US limits foreign student stays to four years from September

AustraliavsJapan

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Australia and Japan are high-quality Asia-Pacific bases with different social contracts. Australia keeps English default and outdoor suburban patterns. Japan delivers transit excellence and cultural depth with a language wall for most newcomers.

Work culture intensity differs. Nature access is strong in both if you leave the CBD.

Key scores at a glance

Japan wins 9 of 16 categories we track; Australia wins 7.

  • Safety · Australia 8.6/10 · Japan 9.4/10
  • Healthcare · Australia 8.8/10 · Japan 9.3/10
  • Cost of living · Australia 6.0/10 · Japan 6.8/10

Choose

  • Australia if you want English as the daily default, suburban outdoor patterns, and a Pacific lifestyle without a steep language wall
  • Japan if you want transit-first cities, deep cultural immersion, and are willing to study Japanese for life beyond expat bubbles

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