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Studying in Australia vs France

How the two compare on the things that matter most to international students — cost, student visas, work rights and the path to staying on after you graduate.

Australia
Australia
France
France
Tuition (per year)
A$20,000–45,000 / year
Public: low differential rate (~€2,770–3,770/yr); private higher
Living costs
A$22,000–29,000 / year
~€10,500 / year (€878/mo from Aug 2026)
Student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
VLS-TS student visa
Work while studying
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during term
Up to 964 hours per year (~20 hrs/week)
Post-study work
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — 18 months to several years by qualification
APS permit — up to 12 months for master’s graduates to find work or start a business
Proof of funds
Tuition + A$29,710/yr living + airfare
Show ~€615/mo (rising to €878/mo from Aug 2026)
Path to residency
Points-based skilled migration (189/190/491); regional study earns extra points
Multi-year residence permit, then long-term residence
Health cover
OSHC private cover mandatory (~A$500–700/yr)
French student health insurance (low cost)
Main intakes
February and July (main), some November
September (main) and January

Australia — often chosen for

  • Post-study work + PR pathways
  • Large South Asian student community
  • Regional study incentives
Study in AustraliaMigration experts →

France — often chosen for

  • Low public-university tuition
  • Business & engineering grandes écoles
  • APS stay-back for master’s+
Study in France

Figures are typical estimates; visa fees and minimum-funds thresholds change regularly. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration authority before deciding. Use the study cost calculator to estimate your own budget.

Australia vs France — common questions

Is it cheaper to study in Australia or France?+

Tuition in Australia is typically A$20,000–45,000 / year and living costs A$22,000–29,000 / year, while France is around Public: low differential rate (~€2,770–3,770/yr); private higher for tuition and ~€10,500 / year (€878/mo from Aug 2026) for living. The cheaper option depends on your course, city and lifestyle — use the study cost calculator to compare your own situation, and remember each country sets a minimum you must prove for the visa.

Which is better for working after graduation, Australia or France?+

Australia offers Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — 18 months to several years by qualification. France offers APS permit — up to 12 months for master’s graduates to find work or start a business. If staying on to work is a priority, weigh the length of the post-study visa against how it leads into longer-term residency in each country.

Which has an easier path to permanent residency, Australia or France?+

Australia: Points-based skilled migration (189/190/491); regional study earns extra points. France: Multi-year residence permit, then long-term residence. Immigration rules change often, so confirm current pathways with a licensed migration adviser before choosing a country for PR reasons.

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