Canada
Netherlands
Ireland
Japan
CyprusCost of a first year
United States vs Australia: what a year of study costs
Australia costs less on average, about EUR 4,500 less for a first year, though the cheapest option is in the United States.
fromup to Tuition, 12 months of living costs and the visa fee.
Side by side
| Figure |  United States |  Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition a year | EUR 17,900 to 40,300 | EUR 18,500 to 37,300 |
| Living costs, 12 months | EUR 11,800 to 34,400 | EUR 12,600 to 24,400 |
| Student visa fee | EUR 166 | EUR 1,540 |
| First year, all in | EUR 29,900 to 74,900 | EUR 32,600 to 63,300 |
| Money to show for the visa | Not published | EUR 18,310 |
| Work during term | 20 hours a week | 24 hours a week |
| Stay to work after | 1 year | 2 years |
| Figures checked | 2026-09-24 | 2026-09-24 |
Every figure is from the United States and Australia guides, where each one links to its official source with the date we checked it. Living costs are the published monthly range times twelve. Converted at the day's rate (2026-11-08). Rates by Exchange Rate API.
Questions
Is it cheaper to study in the United States or Australia?
Australia costs less on average, about EUR 4,500 less for a first year, though the cheapest option is in the United States. A first year in the United States costs about EUR 29,900 to 74,900 and in Australia about EUR 32,600 to 63,300, counting tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee, from each country's official sources.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in United States and Australia?
United States: no fixed national amount is published. Australia: EUR 18,310 a year.