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Australia vs the USA for Indian Students: F-1 and Subclass 500, On-Campus Work, OPT and the 485

The United States has the most universities and the strongest pull for STEM graduates, through Optional Practical Training: twelve months after a degree and a further twenty-four for STEM fields. Australia allows far more work during study and gives Indian graduates a fixed 485 of two to four years.

Leonid Kurza, co-founder of EdumappleBy Leonid Kurza · co-founder of Edumapple · checked

  • US$185F-1 visa application fee
  • 20 h / weekUS on-campus work
  • 12 + 24 monthsOPT and STEM extension
  • 48 h / fortnightAustralian student work

Head to head

AustraliaUnited States
Student visaA$2,500US$185 plus SEVIS fee
FundsA$29,710 plus tuition and travelCosts stated on the I-20
Work during study48 hours a fortnight, any employerOn campus, 20 hours a week in session
After the degree485: 2–4 years for IndiansOPT 12 months; STEM extension 24 months

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  • Courses your marks and degree qualify for
  • Tuition and the visa living funds, counted in rupees
  • GS answers, visa timing and your 485 plan
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Costs in rupees

Australian tuition runs from ₹21 lakh (A$31,000) to ₹44 lakh (A$66,000) a year at the universities on this site, plus ₹20 lakh (A$29,710) of living funds. American tuition varies even more widely between public and private universities, and the I-20 sets the figure you must prove. In both countries, a year of study and living for an Indian student commonly passes ₹50 lakh.

Working during and after

An Australian student can take a job anywhere from the start of the course, up to 48 hours a fortnight; an F-1 student is limited to on-campus work in the first year. After graduating, OPT ties work to the field of study, while the 485 allows any job with any employer.

Choosing between them

The USA rewards STEM students targeting large American employers and willing to accept limited work during study. Australia rewards students who need to earn while studying and want a post-study period that does not depend on the subject. See working in Australia.

Questions from Indian students: Australia vs the USA

Is the USA or Australia better for Indian students?
For STEM graduates aiming at US technology employers, the USA's OPT and STEM extension give up to three years of work. For students who want to work off campus while studying and a fixed post-study visa, Australia.
Can students work off campus in the USA?
In the first year, F-1 students may work only on campus, up to 20 hours a week while school is in session. Australian students may work anywhere, 48 hours a fortnight in session.
How long is OPT compared with the 485?
OPT is twelve months per level of study, plus a 24-month extension for a first qualifying STEM degree. The 485 is two years after a bachelor's, three after a master's and four after a PhD for Indian citizens.
What does the F-1 visa cost?
The visa application fee is US$185. The SEVIS fee and any new fees are charged separately.
How much money must I show for the USA?
There is no single national figure: your university's Form I-20 states the estimated costs you must cover. Australia sets A$29,710 a year for living costs plus tuition and travel.

Sources we checked