Is Australia or Schengen Area easier to get a student visa for?

Schengen Area asks for less money in the bank and Schengen Area decides faster. Approval depends more on clean documents than on the destination; both refuse mainly for inconsistent funds and weak ties.

Can I apply for Australia and Schengen Area at the same time?

Yes for e-visas, since no passport is held. If either is a sticker visa the passport is with that consulate, so sequence the sticker application first or use the second passport option where your country allows one.

Which is better value, Australia or Schengen Area?

Schengen Area is cheaper per traveller, but value depends on validity: Australia is valid 12 months and Schengen Area 90 days. A longer, multiple-entry visa costs less per trip.

Where do these figures come from?

Government fees, processing windows and funds figures are taken from the official Australia and Schengen Area sources cited on each destination page and re-checked when the authorities publish changes.

All comparisons

Australia vs Schengen Area: student visa

Australia or Schengen Area for a student visa? Side by side: $377 vs $152 all-in, About 30 days vs 15 days decision, funds to show, process type, biometrics and which one fits your plan.

Verdict

Schengen Area is cheaper ($152 vs $377 all-in)
Schengen Area decides faster (15 days)
Schengen Area asks for less money in the bank ($13,000 vs $42,000)

Australia vs Schengen Area: student visa side by side

	Australia	Schengen Area
Visa format	E-visa	Sticker
Process	e-visa	sticker visa
Biometrics	No	Required
Interview	No	No
Government fee	$178	$103
vistolane filing fee	$199	$49
All-in per traveller	$377	$152
Decision window	About 30 days	15 days
Validity	12 months	90 days
Stay	Up to 3 months per visit	90 days in any 180
Entries	Multiple	Single / multiple
Funds to show (student visa)	$42,000	$13,000
student visa route	Subclass 500 Study	Short-stay Type C

Which is cheaper?

Australia costs $377 all-in ($178 government fee plus $199 filing) and Schengen Area costs $152 ($103 plus $49). Schengen Area is cheaper by $225 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). Schengen Area: 15 days (15 calendar days (extendable to 45)). 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 Schengen Area about $13,000 for a student visa. Schengen Area 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. Schengen Area: sticker visa with biometrics. An e-visa needs no appointment; a sticker visa holds your passport for the decision window; an embassy visa adds an interview and a decision at the window.

Which should you pick for a student visa?

For study, the visa is the smaller decision; compare first-year funds ($42,000 vs $13,000), post-study work rights and whether dependants can join. Schengen Area has the lower funds bar; the institution's licence to sponsor matters in both.