Introduction – Studying in Australia vs USA

A lot of Nepali students who want to study abroad ask the same big question: "Should I study in the US or in Australia?”

This is a very important choice to consider for students because the two countries have very different visa rules, costs, and ways of life, even though they both have great schools.

Every year, thousands of Nepali students choose to study in the US or Australia. These countries have some of the best schools in the world, great teachers, and a lot of job openings. But it's important to know which country is better for you before you apply.

This article will help you decide between studying in Australia vs USA​. We will look at a lot of things, such as:

• Cost of studying in Australia vs USA
• How much money is required for studying in Australia vs USA
• Living expenses for studying in Australia vs USA
• Student visa process
• Job chances after graduation after studying in Australia vs USA
• And how easy it is to live and study happily in each country.

If you are planning to study in USA from Nepal or study in Australia from Nepal, this guide will help you understand:

• The advantages of studying in Australia
• The reasons why people want to study in USA
• And what kind of support you can get during your studies

During your visa interview, you might also be asked things like "Why do you want to study in the USA?" So, learning these things can help you get ready.

It's not just a dream to choose the right country; it's also about the money, the comfort, and the job you'll have. That's why it's important to compare the two countries before making a choice.

Our Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC) can also help you if you need professional help. GECC helps Nepali students to achieve their dream of either studying in Australia, the US, Canada, UK or other countries. We can help you get a visa, choose a university, and even get ready for an interview.

Studying in Australia vs USA: Education System & University Rankings

It's important to know how the schools work and how good the universities are in both Australia and the US when deciding where to study.

1. Education System in the USA

• The USA has thousands of universities with some of the best in the world.
• You can study Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
• A lot of US colleges and universities let students pick classes from different fields, which is known as a "liberal arts" system.
• US degrees are highly valued all over the world.
• You may need to take the SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS depending on your course.

Top Universities in USA:

• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• Yale University

These are among the top-ranked universities in the world.

2. Education System in Australia

• Australia also has a strong and modern education system.
• Universities are known for their practical learning, research, and industry links.
• Courses are shorter than in the USA – many Master’s degrees take 1–2 years.
• You usually need IELTS or PTE for admission and visa.

Top Universities in Australia:

• University of Melbourne
• Australian National University (ANU)
• University of Sydney
• University of Queensland
• Monash University

These universities are also ranked in the global top 100 by QS World University Rankings.

3. Key Differences at a Glance:

Conclusion

Both countries have great schools, but the US has more of them and a wider range of programs. Australia, on the other hand, has shorter courses with good job prospects. What you want to get out of your studies, how much money you have, and what kind of study experience you want will all affect your choice.

Our Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC) can help you pick the best university and course if you're not sure where to apply. This is true whether you're going to the US or Australia. We also help with getting visas, applying, and getting ready for interviews.

Studying in Australia vs USA: Tuition Fees, Living Costs & Scholarships

One of the most important things to think about when choosing between studying in Australia vs USA is money. How much you'll have to pay for school, living expenses, and any scholarships you might be able to get.

Let’s break studying in Australia vs USA clearly:

1. Tuition Fees (Study Fees)

In the USA:

• Bachelor’s Degree: $20,000 – $45,000 per year
• Master’s Degree: $25,000 – $60,000 per year
• Courses like MBA or Medicine can be more expensive (up to $80,000/year)

In Australia:

• Bachelor’s Degree: AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000 per year
• Master’s Degree: AUD 22,000 – AUD 50,000 per year
• MBA/Medicine courses are higher in cost here too

2. Living Costs (Accommodation, Food, Transport)

In the USA:

• Living Cost: Around $10,000 – $20,000 per year
• Big cities like New York, Boston, or San Francisco cost more
• You’ll need to pay for housing, food, transport, insurance, books, phone

In Australia:

• Living Cost: Around AUD 21,000 – AUD 27,000 per year
• Cities like Sydney or Melbourne are more expensive
• You’ll also pay for accommodation, groceries, transport, health cover

Tip: You can work part-time in both countries to manage daily expenses. Australia now allows up to 24 hours/week, while the US allows 20 hours/week on campus.

