Australia Subclass 500 vs UK Student Route: which visa fits?

The Australian Subclass 500 student visa and the UK Student Route visa serve the same purpose — allowing international students to study at a registered institution — but they differ in structure, evidence requirements, and post-study options. This guide compares both systems across the five factors that matter most: cost, work rights during study, post-study work, family and dependant rules, and refusal risk.

Neither country is universally better. The right choice depends on your academic goals, budget, family situation, and long-term immigration plans. A student with a spouse and children may prefer Australia's more generous dependant rules. A master's applicant who wants a shorter program may prefer the UK's one-year degrees.

The total cost of studying in either country is tuition plus living expenses plus health coverage plus visa fees. However, the way these costs are structured differs.

In Australia, undergraduate degrees typically cost AUD 30,000–45,000 per year. Most bachelor's programs run 3 years. Master's programs cost AUD 35,000–50,000 per year and run 1.5–2 years. The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the entire visa period and costs approximately AUD 600–1,000 per year for single coverage. The student visa application fee is AUD 1,600.

In the UK, undergraduate degrees cost GBP 20,000–38,000 per year for 3 years. Master's programs cost GBP 25,000–45,000 per year and typically run 1 year. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is approximately GBP 776 per year and is paid upfront for the full visa period. The Student Route visa application fee is GBP 490.

A key difference: UK master's programs are shorter, which means lower total living costs even when annual tuition is higher. Australia's longer programs mean more total living expenses, but OSHC is cheaper than the UK's IHS for longer visa periods. The only reliable comparison is a spreadsheet for your specific program, city, and family size.

Part-time work rights in both countries are broadly similar in hours but differ in how the limit is calculated and enforced.

In Australia, student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, which averages to 24 hours per week but allows flexibility — you can work 30 hours one week and 18 the next. During scheduled course breaks, work is unlimited. The 48-hour limit applies after the course starts; before the course begins, no work is permitted. Work restrictions are enforced through visa condition 8104/8105.

In the UK, Student Route holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. The limit is a strict weekly cap, not a fortnightly average. Certain activities are restricted: self-employment, professional sports, and paid entertainment are generally not permitted. The conditions are set out in Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules.

Both countries have the same limit during term time in practice. Australia's fortnightly model is slightly more flexible for students whose weekly schedules vary. The UK's model is simpler to track.

The post-study work visa is often the deciding factor for students who want to gain international work experience after graduation.

Australia's Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) offers the following durations based on qualification level: 2 years for bachelor's graduates, 2 years for master's by coursework, 3 years for master's by research, and 4 years for PhD graduates. Students who study and work in designated regional areas can get 1–2 additional years. The 485 visa requires the Australian Study Requirement — at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study at a CRICOS-registered institution. There is no work limitation on the 485; holders can work for any employer in any role.

The UK's Graduate Route gives 2 years of unsponsored work rights for most graduates and 3 years for PhD graduates. There is no salary threshold, no employer sponsorship requirement, and no job offer requirement during the Graduate Route period. After it expires, graduates must switch to a Skilled Worker visa, which requires a sponsor licence holder employer and a job at or above the applicable salary threshold.

Australia's 485 visa generally offers longer durations, and the additional regional extension makes it attractive for graduates willing to work outside major cities. The UK's Graduate Route is simpler (no study area requirements, no regional variation) but shorter for most graduates.

If you plan to bring a spouse or children, Australia is significantly more permissive than the UK.

In Australia, student visa holders can bring dependent family members — partners and dependent children — regardless of whether the student is enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program. Partners can work full-time if the student is enrolled in a master's or doctoral degree, or a bachelor's degree in an eligible skilled occupation field. For other programs, partners can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. Dependent children can attend Australian schools.

In the UK, Student Route dependants are only permitted if the student is enrolled in a postgraduate program (RQF Level 7 or above) at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance. Undergraduate students cannot bring dependants unless they have refugee status or are government-sponsored. Students enrolled at lower-tier institutions or on shorter courses face additional restrictions.

If family circumstances are your primary consideration, Australia is the more accommodating choice.

Student visa refusals are common in both countries. Understanding the typical reasons can help you build a stronger application.

Australian Subclass 500 refusals are most often under the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. The officer assesses whether you genuinely intend to study in Australia, based on your circumstances in your home country, your potential circumstances in Australia, the value of the course to your future, and your immigration history. Strong ties to your home country, a well-documented study plan, and clear proof of funds are essential. See the Genuine Student requirement guide for detailed advice.

UK Student Route refusals are most often under Appendix V for financial maintenance failure or a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) mismatch. The financial requirement is strict — funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before application. The CAS must match your qualification level, course dates, and previous study records. See the UK Student Route financial requirement guide for details.

A refusal in one country does not prevent you from applying to the other, but a misrepresentation finding in either jurisdiction can affect future applications to both.

Use the questions below to narrow your choice based on your specific situation.

Use the links below to drill into the specific guides for each country.

• Australia Subclass 500 document checklist — CoE, GS, funds, OSHC, and evidence planning.
• Australia Genuine Student requirement guide — how to answer the GS questions.
• Australia Temporary Graduate 485 checklist — post-study work visa requirements.
• UK Student Route document checklist — CAS, funds, English, and evidence.
• UK Student Route financial requirement guide — 28-day holding rule and living costs.
• UK Graduate Route checklist — post-study work visa requirements.
• Australia 485 vs Canada PGWP comparison — post-study work in Australia vs Canada.
• All country comparisons — browse every comparison guide.