Australia vs Japan: student visa
Australia or Japan for a student visa? Side by side: $375 vs $35 all-in, About 30 days vs 5 to 7 days decision, funds to show, process type, biometrics and which one fits your plan.
Verdict
- Japan is cheaper ($35 vs $375 all-in)
- Japan decides faster (5 to 7 days)
- Japan asks for less money in the bank ($20,000 vs $42,000)
Australia vs Japan: student visa side by side
| Australia | Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa format | E-visa | E-visa |
| Process | e-visa | e-visa |
| Biometrics | No | No |
| Interview | No | No |
| Government fee | $176 | $5 |
| vistolane filing fee | $199 | $30 |
| All-in per traveller | $375 | $35 |
| Decision window | About 30 days | 5 to 7 days |
| Validity | 12 months | 90 days |
| Stay | Up to 3 months per visit | Up to 90 days |
| Entries | Multiple | Single |
| Funds to show (student visa) | $42,000 | $20,000 |
| student visa route | Subclass 500 Study | Student |
Which is cheaper?
Australia costs $375 all-in ($176 government fee plus $199 filing) and Japan costs $35 ($5 plus $30). Japan is cheaper by $340 per traveller. Neither figure includes optional attention plans or airport transfers.
Which is faster?
Australia: About 30 days (Visitor (600): 75% within about 30 days). Japan: 5 to 7 days (5–7 working days). vistolane quotes a guaranteed decision date for both before you pay.
Which needs less money in the bank?
Australia asks for about $42,000 and Japan about $20,000 for a student visa. Japan is the lower bar. In both, statements must be seasoned for three months and match the plan you describe.
How the processes differ
Australia: e-visa. Japan: e-visa. The steps are the same shape, so documents prepared for one largely serve the other.
Which should you pick for a student visa?
For study, the visa is the smaller decision; compare first-year funds ($42,000 vs $20,000), post-study work rights and whether dependants can join. Japan has the lower funds bar; the institution's licence to sponsor matters in both.