When it comes to making a comparison between the USA and Australia for higher education, both countries have been ranked among the top destinations. These two countries come to mind for every Indian student, but at the same time, it is important to know why these countries are so popular.
According to US Consulate officials, over a million international students have enrolled in the USA for higher education. In the academic year 2022-2023, out of which around 2,70,000 lakh students work from India, In Australia, India continues to be the second largest source of international students, with a total of around 1 lakh and 30000 Indian students studying there every year. It has also been the top place to study.
Key Highlight For USA vs Australia
The main key highlights for study in the USA and Australia are given below:
| Content | Australia | USA |
| Top Universities | –The University of Melbourne–The University of New South Wales–The University of Sydney | –Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)–Stanford University–Harvard University |
| Top Cities | -Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane | -California-Texas-Chicago |
| Average Tuition fees | INR 15L to INR 40L | INR 25L to INR 1Cr |
| Top Courses | -Computer Science Engineering-Cybersecurity-Automotive-Tata Scholarships | -Business Analytics-Science Machine Learning-Medicine |
| Scholarships | -Australian Leadership Awards-South Asia Excellence Scholarship-Monash International Scholarship For Excellence | -Fulbright Scholarship-Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships-Tata Scholarships |
| Average cost of living | INR 93,000 (AUD 1,723) per month | INR 98,000 ($ 1,172) per month |
Top Universities In USA versus Australia
The USA and Australia are both the best countries in the world to purchase higher education. There are more than 5,300 universities in the USA, out of which 10 universities are among the top 20 universities in the world.Â
Conversely, there are 42 universities in Australia: three private, two private international, and 37 public institutions. Three Australian universities are among the top 20 in the world in this category.
The table given below helps you to understand the average tuition and the universities that are popular in both countries:
| Top Universities In The USA | Avg PG Tuition Fee | Avg UG Tuition Fee |
| Harvard University | INR 16L- 62L | INR 40L- INR 45L |
| Stanford University | INR 42L- INR 45L | INR 45L – INR 52L |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | INR 25L | INR 50L |
| University of California, Berkeley | INR 30.6L | INR 44L |
| University of San Francisco | INR 21.5- INR 43L | INR 60L-70L |
| University of Pennsylvania | INR 22.5L- INR 29L | INR 74L |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | INR 20.4L- INR 41L | INR 31L- INR 39L |
| Johns Hopkins University | INR 39L | INR 71.7L |
| University of Washington | INR 67.8L | INR 72.6L |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | INR 72.4L | INR 45L -INR 50L |
| Name of the University | Average PG Tuition Fee | Average UG Tuition Fee |
| The University of Melbourne | INR 25L | INR 22L |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | INR 28L | INR 17L |
| The University of Sydney | INR 20L | INR 16L |
| Australian National University (ANU) | INR 25L | INR 20L |
| Monash University | INR 21L | INR 19L |
| The University of Queensland | INR 26L | INR 23L |
| The University of Western Australia | INR 28L | INR 30L |
| The University of Adelaide | INR 24L | INR 25L |
| The University of Technology Sydney | INR 30L | INR 28L |
| RMIT University | INR 20L | INR 22L |
Courses USA versus Australia
Choosing the right course is the most essential decision that you should make after you have decided to study abroad. Both the US and Australia offer a wide range of courses in various fields so it is a challenge for you to make an informed decision about the best course.
The table below helps you to understand the top 10 courses in the USA and Australia, which could help you to make sure that you are interested. In pursuing a degree in business engineering or arts, you can find the top courses in the table given below.
| Top Courses in the USA | Top Courses in Australia |
| Communication & Media Studies | Nursing |
| Business Administration | Computer Science Engineering |
| Computer Science | Cybersecurity |
| Engineering | Automotive |
| Data Science & Analytics | Architecture |
| Public Policy | Bachelors in accounting |
| Marketing | Psychology |
| Public Policy | Sociology |
| Healthcare Management | Agriculture Science |
| Finance | Tourism and Hospitality Management |
Qualifications for the USA vs Australia
It’s crucial to comprehend the prerequisites before applying to study in Australia or the United States. Depending on the university and degree you select, the requirements for both nations may change.
But to be considered for admission, you often need to fulfill the following qualifying requirements:
- You must possess a secondary education that is equal to either the year 12 qualification in Australia or the high school diploma in the United States.
- Tests like the PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL are required to show your level of English language ability.
- The SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT are examples of standardized tests that some universities may require you to take.
- You have to demonstrate that you have enough money to pay for your living expenses in Australia or the United States as well as your tuition.
| Eligibility Requirements in Australia | A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent is required to meet the minimum English language competence criterion. Secondary education or its equivalent certificateMost undergraduate programs do not require scores on standardized tests, however, some graduate programs may demand the GRE or GMAT. |
| A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent is required for English language proficiency.Secondary education or its equivalent certificate depending on the program and university, scores from standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT may be necessary. | A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent is required for English language proficiency. Secondary education or its equivalent certificate depending on the program and university, scores from standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT may be necessary. |
Documents Required to Study for USA & Australia
The table given below helps you to understand the document requirements of both countries:
| Documents required in Australia | Documents required in the USA |
| -Passport-Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment-Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement-Financial Documents–SOP–LOR-Visa–IELTS/TOEFL Test Score-Academic Transcripts-Health Insurance–CV | -Passport-I-20 Form–SOP–LOR-Visa–IELTS/TOEFL Test Score-Academic Transcripts–CV-Health Insurance |
Cost Of Living: USA vs Australia
When compared to other nations, the USA is recognized to have a greater cost of living than Australia. However, depending on the area and lifestyle preferences, the cost of living in different nations may differ.
