Study In Canada vs Australia, Which Country Is Best ?

Every year, students travel abroad to pursue higher education. The top country for students to study abroad has long been the United States of America (USA). Currently, students wishing to study abroad frequently choose Canada and Australia as their destinations.

It's hardly implausible that Canada and Australia are luring so many students:

Infrastructure, tolerant society, world-class training and education standards, lenient immigration laws, a safe and secure nation, and many more. As a result, students frequently struggle to decide between the two study abroad locations. Australia vs. Canada for students - Which is best for international students who want to study abroad?

Both nations have unique things to offer. Students may be drawn to the lovely beaches of Australia and the majestic mountains and hills of Canada, but which nation offers the finest university/college educational experience?

Regarding the educational system, Australians and Canadians share many similar viewpoints. These two countries have clearly shown that training is a sign of economic development when comparing their skill levels. Having literate citizens helps a country develop quickly. Education among the populace is a prerequisite for prosperity in a nation.

It depends on the field of study you want to pursue as an international student applying for post-secondary admission in either country.

Students who want to study abroad often choose to go to Canada or Australia. Although it is less expensive to study in Canada than Australia. The choice between these two countries ultimately comes down to the individual's goals.

Canada vs Australia for Students – Top Universities and Courses

Australia and Canada both have a reputation for having outstanding universities for international students. The QS World University Rankings 2022 list of top universities in Canada and Australia can be found below.

The top 5 universities in the world include two Canadian and five Australian institutions.

Most Opted Courses in Canada

1. Computer and Information Technology (IT)
2. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
3. Core Engineering and Engineering Management 
4. Business, Accounting, and Finance
5. Agriculture Science and Forestry 
6. Physical and Earth Sciences and Renewable energy
7. Bioscience, Medicine and Healthcare 
8. Hospitality

Most Opted Courses in Australia 

1. Creative Arts and Design 
2. Medical Sciences 
3. Business and Management 
4. Engineering
5. Dentistry 
6. Environmental Sciences 
7. Computer Science 
8. Law 
9. Accounting
10. Hotel Management

Cost of Undergraduate Courses 

The tuition costs will change based on the degree of study you choose. Management courses typically cost more money.

Additionally, compared to Australia, studying in Canada is far more cheap. In Canada, the cost of living is extremely affordable. The typical annual cost of medical insurance is between $300 and $800 CAD.

Canada vs Australia for Students – Admission Requirements 

Candidates must meet the entrance standards if they intend to study in Australia or Canada. They must be familiar with the process in order to be admitted to any university in these nations.

Admission Eligibility Requirement for Canada

In order to enrol in undergraduate (UG) programmes, students must have finished 12 years of formal education. A Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is often not necessary for admission. Undergraduate diplomas typically last between two and three years, while degree programmes in Canada often last four years.

A postgraduate program's (PG) admission process makes it simpler to enrol in vocational courses. A GMAT may be required for admission to top management programmes. However, some of Canada's best MBA programmes do not require the GMAT. Similar to how research-based engineering degrees like an MSc often require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE),

For Canadian schools, the idea of cutoff marks does not apply. On their websites, colleges list the typical grades required for specific courses as well as the average scores accepted. That will provide some insight into what is a decent score.

Candidates may also be needed to take language tests like the TOEFL or IELTS, though some schools may waive this requirement if the applicant can demonstrate that English is their first language or that they have completed previous coursework in the language.

Even while certain Canadian universities and colleges do not require a language exam, it may be a good idea to take one (either the TOEFL or the IELTS) in order to apply for a visa. According to one school of thinking, if the interviewer for the Canadian study visa is uneasy about the applicant's oral abilities, they can refuse to grant the visa.

Admission Eligibility Requirement for Australia

Most Australian institutions require 12 years of pre-university education for entry to undergraduate programmes, making it simpler for international students to get accepted right away to the programme or degree of their choosing.

Only applicants who have completed a three-year undergraduate degree are eligible for admission to postgraduate programmes.

Students will need to complete a four-year graduate degree in engineering in this situation. They will need to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) to be admitted to management courses, and they may need to be GRE-eligible to be admitted to science courses.

You might not be required to have work experience by Australian educational institutions if you are taking management courses at particular colleges.

Course Duration Comparison – Canada vs Australia

In order to receive a "honours" degree in Canada, your education must last at least 4 years.

Canada vs Australia for Students – Visa Procedure

Candidates must review the Australia and Canada visa requirements after looking at the admission requirements. The candidate must be able to go to Canada or Australia for their study abroad location, regardless of the university and programme they select.

