear for language proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS or PTE. They are essential for getting a visa.
• For MBA courses, some universities might ask for a few years of work experience.
• Statement of purpose (SOP), and Letter of Recommendation (LOR) are also required to study in the USA universities.

Australia

• To enroll for undergraduate(UG) courses, almost all Australian universities need 12 years of pre-university education. This makes it easy for Indian students to obtain admission directly to their desired course/degree.
• For PG courses in Australia, you can get admission after completing a three-year UG degree. For engineering-related PG courses, you will require a four-year UG degree in engineering.
• To pursue management courses, students must appear for the GMAT test, and for science-related courses, need to take the GRE test.
• For some management courses at certain colleges, you may not need to have work experience. So, if you lack work experience, you may be required to enroll in a graduate certificate or graduate diploma program instead.
• Some universities may waive English language tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, but you must appear for them as they are crucial for getting a visa.
• Australian universities also ask for statement of purpose (SOP), and Recommendation letters (LORs) for admission.

Outcome: Both USA and Australia have almost similar admissions requirements for international students.

USA vs Australia: Cost of studying

Neither the US nor Australia are recognized for their affordable tuition fees. While public universities are less expensive than private ones, the costs are still considerably higher compared to academic institutions in Europe.

The cost of studying in Australia is significantly lower than in the United States. The cost of study in the USA for international students is around USD 30,000- 50,000 & more (₹ 25,03,215 - ₹ 41,72,025). While in Australia the average cost of study is around AUD 15,000- 30,000 (₹ 8,20,464 - ₹ 16,40,928). Note that your actual study cost can be way more expensive than the general estimation.

In the tables below, you can find a fee-related overview comparison for UG and PG courses in the USA and Australia:

Cost of Studying Undergraduate (UG) courses in USA vs Australia

Particulars	Undergraduate (UG) course fees in USA	Undergraduate (UG) 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 8.11 lakhs	INR 6.37 lakhs
Duration	4 years	3-4 years
Exams accepted	IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, ACT	IELTS, PTE

Cost of Studying Postgraduate (PG) courses in USA vs Australia

Particulars	Postgraduate (PG) course fees in USA	Postgraduate (PG) 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 8.11 lakhs	INR 6.37 lakhs
Duration	2 years	1-2 years
Exams accepted	IELTS, TOEFL	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE

You can also find some affordable Master's programs in America and Australia, tuition fees usually range between

• USD 15000 - USD 40,000 per year at American Universities
• AUD 22,000 - AUD 50,000 per year at Australian universities

In the USA, there are even more expensive programs, especially Business or Medical degrees which may cost around USD 60,000 to 80,000 or over 100,000 USD per academic year. Certainly, in both countries, you can still see affordable tuition fee options- with rates under 5000 USD/year in the USA and under 20,000 USD/year in Australia.

Outcome: Australia wins, although universities aren’t particularly inexpensive.

To know more read:

• Cost of studying in USA
• Cost of studying in Australia

USA vs Australia: Cost of Living

Living expenses in both the USA and Australia vary based on factors including lifestyle, place of stay, etc. The cost of living in the USA is relatively higher than in Australia. In the USA, the cost of living is estimated to be between USD 1000 to USD 3000 ( ₹ 83,454 - ₹ 2,50,364) per month, depending on your place of study. For instance, Atlanta is more affordable compared to New York in the USA. While in Australia an international student can spend around AUD 1400 to AUD 2500 (₹ 76,576 - ₹ 1,36,744) per month.

Surprisingly, accommodation is the biggest expense in both countries. Hence, depending on your budget you will need to choose between a reasonably priced student hall or a more expensive flat, which may or may not offer greater convenience.

To know more about living expenses in each country, refer to below pages:

• Cost of living in USA
• Cost of Living in Australia

Outcome: Living costs can quickly fluctuate (go up or down) based on location and a wide range of factors. Hence it’s a tie.

Scholarships offered in the USA and Australia

Scholarships offered in both countries for international students will be merit or need based, university-specific, particular country’s government-specific. Here is the list of some financial aids:

USA scholarships for International students	Australia scholarships for International students
Fulbright-Nehru Research fellowships	South Asia Excellence Scholarship
Plater International Scholars Program	University of Adelaide Ashok Khurana Scholarship for indian students
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian students	University of Queensland postgraduate course work scholarship
S.N. Bose Scholars Student Exchange Program for Indian students	University of Queensland India-Australia BEL Excellence scholarship
Tata Scholarships at Cornell	Yale University for international scholarships
Griffith Remarkable Scholarship	Monash International scholarship for excellence
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation scholarships	The University of Sydney scholarships

To know more about scholarships Read:

• Scholarships in USA for Indian students
• Scholarships to study in Australia for Indian students

