“UK or Australia? Where should I go to further my studies?”
Both countries are jaw-dropping beauties. They are academically accomplished and dominate the QS World Rankings. No wonder you are having a tough time choosing.
In this article, we lay out the similarities and differences before you decide on where to study.
UK or Australia: Similarities That Nurture You
1. Quality Education & Research
Australia and the UK have excellent teachers and facilities. To ensure quality teaching, both countries established frameworks and agencies.
Another highlight of their quality standards is their dominance in the QS World Rankings. Many of the top 50 universities belong to these two education giants. For that to happen, both nations dedicated their resources to funding universities for their many research endeavours.
2. Multiculturalism
The UK and Australia are magnets for people of various backgrounds. In 2022, both countries welcomed over 600,000 students from over 100 nations. Among the top 10 countries include:
The best thing about joining a multicultural community is the boost in awareness and worldviews. A great place to start expanding your horizons is within the campus itself! Universities have many communities that beautifully introduce their cultures through food, festivals, and language.
If you are wondering which universities have the most international students, check out the tables below.
| Universities (QS Ranking) | No. of International Students (% to total student population) |
| University College London (QS:9) | 24,000 (51.3%) |
| The University of Manchester (QS:32) | 18,200 (39.2%) |
| The University of Edinburgh (QS:22) | 18,100 (43.8%) |
| The University of Glasgow (QS:76) | 17,400 (40.5%) |
| King’s College London (QS:40) | 17,200 (41.5%) |
| Coventry University (QS:571) | 15,600 (40.8%) |
| University of Hertfordshire (QS:851-900) | 13,200 (41.4%) |
| University of the Arts, London (N/A) | 12,100 (53.8%) |
| Ulster University (QS:496) | 12,100 (35%) |
| Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (QS:6) | 11,300 (52.6%) |
| Universities (QS Ranking) | No. of International Students(% to total student population) |
| University of Sydney (QS:19) | 36,600 (47.5%) |
| Monash University (QS:42) | 35,100 (42.8%) |
| RMIT University (QS:140) | 32,900 (45.1%) |
| University of Melbourne (QS:14) | 27,000 (38.5%) |
| University of New South Wales (QS:19) | 23,800 (35.8%) |
| University of Queensland (QS:43) | 20,700 (37.6%) |
| Curtin University (QS:183) | 12,400 (24.8%) |
| Torrens University Australia (N/A) | 12,200 (49.2%) |
| Swinburne University of Technology (QS:285) | 11,400 (27.6%) |
| Australian National University (QS:34) | 8,600 (35.5%) |
Where To Study?
Are you looking for a university for your overseas education AND to indulge in multiculturalism? Let our friendly Study Abroad Consultants help you become part of the community.
Whether you choose to study in Australia or the UK, you can begin embodying multiculturalism through their insights into the
- universities
- courses
- lifestyles
- clubs and societies
3. Employment Opportunities
On the career aspect, studying abroad builds your employability through invaluable experiences. As soon as you board the plane, you learn to care for your own needs. In class, your coursework includes collaborative work, teaching you the value of teamwork.
In addition, both countries have internships and industrial partnerships with local firms to enhance your experiences. For example,
- HSBC Bank strengthens Birmingham University Business School’s (UK) Entrepreneurship Module through lectures. It awards prizes to students who create the best Business Plans.
- Victoria University (Australia) collaborates with the Western Bulldogs Football Club to give 100 student placements annually. Since the 1980s, this collaboration has become a place for student research in sports science, data analytics, strength and conditioning, and psychology.
4. Personal Growth
Whether you study in the UK or Australia, you will grow quickly. Your classes and assignments challenge you to create new solutions while working with what you have.
For many students, these overseas learning experiences serve as a safe environment for them to break out of their comfort zones and build confidence. All thanks to the emphasis on active communication and participation.
Finding it hard to imagine? Let these students share their stories about their overseas education.
UK or Australia: Different Strokes For Different Folks
1. Different Popular Fields of Studies
Both the UK and Australia offer many courses you are familiar with, such as Business, Engineering, Computing, Medicine and Psychology. Yet, there are also certain types of courses that each country is uniquely positioned for.
UK: A country of 4 nations and a neighbour to many European countries. The UK has a denser population of 68 million people and has been known for a long trading history. Thus, it provides a variety of humanitarian and linguistic courses that make a great global impact.
Take Sociology for example, where the UK has produced innovative thinkers who paved the way for modern society.
- Adam Smith (1723–1791): He introduced new societal concepts that improved the economy and society, including enforcing the laws against smuggling in 1778.
- John Maynard Keynes (1883–1946): He introduced Keynesian economics, which highlights how the government’s involvement affects the economy.
Aside from Economics, the UK is also especially renowned for
- Anthropology
- Law
- Linguistics
- Politics
Australia: With Mother Nature close by, universities there serve a buffet of environmental and natural science-related courses. Through fieldwork and even leisure visits, you will have a full-body experience of what you learned.
Moreover, Australia is a growing country for environmental-related industries. One of its major sectors, horticulture, exports AUD 2.75 billion in produce! In the 1970s, Bill Mollison and David Holmgren invented the permaculture concept to make farming and gardening more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
If you love working with nature, these are some of the other courses you can aim for:
- Agribusiness
- Automotive
- Mining
- Zoology
2. Different Seasonal Cycles That Matter
Studying in the UK and Australia often comes with changing seasons. A major detail that sets both countries apart is their inverse seasonal cycles and varying temperatures.
UK: Situated up north, between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. The UK weather can be described as variable. From chilly winters to hot summers, get ready for the full package of sunshine, rain, and snow.
Australia: Situated nearer to the equator, between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Australia is known for its upside-down season all year and being warmer than the UK. Being a huge country, each state even has its fair share of seasonal changes.
For many, the Australian climate is generally more inviting. But if you love the chance to rock some winter fashion, there are plenty of inspirations to be found on King’s Road (Chelsea, London).
How To Prepare For The Weather
- Do a bit of research about the country you plan to study in.
- If you are sensitive to the weather, pack items that help you combat it.
(Note: Winter wear is cheaper overseas.) - Ask someone experienced, like our study abroad consultants.
3. Different But Equally Exciting Lifestyles
There are different things to experience, be it in the UK or Australia.
UK: Being smaller in land mass and near Europe, the UK has easier access to many travel destinations. Coupled with attractive student fares, a road trip is a common pastime here.
You can be strolling around the Natural History Museum in London or sipping coffee in Paris during your study breaks.
Australia: At 30 times the size of the UK, Australia is blessed with endless natural terrain and wildlife. With all-year-round welcoming weather, it is a paradise for outdoor lovers.
You can join the locals in surfing, outdoor BBQ, and hiking! Most student cities are near the ocean. Among them are Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, and Perth.
For more information about student cities,
Our Essential Study In Australia Guide For Malaysian Students 2024 will be happy to fill you in. While you are there, watch out for the crocks and cute quokkas!
Which One Is The Perfect Place?
We hate to break it to you, but only you can determine which country is perfect for you.
The type of course, university prestige, budget, preferred environment, and many other factors will affect your final decision. Even so, you are assured a world-class overseas education in whichever destination you choose.
Should you need help choosing, our consultants will give you clearer insights into each country’s unique traits. They even assist you in securing your visa, securing your accommodations, and preparing your enrolment from start to finish!
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