USA vs Australia: Which is Better for Indian Students?

Beyond the charm of sightseeing and beaches, the USA vs Australia have become powerhouses for international students, especially those from India.  While both countries offer incredible travel experiences, they also boast world-class universities that attract ambitious Indian minds seeking to elevate their academic journeys. 

When it comes to the comparison between the USA vs Australia for higher education, both countries rank among the top destinations that come to the minds of Indian students. But what makes these countries so popular? 

According to US Consulate officials, over a million international students enrolled at US higher education institutions in the academic year 2022/23, out of which 268,923 students were from India. 

Meanwhile, in Australia, India continues to be the second-largest source country for international student enrolments, with a total of 1,22,391 Indian students studying there. 

So, which country is better for Indian students? Let’s explore and find out.

Key Highlights:

Top Universities In USA	–Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) –Stanford University –Harvard University
Top Universities in Australia	–The University of Melbourne –The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) –The University of Sydney
Top Cities in the USA	-California -Texas -Chicago
Top Cities in Australia	-Melbourne -Sydney -Brisbane
Average Tuition fees in the USA	INR 25L to INR 1Cr
Average Tuition Fees in Australia	INR 15L to INR 40L
Top Courses in the USA	-Business Analytics -Science Machine Learning -Medicine
Top Courses in Australia	-Computer Science Engineering -Cybersecurity -Automotive
Scholarships in the USA	-Fulbright Scholarship -Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships -Tata Scholarships
Scholarships in Australia	-Australian Leadership Awards -South Asia Excellence Scholarship -Monash International Scholarship For Excellence
Average cost of living in the USA	INR 98,000 ($ 1,172) per month
Average cost of living in Australia	INR 93,000 (AUD 1,723) per month

Top Universities USA vs Australia

When it comes to top universities, the USA vs Australia boast some of the best in the world. 

The USA has over 5,300 universities, out of which 10 universities rank among the top 20 universities in the world.

On the other hand, Australia is home to 42 universities, with 37 public Australian, three private Australian, and two private international universities. Among these, 3 universities in Australia rank among the top 20 universities in the world.

Here is a table highlighting the top 10 universities in the USA vs Australia, along with their average tuition fees:

Top Universities In The USA	Avg UG Tuition Fee	Avg PG Tuition Fee
Harvard University	INR 40L- INR 45L	INR 16L- 62L
Stanford University	INR 45L – INR 52L	INR 42L- INR 45L
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	INR 50L	INR 25L
University of California, Berkeley	INR 44L	INR 30.6L
University of San Francisco	INR 60L-70L	INR 21.5- INR 43L
University of Pennsylvania	INR 74L	INR 22.5L- INR 29L
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	INR 31L- INR 39L	INR 20.4L- INR 41L
Johns Hopkins University	INR 71.7L	INR 39L
University of Washington	INR 72.6L	INR 67.8L
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	INR 45L -INR 50L	INR 72.4L

Here is the list of Some of the top universities in Australia for Indian students are:

Name of the University	Average UG Tuition Fee	Average PG Tuition Fee
The University of Melbourne	INR 22L	INR 25L
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)	INR 17L	INR 28L
The University of Sydney	INR 16L	INR 20L
Australian National University (ANU)	INR 20L	INR 25L
Monash University	INR 19L	INR 21L
The University of Queensland	INR 23L	INR 26L
The University of Western Australia	INR 30L	INR 28L
The University of Adelaide	INR 25L	INR 24L
The University of Technology Sydney	INR 28L	INR 30L
RMIT University	INR 22L	INR 20L

Top Courses USA vs Australia

For pursuing higher education, choosing the right course is essential. Both the USA and Australia offer a wide range of courses across various fields, making it challenging to decide. 

However, we’ve listed the top 10 courses in the USA vs Australia to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a degree in Engineering, Business, or Arts, this list has got you covered. Take a look at the table below to know more.

