Where to study? Australia vs. the USA for International Students

The Education System in Australia

Australian universities are highly sought after by international students due to their reputation for cutting-edge research and innovative teaching methods.

However, in Australia's education system, a university degree symbolises the pinnacle of academic performance. There are 39 universities across Australia, 37 of which receive funding from the government and 2 from private sources. Also, you can pursue bachelor's and master's degree programs (as well as certificates, postgraduate diplomas, and master's and doctorate degrees) on campus.

In addition, they offer vocational education, and one of the main purposes of this kind of education is to equip students with the skills and information they'll need to be successful in their chosen careers. The government pays for private and public schools alike to offer students access to vocational education and training programs, such as TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and other similar programs.

The Education System in the USA

When compared to other destinations, the American education system stands out. International students from all over the world can take advantage of the many different undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered by prestigious universities and institutes.

In the USA, higher education is classified into three types of institutions:

• Junior or Community Colleges: They offer two-year associate degree with affordable tuition fees. After graduation, you can complete an undergraduate program in two years at a university.
• 2. Vocational Schools: They provide short, career-focused programs to be well-trained for jobs like dental hygienist, civil engineer, chef, and others that don't require a degree but do require training.
• Universities: American Universities can be categorised as either public (run by the government) or private (mix of profit and not-for-profit). They provide courses at the undergraduate, master, and doctorate levels.

One important thing to know is that many colleges and universities in both destinations offer transfer credit for courses completed there.

Comparing university rankings is a good way to get an idea of the standard of education in both destinations. Both the Australian and American educational systems are regarded among the greatest in the world. Here are the top 10 universities in Australia and the USA, as ranked by the QS World University Rankings 2023

Is it possible that you've thought about pursuing your passion for design while also pursuing a business degree? Having two degrees at either the undergraduate or graduate level puts you ahead of the competition while looking for a job.

Let’s have a look at the popular dual degrees in Australia and the USA.

Postgraduate degrees in Australia are broadly divided into coursework or taught and research degrees.

There are many prestigious universities and colleges in Australia and the USA, and each year several of them provide a wide range of scholarships, both completely funded and partially funded, for international students. Let’s have a look at the most popular scholarships for both destinations.

The admission requirements for each university might vary widely depending on the institution, the area of study, and the level of degree. To apply to the top universities in Australia or the USA, however, you will often require the following:

• Application form
• Resume
• Accredited basic education degree
• Transcripts for your school degree or courses
• Statement of Purpose
• GMAT or GRE scores
• Recommendation letters
• English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL

Student Visa Requirements in Australia

To apply for an Australian Student Visa, you must set up an account on ImmiAccount, the online application system for DIBP. The information required for your visa application will vary depending on your nationality and the course you are pursuing. In general, you'll need:

• Proof of enrolment (your Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment)
• Your health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover) policy details
• Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
• Evidence of your English skills
• A valid passport
• Your visa application fee

If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to provide additional documents such as parental consent.

Student Visa Requirements in the USA

There are three main categories of student visas in the USA:

• F1 Student Visa: It's for studying at a college or university in the USA or studying English in an English-language institute.
• J Exchange Visa: For the purpose of participating in a high school and university exchange program.
• M Student Visa: For non-academic or vocational study or training in the USA.

To study in the USA, you need to apply to and be accepted by an American institution that is recognised by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). At the point of acceptance, the international student office will issue you a Form I-20, which serves as a hard copy of your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Many Australian visas for international students allow for full-time or part-time work during holidays or the school year. In addition, internship programs are a great way to get your foot in the door of a professional career and get hands-on experience in your field of study.

There are a variety of work options available in the USA for F-1 students. Off-campus jobs must be approved by a Designated School Official and typically require a degree in a field related to the student's major. On-campus jobs are typically more accessible.

To work in the USA, you must have a Social Security Number (SSN). Nevertheless, you can still apply for a job without an SSN and use the job offer to obtain an SSN after you've been hired.

A major consideration for international students deciding between Australia and the USA is which destination provides the most affordable tuition fees. Let us compare the cost of studying in Australia and the USA for international students.

Cost of studying in Australia

The average tuition fees at one of Australia’s tertiary institutions ranges between AUD 20,000 and AUD 30,000 a year.

*Source: Australian Government website, please note that all figures are indicative.

Cost of studying in the USA

The tuition fees in the USA will depend on the type of degree you pursue and the chosen university. To cover tuition fees, you will need between $10,000 and $55,000 (indicative).

Numerous factors affect the cost of living in Australia or the USA, including your lifestyle and the city in which you reside. To better estimate how much money you'll need in each location, use IDP's cost of living calculator or contact your IDP counsellor. Let's now have a look at the average expenses in each destination.

Australia and the USA are home to four of the top five student-friendly cities in the world, as ranked by the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023.

You’re one step closer to a future full of opportunities and adventures. Contact your certified IDP counsellor to help you choose the destination and course that’s right for you, then guide you through the paperwork to make it happen.