Australia Vs Canada: Which is Better for International Students

Canada and Australia remain prominent destinations for international students. Both offer world-class education, top universities, opportunities for employment, and a high quality of life. However, if you are deciding on Australia vs Canada for higher education, several factors, such as the cost of living, tuition fees, and immigration policies, have to be taken into consideration. In this article, we provide a comprehensive comparison of Australia and Canada to help you make an informed decision.

Key Differences to Consider When Choosing Between Australia and Canada

The comparison is made based on the key differences considered when choosing between Australia and Canada. We’ll discuss them one by one here:

Australian vs Canadian Education

Category	Australia	Canada
Top Universities	9 universities have made it to the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.	Four universities have made it to the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Tuition Fees	Australia is slightly more expensive than Canada. The tuition fee ranges from USD 12,538 to USD 28,212 per year.	Canada is less expensive in terms of tuition fees. The tuition fee generally ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 21,000 per year.

Australia vs Canada Cost of Living

Expense Category	Australia	Canada
Accommodation Costs	A one-bedroom apartment in the downtown area is approximately AUD 2,417 per month while a three-bedroom apartment is AUD 4,548 per month.	A one-bedroom apartment in the downtown area is approximately CAD 1,760 per month while a three-bedroom apartment is CAD 3,111 per month.
Food	Approximately AUD 900 per month.	Approximately CAD 800 per month.
Transportation Costs	Approximately AUD 445 per month.	Approximately CAD 187 per month.
Verdict	Australia’s cost of living is slightly higher than Canada’s cost of living. According to the latest GQ’s The Most Expensive Countries in the World for 2025, Australia is ranked 13th with a cost of living index of 72.8, while Canada is ranked 15th with a cost of living index of 68.4.

Get a detailed explanation of Living Costs in Canada and Living Costs in Australia.

Immigration Policies: Canada vs Australia

Student Visa and Post-Study Work Visa

Category	Canada	Australia
Student Visa	Study Permit	Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Application Fee	CAD 150	AUD 1,808
Work While Studying	Up to 24 hours per week.	48 hours per fortnight during term time.
Post-study work visa	PGWP allows graduates to work with any employer in Canada. The PGWP work permit program duration is up to 3 years.	Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows recent graduates to live and work in Australia for 2 to 4 years.

Canada PR vs Australia PR

Category	Canada	Australia
PR Pathway	There are three types of PR pathways in Canada- Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Provincial Nominee Program.	There are three types of PR pathways in Australia–  Family, Work, and Business PR Visas.
PR Process	Easier process	Complex process
Work Experience	Students can apply for PR with one year of work experience under CEC.	Students require a minimum of 2 to 3 years of work experience to apply for PR.
PR Point Requirements	Flexible	Has a fixed minimum PR points
Processing Time	6 months or less	8 months to 3 years

Verdict: Canada’s PR process is much more student-friendly than Australia’s

Employment: Canada vs Australia

Factors	Canada	Australia
Current Employment Rate	61.1% as of February 2025	64.10% as of February 2025
Current Unemployment Rate	6.6% as of 2025	4.1% as of 2025
Total number of people employed as of 2025	20.85 million as of 2025	14,616,400 as of Jan 2025
Job Growth in Sectors (2025)	Employment has increased in wholesale and retail trade, finance, insurance, real estate, and rental & leasing.	Australia will witness job vacancies in sectors such as healthcare, education, technical & scientific sectors, and professional services.
Minimum Wages	CAD 15 to CAD 17 per hour	AUD 24.10 per hour

Economy: Canada vs Australia

Indicator	Canada	Australia
Annual GDP	USD 2.5 trillion	USD 1.78 trillion
GDP per capita	Approximately USD 55,890	Approximately USD 67,000

GDP per capita is a key indicator for international students, and as per the statistics, Australia has an edge over Canada.

Climate and Lifestyle

• Australia has a warm to hot climate. Summers can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, Canada has cold winters and mild to warm summers. Winters can reach up to -30 degrees Celsius.
• Both Australia and Canada have 4 seasons- Winter, Summer, Spring and Fall; but their timings are opposite. 
• Canada has a more structured and organized lifestyle. On the other hand, Australia has a laid-back and outdoor lifestyle.
• Canada has a balanced work culture but it depends on the job sector. Cities like Vancouver have a busier work culture. On the other hand, Australia has a more laid-back work culture, especially outside major cities.

Compare Study in Canada and Study in Australia.

Final Verdict! Australia or Canada for International Students?

Factor	Australia	Canada
Education	Australia’s tuition fee is slightly higher.	Canada’s tuition fee is comparatively  less than Australia’s.
Cost of Living	Living costs in Australia are higher.	Living costs in Canada are less expensive than in  Australia.
Employment Opportunities	Ample job opportunities with a slightly higher minimum wage.	Equal job opportunities with a slightly lower minimum wage than Australia.
PR and Immigration	Complex process for obtaining PR.	A much easier process for obtaining PR.
Climate	Warm	Cold

Who Should Choose Australia?

• Students who prefer a warm climate should consider Australia.
• Students who want to earn higher wages should consider Australia.
• Students who want to study at some of the top universities that are ranked higher than those in Canada in the QS Top 50 and 100 World University Rankings should consider Australia.

Who Should Choose Canada?

• Students who prefer affordable education should consider Canada.
• Students who want to settle in Canada through PR after completion of their studies should consider Canada.
• Students who are looking for an affordable cost of living should consider Canada.

Conclusion

Both Canada and Australia are ideal destinations for higher education. However, deciding which country is better depends on your career goal, financial situation, lifestyle preferences, and other factors. Analyze each of these factors thoroughly and decide which country aligns with your needs and requirements.

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