The number of study permits in Canada for 2025 has been capped at 437,000, a decrease from the previous target of 485,000, and this cap will also apply in 2026.
“In line with the government's election commitment, from 1 July 2025 in Australia, the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for primary student visa applicants will be increased from $1,600 to $2,000,” a Home Affairs spokesperson confirmed to The PIE.
Canada or Australia, which is better for students? This is a common confusion for many students as they consider studying abroad. Both countries are widely recognized for quality education and have highly ranked universities, post-study work opportunities, and a good standard of living.
In this blog, we will assess each key factor to determine which country is more favourable in the Canada vs Australia comparison for Indian students.
Canada vs Australia: Overview of Education Systems
When making the choice to compare Canada vs Australia, it is important to know the basic structure of each country's education system. Both Canada and Australia produce degrees that are recognized globally, but there are differences in academic structures, length of programs and teaching styles.
Education system in Canada
The education system in Canada includes two main types of institutions: colleges, which offer career-focused diplomas and certificates, and universities, which provide academic degrees such as bachelor's, master's, and PhDs. Students who plan to study in Canada can choose from a wide range of programs designed for both practical skills and advanced academic learning.
Length of Program:
Bachelor's: typically 3–4 years
Master's: typically 1–2 years
Diploma/Certificate: typically 1–2 years
Co-op Programs: Many colleges and universities in Canada offer co-op options (paid internships) that allow students to gain real-world experience during their course of study.
Grading System: The grading system in Canada varies by province, but the most common formats include percentage (%) or GPA.
Education system in Australia
The education system in Australia is made up of TAFE institutes (Technical and Further Education) and universities. TAFE institutes focus on vocational studies, while universities offer academic degrees for students who plan to study in Australia and pursue higher education.
Length of Program:
Bachelor's: 3 years (honours optional)
Master's: 1–2 years
Vocational Diplomas: 6 months – 2 years
Research: Many universities emphasize research and critical thinking, offering a slightly different academic approach compared to Canadian institutions.
Grading System: Grades are commonly awarded as HD (High Distinction), D (Distinction), C (Credit), P (Pass), and F (Fail).
Popular Courses Among International Students
Every year, both Canada and Australia welcome thousands and thousands of international students. Both nations have internationally ranked universities and reputable programs of study. However, the popular programs of study differ due to job market trends, migration policies, and focus on academics in both countries.
Popular Programs of Study in Canada
Let us explore the popular programs to study for students in Canada:
1. Computer Science & IT
With the growing tech sector found in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, Computer Science is also a highly sought-after program for students looking for work within Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, or Software Development.
2. Business & Management
Canada offers a wide range of specializations of Business, including MBA programs, along with strong co-op and internship opportunities.
3. Engineering
Disciplines such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Engineering are in high demand within the public and private sectors.
4. Health Sciences & Nursing
With a graying population, Canada continues to experience a huge demand for healthcare professionals making health, sciences, and nursing a strong choice for jobs and pathways for earlier Visa and PR.
5. Data Science & Analytics
As industries become data-driven, Data Science and AI are increasingly in demand and become immensely popular.
Let us explore the popular programs to study for students in Australia:
1. Nursing & Healthcare
With Australia's demand for skilled healthcare workers, Nursing is a highly popular choice for international students given strong employability outcomes and pathways for earlier Visa and PR.
2. Engineering
Civil Engineering and Mining Engineering and Electrical engineering are in high demand in Australia as a result of Regional development and infrastructure projects.
3. Business & Accounting
Business programs are very popular, especially for students majoring in Accounting and International Business which are both highly sought after on Australia's skilled occupation list.
4. Hospitality & Tourism Management
With more international visitors to Australia than ever before, Australia has a booming tourism industry, meaning there is always a need for people working in this area.
5. Environmental Science & Sustainability
With Australia focusing on climate change and conservation of the environment, there will always be relevance and job opportunities in Environmental Science and Sustainability programs.
Canada vs Australia: Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
When comparing Canada vs Australia, where tuition fees and daily necessities are concerned, it is necessary to balance tuition fees as tuition will depend on your course of study and university and living expenses that will depend on the city you live in and can even vary depending on your lifestyle.
