Study in Australia vs Portugal: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Australia and Portugal— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | Australia | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 29,710 AUD | 9,120 EUR |
| Living cost (per month) | 2,476 AUD | 760 EUR |
| Visa fee | 2,000 AUD | 90 EUR |
| Typical processing time | ~6 weeks | ~8 weeks |
| Main intakes | Feb, Jul | Feb, Sep |
| Required documents | 6 | 5 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: Australia vs Portugal
- Portugal needs less money up front — about €9,120/year versus €18,227 for Australia (≈ €9,107 less).
- Australia is typically faster to process (~6 weeks vs ~8 for Portugal).
- Portugal asks for fewer required documents (5).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to Australia
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement
- Financial capacity
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- English language proof
- Health examination
- Accommodation
Unique to Portugal
- Admission to a Portuguese institution
- Means of subsistence
- Health insurance
- Language proof
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Australia or Portugal?
By proof of funds, Portugal is cheaper — €9,120/year versus €18,227 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, Australia or Portugal?
Australia typically processes faster (~6 weeks vs ~8). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Australia or Portugal?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Portugal needs less money up front — about €9,120/year versus €18,227 for Australia (≈ €9,107 less). Australia is typically faster to process (~6 weeks vs ~8 for Portugal). Portugal asks for fewer required documents (5). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.