Canada Visa Process

The cost of a Canadian study visa application is approximately $150 CAD. All candidates for student visas, including any accompanying family members, must have a medical examination as part of the visa application process to Canada.

No matter what degree of education you plan to pursue in Canada, your family members (such as your spouse and kids) are eligible to apply to join you there.

As an international student studying in Canada, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week (part-time) and up to 40 hours per week (full-time) during scheduled academic vacations including reading week, summer session, and holidays.

If your spouse or common-law partner moves to Canada with you, he or she has the right to a full-time job while you are in school. Your studies and your spouse's work permit's duration are correlated. For instance, if your course of study lasts one year, your spouse will only be granted a one-year work permit.

If your visa application is accepted outside of Canada, you will receive a sticker for your passport that will serve as your study visa. A Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) officer will then grant you a work permit and a study permit at the point of entrance into Canada.

Read Also: How to Apply for a Study Permit in Canada

You must submit an application for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 90 days of finishing your programme of study in Canada in order to be eligible.

Australia Visa Process

• An Australian visa will set you back about $535.
• Australia does not issue stickers in place of student visas.
• Only if the individual is studying a Masters or PhD, can spouses obtain dependent visas. Therefore, your
• spouse is ineligible for a dependant visa if you are studying for an undergraduate degree in Canada.
• Masters and PhD candidates' spouses often put in countless hours of effort.
• In Australia, students on student visas are allowed to work up to 40 hours a fortnight.

Canada vs Australia for Student – Scholarships 

The fact that students can receive scholarships for their undergraduate and/or graduate studies is another factor contributing to Canada and Australia's growing popularity as study abroad locations. Usually, the scholarship covers the cost of the tuition. Popular scholarships available to applicants from Canada and Australia include the following:

Scholarships for Candidates in Canada 

• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan.
• The Government of Canada funded Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship.
• Canada Asia-Pacific Awards (CAPA).
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program.
• Sauvé Scholars Program by the Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation.
• National Research Council of Canada (NRCC).
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships funded by the Government of Canada.
• Shastri-Indo Canadian Institute.
• Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship.

Scholarships for Candidates in Australia 

• Macquarie University International Scholarship.
• Australia Awards Scholarship.
• University of Sydney International Research Scholarship.
• Australian Leadership Awards (ALA).
• University of Adelaide Ashok Khurana Scholarship for Indian Students.
• Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards.
• International Postgraduate Research  Scholarship.
• University of Queensland India-Australia BEL Excellence Scholarship.

Work Permit After Graduation

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada

Canada welcomes immigrants from all over the world and is one of the nations with the best immigration policies.

After completing your education, you must apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in order to work in Canada (referred to as PGWP). The duration of the course you took will determine how long of a PGWP you will receive.

The course you took had to have been for at least a year in order for you to be qualified for a PGWP in Canada (which is equivalent to 8 academic months). The post-work permit has a maximum duration of three years. Consequently, since 3 years is the maximum length of a PGWP, if you studied in Canada for 4 years, you will only receive one.

The PGWP enables international students to obtain Canadian work experience after graduating from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, whether it be a college or university.

Over time, gaining Canadian work experience through the PGWP makes it possible for international graduates to qualify for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada through Express Entry and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Eligibility Criteria 

The course must have lasted at least eight months and you must have attended school full-time in Canada. The Government of Canada granted an exception to the physically present requirements for COVID-19, recognising investigations that were conducted digitally as a result of COVID-19 limitations. You must have formal documentation from the college or university proving this, such as an official letter or a transcript.

For the PGWP, applicants must have a current student visa. You must not be out of status, in other words. You are still considered to have implied status even if your student visa expires after you

Post Study Work Permit in Australia

Depending on the qualification you achieve, you can apply for a work permit in Australia for a period of two to four years.

Students from abroad who have completed the Australian Study Requirements and earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate from an accredited Australian College are eligible.

Graduates who have earned a Bachelor's or Master's degree may also be eligible to submit an application for a two-year post-school work visa.

Through the graduate workstream, additional graduates might be eligible to apply for 18-month subclass 485 visas. It can take up to 4 months to get a visa. You might even be able to bring a member of your family.

Permanent Residency Prospects  Canada:

Candidates may submit an application for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class while they are still in possession of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) (CEC). There is a lack of highly skilled workers because the nation is not very populous. In Canada, obtaining PR is quite doable compared to most other nations.

Australia:

Getting a permanent resident visa is doable, but the procedure seems difficult. The nominee is thoroughly screened by immigration officials to make sure they are not a fraud. Although it may take some time for the PR permit to be obtained due to the lengthy process, it is feasible to obtain Australian citizenship.