Here is the list of the top 10 Courses in the USA vs Australia:

Top Courses in Australia	Top Courses in the USA
Nursing	Communication & Media Studies
Computer Science Engineering	Business Administration
Cybersecurity	Computer Science
Automotive	Engineering
Architecture	Data Science & Analytics
Bachelors in accounting	Public Policy
Psychology	Marketing
Sociology	Public Policy
Agriculture Science	Healthcare Management
Tourism and Hospitality Management	Finance

Eligibility Requirements for USA vs Australia

Before you apply to study in the USA or Australia, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements. The requirements for both countries may vary depending on the university and course you choose. 

However, some common eligibility criteria that you need to meet to be considered for admission are: 

1. Academic Qualifications: You must have completed a secondary education equivalent to the USA high school diploma or Australia’s year 12 qualification. 

2. English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate your English language proficiency by taking tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. 

3. Standardised Tests: Some universities may require you to take standardised tests such as SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT. 

4. Financial Stability: You must show that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in the USA or Australia. 

Here is a table comparing the eligibility requirements for studying in the USA vs Australia:

Eligibility Requirements in Australia	Eligibility Requirements in the USA
– Completed secondary education or equivalent. – Meet the minimum English language proficiency requirement, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. – Standardised test scores are not required for most undergraduate programs, but GRE/GMAT may be required for some graduate programs.	– Completed secondary education or equivalent. – Meet the minimum English language proficiency requirement, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. – Standardised test scores such as SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT may be required depending on the program and university.

Documents Required to study in the USA vs Australia:

Documents required in the USA	Documents required in Australia
-Passport -I-20 Form –SOP –LOR -Visa –IELTS/TOEFL Test Score -Academic Transcripts –CV	-Passport-Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment -Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement -Financial Documents –SOP –LOR -Visa –IELTS/TOEFL Test Score -Academic Transcripts -Health Insurance –CV

Cost of Living: USA vs Australia

The cost of living in the USA vs Australia is known to be on the higher side compared to other countries. However, the cost of living in these countries may vary depending on the location and lifestyle choices. 

On average, the cost of living in the USA is slightly higher than in Australia. In the USA, the average cost of living for a student is around  INR 98,000 ($ 1,172) per month, while in Australia, the cost is around INR 93,000 (AUD 1,723) per month. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses.

 Here is a table highlighting the average cost of living in the USA vs Australia: 

Costs	Avg Cost in Australia	Avg Cost in the USA
Mobile Phone	INR 2,300 (AUD 43)	INR 4,300 ($ 52)
Internet	INR 4,500 (AUD 85)	INR 5,930 ($ 71)
Transportation Monthly Pass	INR 9,000 (AUD 170.65)	INR 6,000 ($ 72)
Basic Utilities	INR 18,000 (AUD 334)	INR 17,200 ($ 206)
Rant in City Centre	INR 1.27L (AUD 2,377)	INR 1.5L ($ 1775)

Also Read: Cost of Living in Australia

Scholarships in the USA vs Australia for Indian students

As an Indian student, pursuing higher education in the USA or Australia can be a significant investment. However, there are numerous scholarships available to help you offset the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. 

It’s essential to research the scholarship options available in both countries and identify the ones that best suit your academic and financial needs. Studying abroad can be an expensive dream, but scholarships can help bridge the financial gap. 

Here is a table of scholarships available for Indian students in the USA vs Australia:

Top Scholarships in Australia	Top Scholarships in the USA
Australian Leadership Awards	Fulbright Scholarship
South Asia Excellence Scholarship	Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Monash International Scholarship For Excellence	Tata Scholarships
International Postgraduate Research Scholarship	Stanford University Scholarship
Sydney Scholars India Scholarship	Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

Want to know more about the scholarships in the USA or Scholarships in Australia?

Average Salaries in USA vs Australia

The battle for post-graduation paychecks heats up when comparing the USA vs Australia. While both countries offer promising career prospects for Indian students, the USA generally offers slightly higher average salaries. 

According to Numbeo, the national average salary in the USA is around INR 3.8L ($ 4570) per month, while in Australia, it’s around INR 2.8L (AUD 5,386) per month. However, it’s important to note that the cost of living in the USA is relatively higher than in Australia. 

