| Comparison Points | AustraliaHigh Hourly Pay | United States3-Year STEM Work |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | AUD $24,000 – $44,000 / year | $22,000 – $50,000+ / year |
| Living Costs | AUD $1,400 – $2,100 / month | $1,200 – $2,200 / month |
| Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) | Subclass 485: 2 years (Bachelor's), 2–3 years (Master's), plus extra time in regional areas | OPT: 1 year, plus 2-year extension for STEM graduates (up to 3 years total) |
| Permanent Residency (PR) | Moderate Pathway Points-based skilled migration (Subclass 189, 190, and regional 491 visas). | Hard Pathway Requires employer sponsorship for H-1B work visa or employment-based green card. |
| Part-Time Student Work | 48 hrs / two weeks (Full-time during semester breaks) | 20 hrs / week (On-campus jobs only during term time) |
| Spouse & Family Visa | Allowed Spouse can work 48 hrs every two weeks (full-time work rights if student is on a master's or PhD). | F-2 Dependent Spouses can live in the US on an F-2 visa but cannot work. |
| Study Intakes | February (Semester 1), July (Semester 2), November | Fall (August/September), Spring (January), Summer (May) |
| Entry Requirements & English | IELTS 6.0–6.5 / PTE Academic 58–64 | IELTS 6.5–7.0 / TOEFL 80–100 / Duolingo accepted by many universities |
| Top Student Cities | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide | New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles |
Australia
AUD $24,000 – $44,000 / year
AUD $1,400 – $2,100 / month
Subclass 485: 2 years (Bachelor's), 2–3 years (Master's), plus extra time in regional areas
Points-based skilled migration (Subclass 189, 190, and regional 491 visas).
48 hrs / two weeks (Full-time during semester breaks)
Allowed
Spouse can work 48 hrs every two weeks (full-time work rights if student is on a master's or PhD).
February (Semester 1), July (Semester 2), November
IELTS 6.0–6.5 / PTE Academic 58–64