After my Australian visa refusal, which backup countries should I consider with my electrical and electronic engineering background and strong PTE score?
After an Australian refusal, the UK and New Zealand are worth comparing. Yearly tuition is typically GBP 12,000 to 18,000 in the UK and NZD 22,000 to 32,000 in New Zealand. Post-study work runs up to 2 years in the UK (18 months from 2027) and 3 in New Zealand.
The UK and New Zealand are both worth considering as backup options for your engineering background and strong PTE score. Costs and visa policies can change, so use these figures as rough guides.
UK versus New Zealand at a glance
| Factor | UK | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Master's duration | 1-year master's programmes | Varies by programme |
| Typical tuition per year | 12,000 to 18,000 (approx INR 15.36 to 23.04 L) | 22,000 to 32,000 (approx INR 11.93 to 17.35 L) |
| Typical living costs per year | 9,000 to 12,000 (approx INR 11.52 to 15.36 L) | 15,000 to 18,000 (approx INR 8.13 to 9.76 L) |
| Post-study work visa | Up to 2 years (18 months for applications from 1 January 2027) | Up to 3 years |
How to choose between them
- Total cost for your budget, adding tuition and living costs
- Length of the course and how soon you can start working
- Your course match, since both countries have electrical and electronic engineering options
My Advice
Compare total cost and course fit for each country before shortlisting. Use your refusal letter to fix any weak areas in your file, so the next application is stronger.
This information is available on: gov.uk
Visa refused? You can still make the next intake.
Get a reapplication plan that fixes what went wrong last time.
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