Uk Vs Australia Choosing The Right Destination For Study Abroad

Want to study abroad? Look no further! The United Kingdom (UK) and Australia have emerged as highly sought-after destinations for students across the globe. With top-notch education and the allure of diverse cultures, they attract thousands of students each year. At Hurray Overseas Education Counselling, we understand the importance of making the right choice for your future. That's why our dedicated team has compiled essential information about studying in the UK and Australia. This comprehensive guide will conduct a thorough comparison of both countries, focusing on key factors that students often consider when selecting a study abroad destination.

Whether you're seeking guidance on the IELTS coaching center or insights into the overall study experience, our experts are here to assist you at every step of the way. Explore the unique opportunities and offerings presented by the UK and Australia with us. Embark on an exciting journey of knowledge and personal growth as you take your first step toward a successful academic future! (ielts coaching center)

Top universities

The global reputation of both the UK and Australia as top education destinations is firmly established, as evidenced by the presence of several of their universities in QS's prestigious rank-list of the World's top 50 universities.

UK: Recognized for its rich academic heritage, the UK boasts some of the oldest and most prestigious universities worldwide. These institutions have had a profound influence on education across the globe. For international students seeking quality education, the UK offers exceptional choices, including University College London, ranked an impressive 8th worldwide. Additionally, the University of Edinburgh holds the 20th position, the University of Manchester ranks 27th, and King's College London secures the 33rd spot.

Australia: The Australian education system is equally laudable, with its top 5 universities achieving remarkable ranks in global standings. Leading the pack is the Australian National University, occupying the prestigious 1st place with a remarkable global rank of 29. Following closely is the University of Melbourne at 38th place, the University of Sydney at 42nd, the University of New South Wales at 43rd, and the University of Queensland at a commendable 47th position.

Both the UK and Australia stand as beacons of academic excellence, offering top-notch education and diverse opportunities for international students pursuing their dreams. (ielts study abroad)

Top subjects

The most prevalent subjects for international students looking to study abroad in the UK and Australia cover a diverse range of fields. While some subjects may overlap due to their universal appeal, they remain highly popular choices worldwide.

UK: Among the most demanded subjects by international students, Business (especially MBA programs), Natural Sciences (with a focus on Biological sciences), Engineering, Medicine (including dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing), and Social Sciences (particularly Psychology) take the lead.

Australia: International students show significant interest in various subjects in Australia, with Business (including MBA programs), Medicine (encompassing Dentistry), Accounting, Creative Arts and Design, and Education emerging as the top favourites. (overseas ielts)

Admissions

Getting admission to universities in both the UK and Australia is a competitive process, and the entry requirements are pretty demanding. 

For the UK universities: Most universities accept Indian 3-year Bachelor's degrees, such as BA, BSc, or BCom. To be eligible, these degrees must be equivalent to a UK First Class, which generally requires an overall percentage of 75%. Alternatively, they can be considered equivalent to a UK 2:1, where an overall percentage of 65% is typically required. However, the exact score needed may vary depending on the specific program of study. In some cases, the equivalence of Indian Bachelor's degrees might also depend on the institution that awarded them.

For Australian universities: Like UK Australian universities also consider Indian 3-year Bachelor's degrees for admission to postgraduate programs. In certain academically-advanced programs, candidates may be required to hold an Honors degree, which involves completing an additional 4th year of study. The minimum required score for entry varies depending on the university and the specific program. (best ielts coaching centre in bangalore)

Regardless of the country, international candidates applying to universities in the UK and Australia must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. The most commonly preferred test for this purpose is the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Typically, a minimum average score of 6.5 is required, with individual band scores of at least 6.0.

Cost of Study Abroad

Cost of Study in the UK: When it comes to pursuing education overseas like the UK, tuition fees in the UK are widely known to be among the highest in the world. For Master's programs, the tuition costs can vary significantly, ranging from 18,000 to 35,000 GBP. These variations depend on factors such as the chosen subject of study and the university itself. Considering the current exchange rate, this would amount to approximately 1,700,000 to 3,300,000 INR. Living in London, which is considered one of the UK's most expensive cities, is also a significant expense for students.

According to the Student Visa guidelines, the cost of living for one academic year (about 9 months) in London would be around 11,000 to 12,500 GBP, equivalent to approximately 1,000,000 to 1,200,000 INR at current rates.

Cost of Study in Australia: Moving on to Australia, the tuition fees at Australian universities are relatively high as well, although generally lower than those in the UK. For Master's programs, the tuition fee typically falls within the range of 20,000 to 37,000 AUD per year. This range can vary based on the area of study and the specific university. At the current exchange rate, this would be approximately 1,000,000 to 1,800,000 INR.

