Affordable Study Abroad Options for Bangladeshi Students
Australia vs UK for Bangladeshi students: A practical comparison before you decide
Every year, thousands of Bangladeshi students find themselves stuck between two options: Australia or the UK. Both look promising. Both offer respected degrees. And both are popular enough that it's easy to get swept up by opinions,
agents' pitches, or social media stories.
But once you strip away the noise, the decision becomes less emotional and more practical. Cost, work rights, post-study opportunities, and long-term value matter far more than rankings alone.
In this blog, we compared Australia and the UK from a Bangladeshi student's real-world perspective.
The education systems in the UK and Australia differ from those in Bangladesh. In the UK, most Bachelor's degrees are completed in three years, and Master's programs usually take just one year. This shorter duration is especially for
students who want to finish quickly and enter the job market sooner.
On the other hand, we see Australia follows a slightly longer model. Bachelor's degrees run for three to four years. Most of the Master's programs take two years in Australia. This feels like a disadvantage, but the extra time often
allows students to adjust and gain local experience. This period also helps students to build stronger professional profiles.
Tuition fees: Looking beyond the headline numbers
Tuition alone doesn't decide affordability. The real question is how much pressure you feel after paying that tuition. For Bangladeshi students, average tuition costs usually fall into these ranges:
Country
Bachelor's
Master's
UK (United Kingdom)
GBP 12,000-20,000 per year
GBP 14,000-25,000 total (1 year)
Australia
AUD 25,000-40,000 per year
AUD 30,000-45,000 per year
However, tuition is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to the total expense of studying abroad. While the shorter duration of a UK Master's program might result in lower overall tuition costs, it also means less time to work,
adjust, and recoup those costs.
Living costs and daily life reality
Living costs are where many students feel the pressure most. In Australia, monthly expenses usually range between AUD 1,800 and 2,500, depending on the city. Sydney and Melbourne are expensive, but regional cities
offer lower rent and better work access.
In the UK, costs vary sharply by location. London is the capital city of the UK. If you stay in London, the daily cost will be around GBP 1,200-1,500 per month.
Cities outside London can be more manageable at GBP 900-1,100. Many students underestimate housing costs, especially during their first year.
The key difference isn't just how much you spend, but how much you can realistically earn while studying.
Part-time work and student income
Australia is widely considered more student-friendly when it comes to part-time work. Students can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during breaks. Many students manage to cover a
significant part of their living costs through legal work. You can earn wages often ranging from AUD 23 to 30 per hour.
In the UK, students are limited to 20 hours per week during term time. Hourly pay ranges from GBP 10 to GBP 12. There is huge competition in the job market. Many students manage basic expenses, but a full balance is rare.
This difference quietly shapes the student experience.
Post-study work visas: Where the gap widens
Australia's Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows graduates to stay back for a meaningful period. The student will get around:
2-3 years after a Bachelor's degree
Up to 4 years after certain Master's programs
That time is not just for working. It's for settling into the job market, understanding how things work, and planning the next step properly.
The UK'sGraduate Route Visa allows a 2-year stay after graduation (3 years for PhD holders). While this period
has advantages, it's relatively short. Furthermore, the path to a more permanent residency status heavily depends on securing sponsorship from an employer. For students thinking beyond just the degree, this difference matters a
lot.
PR pathways and long-term settlement
Australia is often chosen with permanent residency in mind. The country offers structured, points-based migration systems where age, education, work experience, and English proficiency all count. A regional study can add further advantages,
making long-term planning more predictable.
The UK does offer settlement options, but they are usually employer-driven and less transparent. Sponsorship becomes critical, and timelines can feel uncertain.
For Bangladeshi students who want clarity and planning ability, Australia generally feels more navigable.
Job market after graduation
Australia continues to see demand in practical fields. IT, engineering, accounting, healthcare, construction, and aged care. Regional areas often offer better entry-level access.
The UK has strong sectors too. Finance, business, IT, creative industries. But competition is intense, and sponsorship pressure arrives early.
Students with clear skills do well in both places. The difference is how much time they get to prove themselves.
IELTS, PTE, and Visa reality for Bangladeshi students
Australia tends to be more flexible with English tests, widely accepting both IELTS and PTE. The UK still leans more heavily toward IELTS, especially for visa purposes.
When it comes to finances, both countries are strict. However, many UK refusals stem from documentation errors rather than academic issues. Proper fund preparation, bank solvency, and clear source explanations are critical, regardless
of destination.
Australia vs the UK at a glance
For Bangladeshi students, choosing between Australia and the UK involves balancing academic speed against long-term career stability. While the UK offers a faster route to graduation with one-year Master's programs, Australia provides
a more flexible environment for those seeking higher part-time earnings and clearer pathways to permanent residency.
Area
Australia
UK
Study Duration
Longer
Shorter
Tuition Cost
Higher
Lower
Work Income
Strong
Moderate
Post-Study Stay
2-4 years
2 years
PR Pathway
Clear, points-based
Employer-dependent
Student Flexibility
High
Medium
Which country fits you better?
Australia tends to suit students who want time to settle, work, and plan long-term. It rewards patience and preparation.
The UK is well-suited to students who want a faster academic route and already have strong financial backing or specific career goals.
There's no universal winner. The better option depends on your profile, budget, and what you want five years from now, not just next year.
Final words
Choosing between Australia and the UK depends on academic background, finances, and long-term goals. If you choose a country before the journey, the journey becomes smoother. Sangen Edu Ltd will research your options and provide
a strong application to achieve your dream of studying in Australia or the UK. From
course selection to visa preparation, the focus stays practical and student-specific.
If you're weighing Australia against the UK, the right guidance can turn confusion into clarity. Feel free to get personalized consultation and guidance from our
It depends on what you’re aiming for. Australia suits students who want work flexibility and long-term options after graduation. The UK works better for those who want a faster degree and already have strong financial support.
The UK usually has lower tuition, especially for Master’s programs. Australia costs more upfront, but a higher part-time income often helps balance monthly expenses.
Yes. In Australia, students can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. In the UK, the limit is 20 hours per week during term time.
Australia offers longer post-study work visas, often up to four years. The UK allows a two-year stay after graduation, which feels shorter for building experience.
Australia has clearer, points-based PR pathways. The UK mainly relies on employer sponsorship, which can be harder to secure for fresh graduates.
Visa success depends more on documentation and fund preparation than on the country itself. That said, Australia is often seen as more transparent in its visa assessment process.
Learn how to get a scholarship in Australia from Bangladesh. Step-by-step guide, CGPA requirements, and expert help from Sangen Edu Ltd. Call us +880-1615-0001255.
Discover the required IELTS scores for top universities in Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, Monash, RMIT, and more. Plan your study abroad journey today!
We managed the entire application process, collecting all the required information for him. He was admitted to the Kaplan Business School in Australia to study Bachelor of Business (Management).
With Sangen Edu.'s support, Zishan secured a full scholarship covering 100% of his tuition fees for the Bachelor of Business in International Leadership at Griffith College, Australia. From the initial application to final approval, Sangen Edu. provi...
With the support of Sangen Edu., Saiful Islam successfully obtained a full scholarship covering 100% of his tuition fees for the Diploma Engineering ( Diploma Leading to Bachelor ) for International Leadership at Griffith College in Australia. From t...
