Destination comparison · For Sri Lankan students
UK vs New Zealand — which is right for you?
Both are English-speaking with strong post-study work, but they sit at different price points. New Zealand is calmer and often cheaper to live in; the UK is faster to finish and has many more world-ranked universities to choose from.
compare_arrows See them side by sideCompare destinations (pick 2–3)
Pick at least 2 destinations (max 3).
 United Kingdom |  New Zealand | |
|---|---|---|
| Year-1 cost (LKR) | LKR 9.6M – LKR 21.8M | LKR 7.9M – LKR 11.5M |
| Funds to show for visa | LKR 3.7M+ living + tuition | LKR 3.8M+ living + tuition |
| Student visa | Student Route (formerly Tier 4) | Fee-Paying Student Visa |
| Visa processing | 3 weeks from biometrics | 4–8 weeks |
| Post-study work | 2 years (Graduate Route; 3 for PhD) | Up to 3 years post-study work |
| Part-time work (term) | 20 hrs/week | 20 hrs/week |
| Typical IELTS | 6.0 – 6.5 | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Bachelor's length | 3 years | 3 years |
| Master's length | 1 year | 1–2 years |
| Main intake | September (also January) | 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 UK 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