Similar to the UK, the Student Visa requirements for Australia also set a certain amount of funds needed to cover living expenses. This requirement stands at 20,000 to 25,000 AUD per year, with variations depending on whether the student chooses to reside in a metropolitan or regional area. This converts to around 1,000,000 to 1,200,000 INR (at current rates), making it comparable to the cost of living in the UK. (ielts coaching institute)

Duration of programme and Semester system

Australia: In Australia, a Master's by coursework program usually spans a duration of 1.5 to 2 years. The academic year is divided into two main semesters. The first semester starts around February to March, and in some universities, it may begin as late as April. The second semester begins in July to August, with a potential start date as late as September.

UK: In the UK, a Masters's program typically lasts for 1 year. The academic calendar in UK universities is organized into two major terms. Term 1 begins in September, while Term 2 starts in January. Additionally, certain universities may offer an additional Summer term of shorter duration, commencing around April. (ielts classes near me)

Credit and Grading system

Australia: In Australia, the credit system is used to determine the workload for each course of study. The credits assigned to a subject represent the number of hours per week that students are expected to devote to that particular subject. Typically, subjects in Australian universities carry values between 6 and 8 credits. However, the number of subjects that students can choose for each semester is determined by individual universities. To complete a postgraduate degree in Australia, a total of 96 credits is generally required.

When it comes to grading, most Australian universities utilize an alphabet-based grading system. The grade point average (GPA) is calculated using a 7-point scale and is usually included on the student's academic transcript. This system helps assess and communicate a student's overall academic performance throughout their studies.

UK: In the UK, taught Masters degrees typically consist of 180 credits, and these credits are distributed among various modules, each ranging from 10 to 30 credits. The final grade for each module is determined by considering the weighting of assessments within the module and the grades achieved in those assessments. This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of a student's performance in each subject area. (hurray ielts coaching in bangalore)

Masters programs in the UK utilize a specific grading system to assess students' academic achievements throughout their studies as below.

Work while studying

Both the UK and Australia have similar provisions when it comes to international students working during their studies.

In the UK: International students holding a Tier 4 Student Visa are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week while the academic term is in session. However, during holidays, they are permitted to work full-time. The types of work that are allowed include on-campus jobs or positions with university-affiliated employers, such as teaching or research assistantships.

In Australia: International students studying on an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 40 hours per fortnight (two weeks) during the working semester. However, during holiday periods, they have the freedom to work unlimited hours. This allows students to gain practical experience and supplement their income during their time in Australia.

Post-study work opportunities

In the UK: Starting in 2012, strict regulations were imposed on international students who wanted to stay in the country for work after completing their studies. They were allowed a limited stay of only 4 months, and there was a cap on the number of visas granted. However, for students enrolling in 2020-2021 and beyond, the UK government has decided to significantly relax these regulations. They introduced a new Graduate Route, enabling international students who graduate with an undergraduate degree or higher to stay in the UK for a duration of 2 years. Moreover, there are opportunities for them to extend their stay further if they find suitable employment. This change is expected to make the UK a more attractive destination for international students seeking to study abroad.

In Australia: The Post-Study Work Stream Visa was introduced in 2013. This visa is designed for recent graduates who have completed a Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree from an Australian university. Under this visa, graduates are allowed to live and work in Australia for a period of 2 to 4 years, depending on the level of qualification attained. For instance, those with a Master's by coursework degree can stay for 2 years. After the visa expires, there are several other visa options available to allow them to continue living in the country. (ielts best institute)

Bonus: world’s best cities!

According to the QS Top 10 Cities in the World for higher education in 2020, both the UK and Australia have taken place. 

London, UK, proudly claims the top spot as the world's leading city for higher education. Renowned for housing some of the UK's top universities, London stands as a major global centre for business and finance. Its vibrant cultural scene and artistic offerings further enhance its appeal. Notably, London attracts a vast international student community, reaching 1 lac in 2019.

In Australia, two cities are in the top rankings. Sydney holds the 9th position, celebrated as the cultural heart of the country. On the other hand, Melbourne grabs the impressive 3rd spot and has earned the title of the "World's most liveable city" for an impressive 7 consecutive years. Melbourne particularly shines in the QS ranking factor of employer activity, with numerous multinational corporations establishing their presence in the city. Both countries share alluring benefits as Study Abroad destinations. They host some of the world's finest universities, and with the UK's proposed new regulations, they both provide international students with promising post-study work opportunities.

If you are also not clear with your decision? Don't worry! The expert team at Hurray Overseas Education Counselling is here to assist you. We will help you select the ideal country, university, and program that aligns perfectly with your career goals.

For personalized guidance, book your one-on-one appointment with us today. Reach out via email at overseaseducation@hurrayeductech.com or give us a call at 8971357928 for more information. Additionally, you can visit our Study In UK Blog and Study In Australia Blogs for valuable insights into the universities and amenities offered by these remarkable countries.