Destination comparison · For Sri Lankan students
Australia vs USA — which is right for you?
For STEM and research, the USA's funding and 3-year OPT are hard to beat — but the visa is the strictest and the cost the highest. Australia is a more predictable path with strong work rights and an easier visa for funded Sri Lankan applicants.
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Pick at least 2 destinations (max 3).
 Australia |  USA | |
|---|---|---|
| Year-1 cost (LKR) | LKR 9.9M – LKR 15.6M | LKR 13.1M – LKR 22.4M |
| Funds to show for visa | LKR 6.2M+ living + tuition | No fixed rule — varies |
| Student visa | Subclass 500 Student Visa | F-1 Student Visa |
| Visa processing | 4–6 weeks (varies by university tier) | 2–6 weeks from interview |
| Post-study work | 2–4 years (Temporary Graduate 485) | 1 year OPT (+2 years STEM) |
| Part-time work (term) | 48 hrs/fortnight | 20 hrs/week (on-campus) |
| Typical IELTS | 6.0 – 6.5 | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80+ |
| Bachelor's length | 3 years | 4 years |
| Master's length | 1.5–2 years | 1.5–2 years |
| Main intake | February (also July) | August (Fall) |
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 USA against your academic profile, budget and goals — and tell you honestly which gives you the best odds. Free for students.
Ask which fits me