7 Reasons to Study in Australia, UK or USA Despite High Costs

Studying abroad in any country will always be an expensive option for many, but choosing to study in either Australia, the UK or USA can be more costly than other destinations. Whilst it may be more expensive than other study abroad destinations, the benefits cannot be matched by other study abroad countries.

In this article, we take a look at why you should seriously consider studying in one of the big three study abroad destinations (Australia, UK, and USA) despite the fact that the cost of studying there are often slightly higher.

1. Ranking

It should come as no shock that universities in Australia, UK and USA rank highly in international university comparison studies. Did you know though that all of the top ten universities in the THE World University Rankings are from these destinations and nineteen of the top twenty also come from these study locations? In fact, many of the top 100 universities are based in either Australia, the UK or USA.

The USA has more universities than any other country in the world. And it also has more in the top ten of the Times Higher Education Supplement than any other country in the world. This alone is enough to make it the number one choice for many international students. In the UK, an historic reputation for academic excellence (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE) combines with modern university teaching at some of the newest campuses in the world. Even though Australia has a small population of just 20 million, it has a relatively large number of world-class universities and colleges.

By choosing to study in one of these locations, there is a good chance your institution will be ranked highly.

READ MORE: University Rankings explained

2. Recognition

A high ranking brings recognition, and universities in the big three study abroad destinations are recognised as leaders across the planet. Academics and employers alike all respect these institutions for their work, and as such they have become educational hubs, employers may also use it as a differentiator when you apply for a job or research post once you’ve graduated. Studying in the UK in particular gives you access to some universities with outstanding reputation for research, making it attractive for postgraduate students from around the world.

3. Quality

Rankings and recognition aren’t decided or created overnight, it takes universities decades to establish themselves as leaders within the educational sector, and they can only do this by providing a higher quality than other institutions. You’ll often find universities in the big three study destinations have more contact hours available to students, better student:staff ratios, and more resources and technology available. As such, the universities in the big three study destinations are of the highest calibre, and you can be confident you’ll gain an excellent degree from them by studying there.

4. Environment

Australia, the UK and USA all hold English as their national language. Because of this, you know you’ll be taught in English, allowing you to enhance your communication skills and apply your education in a wider market. Whilst the world is becoming safer all the time, there are some countries that are safer than others. Studying in Australia will mean that you are studying in a country that is regarded as one of the safest and friendliest study destinations in the world.

5. Choice

Studying in the USA will give you quite possibly the widest choice of subjects available in the world, and almost infinite flexibility on how you put together your studies. It’s also relatively easy to change your mind, and switch classes, courses or even institutions.

In the UK, you are expected to be more independent when it comes to learning but the choices are expansive and Australia also offers a wealth of choices. All three destinations provide a variety of options when it comes to study location too, with a varied backdrop across each country it is more than possible to find the campus style and environment that will suit you.

6. Employability

An American, British or Australian education is highly-regarded by employers around the world, and could provide you with the start you need to create a rewarding career. Many courses also offer work experience or internships as part of the curriculum. This provides you with the chance to put your studies into practice – and add valuable experience to your CV.

Many of the largest corporations in the world are based in these countries too, making them the ideal location to start your career. With a clear framework of recognised qualifications and a reputation for effective teaching and research, a degree from Australia, the UK or US is also highly portable around the world.

READ MORE: How will studying abroad help your career prospects?

7. Experience

Studying in one of the big three destinations will open up so much choice for you, but wherever you study, you’ll be at a highly ranked university which will help enhance your employability, all of which makes for an incredible study abroad experience.

For more information on the UK, USA and Australia, as well as other great study abroad options, see our Country Directory.

Related topics

• Study in Australia
• Study in the UK
• Study in the USA
• Funding and Scholarships for International Students