Canada vs Australia: Tuition Fees
Here is a table of comparison of tuition fees between Canada vs Australia along with INR conversions:
Program Type
Canada (per year)
Australia (per year)
Undergraduate
CAD 15,000–25,000 (₹9–15 lakhs)
AUD 20,000–35,000 (₹11–20 lakhs)
Postgraduate (Master’s)
CAD 17,000–30,000 (₹10–18 lakhs)
AUD 22,000–37,000 (₹12–21 lakhs)
MBA
CAD 30,000–45,000 (₹18–27 lakhs)
AUD 35,000–60,000 (₹19–33 lakhs)
Note- INR conversions are approximate and may vary based on currency exchange rates.
Canada vs Australia: Admission Requirements for International Students
Whether considering Canada or Australia, it is essential to understand the admission requirements for a successful application. While both countries have rigorous academic requirements, there may be some variation in the criteria for entry, criteria for documentation and tests.
Admission Requirements for Studying in Canada
Let us understand the admission requirements for studying in Canada with the help of a table:
Requirement
Details
Academic Qualifications
Minimum 60–70% in 12th grade for UG; 65–75% in bachelor's for PG
May be required for PG and research-based programs
Resume/CV
Recommended for PG and work-experience-based programs
Passport & Academic Documents
Valid passport, educational transcripts, certificates, etc.
Generally, the admission requirements for Canada and Australia are similar in terms of academic and language requirements.
However, Canadian Universities may place more emphasis on co-op experience and standardized test scores, while Australian Universities may place more of an emphasis on academic standing as a whole and relevant work experience.
Canada vs Australia: Student Visa Process, Work
Rights & PR
When exploring Canada vs Australia, it is important for Indian students to grasp the student visa process and work rights because both countries allow part-time work while studying, and after graduation, students have pathways to stay and work. But the details differ by country.
Regional pathways to PR (Subclass 491) if you study in a designated area
Points are awarded to you based on age, education qualifications, post-study work experience and English language competency.
An Australian study will improve your chances of PR through the Post-Study Work Stream.
Canada vs Australia: Post-Study Work Opportunities
Let us understand the Post‑Study Work Opportunities for International Students in Canada vs Australia along with top recruiters, job roles, and average salaries
Post Study Work Opportunities in Canada
Here is a table of post-study work opportunities in Canada for international students:
Job Role
Top Recruiters
Average Salary (CAD / ₹)
Software Engineer / Developer
Google Canada, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM
CAD 88,820 (₹54.8 lakhs)
Data Scientist / AI Specialist
CapitalOne, Bell, IBM, RBC
CAD 83,512 (₹51.5 lakhs)
Machine Learning Engineer
IBM, Oracle, Amazon
CAD 80,806 (₹49.9 lakhs)
Electrical / Mechanical Engineer
Hydro One, Hatch
CAD 81,706 (₹50.4 lakhs)
Business Intelligence Analyst
L’Oréal, Bell, The Co-operators
CAD 65,131 (₹40.2 lakhs)
Note- INR conversions are approximate and may vary based on currency exchange rates.
The Canada hosts the largest number of international students from across the world. Over the past few years, it has become one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad. Reasons such as best-ranked institutions, excellent support facilities, flexible academic environment, and cultural diversity contribute to making it the most preferred destination amongst students planning to study abroad.
Canada vs Australia: Lifestyle, Safety & Culture
When deciding between Canada vs Australia, students often consider more than academics. Lifestyle, safety, and cultural experience play a major role in shaping the overall student journey.
Here’s a comparison to help you understand what each country offers:
Lifestyle
Let us compare the lifestyles between Canada and Australia based on certain factors:
Canada:
Cold winters and cool to warm summers, depending on the region.
Busy and clean, green cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Very good public transit systems (buses, metros, trains).
Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing and festivals, events, and multicultural activities.
Tourist destinations with exciting urban experience and in the context of a good work-study balance.
Australia
Warm, sunny, nice weather all year-round, and very mild winters.
Convenient, friendly, and busy cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane; carefree and relaxed lifestyle.
Very good public transport services (buses, trams, trains).
Outdoor lifestyle: beaches, swimming, surfing, BBQs, national parks.
Leisure and relaxed living.
Safety
Let us compare the Safety between Canada and Australia based on certain factors:
Canada:
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world (GPI Index).
Very low crime rates and especially in suburb and student cities.
Emergency numbers: 911.
Public healthcare provided for international students in some provinces
Very inclusive and welcoming of immigrants.
