Every year students turn to different countries to pursue higher education. Of those countries, two countries come on the top: Australia and Canada. Canada and Australia are two of the top English-speaking countries in the world that attract more than half of all international students every year. You must be deliberating between those two which is probably why you are here. Both countries are highly preferred by international students for their educational systems and high quality of life, it’s a difficult decision to make.
In this blog, we will compare both on a few parameters in order to help you decide which country will suit you based on your requirements.
Canada vs. Australia: Key Aspects
Every year thousands of students flock to Australia and Canada to fulfil their dream of studying abroad. The debate of which country is better has been around for a long time and here are some key highlights that you can note in this regard.
| Factors | Australia | Canada |
| Language of Instruction | English | English and French |
| Top Universities | According to QS World University Ranking 2023, there are seven Australian universities in the top 100: | According to QS World University Ranking 2023, there are three Australian universities in the top 100:
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| Duration |
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| Eligibility |
Students must have a total of 12 consecutive years of education
Students must have a GMAT score. Australian universities prefer GMAT scores over GRE scores |
Students must have a valid score on GRE and a valid GMAT score for management courses. |
| English Language Requirement | English language tests like TOEFL/PTE/IELTS are mandatory for all students | English language tests like TOEFL/PTE/IELTS are mandatory for all students |
| Cost of Study | As an international student, you’ll likely pay tuition fees of $25,000 to $37,000 for UG and PG programs | As an international student, you’ll likely pay tuition fees of $20,000 to $30,000 annually. |
| Cost of Living | $21,041 (AUD) per year | $15,000 to $20,000 (AUD) per year |
| Best Student Cities | Sydney
Melbourne Adelaide Perth Brisbane |
Toronto
Montreal Vancouver Ottawa Quebec Calgary Waterloo |
Canada vs. Australia: Reasons to Study in Australia
Australia is among the most popular destinations for higher education in the world. The country is home to excellent top-ranked universities and an exceptional education system. Other than this, the country’s lack of language barriers, unique courses and specialisation are some of the reasons why students opt to study in Australia.
Also, the universities in Australia are excellent in terms of research and are actively engaged in ongoing research initiatives. Post-study visa is also one of the advantages of studying there.
Canada vs. Australia: Reasons to Study in Canada
Canada has been one of the top destinations for international students who are in pursuit of higher education. The country is a melting pot of cultural and linguistic diversity. It is also ranked as one of the best countries to live and work in the world and ranked 12th on the 2022 Global Peace Index. Moreover, one of the reasons why Canada’s education stands unique is because of its strong focus on research and development, so for research scholars, there can be no country better than Canada.
Canada vs. Australia: Education System
The education system of both countries is well-known around the world for their excellent study programs. They are home to the world’s best and top-ranking universities, with Australia having seven universities in the Top 100 Universities. While Canada only has three universities in the Top 100. They both have amazing research facilities and a plethora of programs that you can choose from. In this aspect, as they have nearly similar qualities, it all depends on your chosen university, course of study and area of specialisation and also how you plan to support yourself while supporting.
Canada vs. Australia: Compare the Living Costs and Study
When looking at Canada vs. Australia, it is important to compare their living cost. Ranked as the 14th most expensive country in 2022 (Cost of Living Index by Country 2022) it is no surprise that people find Canada to be more affordable. Also, as we have mentioned above, living in Australia can cost you on an average $21,041 (AUD) per year and in Canada, the average cost is somewhere between $15,000 – $20,000 (CAD) per year. But what we also need to keep in mind while comparing them is how long will you be staying in the country to complete your degree.
A bachelor’s degree in Canada is for 3 years which is shorter than Australian universities. Considering the cost of study and the time you’ll live there to pursue your degree, it can multiply the cost. Hence, studying in Canada is far more economical. Medical insurance costs on average between $300 and $800 Canadian dollars each year.
Canada vs. Australia: Health Insurance
Some Canadian provinces offer health insurance to their international students via their provincial plan. But mostly, if you are going to study in Canada, you’ll have to take out health insurance for the period you’ll be in the country. All provinces and territories will provide free emergency health services to those without health cards but those services are restricted or have a limit.
International students are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to maintain specific health covers for the duration of their stay in Australia. They have special health insurance for international students known as Overseas Student Health Cover(OSCH)and students must have OSHC before starting their studies at their chosen university.
Canada vs. Australia: Work Opportunities
Both Australia and Canada are booming with job opportunities due to tremendous growth and development. Students can look for part-time jobs while studying and they will surely find different opportunities. Every student studying in Canada gets a maximum of 20 working hours per week to support themselves. They can work both on and off campus. Working for more than 20 hours per week is considered a violation of your study visa conditions and you can face severe consequences for it.
In Australia, an international student is allowed to work up to 20 hours per week normally. However, the Australian Government made a temporary change in the Subclass 500 student visa conditions which allows an international student to work more than 20 hours a week without violating any study visa conditions.
Canada vs. Australia: Post-Education Work and PR opportunities
Often, international students plan to stay behind after they complete their degree to cater to the large job market. Australia and Canada both have the option of Work Permit and PR but there are things one should know before making a decision.
Work Permit
Canada allows graduate students to work for 3 years on a work permit and under this permit, they can work in any industry they want. Australian international students get 18 months under a work permit.
PR
While working under a work permit, international students can also apply for Permanent Residency under the Canadian Experience Class. Getting PR in Canada is relatively easier and fastest compared to other countries. The process of PR in Australia is more time-consuming and complicated. Australian officers conduct many background checks to ensure safety and eliminate the chances of scams or fraud.
Canada vs Australia: Location and Weather
Canada’s weather varies greatly depending on your location, yet it is still cold and snowy, hence the name “the Great White North”. Summer in Australia, on the other hand, is typically nice and cool. The country is located in the southernmost region of the hemisphere. As a result, in Australia, summer begins in December, and winter in June. With a typical temperature zone, the tropics encompass one-third of Australia. Overall, the country has had relatively favorable weather all year.
And folks, this was it. We have examined all the elements that make studying in Canada and Australia different. Now, we will let you decide whether you’ll be choosing Canada or Australia as your study abroad destination. Getting admission to top universities can be a little challenging because of the number of applicants. But you don’t need to worry when Edvise Hub is the one processing your application. So what are you waiting for? Book your FREE counseling session now!
