Canada vs Australia: Best Country to Study Abroad in 2025?
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Which is better, Australia or Canada for students? The answer to this question is subjective, and it depends on the personal preferences of a student. The education system of both countries is reputed. Also, there are multiple top universities located in both countries.If you are going to study abroad, it is important to choose the right destination that fulfils your objectives.
Canada and Australia are two popular countries where Indian students choose to study. But, how to decide which is the best option for you, Canada or Australia and why? Top universities, desired courses, budget-friendly fees and job opportunities after completing the study are the basic factors used by Indian students at the time of selecting study destinations. This comprehensive guide article will help you to compare Canada vs Australia in easy words. So, you can have an idea to select the right one for you.
Related Blogs
- Canada vs Australia: Which is Better For You?
- Popular Courses in Canada or Australia
- Top University Rankings 2026: Australia vs Canada
- Admission Requirements: Canada vs Australia
- Australia vs Canada: Cost of Studying
- Popular Job Sectors in Canada & Australia
- PR in Canada & Australia
- Climate in Canada & Australia
Canada vs Australia: Which is Better For You?
Choosing between these two countries for an international student is usually difficult because of the course offerings and then the prospects. This also requires a tough call when choosing a university in the country of choice. Both Australia and Canada are top-ranking English-speaking nations which attract a large number of international students each year.
The following table covers the information on multiple parameters for international students, between Canada or Australia:
| Feature | Canada (2025) | Australia (2025) | Best for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Students (2024) | 4.27 lakh+ | 1.22 lakh+ | Canada |
| Avg UG Tuition (1st yr) | INR 9.5L to 32.5L | INR 11L to 24.6L | Canada (wider range, lower minimum) |
| Avg PG Tuition (1st yr) | INR 11L to 38L | INR 15L to 35L | Canada |
| Annual Living Cost (major cities) | INR 11L / year | INR ~15L to 19L / year | Canada |
| Visa Approval Rate (Indians, 2024) | 80% | 90% | Australia |
| Post-study Work | Up to 3 years (PGWP for most degrees) | 2 to 4 years (varies by program/region) | Both (Canada slightly better for PR) |
| Permanent Residency | PGWP, generally fastest PR route for many Indians | Points-based system; possible but often slower | Canada |
| Part-time Work | 20 hrs/week (on study permit); off-campus allowed | Often 20–24 hrs/week (depends on visa conditions) | Australia (slightly higher allowed hours) |
| Job Market after Study | Strong in STEM, business, and healthcare | Strong in business, engineering, and hospitality | Both (Canada edge for STEM/PR) |
| Indian Community | Large, strong support networks across campuses | Concentrated in Sydney & Melbourne, growing elsewhere | Both |
| Weather / Climate | Cold to temperate; four seasons; snow in many regions | Warm, coastal, more sunshine; milder winters | Australia (if you prefer warmth) |
| Safety | Very safe, low crime rates | Very safe; student-friendly cities | Both |
| Popular Student Cities | Canada's top cities for studying are Toronto, Edmonton, Ontario (provincial), Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa | Student cities in Australia include Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast, Sydney, Adelaide, and Canberra | Both |
| Scholarships | Many (India-specific, provincial, university scholarships) | Many (merit & program-specific; competitive) | Both |
Popular Courses in Canada or Australia
This section aims to throw light on the popular courses opted for by the majority of international students in Canada and Australia. Both Canada and Australia offer a diverse range of academic programs, making them top choices for students seeking to study abroad. Many Indian students opt to pursue higher education in these countries to study courses like Engineering, Medicine, Management, and more. Here, we have listed popular study programs in Australia and the most in-demand courses in Canada.
| Popular Courses in Canada | Popular Courses in Australia |
|---|---|
|
|
Top University Rankings 2026: Australia vs Canada
Based on QS World University Ranking 2026, the following Australian universities and Canadian universities have made it to the top rankings. Check out the table below:
| Australian Universities | QS - WUR 2026 | Canadian Universities | QS - WUR 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Melbourne | #13 | University of Toronto | #25 |
| The University of New South Wales | #19 | McGill University | #29 |
| The University of Sydney | #18 | University of British Columbia | #38 |
| Australian National University | #30 | University of Alberta | #96 |
| Monash University | #37 | University of Waterloo | #115 |
| The University of Queensland | #40 | Western University | #120 |
| The University of Western Australia | #77 | University of Montreal | #159 |
| The University of Adelaide | #82 | University of Calgary | #198 |
| University of Technology Sydney | #88 | McMaster University | #176 |
| Macquarie University | #133 | University of Ottawa | #189 |
In comparison to Canada, more Australian universities rank within the top 100 global universities, thus, the reputation, academics and employer satisfaction rates across Australian universities is higher than Canadian universities.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Admission Requirements: Canada vs Australia
The admission requirements for Canada and Australia vary to a great extent. The following sections have been divided and detailed information for admission requirements for Canada and Australia have been outlined.