3. Scholarships and Financial Aid

In the USA:

• Many universities provide merit-based scholarships, thus providing you with a chance to get high scholarship and complete your study more stress free 
• You can also apply for graduate assistantships (TA/RA jobs) that help reduce tuition or offer monthly pay
• Some full scholarships like Fulbright are available for Nepali students

In Australia:

• Many universities offer scholarships like:
  • Australia Awards
  • Destination Australia Scholarship
  • University-specific merit scholarships
• GECC helps Nepali students apply for the right scholarships based on their academic profile

Good academic results and a strong application increase your chances of getting a scholarship.

 Final Thoughts

The US may have more ways to get money and more colleges to choose from, but Australia has lower living costs and shorter courses, which could save you money.

Global Education Counseling Center (GECC) can help you compare total costs, find scholarships, and choose the best path for your future if you're not sure what you want to do..

Studying in Australia vs USA: Student Life, Work Opportunities & Post-Study    

When students from Nepal or other countries study abroad, they want more than just tests and books. They want a good time, a job that doesn't take up too much of their time, and a bright future after they graduate. After you finish school, let's look at how life, work, and travel are different in Australia and the US.

1. Student Life:     – What Is It Like?

Australia:

• Students enjoy a friendly, relaxed life
• You’ll find many Nepali students, especially in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane
• Weather is nice, and people are welcoming
• Universities have student clubs, counselling, and support services
• You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for medical needs

USA:

• Student life is more fast-paced and competitive
• Campuses are large and filled with activities — from sports to tech clubs
• You can access mental health support, career counselling, and campus jobs
• Health insurance is very important and usually more expensive than Australia

2. Part-Time Work Opportunities (While Studying)

Australia:

• You can work up to 24 hours per week during semesters
• Jobs in restaurants, supermarkets, delivery, and customer service are common
• Pay is good – around AUD $21 to $25/hour
• You’ll need a Tax File Number (TFN) to work legally

USA:

• You can only work on-campus during your first year (up to 20 hours/week)
• On-campus jobs may include library assistant, lab assistant, dining hall helper
• After the first year, you may apply for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) for internships

3. Post-Study Work Visas – Can You Stay After Study?

Australia:

• You can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
• This lets you stay and work for 2 to 4 years after graduation
• If you study in a regional area, you can get up to 5 years
• This visa is a great step toward PR (Permanent Residency)

USA:

• You can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) after finishing your course
• OPT allows you to work up to 12 months
• If your degree is in STEM (science, tech, engineering, math), you may get 24 more months
• After OPT, you’ll need an H-1B visa to keep working, which is not guaranteed and done through a lottery

Summary

Final Word

Both Australia and the USA offer good opportunities, but if you're looking for:

• Easier work rules while studying
• Longer post-study visa
• Better PR chances

Then Australia might be the better choice.

If you still feel confused, the Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC) is here to guide you with free counselling, visa help, and full study support.

Conclusion to Studying in Australia vs USA – Which Country Is Best for You?

It can be hard to decide whether to study in Australia or the US. Both countries have great schools, universities, and interesting things to do in life. But the best choice depends on what you want to do, how much money you have, and what you want to do in the future.

Choose Australia if:

• You want easier visa rules and a better chance at PR
• You prefer a friendly and relaxed lifestyle
• You like working part-time during study and want more post-study work time
• You are looking for affordable study options and higher job chances after graduation

Choose USA if:

• You want to study at top-ranked universities
•  You want to get scholarship to study without too much tension of college fees
• You plan to work in technology, business, or science (STEM)
• You can manage higher living and study costs
• You are okay with a competitive visa system after study

It doesn't matter which country you choose; what matters most is how ready you are. Ask for help from professionals from our Global Education Counseling Center (GECC). GECC helps Nepali students with everything, including picking the right course and country, getting a visa, getting their papers in order, and moving abroad.