Environment, Climate, and Best Cities

Although there have been isolated cases of racial crime, overseas students are generally safe in Australia and Canada. The majority of these cities have a diverse population, and the locals are kind to visitors. The governments of these countries strongly support and are open to all citizens' cultural variety.

Climate IN Canada: 

Depending on where a candidate chooses to study, different parts of Canada experience different weather. From the Pacific to the Atlantic, the territory spans five time zones, and the weather is equally diverse.

British Columbia (BC) has a typically wet and mild winter. Toronto, on the other hand, experiences a cold and snowy winter, with an average temperature of -4.6 degrees Celsius. It occasionally drops to -20. Toronto's summers appear to be hotter than those in the UK, with typical highs of 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. Alberta has a cooler climate than Ontario.

Australia: 

The great weather Australia offers all year long is one of the reasons it is such a well-known study destination for students. Australia offers a lot more sunny temperatures and gorgeous beaches for enjoyment than Canada, which is always freezing.

Best Student Cities: Canada

1. Montreal
2. Toronto
3. Vancouver
4. Quebec
5. Ottawa

Best Student Cities: Australia

1. Melbourne
2. Brisbane
3. Sydney
4. Adelaide
5. Canberra
6. Perth
7. Gold Coast

Industries: Canada

1. Manufacturing sector
2. Biopharmaceutical industry
3. Machinery and equipment sector
4. Food processing industry
5. Chemicals industry
6. Retail and institutional banking 
7. Advisory and financial management services

Industries: Australia

1. The financial Industry
2. Metal and Mining industry
3. The Business Consulting Firms
4. Industrial and Material Industry
5. Energy and Utility Industry
6. Healthcare Industry

Job Opportunities for Students In Canada

In Canada, foreign students are allowed to work 20 hours a week of part-time employment during the semesters and full-time employment during breaks.

You are automatically eligible to work while you are a student if you have a current study permit. Either working on or off campus is up to you. Although you do not need a specific permit to work, you must be enrolled in a full-time course and your job cannot negatively affect your academic performance.

You can work at cafes, coffee shops, apparel or sporting goods retailers, bookstores, libraries, and other establishments. At college swimming pools or beaches, students also work part-time jobs as lifeguards or swimming instructors. You can work as a translator if you have linguistic proficiency. Since English and French are both official languages in Canada, a translation is always required.

Australia

The minimum legal hourly wage in Australia for a simple job requiring no special skills is roughly $18.93 AUD. Good students can make significantly more money each hour. International students are permitted to work up to 40 hours every two weeks, or 20 hours per week when classes are in session. A student is permitted to work on holidays an unlimited number of times.

For international students, there are numerous part-time career options at institutions in Australia.

Employment Opportunities in Canada:

The economy of Canada is booming and lively, with plenty of opportunity for expansion and employment possibilities for citizens.

Some of the most in-demand occupations in Canada are those of programme analyst, teacher, financial management, pharmacist, construction manager, etc.

A permanent full-time work offer from a Canadian business might shorten the processing time for those interested in applying for Permanent Residency through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program. If you are looking for a job temporarily, you can apply for a temporary work permit.

Opportunities for Employment in Australia:

Top occupations are available in Australia in the fields of education, healthcare, hospitality, computer system design, accounting, insurance, and aviation, among others.

Canada vs Australia for Students – Higher Education System

Australian Higher Education System: 

Australia came in fourth place for providing the greatest higher education in the world, behind the USA and the UK.

Many of the greatest institutions in the world are located in Australia, and their education and degrees are respected all over the world. It is not just about the degree programme; they also offer the greatest study spaces so that students may learn and get ready for the future. In Australia, there are more than 1100 reputable institutions offering more than 22,000 courses.

Canadian Higher Education System:

Canada was ranked fifth best country for higher education and ninth most popular student attraction in 2016 by QS Ranking. More than 175,000 undergraduates from across the world are enrolled in Canadian universities, which may be a sign that Canada is a popular destination for international students.

Canada has some of the top colleges and institutions in the world, just like Australia. The University of Toronto (UoT) has consistently been one of the most esteemed and prestigious academic institutions in the world. In 2022, QS ranked UoT as the 31st best institution in the world to attend.

