Destination comparison · For Sri Lankan students
Australia vs New Zealand — which is right for you?
Neighbours with similar lifestyles but different scales. Australia has the bigger universities, bigger job market, and longer post-study work; New Zealand is smaller, often cheaper, and visa-decisions tend to be quicker.
compare_arrows See them side by sideCompare destinations (pick 2–3)
Pick at least 2 destinations (max 3).
 Australia |  New Zealand | |
|---|---|---|
| Year-1 cost (LKR) | LKR 9.9M – LKR 15.6M | LKR 7.9M – LKR 11.5M |
| Funds to show for visa | LKR 6.2M+ living + tuition | LKR 3.8M+ living + tuition |
| Student visa | Subclass 500 Student Visa | Fee-Paying Student Visa |
| Visa processing | 4–6 weeks (varies by university tier) | 4–8 weeks |
| Post-study work | 2–4 years (Temporary Graduate 485) | Up to 3 years post-study work |
| Part-time work (term) | 48 hrs/fortnight | 20 hrs/week |
| Typical IELTS | 6.0 – 6.5 | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Bachelor's length | 3 years | 3 years |
| Master's length | 1.5–2 years | 1–2 years |
| Main intake | February (also July) | February (also July) |
Still torn between them?
A counsellor will weigh your profile, budget and goals against each — free.
Still can't decide?
A counsellor will weigh Australia and New Zealand against your academic profile, budget and goals — and tell you honestly which gives you the best odds. Free for students.
Ask which fits me