The UK and Australia are two of the most popular study destinations for international students. In the UK, there are over 450,000 international students at university. Even though there are some cultural similarities, there are some major differences between UK and AU universities.
So if you’re deciding between a UK vs Australian university, here’s what you need to know.
- UK academic standards are some of the best in the world
- The length of courses are different
- Employment opportunities are comparable
- UK tuition fees are cheaper than Australia
- Student life and accommodation can vary
- The UK is a gateway to Europe
UK academic standards are some of the best in the world
The UK offers a vast and diverse range of courses that are globally ranked. The UK has a well-established reputation for academic excellence and a combination of modern and traditional university teachings. From universities like Cambridge, that have welcomed students for hundreds of years to state-of-the-art universities like Newcastle.
Both universities are part of the prestigious Russell Group and offer superb teaching in the UK and have an outstanding reputation for research.
The length of courses are different
One of the biggest differences between UK and Australia universities is the time it takes to complete a degree. Courses in the UK education system are generally shorter and more focused than many other countries. UK and Australian degrees can be typically completed in three or four years, whereas at universities in places like the US are considerably longer.
The UK is recognised for its world-class education. Having a degree from a UK university can give you the edge in future job opportunities.
UK tuition fees are cheaper than Australia
The sun and sand might attract you to Australia. However, it’s also one of the most expensive places to study abroad. For many students, the decision might ultimately come down to cost.
Fortunately, in the UK, financial aid is available. Apply for scholarships or private funding for added financial help. This can depend heavily on your circumstances so you’ll need more information on student finance.
Student life and accommodation have similarities
The UK and Australia are fantastic places to make lifelong friends. Although culturally these two countries are very similar, student life is quite different.
Generally, both Australians and the British are friendly and polite people. In both countries, you’ll get the chance to explore amazing cities, see famous landmarks and create lifelong memories.
In the UK, you have accommodation options such as student halls that are provided by the universities or even private accommodation.
Australia isn’t very different, although instead of halls of residence, they are called colleges. Instead of moving into a house for the second year like most students in the UK decide to do, it’s more common in Australia to stay in halls for the entire degree. Typically, more than one person occupies the accommodation with you, so there are lots of different people to meet.
The UK is a gateway to Europe
The UK is well connected to Europe and major countries like France and Germany are accessible by a short plane journey. This is an amazing opportunity if you want to add some depth to your studies and explore.
Not only that but the UK has a well-connected transport network so you can see everything the UK has to offer. Such as famous landmarks like Stonehenge and The Angel of The North.
Now that you know how UK and Australia universities compare, there’s never a better time to find out more about what the UK has to offer international students…
What you need to know about studying in the UK
Choosing to study in the UK is less expensive and there are many more benefits than the things we’ve talked about above. It’s a life-changing experience that gives you the opportunity to make lifelong memories and friends.
The UK is a diverse and welcoming environment to have your higher education experience - there’s so much to see and do.
To help, we’ve created a dedicated page for international students who are considering studying in the UK. It covers visa information, English language requirements and useful insights about life in the UK.
