Australia vs Singapore: student visa
Australia or Singapore for a student visa? Side by side: $375 vs $72 all-in, About 30 days vs 3 to 5 days decision, funds to show, process type, biometrics and which one fits your plan.
Verdict
- Singapore is cheaper ($72 vs $375 all-in)
- Singapore decides faster (3 to 5 days)
- Singapore asks for less money in the bank ($25,000 vs $42,000)
Australia vs Singapore: student visa side by side
| Australia | Singapore | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa format | E-visa | E-visa |
| Process | e-visa | e-visa |
| Biometrics | No | No |
| Interview | No | No |
| Government fee | $176 | $23 |
| vistolane filing fee | $199 | $49 |
| All-in per traveller | $375 | $72 |
| Decision window | About 30 days | 3 to 5 days |
| Validity | 12 months | 30 days |
| Stay | Up to 3 months per visit | Up to 30 days |
| Entries | Multiple | Multiple |
| Funds to show (student visa) | $42,000 | $25,000 |
| student visa route | Subclass 500 Study | Student Pass |
Which is cheaper?
Australia costs $375 all-in ($176 government fee plus $199 filing) and Singapore costs $72 ($23 plus $49). Singapore is cheaper by $303 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). Singapore: 3 to 5 days (3–5 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 Singapore about $25,000 for a student visa. Singapore 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. Singapore: 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 $25,000), post-study work rights and whether dependants can join. Singapore has the lower funds bar; the institution's licence to sponsor matters in both.