Destination comparison · For Sri Lankan students
UK vs USA — which is right for you?
The USA offers the world's deepest funding for top students and 3 years of STEM work — but at the highest sticker price and the toughest visa interview. The UK is more predictable: lower total cost, a shorter degree, and a far simpler visa for prepared Sri Lankan applicants.
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Pick at least 2 destinations (max 3).
 United Kingdom |  USA | |
|---|---|---|
| Year-1 cost (LKR) | LKR 9.6M – LKR 21.8M | LKR 13.1M – LKR 22.4M |
| Funds to show for visa | LKR 3.7M+ living + tuition | No fixed rule — varies |
| Student visa | Student Route (formerly Tier 4) | F-1 Student Visa |
| Visa processing | 3 weeks from biometrics | 2–6 weeks from interview |
| Post-study work | 2 years (Graduate Route; 3 for PhD) | 1 year OPT (+2 years STEM) |
| Part-time work (term) | 20 hrs/week | 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 year | 1.5–2 years |
| Main intake | September (also January) | 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 UK 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