Canada vs Australia for Students from Specific Countries

India

Indian students who want to study abroad often choose to go to Canada or Australia. However, based on a person's preferences, they may choose one of these two nations over the other. However, there are several important factors that each student should take into account when selecting a study abroad location. These are as follows:

• Going far from one's friends, family, locals, city, state, and country is a big decision, and safety is a crucial consideration that one must take into account. People from many cultures and nationalities coexist in Canada, which is a multicultural country. Politics in the nation are stable. However, given that there are instances of racism in Australia, this could not always be the case. Therefore, the Canadian study seems to be significantly safer.
• A tolerant society is one in which people are open to learning from and living with one another. Canada is a multicultural and cosmopolitan nation. International students feel at home in Canadian universities thanks to the diversity and variety on campus.

Comparison with the USA as a Study Abroad Destination

Students' preferences for studying in the USA, Canada, and Australia: For many years, studying in the USA has been one of the top choices for international students.

Australia and Canada have recently made progress in welcoming international students, as well as longterm progress in terms of the number of foreign students that want to study there.

The number of international students in each of these nations during the previous academic year is compared:
Australia has a comparable number of 690,000+ international students, while Canada has 572,000+ as of 2018. With a record-breaking 1.09 million, the USA tops the rankings for 2018.

While in Australia, there was a 12% increase in the number of international students. The number of international students studying in Canada increased by 16.25% over the previous year.

The popularity of the USA, Canada, and Australia as study abroad destinations for students may be indicated by these statistics, but additional considerations will also be made.

Admission Eligibility Criteria in the USA vs Canada vs Australia for Students:

While some US universities, like the Ivey Leagues, offer programmes that demand participation in extracurricular activities and athletics for admission. Universities in Canada and Australia, on the other hand, place a greater emphasis on academic records.

For the majority of Vocational Education and Training (VET) programmes, there are no entrance requirements or tests.

MS in the USA vs MSc in Canada vs Australia:

The Master of Science is one of the courses that foreign students frequently apply for. While it is known as MSc in Canada and Australia, MS is the abbreviation used in the USA.

All three nations provide an MS/MSc degree, and their educational systems are largely similar. The range of courses offered by these three nations is broad, and the cost of tuition varies greatly between them.

Best Universities to Study MSc in Canada vs Australia for Students

Student Visa Comparison Canada vs Australia:

As you've probably figured by this point, each nation has a different procedure for applying for a visa.
The student visa requires a few standard documents. That should consist of a current passport, transcripts from any prior coursework, any applicable education credentials you possess, and a degree certificate (such as a statement of result or certificate).

Since all three countries are English-speaking countries, if your documents are not in English, you will also need to supply translated versions in English. Depending on your planned course of study, you may also need to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and letters of recommendation (LOR) or references.

Students must also demonstrate their ability to support themselves financially for the duration of the course, or one year. These conditions must be met:

• $18,000 AUD ($12,560 USD) for Australia.
• $10,000 CAD (or $7,660 USD) for Canada.

The UK vs Canada vs Australia for Students – Which Country is the Best for International Students?

Three well-known study abroad locations for students interested in studying abroad are the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Australia. But wait, which nation is greatest for attracting foreign students—the UK, Canada, or Australia? Read on!

In the top 100 of the QS World University Ranking, the UK has an astounding eighteen (18) universities. Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and the University of Bristol are just a few of these. Australia has seven, whereas Canada has three.

Although it is possible to top up your degree in Canada, the procedure is not as straightforward as it is in the UK.

Climate

The United Kingdom typically has mild rainy weather. Although there are bright hot days and snowfall in the summer and winter, rain is more frequent throughout the year. The average temperature in the summer is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, while the average temperature in the winter ranges from 0 to 7 degrees Celsius.

As was already said in this blog, the weather varies across Canada. Australia offers far more sunny climes and gorgeous beaches than Canada and the UK, which contrast with their cold climates. This is one of the reasons Australia is a well-liked study abroad destination.

Tuition Fee Costs

Compared to the UK, the variety of tuition fees in Canada is wider and offers both more affordable and more expensive options, depending on your course of study and institution of choice. Compared to the  Canada, Australia's average tuition costs are often higher.

Cost of Living

Rent and living expenses in the UK average between $12,000 and $15,000 USD annually. In the UK, undergraduate studies typically endure three years (with the exception of degrees pertaining to medicine and foreign languages). Thus, the overall cost of living for the duration of a UK undergraduate degree programme ranges between $36,000 and $45,000. If you choose to study in one of the more expensive places, like London, this cost can go up.

For overseas students, Canada offers lower living expenses than the UK. However, it is important to keep in mind that undergraduate programmes in Canada normally last four years. In all three countries, postgraduate studies last one to two years.

Potential overseas students for Australia must demonstrate that they have access to US$14,000 annually to cover living expenses as part of the visa application process.

