Canada vs Australia Which Country is Better for International Students

Canada vs Australia: Which Country is Better for International Students?

Choosing the perfect study destination is a big decision for international students. Canada and Australia consistently rank as top choices, thanks to their excellent education systems, diverse cultures, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here’s a detailed comparison of these two popular destinations in 2025 to help you make an informed choice.

Study Permits and Work Opportunities

Canada

• Temporary Study Permit Cap: Canada introduced a cap on study permits in 2024, limiting permits to 360,000 annually to manage the influx of international students.
• Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP): Only students from public or designated private institutions are eligible. Master's graduates benefit from three-year PGWPs, enhancing job prospects.
• Spousal Work Permits: Spouses of Master’s or Ph.D. students can obtain open work permits, creating opportunities for family members.
• Cost of Living: Starting 2024, students must demonstrate CAD 20,635 to cover living expenses (excluding Quebec).

Australia

• Financial Requirements: As of May 2024, students must show AUD 29,710 for living expenses.
• Study Visa Acceptance: Australia’s visa acceptance rate of 96.8% makes it highly accessible for eligible students.
• Spousal Work Opportunities: Spouses of Master’s or Ph.D. students can work full-time while in Australia.

Winner: Canada offers seamless transitions to work permits and residency, but Australia excels in straightforward visa processing.

Cost of Living and Tuition Fees

• Canada: Tuition fees range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 30,000 annually, with living costs lower in smaller cities.
• Australia: Tuition fees range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, with higher living costs in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

Winner: Canada is more affordable in terms of tuition and living expenses.

Employment Rate Comparison Between Canada and Australia

Factors	Canada	Australia
Employment Rate	Approximately 62%	Approximately 64%
Economic Sectors	Technology, natural resources, services	Mining, agriculture, finance, tourism
Regional Employment	Higher in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia; lower in rural areas	Higher in urban areas like Sydney and Melbourne; lower in rural regions
Economic Performance	Resilient job market despite global challenges	Strong economic performance with job creation policies
Workforce Participation	Affected by regional disparities	Encouraged by government policies to boost workforce participation

Winner: Both countries offer strong employment prospects, but Australia’s employment rate is slightly higher.

Top Universities and Courses in Canada and Australia

Canada	Courses	Australia	Courses
McGill University	MBA in Canada	Australian National University	MBA in Australia
University of Toronto	Hospitality Management	The University of Melbourne	Bachelor of Community Services
University of British Columbia	Computer Programming	The University of Sydney	Early Childhood Education
University of Alberta	Nursing	The University of New South Wales	Cybersecurity
University of Montreal	Engineering	The University of Queensland	Nursing
McMaster University	Media & Journalism	Monash University	Accounting
University of Waterloo	Health & Management	The University of Western Australia	Tourism and Hospitality Management

Winner: Australia offers a wider range of courses in emerging fields like cybersecurity and hospitality.

Climate and Lifestyle

• Canada: Winters can be harsh, with temperatures dropping below -30°C in some regions. Summers are cooler, offering a refreshing escape and opportunities to explore nature.
• Australia: Known for its sunny and temperate climate, Australia’s summers (Dec–Feb) and mild winters (Jun–Aug) are ideal for outdoor activities year-round.

Winner: Australia, for its warm and pleasant weather.

Immigration Pathways

• Canada: Simplified immigration pathways like Express Entry and PGWP make it easier for international students to transition to permanent residency.
• Australia: Offers regional programs and General Skilled Migration pathways, though processes can be more complex.

Winner: Canada, for its straightforward and predictable immigration policies.

Conclusion

Both countries are excellent choices, but the right destination depends on your priorities:

• Canada: Best for affordability, simplified immigration, and long-term residency opportunities.
• Australia: Ideal for those seeking a sunny climate, diverse courses, and a vibrant lifestyle.

At Bansal Immigration Consultants, we provide expert guidance to help you choose the best study destination based on your goals. Whether it’s Canada’s inclusivity or Australia’s dynamic culture, we’re here to make your study abroad journey smooth and successful.

Contact us today for personalized advice and support!

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance and may vary with policy changes. Always consult with a licensed immigration agent for the latest updates.