What are the differences between an Australian student visa and a UK student visa?

Features

Australia student visa

UK Student visa

Name of the visa

Student visa (subclass 500)

Student visa

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Australia student visa, you must:

• Have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a designated Australian educational institution.

• Fulfil the Genuine Student Criteria:

• Have adequate funds to sponsor their stay and studies in Australia.

• Have a valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

• Meet the requirements for English language proficiency

• Have a welfare arrangement (if  below 18 years)

• Be of good character

• Meet the health requirements for an Australian student visa.

To be eligible for a UK student visa, you must be:

• More than 16 years of age

• Have a study program offered by a licensed student sponsor in the UK.

• Have adequate funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses in the UK.

• Meet the English language requirements

• Demonstrate your intention to leave the UK after completing your studies. 

Requirements

The documents required to apply for an Australian student visa are given below. You must have:

• A valid passport.

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in an Australian university.

• Proof of adequate funds

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) of Australia.

• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) stating that you would return to your home country after completing your studies in Australia.

To apply for a UK student visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport

• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter

• Proof of adequate funds to sponsor your stay in the UK

• Evidence of English language proficiency

• Negative test reports for Tuberculosis (TB)

• ATAS certificate

Conditions for work while studying

International students in Australia can work for 40 hours per fortnight while pursuing their studies.

International students in the UK can work for 2o hours per week.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

International students in Australia can apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) after completing their studies and work in Australia. It has a validity ranging from 2 to 4 years.

International students in the UK can apply for the Graduate Route visa. It facilitates them to stay and work in the UK after graduating from their studies. The visa allows you to stay in the UK for a maximum of two years or three for Ph.D. scholars.

Processing fee

AUD 1,600

£490.

Processing time

The processing time for an Australian student visa ranges from 29 to 48 days.

The processing time for a UK student visa is approximately 3 weeks.

Course Duration

The duration of a study program in Australia ranges from 3 to 4 years

The duration of a study program in the UK is 3 years.