Here is a table that highlights the top 10 professions and their average salaries in both countries:

Jobs	Avg salary in Australia	Avg salary in the USA
Teacher	INR 50.8L (AUD 94,750)	INR 35L ($41,923)
Accountant	INR 48L (AUD 90,000)	INR 73.3L ($87,851)
Data Analyst	INR 50L (AUD 92,500)	INR 75L ($ 89,903)
Marketing Manager	INR 96L (AUD 1,79,000)	INR 90L ($ 1,07,948)
Civil Engineer	INR 61L (AUD 1,13,949)	INR 92L ($ 1,10,361)
Pharmacist	INR 58L (AUD 107,816)	INR 1.1Cr ($ 1,32,520)
Software Engineer	INR 64.3L (AUD 1,20,000)	INR 1.2Cr ($ 1,43,736)
Lawyer	INR 62.6L (AUD 1,16,828)	INR 1.4Cr ($ 1,69,848)
Pilot	INR 1.7Cr (AUD 3,16,476)	INR 2Cr ($ 2,49,325)
Doctor	INR 53.6L (AUD 1,00,000)	INR 2.2Cr ($ 2,64,068)

Visa Requirements in USA vs Australia

Visa requirements are an essential aspect to consider when planning to study abroad. Both the USA vs Australia have distinct visa requirements for international students. 

In the USA, international students need to apply for a student visa (F-1) to study in the country. On the other hand, in Australia, international students need to apply for a student visa (subclass 500) to study in the country.

Here is a table of detailed information regarding the Visa process in the USA vs Australia

Parametres	Australia	USA
Visa	Subclass 500	F-1 Student Visa
Cost	INR 38,000 (AUD 710)	INR 13,363 ($ 160)
Processing Time	1 – 11 months	10 days – 1 year
Documents Required	-Identity Proof-Passport Copy-English language Score-Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)-Proof of financial funds-Health insurance-Genuine Temporary Entrant document	-Passport-size photographs-Passport-Transcripts-English language proficiency test scores-Standardised Test Scores-Fee receipt-Financial documents

PR in the USA vs Australia

Permanent Residence (PR) is a legal status that allows foreign nationals to live and work in a country permanently. It is a popular option for those who wish to settle down in a new country and enjoy the benefits of citizenship. 

The process of obtaining PR status varies from country to country, and both the USA vs Australia have their unique ways of approaching it.

In the USA, the process of obtaining PR status is known as a Green Card. It involves applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and demonstrating that you are eligible for permanent residency. 

The eligibility criteria include factors such as:

• Employment for at least 5 years
• Family ties
• Investment.

The process can take anywhere from several months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case. The USA has a reputation for having a long and bureaucratic process for obtaining PR status.

In Australia, the process of obtaining PR status is known as a Permanent Residency Visa. It involves applying to the Department of Home Affairs and demonstrating that you are eligible for permanent residency. 

To be eligible for a Permanent Residency Visa in Australia, you need to meet the point requirements. The minimum point required to apply for PR is 65. However, having a score of 85 or above will increase your chances of obtaining PR, making the process smoother and easier.

The eligibility criteria include factors such as:

• Age
• language proficiency
• Education
• Work experience.

The process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case. Australia is known to have a more straightforward and streamlined process for obtaining PR status.

Final Thoughts

The USA vs Australia offer excellent opportunities for international students pursuing higher education and building a bright future for themselves. With their world-class universities, diverse cultures, and job opportunities, these countries have become top destinations for students worldwide. 

However, navigating through the entire process of studying abroad can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when it comes to IELTS preparation, visa, and other documents. 

That’s where LeapScholar comes in. We can help you make informed decisions and achieve your dream of studying in the USA or Australia by providing expert guidance and assistance. 

So, if you’re an aspiring student looking to study abroad, don’t hesitate to contact Leap Scholar for our services. Unlock your potential and pave the way for a successful career by studying in the USA or Australia with Leap Scholar’s guidance.

And if you’re considering other options like the UK and Canada, we’ve got you covered, too. Schedule a free consultation with our experts today for personalised guidance and advice.

Don’t miss this opportunity to work and study in one of the most beautiful and prosperous countries in the world. Start your journey today!

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