Australia:
Australia is considered to be safe as it has a well-resourced and developed police force.
Emergency numbers: 000.
International students must get Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Low to medium level of crime; slightly varies by city.
Generally welcoming to international students with increasing multiculturalism support.
Culture
Let us compare the Culture between Canada and Australia based on certain factors:
Canada:
Very multicultural; very large Indian diaspora.
Celebrates Indian Festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Eid, etc.
Canada has 2 official languages: English and French.
Great social culture and very respectful and welcoming social culture.
Great food culture with Indian, Asian, Middle Eastern, etc meets, tandooris, etc.
Australia:
Growing Indian student population.
Acts like a multicultural place with Indian festivals and celebrations along with international festivals.
English speaking; easy for Indian students to communicate.
Adopts a more relaxed and casual culture, and among students, positive satisfaction.
Strong café, coastal cultures, along with an outdoorsy
Canada vs Australia: Pros and Cons Comparison Table
When choosing between Canada and Australia, understanding the key differences can help you make an informed decision. Below is a Canada vs Australia: Pros and Cons Comparison Table that highlights important factors like tuition fees, cost of living, PR opportunities, and work options for international students.
Feature
Canada
Australia
Tuition Fees
Moderate
Slightly higher
Cost of Living
Lower in smaller cities
Higher in major cities
PR Opportunities
More structured and student-friendly
Competitive and point-based
Part-time Work Limits
20 hrs/week during studies
24 hrs/week from July 2023
Post-study Work Visa
Up to 3 years (PGWP)
2–4 years (Subclass 485)
Indian Student Community
Very strong
Also strong, especially in metro cities
Conclusion
Choosing between Canada vs Australia which is better for students depends on your educational objectives, desired budget and lifestyle preferences. Both countries provide quality education, potential post study work, and possible pathways for PR status. No wonder they are so popular amongst international aspirants.
When comparing Canada vs Australia, Canada is cheap for education in smaller cities, provides a multicultural environment, and clearer PR options than Australia. However, Australia offers a sunny climate, a more relaxed culture and better job opportunities in medicine, business and engineering.
In the end, making a choice between Canada and Australia will depend on which country fits best with your personal academic, professional and personal goals in the long term.
FAQs
Which is more economical for students from India: Canada or Australia?
For students from India, Canada is typically the more economical option with respect to tuition fees and living costs especially if they choose to study in smaller cities. Australia generally has higher living costs in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Which country has better PR options post-study: Canada or Australia?
Canada has more predictable and well-structured PR pathways with systems like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Australia's PR pathways are more based on points and are occupation specific.
Is IELTS compulsory for both countries?
Yes, for admissions to universities and for visa purposes, IELTS (or an equivalent English test e.g. TOEFL, PTE) is compulsory for both countries.
Which country has better climatic conditions for Indian students?
Australia is a better option because their tropical climate is warmer and is comparatively better for Indian student-standard Canada has a lot of cold weather especially in the winter months.
Do both countries accept Indian 12th board marks for undergraduate admissions?
Yes, both Canada and Australia will accept Indian 12th board results (CBSE, ICSE, and State boards) for undergraduate programs subject to course-specific eligibility criteria and minimum percentage.
Which intakes are available in the respective countries Canada and Australia?
Canada: Fall (September), Winter (January), and Summer (May)
Australia: typically February and July (main intakes) with some courses starting in November.
Can Indian students directly apply for PR after completing studies in Canada and Australia?
Not immediately. Students need to first apply for Post-Study Work Visas and gain relevant work experience before becoming eligible for PR (permanent residency) in either country.
Which is better for STEM programs?
Canada is well known for its strength in STEM programs, especially in computer science, AI, and engineering. Australia has a good number of programs too but is more focused on healthcare, marine science, and mining programs.
Which is better for healthcare and nursing programs?
Australia has an advantage because of the great demand for health care, and better integration of nursing programs within the PR (permanent residency) eligible occupations.
Which country has the best internship and co-op programs?
Canada is an absolute leader in co-op and internship programs in their curriculum, particularly in tech and business, while Australia's internships generally derive from an outside experience and tend to be unpaid.
Are there any differences in terms of post-study work visas?
Yes. Canada: Up to a maximum of 3 years (PGWP), depending on length of course.
Australia: 2 to 4 years, depending on location and qualification level.
Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert |110 articles published
Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technolog...
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