USA vs Australia: Student Visa Requirements

USA

The F1 visa, formerly called a full-time student visa has the following rules and regulations:

• A personal interview is mandatory and you will need to appear for an appointment to give Biometrics.
• You can stay in the USA for up to 90 days beyond the duration it takes to finish your academic studies unless you were approved to stay and work for a time period under the OPT program (Optional Practical Training).
• The cost to apply for this visa is $160 along with the SEVIS fee of $350. For the dependent visa, you need to pay an additional $160 (per dependent).
• While studying, you are not allowed more than 20 hours per week. But, students can work up to 40 hours per week during holidays, breaks, and summer sessions. However, the rule is students can only work on-campus for commercial firms like a book store, cafeterias, etc. which provides services to the college. There will be some exceptions for off-campus if the part-time job is related to studies.

Australia

The rules for an Australian student visa are as follows:

• To apply for a student visa, you must create an account on ImmiAccount, the online application system for DIBP.
• Australian visas are granted electronically. You do not need a visa label on your passport to travel, enter, or stay in Australia.
• To apply for a student visa, it costs you around AUD 680.
• If the student is pursuing a Master’s or PhD then his/her spouse gets a dependent visa and can work unlimited hours.
• Those who have an Australian student visa are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight (20 hours per week) while studying in Australia and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. This applies to both on-campus and off-campus jobs.

USA vs Australia: Post study work visa

USA

If students wish to stay back in the USA after studies to gain practical knowledge, they can do so through OPT. This temporary employment permission allows students to gain practical experience in their related study for 12 months. You can apply for OPT after being in school for at least 9 months, but you can't start working until you get a special work permit. Read here to learn more about the difference between CPT and OPT.

The student co-op programs are generally undertaken at colleges and universities with the intent to recruit students upon completion of graduation. If you get a permanent job through this program, you will have to apply for a work visa. Students studying STEM courses can stay for three months after they graduate.

Australia

To work in Australia after completing your graduate studies (Bachelor’s, Master’s degree) you need to apply for a two-year post-study work visa. Others can apply for a subclass 485 visa through the graduate work stream. There are various options available that help you to extend your stay between 1.5-4 years. Overall, Australia is less restrictive, in fact, many Australian universities and governmental agencies actively encourage students to find their desired jobs through various career fairs and other networking events.

Outcome: Australia wins in this factor.

USA vs Australia: Permanent Residency

Either in Australia or the USA, to get a Permanent Residency (PR) there are certain rules and regulations applied, let’s explore them in detail.

USA

Getting a permanent residency in the USA is possible but a very slow and complicated process. Candidates applying for it need to reside in America for at least five years on the grounds of employment. After that, they will be issued with a ‘Green Card’. This whole process will take years to complete.

Australia

A Permanent residency permit can be obtained in Australia, but it's a long process. Immigration officials carefully check candidates' background details to avoid fraudulent cases. Since the process is complicated, approval of the PR permit may take time, but eventually, Australian citizenship is achievable.

Permanent Residency (PR) for USA	Permanent Residency (PR) for Australia
Students must have valuable professions like professors, researchers, etc.	Students must have an occupation specified on the skilled occupation list
Candidate must be a multinational manager or executive meeting specific criteria	Must meet education and work experience requirements
Must clear medical and background check	Must have English language proficiency.
Candidates must be second or third-preference immigrant workers	Must either be sponsored or nominated by an employer, the Australian government, or family.

Outcome: It’s a tie. Though it is difficult to get PR in both countries, students must stick to the basic eligibility criteria and guidelines specified before applying to either the USA or Australia.

USA vs Australia: Popular Jobs

More than 60% of international students aspire to get a full-time job after studying overseas. Here are some of the popular jobs in USA and Australia

USA

The popular job fields in the USA are Management, Advertising, Dentistry, Finance, Biomedical, Software Engineering, IT & Computers, Biomedical, Pharmacy, Nursing, Data Science, Healthcare, Lifesciences, Retail, and  Business services.

Jobs in USA	Average Annual Base Salary (1 USD = 83.44 INR)
Lawyer	$126,930
Finance Manager	$120,644
Management Consultant	$110,980
Data Scientist	$107,801
Nursing Manager	$85,389
Software engineer	$105,563

Also read: How to find Jobs in USA for Indians

Australia

The top Australian job sectors for international students to find full-time placement after graduation include Education, Health care and  Medical, Computer System Design, Hospitality Industry, IT, Accounting, construction and Architects.