The USA has a little higher average cost of living than Australia. The average monthly cost of living for a student is approximately INR 98,000 ($1,172) in the USA and approximately INR 93,000 (AUD 1,723) in Australia. This covers costs for lodging, meals, travel, and other expenses.
| Costs | Avg Cost in the USA | Avg Cost in Australia |
| Mobile Phone | INR 4,300 ($ 52) | INR 2,300 (AUD 43) |
| Internet | INR 5,930 ($ 71) | INR 4,500 (AUD 85) |
| Transportation Monthly Pass | INR 6,000 ($ 72) | INR 9,000 (AUD 170.65) |
| Basic Utilities | INR 17,200 ($ 206) | INR 18,000 (AUD 334) |
| Rant in City Centre | INR 1.5L ($ 1775) | INR 1.27L (AUD 2,377) |
Scholarships in the USA vs Australia for Indian students
It can be expensive for an Indian student to pursue higher education in the USA or Australia. To help you with the cost of living expenses, housing, and tuition, there are a lot of scholarships available.
It’s critical to investigate the scholarship opportunities offered in both nations and choose the ones that best meet your demands in terms of both finances and education. Although it can be an expensive ambition to study abroad, scholarships can assist cover the cost.
| Top Scholarships in the USA | Top Scholarships in Australia |
| Fulbright Scholarship | Australian Leadership Awards |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | South Asia Excellence Scholarship |
| Tata Scholarships | Monash International Scholarship For Excellence |
| Stanford University Scholarship | International Postgraduate Research Scholarship |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | Sydney Scholars India Scholarship |
Average Salaries
The average monthly pay in the USA is approximately INR 3.8L ($ 4570), whereas in Australia, it is approximately INR 2.8L (AUD 5,386). It’s crucial to remember, nevertheless, that living expenses in the USA are comparatively higher than in Australia.
| Jobs | Avg salary in the USA | Avg salary in Australia |
| Teacher | INR 35L ($41,923) | INR 50.8L (AUD 94,750) |
| Accountant | INR 73.3L ($87,851) | INR 48L (AUD 90,000) |
| Data Analyst | INR 75L ($ 89,903) | INR 50L (AUD 92,500) |
| Marketing Manager | INR 90L ($ 1,07,948) | INR 96L (AUD 1,79,000) |
| Civil Engineer | INR 92L ($ 1,10,361) | INR 61L (AUD 1,13,949) |
| Pharmacist | INR 1.1Cr ($ 1,32,520) | INR 58L (AUD 107,816) |
| Software Engineer | INR 1.2Cr ($ 1,43,736) | INR 64.3L (AUD 1,20,000) |
| Lawyer | INR 1.4Cr ($ 1,69,848) | INR 62.6L (AUD 1,16,828) |
| Pilot | INR 2Cr ($ 2,49,325) | INR 1.7Cr (AUD 3,16,476) |
| Doctor | INR 2.2Cr ($ 2,64,068) | INR 53.6L (AUD 1,00,000) |
PR in the USA vs Australia
Permanent residence (PR) is a legal status that allows foreign citizens to live and work permanently in a country. This is a popular choice for those who want to move to a new country and enjoy the benefits of citizenship. Moreover, The process of achieving PR status varies from country to country, and the United States and Australia each have their approaches.
For the United States, the process of achieving PR status is known as a green card. This involves applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and proving that you are eligible to become a permanent resident.
Visa Requirements in USA vs Australia
The need for a visa is a crucial factor to take into account while making study abroad plans. For overseas students, the USA and Australia have different visa requirements.
To study in the United States, foreign students must apply for an F-1 student visa. However, to study in Australia, foreign students must apply for a student visa (subclass 500).
| Parameters | USA | Australia |
| Visa | F-1 Student Visa | Subclass 500 |
| Cost | INR 13,363 ($ 160) | INR 38,000 (AUD 710) |
| Processing Time | 10 days – 1 year | 1 – 11 months |
| Documents Required | Identity Proof-Passport CopyEnglish language ScoreConfirmation of Enrollment (CoE)Genuine Temporary Entrant document proof of financial fundsHealth insurance | Identity Proof-Passport CopyEnglish language ScoreConfirmation of Enrollment (CoE)Genuine Temporary Entrant document proof of financial funds health insurance |
Conclusion
Indian students are choosing to study in the USA and Australia, with over a million international students enrolled in the USA in 2022-2023. Australia is the second largest source of international students, with around 1 lakh and 30,000 Indian students studying annually. The USA and Australia have over 5300 universities, with 10 among the top 20 globally. Top courses in the USA include Communication & Media Studies, Nursing, Business Administration, and more. Qualifications for studying vary, with the USA having a slightly higher cost of living and Australia having a lower cost. Scholarships are available to cover living expenses and tuition costs.
FAQs
Which country is more affordable for Indian students?
Australia generally has lower tuition fees compared to the USA. At the same time, the living costs can also be more budget-friendly in Australia.
How about work opportunities?
The USA offers more job opportunities due to its larger economy, but Australia has post-study work visas that can be beneficial for international students.
Which has better universities?
Both countries have world-renowned universities. However, in terms of QS rankings, the USA is a better option. In the end, it depends on what your long term goals are and which course you want to pursue.
What about the climate in the US and Australia?
Australia has a warmer climate overall, but it can be extreme. The USA has varied climates, from cold winters to hot summers.
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