Comparison tool · 18 destinations · Free for students

Compare study-abroad destinations, side by side

UK or Australia? Canada or Germany? Stop juggling browser tabs. Pick two or three countries and see the facts Sri Lankan families actually decide on — Year-1 cost in rupees, the funds you must show, visa timelines, and how long you can work afterwards.

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	United Kingdom	Australia
Year-1 cost (LKR)	LKR 9.6M – LKR 21.8M	LKR 9.9M – LKR 15.6M
Funds to show for visa	LKR 3.7M+ living + tuition	LKR 6.2M+ living + tuition
Student visa	Student Route (formerly Tier 4)	Subclass 500 Student Visa
Visa processing	3 weeks from biometrics	4–6 weeks (varies by university tier)
Post-study work	2 years (Graduate Route; 3 for PhD)	2–4 years (Temporary Graduate 485)
Part-time work (term)	20 hrs/week	48 hrs/fortnight
Typical IELTS	6.0 – 6.5	6.0 – 6.5
Bachelor's length	3 years	3 years
Master's length	1 year	1.5–2 years
Main intake	September (also January)	February (also July)

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Popular comparisons

The match-ups Sri Lankan students ask about most

Each page breaks down the two destinations in detail, with the cost, visa and work-rights differences that matter for your decision.

Frequently asked

Comparing destinations

Which country is cheapest to study in from Sri Lanka? expand_more

On total Year-1 cost in LKR, South Korea, Germany and Malta usually come out lowest (low or zero public tuition), while the USA, Australia and Switzerland sit at the top. But "cheapest" depends on your programme, city and scholarships — compare any destinations above to see the LKR bands side by side.

Which destination gives the best post-study work rights? expand_more

Australia (up to 4 years) and the UK, Canada and New Zealand (2–3 years) lead on post-study work. Several European destinations offer 12–24 month job-search permits. The comparison shows each country's rule in one row.

How are the cost figures calculated? expand_more

Year-1 cost is a representative Bachelor's budget — tuition plus 12 months of living plus one-time costs — drawn from our country cost guides and converted to LKR at indicative bank rates. Treat them as planning bands, not quotes.

Can you help me choose? expand_more

Yes — that's what we do, free. Pick a shortlist above, then message us. A counsellor weighs your academic profile, budget and goals against each option and tells you honestly where you have the best odds.

Narrowed it down to a shortlist?

Tell us your top two or three and your profile — we'll tell you honestly where you have the best admission and visa odds, and what it'll cost. Free for students.

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