Choosing the Right Country for Studying Abroad: USA vs. UK vs. Canada vs. Australia

One of the top reasons to study abroad is to boost your future career prospects and create opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Studying abroad provides students with global exposure, contributing to their overall personality development. Listed below are some of the top benefits of studying abroad for international students:

• A unique academic experience: Studying in a foreign country can be a highly valuable and enriching experience for students, offering them easy access to diverse courses and specialisations, research facilities, and cutting-edge infrastructure.

• Personal growth: International students abroad acquire a wide range of soft skills in addition to knowledge and technical skills. These include effective communication, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, independence, and the like. All of these contribute to their overall growth as a person. 

• Increased scope of networking: Studying at an international university offers a brilliant opportunity to network with like-minded peers, faculty, mentors, and industry experts. This further opens up lucrative career pathways for students globally.

When comparing various countries to make an informed choice for studying abroad, it is essential to consider key factors. Some of these include a study-abroad cost comparison, university rankings, course duration, tuition costs, visa regulations, and post-study work options after graduation.

These key criteria and a few others are detailed below to help you make an informed decision:

Course Duration & Flexibility

This is one of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting a global education destination. Check the average duration of your preferred study programs in that country. Also, ensure whether universities therein offer the desired flexibility of online or remote learning for international students.

• USA: One of the top study-abroad choices among students worldwide, the country offers top-quality undergraduate and postgraduate courses, along with flexible degree options.

1. Undergraduate programs: 4 years full-time

2. Postgraduate programs: 1.5-2 years, with some exceptions of longer course durations as per the subject of study

_Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-usa/ms/

_{Related Sources: https://educationusa.state.gov/your-5-steps-us-study/research-your-options/undergraduate}

• UK: Studying in the UK is a highly popular choice for Indian students, after the USA. The country is widely chosen for its shorter Masters programs that allow students to start their career journeys faster.

1. Undergraduate programs: 3 years

2. Postgraduate programs: 1 year or more

_{Related Source: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/plan-studies/choosing-course/modules-courses}

• Canada: This is generally considered one of the top 3 study-abroad choices and also one of the most

  affordable countries to study abroad. However, Canadian universities in no way compromise on the quality of education imparted.

1. Undergraduate programs: 4 years

2. Postgraduate programs: 1-2 years, may extend to 3 years for some courses

_Sources: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-canada/ug-courses/

https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-canada/postgraduation/

• Australia: The country attracts international students with its post-study work rights option, which enables them to secure suitable employment in the country after completing their course.

1. Undergraduate programs: 3-5 years

2. Postgraduate programs: 1-2 years

_{Related Sources: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/universities-and-higher-education/undergraduate-qualifications}

_{https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/universities-and-higher-education/postgraduate-qualifications}

Cost of Education & Living

This is a critical consideration for many international students and must be taken into account before narrowing down your choice of study-abroad destinations.

• USA

1. Undergraduate programs: USD 20,000 - USD 40,000 per annum

2. Postgraduate programs: USD 20,000 - USD 45,000 per annum

3. Approx. Cost of living: USD 10,000 - USD 25,000 per academic year

_Source: https://www.idp.com/egypt/study-in-usa/cost-of-study/

• UK

1. Undergraduate programs: GBP 11,400 - GBP 38,000

2. Postgraduate programs: GBP 9,000 - GBP 30,000

3. Approx. cost of living: GBP 1,300 - GBP 1,400 per month in London; GBP 900 - GBP 1,300 in the rest of the UK

_{Related Source: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/cost-studying}

• Canada

1. Undergraduate programs: CAD 13,000 - CAD 20,000

2. Postgraduate programs: CAD 17,000 - CAD 25,000

3. Approx. cost of living: CAD 50 - CAD 1,500 per month

_Source: https://www.idp.com/uae/study-in-canada/cost-of-study/

• Australia

1. Undergraduate programs: AUD 213,480

2. Postgraduate programs: AUD 16,730

3. Approx. cost of living: AUD 20,000

_{Related Sources: https://search.studyaustralia.gov.au/courses?level_of_study=undergraduate&page=1&query=Undergraduate}

_{https://www.monash.edu.my/study/postgraduate-and-research/business/diploma-business-commerce?utm_source=publications#tabs__2620017-01}

_Source: https://www.idp.com/australia/study-in-australia/cost-of-living-in-australia/

Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities

Scholarships help ease the financial burden of studying abroad for international students. This is why they are a key consideration in your decision about which country to choose.