Opportunities for Permanent Residency in the UK

Theresa May, who was the Home Secretary at the time, amended the rules in 2012 to restrict how long foreign students may stay in the UK after finishing their studies to just two months. Later, after realising how unfair this was, the government increased it to six months. As a result, fewer overseas students were interested in going to the UK to study abroad.

Politicians and university organisations began to advocate for the extension to two years. In the UK, international students can now stay and work for up to two years, so this strategy recently paid off.

In contrast, because of its low population and competent workforce, Canada frequently looks for people (especially overseas students) to settle there and hire highly skilled personnel.
Australia is more hospitable to international students who decide to stay once their studies are over than the UK is.

• Is Australia a Better Country for Students Than Canada?

Canada, which is second only to Australia in terms of popularity among international students looking to study abroad, has a significant representation in renowned worldwide university rankings. The high quality of Canada's higher education system and the ease with which international students can stay in the country after completing their studies contribute to the country's continually rising foreign student population.

• Is Canada Richer Than Australia?

Comparison of economic indicators between Australia and Canada:
Australia came in at number 13 with a GDP of $1.4T, while Canada came in at number 10 with $1.7T. Canada and Australia were placed 133rd and 21st, respectively, and 111th and 13th, respectively, by GDP per capita growth over the previous five years.

• Can a Canadian Student from Australia?

Young Australians (between the ages of 18 and 30) have the chance to live and work in Canada on a working holiday visa for up to two years through the Working Holiday Program (WHP) Canada. Without submitting an application for a separate study visa, the WHP Canada also permits up to six months of study in Canada.

• Which has more job opportunities: Australia or Canada?

Australian wages are somewhat higher than Canadian ones. Although it could be comparatively simple to obtain work in Canada due to the desire for more qualified individuals, both nations provide similar job opportunities. There are jobs in both nations, depending on your skills.

• Is Australia Safer Than Canada?

Australia is ranked 69th out of 164 nations for crime levels, while Canada performed better, coming in at 80th with only 39.03 crimes per 100,000 people.

• Which Country Has Cheaper Housing: Australia or Canada?

Overall, Canada is more expensive than all the other nations in the survey of 19 major economies, including France, Germany, and Japan, but less expensive than New Zealand, Australia, Britain, and the USA. In comparison to Canada, prices there are about 14% higher.

• Is Australia's economy robust?

Despite having just 0.3% of the global population, Australia has the 14th-largest economy in the world in 2019. Australia's yearly GDP growth rate hasn't changed much since 1992; throughout the past 28 years, it's increased by an average of 3.2 percent.

• Is Canadian PR Harder Than Australian PR?

Getting permanent resident status in Canada and subsequently Canadian citizenship is extremely simple compared to most other nations, including Australia. It is possible to obtain a PR permit for Australia, although the procedure takes a while. Although it may take some time for the PR permit to be issued due to the lengthy process, obtaining Australian citizenship is doable.

• Can I Receive Free Education in Australia?

Australia has a variety of initiatives to allow foreign students to study there for free. Nevertheless, some expenditures (like visa fees) might not be subtracted from your scholarship. Direct applications must be submitted to operating Australian universities.

Which Country Is Best for Students: Canada or Australia?

Here are some important things to consider in order to facilitate your decision-making process:
There are academic institutions in both nations that are among the best universities in the world. Australia and Canada are currently ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, for the strength of their higher education systems.

You are free to work while you are a student in both nations. The standards for job and education in Canada, however, are less onerous than those in Australia, which are more onerous. Additionally, Canadian universities charge a lower tuition than Australian ones. Both nations have a diverse population and adhere to strong laws and rules. English is the language of teaching in Australia, but Canada, which is a bilingual nation, offers the option of learning in either English or French in a few provinces.

You have a chance to obtain permanent residency (PR) in both nations. In contrast to Australia, more people receive permanent residence in Canada each year.

Now, the factors you should take into account are largely personal. What is your favourite subject? Every nation has a distinct popularity in particular fields. Do you have relatives or friends who reside in any of these countries? Which country do you like personally?

• What is therefore suggested for international students?

You only need to select the course and university that are a wonderful fit for you if the quality of education is your top priority. In this situation, a suitable educational institution in any of the nations is advised.

Canada, Australia, and the United States of America are your best options if you're looking for an economical place to study abroad.

Australia or Canada are the best options if you're seeking for a destination where you can stay after your education and look for work. However, it appears that immigration to Canada is simpler than to Australia.

In conclusion, Canada and Australia are both popular study abroad locations and are recognised as having some of the best educational systems and student experiences worldwide. You must carefully consider your options, choose the winner based on the criteria that are most important to you, and weigh your options.