Australia or the UK - Which Is the Better Country to Study?

For an unmissable blend of perfect beach weather and excellent higher education opportunities, think Australia. For holistic education interspersed with a rich cultural experience, think the UK. What's not to love, mate?

As fascinating as the options are, it'd not be effective without a detailed analysis of the study destinations to help you take stock of how these countries meet your expectations in terms of academic goals, career aspirations, cost of living, entertainment options, to name a few.

Two great study-abroad destinations with abundant choice in reputed universities offering world-class education to international students. If this isn't exciting, what is? Let's get started then!

Australia or the UK? - Which is the Right Fit for You  to Study?

Let us discuss the benefits of studying in both these destinations to decide which would be a better fit for international students!

Quality of Education in Australia:

• Australia is home to 7 universities out of the top 100 universities worldwide. Australian universities, some of the most sought-after universities in the world, are known for their world-class facilities in teaching and research.
• In a diverse, multi-cultural landscape, universities in Australia welcome international students as their own, creating a congenial environment for their academic aspirations.
• Our partner universities in Australia offer lucrative scholarships and internships for international students to help meet the costs of studying abroad.
• With over 40 accredited universities, Australian qualifications are recognized worldwide by educational institutions and companies.
• Australia is one of the best destinations to study exciting fields like Business, Medicine (including Dentistry), Accounting, Creative Arts, and Design.
• Our partner universities in Australia offer Foundation Year programmes to help international students match the requirements of pursuing higher education courses in any of the universities in Australia. 

Quality of Education in the UK:

• With over 17 universities on the Top 100 World Universities List, the education system in the UK is among the best in the world, with many countries incorporating it into their own education systems.
• As a study destination that has the second largest number of international students, the UK is much-preferred for its world-class teaching faculties and research facilities. Be it any discipline - business, design, or arts and science - the UK offers the best-in-class education to students worldwide.
• Though a bit expensive as a study destination, our partner universities in the UK offer generous scholarships and financial support to help international students manage financial constraints.
• Universities in the UK, from the traditional red brick buildings to the modern, fully-equipped colleges, have been pioneers in the world education scenario producing famous personalities, artists, and thinkers who have made the world a better place.
• The UK is one of the best countries to study courses like Business, Natural Sciences (particularly Biological sciences), Engineering, Medicine (dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing), and Social Sciences.
• Our partner universities in the UK offer Foundation Year programmes to help international students match the requirements of pursuing bachelor's or master's courses in any of the universities in the UK.

Grading System:

Why Study in Australia - Costs of Living and Education: 

• Tuition fees in Australia range from AUD 19,830 to AUD 25,000 per year, depending on the course and level of study. The average cost of doing a bachelor's in Australia is AUD 20,000 - AUD 45,000, whereas for a master's, it is AUD 22,000 - AUD 50,000.
• In Australia, international students can work up to 40 hours a fortnight on a student visa on jobs that require basic knowledge and skills, to support their expenses of living abroad.
• Most universities in Australia offer on-campus accommodation equipped with all the necessary amenities and entertainment options to make the overseas stay convenient and affordable for international students.
• Food, travel, and living expenses may range from AUD 350 to AUD 900 per week, depending on individual lifestyle choices.
• Irrespective of the location, one may also have to plan for establishment costs on arrival. These include security deposits, temporary accommodation, linen, and homeware, which would ideally cost around AUD 200 - AUD 300 for students preferring on-campus accommodation and extra for self-accommodation.

Why Study in the UK - Costs of Living and Education: 

• Tuition fees in the UK range from £9,250 to £30,548 per year for a bachelor's course depending on the course and level of study, whereas for master's, the cost is £18,000 - £35,000.
• While it is true that the UK is relatively more expensive than other international countries, there are certain benefits like embedded honours in bachelor's degrees which could help you save a year of tuition.
• Also, their one-year MBA programs help students save a decent amount of money while studying abroad.
• Although an expensive study destination for international students, the UK universities encourage them to work 20 hours a week during term time and an unlimited number of hours outside of term time to enable them to support their living expenses abroad.
• Most universities in the UK provide on-campus accommodation with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities for a convenient stay abroad. The average living expenses for an international student range from £1100 - £1300 per month, including food, travel, and leisure.
• The Government also supports student welfare through measures like exclusive student discounts in supermarkets, entertainment spots, and public transport cards to help them manage the high costs of living in the country. 

Health and Lifestyle - Australia 

• International students should pay for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which costs around AUD 478 for 12 months for a single student. You need to have OSHC for the entire period of your stay in the country.
• Australia is a multicultural country that encourages global education and welcomes international students to learn and explore academic opportunities and meet their career aspirations in Australia.

Health and Lifestyle - the UK

• International students need to pay for Immigration Health Surcharge, which amounts to £470 per year as a part of their student visa, to avail of free medical treatments through the UK's National Health Service.
• The UK is a hotspot of multi-ethnic communities with a diverse student base that enables international students to pursue their academic interests in a nurturing environment that supports their well-rounded development.

Employment opportunities - Australia 

• International students can benefit by applying for a post-study work visa to be able to work after graduation.
• Most universities in Australia offer excellent career support with campus drives and career fairs to help students make the most of their study abroad.
• With the post-study work visa, graduate students can remain in the country to live and work for 5 years, depending on the qualification level – for instance, a graduate with a master's can stay and work for two years. 

Employment opportunities - the UK

• Thanks to the New Graduate Route, a post-study work visa is now available to graduates for two years post-graduation with a choice to extend their stay for a longer period upon finding suitable employment.
• Universities in the UK offer career counselling and study support to enable graduates to meet their career aspirations by helping them choose the right career path.
• In addition to career support from universities, there are multiple employment agencies and job search portals that encourage students to network and find the best job opportunities for their skill profile. 

Australia Vs the UK - A Short Comparison

To put this in a precis, the choice of study destination depends majorly on how a place satisfies your preferences and academic objectives; how it supports your growth and meets your emotional expectations in terms of cultural awareness, sustainability, freedom, and inclusivity.

An ideal study destination would offer the best of both worlds and then some - education, entertainment, and overall development. So, if you're leaning towards the beaches or deciding on the jaded castles, it'd be the best choice either way, because, at AECC Global, we guide you to your brightest future!

Contact our staff at AECC Global today for expert guidance on pursuing education and a career abroad.

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