• USA

1. Graduate International Excellence Scholarships by the University of Massachusetts, Lowell - USD 1,000 - USD 5,000

2. Stamps Scholarship by the University of Connecticut - USD 12,000

3. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Global Arts Academy Scholarship - up to USD 35,000 per annum

_{Related Source: https://educationusa.state.gov/find-financial-aid}

• UK

1. Chevening Scholarships - Fully-funded covering the cost of studying, living, and return flights to the UK

2. GREAT Scholarships - GBP 10,000 toward tuition fee for several one-year PG courses

3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships - approved tuition fee, airfare, stipend at GBP 1,452 per month, and more

_{Related Source: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding}

• Canada

1. Study in Canada Scholarships - CAD 10,200 - CAD 12,700 for one academic term

2. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute - Up to CAD 8,500 per Shastri Student Research in India Fellowship (SSRIF) Project Grant

3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program - CAD 5,000 per session

_{Related Sources: https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/index.aspx?lang=eng}

_{https://www.shastriinstitute.org/SSRIF-2024-25}

_Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-canada/scholarships/

• Australia

1. Australia Awards Scholarships - Full tuition fees, establishment allowance, return airfare, Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

2. Regional Bursary for TAFE International Students - AUD 5,000 to live, study, and work in regional Western Australia

3. Monash International Merit Scholarship - AUD 10,000 per annum for the course duration

_Source: https://www.idp.com/australia/blog/scholarships/

_{Related Sources: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/scholarships}

Admission Requirements

To determine which country is the best for Indian students, it is essential to review the specific entry criteria for each. Only if you meet the specified requirements are you eligible to study in a particular country of your choice.

• USA

• Visa Required: F-1

• Undergraduate: A high school diploma or equivalent

• Graduate: Bachelor’s degree

• English proficiency: IELTS score of 6.0-7.5

_Source: https://ieltsidpindia.com/blog/ielts-accepting-universities-in-the-usa

• UK

• Visa Required: Student Visa

• Undergraduate: Completion of Secondary education equivalent to a UK qualification

• Graduate: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline

• English proficiency: IELTS score of 6.5

_Source: https://www.idp.com/blog/minimum-ielts-score-requirements-for-uk-universities/

• Canada

• Visa Required: Study Permit

• Undergraduate: High School Diploma or an overseas equivalent

• Graduate: Bachelor’s degree

• English proficiency: IELTS score of 6.5 and not less than 6.0 in each band

_Source: https://www.idp.com/india/blog/minimum-ielts-scores-for-canada-universities/

• Australia

• Visa Required: Subclass 500 Student Visa

• Undergraduate: Senior secondary education or an overseas equivalent to the Australian Senior School Certificate of Education (Year 12)

• Graduate: Bachelor’s degree or higher

• English proficiency: IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent

_{Related Source: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/tools-and-resources/news/english-language-requirements-changes}

Visa Process & Regulations

Always check the student visa specifications of the country you wish to apply to. This would help you determine whether you meet those requirements and enable you to make an informed decision.

