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Studying in Australia vs Canada

How the two compare on the things that matter most to international students — cost, student visas, work rights and the path to staying on after you graduate.

Australia
Australia
Canada
Canada
Tuition (per year)
A$20,000–45,000 / year
C$15,000–35,000 / year
Living costs
A$22,000–29,000 / year
C$13,000–16,000 / year
Student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Study permit (plus a Provincial Attestation Letter)
Work while studying
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during term
Up to 24 hours per week off-campus during term (as of late 2024 — confirm current rule)
Post-study work
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — 18 months to several years by qualification
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — up to 3 years
Proof of funds
Tuition + A$29,710/yr living + airfare
Tuition + C$22,895/yr living (outside Quebec)
Path to residency
Points-based skilled migration (189/190/491); regional study earns extra points
Express Entry (CRS) and Provincial Nominee Programs — one of the clearest study-to-PR routes
Health cover
OSHC private cover mandatory (~A$500–700/yr)
Provincial cover varies; some provinces need private insurance
Main intakes
February and July (main), some November
September (main), January, May

Australia — often chosen for

  • Post-study work + PR pathways
  • Large South Asian student community
  • Regional study incentives
Study in AustraliaMigration experts →

Canada — often chosen for

  • Clear study-to-PR pathways
  • PGWP up to 3 years
  • French-language advantages
Study in CanadaMigration experts →

Figures are typical estimates; visa fees and minimum-funds thresholds change regularly. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration authority before deciding. Use the study cost calculator to estimate your own budget.

Australia vs Canada — common questions

Is it cheaper to study in Australia or Canada?+

Tuition in Australia is typically A$20,000–45,000 / year and living costs A$22,000–29,000 / year, while Canada is around C$15,000–35,000 / year for tuition and C$13,000–16,000 / year for living. The cheaper option depends on your course, city and lifestyle — use the study cost calculator to compare your own situation, and remember each country sets a minimum you must prove for the visa.

Which is better for working after graduation, Australia or Canada?+

Australia offers Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — 18 months to several years by qualification. Canada offers Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — up to 3 years. If staying on to work is a priority, weigh the length of the post-study visa against how it leads into longer-term residency in each country.

Which has an easier path to permanent residency, Australia or Canada?+

Australia: Points-based skilled migration (189/190/491); regional study earns extra points. Canada: Express Entry (CRS) and Provincial Nominee Programs — one of the clearest study-to-PR routes. Immigration rules change often, so confirm current pathways with a licensed migration adviser before choosing a country for PR reasons.

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