Jobs in Australia	Average Annual Base Salary (1 AUD = 54.11 INR)
IT Systems Architect	A$ 1,40,000
Cloud Engineers	A$ 1,12,000
IT Security Architect	A$ 1,24,000
Python Developers	A$ 1,00,000
Telecoms Technician	A$ 80,000
DevOps Engineer	A$ 70,000

Also Read: How to find jobs in Australia 

Outcome: We would say it’s a draw, as students can find abundant job opportunities in both countries.

USA vs Australia: Lifestyle and Leisure Activities

Both the USA and Australia are multicultural melting pots and use English as the official language, no navigating and communicating is straightforward. While some find the Australian accent harder to understand, engaging with the local Aussies will make it easier.

USA vs Australia: Lifestyle and safety

In terms of lifestyle and well-being, in the USA, there are wealth disparities among states, while Australia has more balanced economic development and consistent living standards across regions. Australian cities boast excellent infrastructure and high living standards, with a higher minimum wage compared to the USA. In fact, according to the 2023 Liveability Index Rankings created by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Australian cities Sydney and Melbourne are among the top 10 most livable cities in the world. When it comes to safety, both countries are safest to study abroad, but, compared to the USA, crime rates are lower in Australia. According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, Australia ranks 22 while the USA ranks 131.

USA vs Australia: Leisure Activities

One can find plenty of leisure and outdoor activities in both countries that will match your interests and personality. But the fact is only a few nations can compete with Australia’s amazing wildlife, stunning natural sceneries, mild winters, beautiful beaches, and thrilling sports like:

• Shark diving
• White water rafting
• Mountain trekking
• Skydiving
• Kitesurfing
• Kayaking
• Cliff camping

The USA has its own attractions ranging from bustling cities to serene national parks, beaches, etc. Each state has its unique charm and attractions, catering to a variety of interests. Some of the most popular outdoor sport activities include:

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Camping
• Skiing
• Bird watching

Outcome: Both countries offer various things for everyone to enjoy. But, in this round, Australia wins.

USA vs Australia: Climate Conditions

USA

The USA is the world’s third largest country, which is vast with varied temperatures and climates across various regions. The East Coast, which covers cities like California and Arizona, has a warm climate. The Midwest and New England regions which cover cities like Chicago and Boston have frozen winters. The Pacific Northwest which covers cities like Seattle and Portland has a humid oceanic climate. A hot desert climate exists in the southwest and covers cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas. The southeast, which covers cities like Houston and New Orleans, has a warm to hot, humid climate.

Australia

Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country, located in the southern hemisphere. It means summer starts in December and winter begins in June. Approximately one-third of Australia lies in the tropics, where average temperatures range around mid-20 degrees Celsius. The southern regions fall within a temperate zone.

Which is a better study destination, the USA or Australia?

The United States and Australia are top study-abroad destinations for Indian students. When we compare living costs, the average cost in Australia is 15.71% higher than in the United States. However, the USA has a higher cost of studying compared to Australia. Both countries rank among the top five preferred destinations for higher education for international students. Australia is better for students who want a lower cost of studying and living and for students who can afford and bear the living expenses can apply to the USA. Degrees acquired from both countries are globally valid and renowned for good job opportunities. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences, financial considerations, and career goals.

Let’s find out the most frequently asked questions about USA vs Australia.

FAQs

1. Which country is better, USA or Australia for Indian students?

The USA has the world’s best universities, expensive study costs, and more complicated visa rules. In contrast, Australia has a better quality of life, lets you stay longer after studying, and makes it easier to apply for higher degrees, which could be more attractive to international students. 

2. Why choose Australia over US?

Australia is one of the countries with a high standard of living and wages. They are famous for having a better quality of life, and pay in the same industry is notably higher. This is why even many Americans come here to take up new job opportunities. The Australian Education sector is well known for its excellence in education, premium training facilities, outstanding lectures, and student support services.

3. Which country is better to live in, the USA or Australia?

Australia has a much better quality of life, with Sydney often regarded as the most beautiful and one of the world’s most livable cities. Four of Australia’s state capital cities: Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide are among the top 10 most livable cities globally. While no American cities make the list.

4. Is Australia’s economy better than the US?

The GDP per capita of Australia is currently nearly 80 percent of that of the US, having risen from around 75 Percent in the mid-1980s. Due to this strong GDP, students will face less inflation in Australia compared to the USA.

5. What is the shortest distance between Australia and the USA?

The shortest route/mode between Australia and the USA is by airway. The shortest distance (air line) between Australia and the USA is 9,204.14 mi (14,812.63 km).

6. Is it expensive to live in the USA or Australia?

It is more expensive to live in Australia than in the USA. As per the numbers, Australia is around 23.5% costlier than the United States of America. However, students can find budget-friendly living options in Australia to study their desired programs. Plus, Australia offers a considerable number of scholarships for international students to cover their tuition and living costs, in contrast to the USA.