United Kingdom vs Australia: student visa
United Kingdom or Australia for a student visa? Side by side: $239 vs $377 all-in, 3 weeks vs About 30 days decision, funds to show, process type, biometrics and which one fits your plan.
Verdict
- United Kingdom is cheaper ($239 vs $377 all-in)
- United Kingdom decides faster (3 weeks)
- Australia asks for less money in the bank ($42,000 vs $45,000)
United Kingdom vs Australia: student visa side by side
| United Kingdom | Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa format | Sticker | E-visa |
| Process | sticker visa | e-visa |
| Biometrics | Required | No |
| Interview | No | No |
| Government fee | $180 | $178 |
| vistolane filing fee | $59 | $199 |
| All-in per traveller | $239 | $377 |
| Decision window | 3 weeks | About 30 days |
| Validity | 6 months | 12 months |
| Stay | Up to 6 months | Up to 3 months per visit |
| Entries | Multiple | Multiple |
| Funds to show (student visa) | $45,000 | $42,000 |
| student visa route | Student | Subclass 500 Study |
Which is cheaper?
United Kingdom costs $239 all-in ($180 government fee plus $59 filing) and Australia costs $377 ($178 plus $199). United Kingdom is cheaper by $138 per traveller. Neither figure includes optional attention plans or airport transfers.
Which is faster?
United Kingdom: 3 weeks (3 weeks (15 working days)). Australia: About 30 days (Visitor (600): 75% within about 30 days). vistolane quotes a guaranteed decision date for both before you pay.
Which needs less money in the bank?
United Kingdom asks for about $45,000 and Australia about $42,000 for a student visa. Australia is the lower bar. In both, statements must be seasoned for three months and match the plan you describe.
How the processes differ
United Kingdom: sticker visa with biometrics. Australia: e-visa. 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 ($45,000 vs $42,000), post-study work rights and whether dependants can join. Australia has the lower funds bar; the institution's licence to sponsor matters in both.