• USA

• Student visa required: F visa or M visa

• Key document required: Letter of Acceptance of the student at an SEVP-approved school in the USA

• Visa application fee: USD 185

_{Related Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html}

• UK

• Visa required: Student visa

• Who can apply: Students aged 16 years and above

• When to apply: At least 6 months before the start date of the study program in the UK

• Visa duration: Up to 5 years

• Visa application fee: GBP 524

^{Related Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa}

• Canada

• Visa required: Study Permit

• Who can apply: Students enrolled at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

• When to apply: Up to 3 months before commencing studying in Canada for Indian students

• Visa application fee: CAD 150

_{Related Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/eligibility.html}

_Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-canada/student-visa-assistance/

• Australia

• Visa required: Subclass 500 Student Visa

• Who can apply: Students with a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) in a full-time course

• Visa duration: Up to 5 years

• Visa application fee: AUD 2,000

_{Related Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500#Overview}

Post-Study Work Opportunities

This is also a key consideration for a study-abroad destination. It is crucial to research the post-study work options available in the country after completing the course.

• USA

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program for international students

• Students on an F-1 visa can work in an area related to their field of study for up to one year

• Graduates in STEM courses are eligible to apply for an extension of 24 months, called STEM OPT, up to a total duration of 36 months

_{Related Source: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/optional-practical-training-opt-for-f-1-students}

• UK

• The UK Graduate Route enables international students to remain in the UK and work for up to two years.

• PhD graduates can stay for up to 3 years after course completion

• No employer sponsorship required

_{Related Source: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa}

• Canada

• The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows Master’s degree graduates to apply for a permit of 3 years.

• Graduating from a DLI does not directly make a student eligible to apply for a PGWP.

• The validity of PGWP depends on the course duration and level of study, as well as the passport’s expiry date, whichever is earlier.

_{Related Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/about.html}

• Australia

• The Australian Post-Graduate Work Visa (Subclass 485) enables international students to stay in Australia and work for a specified time after completing their course.

• The visa is designed to help international graduates gain local work experience in the country, further ensuring a smooth transition to permanent residency (PR).

• The visa duration lasts 2-3 years, depending on your level of study, and may cost approximately AUD 2.300.

_{Related Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-higher-education-work}

Choosing the best country to study and settle would depend on a host of factors, as discussed in this blog. Make sure to clearly define your academic and career goals, consider your budget, and weigh the quality of the study program offered at each destination before you make your final choice.

Need more help with choosing the right study-abroad destination? Confused about the best countries for higher education. IDP Education consultants have you covered. We help you identify the best country that would align with your study-abroad and long-term career aspirations. We also guide you through the top-ranked universities in that country to ensure that you have the best study-abroad benefits.

1. What factors matter the most in choosing a foreign country to study?

Some of the most important factors to consider in choosing a study-abroad destination are the alignment of its universities and courses with your academic and career goals, the cost of studying and living, and career prospects upon graduation.

2. What factors influence the success of international students?

The quality of education abroad for Indian students, as well as academic and career support, faculty, and cultural acceptance, are key factors that influence international students' decision to choose a successful study-abroad destination.

3. How to research universities before sending applications?

First, identify and clearly define your goals and priorities. Then, check the official portals of various international universities, research their eligibility criteria, and ensure that you meet them. Also, check the global rankings of the universities on relevant portals before narrowing your choice.

4. What makes a country ideal for higher education?

The quality of education imparted, as well as the overall rankings enjoyed by its universities, help determine a country's suitability for international students aspiring to higher education. Also, check the cost of studying and living in the country to make an informed choice.

5. Is part-time work possible while studying overseas?

Of course, many countries allow part-time jobs for international students for a specific number of hours during their academic term. This enables students to finance their studies while staying in a foreign country.

6. How do I know if a university is globally recognised?

To assess the global recognition and popularity of a study institution, research its reputation online, verify its accreditation, and examine its international presence.

7. What are the most common mistakes in country selection?

Some common mistakes international students make when choosing countries for higher education include a lack of cultural awareness about the chosen country, inadequate research, and selecting a country based on popularity rather than its alignment with personal goals.

8. How can I adapt quickly to a new education system?

Different countries have different education systems. The best way to quickly adapt to a new academic system is to research and learn more about its structure and curriculum, improve communication skills for better understanding, particularly English proficiency, and seek support by actively interacting with peers and faculty.