The Power of 3: Studying in the USA, Australia, or the UK
Eight important key criteria for choosing international study destination are as follows: Reputation and Quality; Employment Opportunities; Style of Education; English Education; Ease of Entry; Safety; Lifestyle; and Value for Money.
Reputation and Quality – USA has more universities than any other country in the world and it also has more in the top ten of the Times Higher Education Supplement than any other country in the world. These factors made USA as the number one choice for international students. UK has an outstanding reputation for research that make it attractive factor for international post-graduate students. Australia possessed a relatively large number of world-class colleges and universities. With a clear framework of recognised qualifications, Australian degree is portable globally.
Employment Opportunities – Due to work visas are heavily restricted in USA, it is harder to find employment in America once you graduated but American education is highly-regarded globally. In UK, you can apply for a Post Study Work Visa once graduated and you can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. Similarly in Australia, you can apply for a work visa and you are also able to work up to 20 hours per week while studying.
Style of Education – In the USA, you have the widest choice of subjects available in the world. In the UK, students need to be more independent when it comes to learning compared to USA. In Australia, students are expected to think independently and creatively, and hand-on experience is important.
English Education – English is the main medium in USA, UK, and Australia. USA favours TOEFL while UK and Australia lean towards IELTS as Second Language studies qualification.
Ease of Entry – in USA, tough student visa requirements, a lot of competition on top courses, and low acceptance rate for international students. UK and Australia are much easier with streamlined application and visa processes.
Safety – Australia is known as one of the safest study destinations in the world. Parts of the USA have higher crime rates, and parts of the UK are safer than others. No country is completely safe.
Lifestyle – If you are interested in amazing natural wonders, wildlife, sport, sunshine, and relaxation, Australia is the best choice. If you like history and culture, shopping, and green countryside, UK is the destination. USA has a climate from ski and snow to sun and surf, easy living suburbs, and big bustling cities.
Value for Money – USA education is less expensive but limited part time work options and increased competition for scholarship make it harder on cost of living. In the UK, the cost of living may be more expensive, but tuition fees are lower. Medical care is also usually free in UK. Australia has lower cost of living and lower tuition fees, but airfares can be expensive and student need to pay mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (Health Insurance).
