The UK and Australia are both English-speaking, both have strong universities and both let you work after graduation, so Indian students often end up choosing between them. The real differences are in course length, the total cost, how long you can stay after your degree and how clear the route to permanent residence is. This guide compares the two on cost, visa fees and funds, work hours, post-study visas and PR, using GOV.UK and the Australian Department of Home Affairs for every visa figure.
- As per GOV.UK at the time of writing, the UK Student visa costs 558 pounds plus a health surcharge of 776 pounds a year, and the Graduate visa falls from two years to 18 months for applications made from 1 January
- Australia's Student visa costs 2,500 Australian dollars, as listed by Home Affairs.
How Do the UK and Australia Compare at a Glance?
The UK usually offers a one-year master's with lower total cost and a Graduate visa of 18 months for new applicants, or three years after a PhD. Australia usually needs a longer master's and a higher visa fee, but gives 48 work hours a fortnight and a Temporary Graduate visa of usually two to three years.
| Factor | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Typical taught master's length | 1 year | 1.5 to 2 years |
| Student visa fee | 558 pounds | 2,500 Australian dollars |
| Health cover | Health surcharge 776 pounds a year | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) bought privately |
| Funds for living costs | 1,529 pounds a month in London, 1,171 elsewhere, up to 9 months | Reported as 29,710 Australian dollars a year for the main applicant |
| Work while studying | Up to 20 hours a week in term | 48 hours a fortnight in session |
| Post-study visa | Graduate visa: 18 months for new applications, 3 years after a PhD | Temporary Graduate (subclass 485): usually 2 to 3 years |
Figures as per official sites at the time of writing; check the official page before applying.
Two numbers drive most decisions: course length and post-study stay. A shorter UK course saves a year of rent and fees, while Australia's longer course is matched by a longer stay afterwards.
How Long Is a Master's in the UK and Australia?
Most taught master's degrees in the UK last one year full time, though some include a placement year and run for two. In Australia, most coursework master's last one and a half to two years. The extra time in Australia raises tuition and living costs, but it also counts towards the study requirement for the 485 visa.
Check the exact length on the course page, because it changes your budget, your funds evidence for the visa and when you can apply for a post-study visa. UK courses with a placement year can give real work experience before you graduate, while two-year Australian degrees leave more room for internships and part-time work.
When Are the Main Intakes in the UK and Australia?
Most UK universities start their main intake in September, and many also offer a January start for selected master's. Australian universities usually start in February and July, with a few courses starting at other times. Popular courses fill early in both countries, so aim to apply six to nine months before your chosen start date.
Your intake also shapes your visa timing. GOV.UK says you can apply for a Student visa up to six months before your course starts and usually get a decision within three weeks from outside the UK. For Australia, plan enough time for the Genuine Student statement, OSHC and English test results, because Home Affairs now expects most applicants to apply from outside Australia.
UK vs Canada for Indian StudentsRead →How Much Is Tuition in Each Country?
Tuition is set by each university, so there is no single official figure. Guides say international master's fees are commonly about 20,000 to 40,000 pounds a year in the UK and about 22,000 to 50,000 Australian dollars a year in Australia, with business, engineering and medicine at the top end. Always check the university's own fee page.
Because the UK master's is usually one year, the total tuition can end up lower even when the yearly fee looks similar. In Australia, multiply the yearly fee by the full length of the course. Many universities in both countries offer merit scholarships for Indian students that reduce the fee, so add those only once they are confirmed in your offer letter.
What Are the Visa Fees and Funds Requirements?
The UK Student visa is 558 pounds plus a health surcharge of 776 pounds a year, and you must show living funds of 1,529 pounds a month in London or 1,171 elsewhere for up to nine months. Australia's Student visa is 2,500 Australian dollars, and the living cost figure is reported as 29,710 Australian dollars a year.
| Item | UK (GOV.UK) | Australia (Home Affairs) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | 558 pounds | 2,500 Australian dollars |
| Health | Surcharge 776 pounds a year | OSHC for the whole stay |
| Living funds | 1,529 pounds a month London, 1,171 elsewhere, up to 9 months, held for 28 days | Reported as 29,710 Australian dollars a year plus tuition and travel |
| Other checks | TB test for Indian applicants | Genuine Student requirement and English test |
Figures as per official sites at the time of writing; check the official page before applying.
In the UK, the money must stay in your account for 28 consecutive days, and the bank statement must be dated within 31 days of your application. UK taught master's students cannot bring dependants, while PhD and research students can. Australia's living cost figure is reported by migration guides quoting Home Affairs; check the Home Affairs Student visa page before you prepare your evidence.
OSHC in Australia: Cost and Best ProvidersRead →How Many Hours Can You Work While Studying?
UK degree-level students can work up to 20 hours a week during term, as UKCISA explains, and full time in official vacations. Australian students can work 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours in breaks. The UK National Living Wage is 12.71 pounds an hour, and Australia's minimum wage is 26.44 Australian dollars.
Australia's fortnightly limit gives more flexibility, because you can work more one week and less the next. In both countries, part-time pay helps with rent and food, but it should not be counted towards the funds you show for the visa.
How Do the UK Graduate Visa and Australia's 485 Compare?
The UK Graduate visa lasts 18 months for applications from 1 January and three years after a PhD, with a fee of 937 pounds. Australia's Temporary Graduate visa, post-higher education work stream, usually lasts two to three years depending on your qualification, costs from 5,750 Australian dollars and needs you to be 35 or under.
For anyone starting a UK course now, the shorter 18-month Graduate visa is the one to plan around, because the two-year length only applies to applications made before the change. Neither the UK Graduate visa nor the 485 needs a job offer. Guides report longer 485 stays for some Indian graduates under the India-Australia trade agreement; check the current periods on the Home Affairs 485 page before relying on them.
Highest Paying Jobs in Australia for International GraduatesRead →What Are the Routes to Permanent Residence?
In the UK, most graduates move to a Skilled Worker visa with an employer sponsor and can apply for settlement after five years on that route, though the Home Office has proposed a longer qualifying period. Australia runs points-tested skilled visas, where age, English, qualifications and skilled work experience earn points and an occupation must be on the skilled list.
UK settlement depends on keeping a sponsored job, and the fee for indefinite leave to remain is currently 3,226 pounds. Reports say the proposed ten-year baseline was not in force at the time of writing; check GOV.UK for any new Statement of Changes. In Australia, your course and occupation choice matter most, because the skilled occupation lists decide which jobs can lead to PR.
Australia vs Canada for Indian StudentsRead →Which Country Suits Which Student?
Choose the UK if you want a shorter, cheaper master's, a well-known university brand and a quick return to the job market. Choose Australia if you can fund a two-year degree, want more work flexibility during study, and want a longer post-study stay with a clearer points-based route to permanent residence.
- Budget-conscious, wants a one-year course: UK
- Wants the longest post-study stay and a PR plan: Australia
- Finance, law or media with a London focus: often the UK
- Engineering, IT, healthcare or a course on Australia's skilled lists: often Australia
What Is the Verdict for Indian Students?
Neither country is better for everyone. The UK is quicker and usually cheaper overall, while Australia costs more but offers longer work rights after graduation and a clearer PR system. Decide by your budget, your course and your long-term plan, then check every visa figure on GOV.UK or Home Affairs before applying.
If you want a second opinion on your UK or Australia shortlist, AdmitKard counsellors can compare courses, total costs and visa steps with you. Book a free counselling session before you accept an offer.