University is most expensive for Americans, with annual tuition averaging $11,950 (£9,025) at public four-year colleges in 2025/26, soaring to $45,000 (£33,982) at private non-profit institutions. In the UK, the annual cap varies significantly based on where you live and your eligibility, but generally only goes as high as $12,964 (£9,790) in 2026/27.

Canadian undergraduates pay an average of $5,626 (£4,249), while Australia's subsidised tuition ranges from around $3,304 (£2,495) to $12,134 (£9,163), depending on the subject. Student loans ease upfront costs in Britain and Australia, while eligible Scottish students studying in Scotland actually pay nothing.

Cost of living: how costs compare across the UK, US, Canada and Australia