Choose USA if…
Largest choice of universities and specialisations; STEM OPT gives up to 3 years of work experience after an eligible degree.
🇺🇸 vs 🇦🇺
USA vs Australia for Indian Students
A side-by-side comparison of studying in the USA and Australia: total cost in rupees, work during and after study, and long-term options.
- USA: median ₹98 lakh
- Australia: median ₹97 lakh
- Australia cheaper by ≈ ₹1.5 lakh
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Quick answer
USA or Australia: which is better for Indian students?
On our university data, Australia is cheaper: the median total cost is ₹97 lakh versus ₹98 lakh in the USA. After graduation, the USA offers OPT 12 months + 24-month STEM OPT extension for STEM-designated degrees, while Australia offers subclass 485: typically 2 years (bachelor's/master's), 3 years (PhD). The better choice depends on your course, budget and long-term plan.
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USA vs Australia
- Median total cost
- USA: ₹98 lakh · Australia: ₹97 lakh
- Duration
- USA: 1.5–2 years (some 1-year programs) · Australia: 1.5–2 years (coursework)
- Intakes
- USA: Fall (Aug/Sep) · Australia: February (Semester 1)
Side by side
USA vs Australia: the numbers
Our view
Which suits you?
Choose Australia if…
Post-study work visa of 2–3 years; Two main intakes (February and July).
Budget first
Australia is about ₹1.5 lakh cheaper at the median on our data.
Career first
Compare post-study work: USA (OPT 12 months + 24-month STEM OPT extension for STEM-designated degrees) and Australia (Subclass 485: typically 2 years).
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
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Ask a counsellor directly — we reply on WhatsApp during working hours (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST).
On our data, Australia has the lower median total cost (₹97 lakh vs ₹98 lakh).
USA: OPT 12 months + 24-month STEM OPT extension for STEM-designated degrees. Australia: Subclass 485: typically 2 years (bachelor's/master's), 3 years (PhD).
USA: Up to 20 hours/week on campus during semesters. Australia: 48 hours per fortnight during study periods.
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