Eligibility Criteria to Study in Canada
Eligibility to study in Canada for UG and PG courses is different. International students need to meet specific eligibility criteria for getting admission to UG and PG. Below, we have mentioned the eligibility for undergraduate and postgraduate courses:
| Eligibility to Study in Canada | |
|---|---|
| For UG |
|
| For PG |
|
The concept of cutoffs doesn’t apply to Canadian Universities. Colleges provide average scores accepted to different courses on their websites. That will give some idea about what’s considered a good score. You will also need to appear for language exams like TOEFL or IELTS, irrespective of the degree. Some colleges may not require language tests for Indian students, but it is advisable you still take either TOEFL or IELTS as they are important for getting a visa. If the visa interviewer is not sure of your spoken skills, they may not grant you the visa.
Eligibility Criteria to Study in Australia
To pursue higher education in Australia as an Indian student, applicants will have to fulfil the admission criteria. Below, we have mentioned UG and PG eligibility for study in Australia:
| Eligibility to Study in Australia | |
|---|---|
| For UG |
|
| For PG |
|
You might not be required to have work experience in the case of management courses at some colleges. In the case of no work experience, you need to enrol in a graduate certificate or graduate diploma program. TOEFL or IELTS may be waived by the university but are important for admission.
Australia vs Canada: Cost of Studying
The overall cost of studying in Canada and the cost of studying in Australia is dependent on many factors like university, course, and location plus the personal expenses as per one's requirements. Below, we have mentioned the course-wise cost of study in both countries
Cost of UG Courses in Canada or Australia
The following table draws a comparison between studying an undergraduate course in Canada and Australia for various types of courses:
| Particulars |
Undergraduate courses in Canada |
Undergraduate courses in Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Fee |
BSc: INR 19.82 Lakhs BTech: INR 22.08 Lakhs BBA: INR 16.37 Lakhs |
BSc: INR 15.05 Lakhs BTech: INR 20.74 Lakhs BBA: INR 16.80 Lakhs |
| Average Living Expense |
INR 5.90 Lakhs |
INR 6.37 Lakhs |
| Duration |
3-4 Years |
3-4 Years |
| Exams Accepted |
IELTS, TOEFL |
IELTS, PTE |
(Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)
Cost of PG Courses in Canada or Australia
The cost of pursuing a postgraduate course in Canada versus Australia for various courses is compared in the table below for reference:
| Particulars |
Postgraduate courses in Canada |
Postgraduate courses in Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Fee |
MA: INR 9.50 Lakhs MS: INR 11.28 Lakhs MBA: INR 25.89 Lakhs |
MA: INR 19.89 Lakhs MS: INR 26.18 Lakhs MBA: INR 90 Lakhs |
| Average Living Expense |
5.90 Lakhs |
INR 6.37 Lakhs |
| Duration |
1.5-2 Years |
1-2 Years |
| Exams Accepted |
IELTS, TOEFL |
IELTS, TOEFL |
(Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)
Student Visa for Canada and Australia
International students who qualify for admission to Canadian and Australian universities have to apply for a student visa in order to study at these universities. The student visa requirements vary for each country. The following details have been elaborated on country-wise for reference:
Canada Study Visa
The Canadian student visa has the following regulations -
- You will have to apply for a post-graduation work permit within 90 days of finishing your studies.
- The visa application process to Canada requires a compulsory medical test for Indian applicants.
- Spouses can also work full-time if his/her stay is for a year or more.
- It costs $150 to apply for this visa.
- You cannot work more than 24 hours per week. During holidays, breaks and summer sessions, the student may work up to 40 hours per week.
Australia Student Visa
For this visa, these rules apply -
- An Australian student visa is not granted in the form of a sticker.
- It costs AUD 710 for UG and AUD 1,895 for postgraduate courses to apply for an Australian student visa.
- Spouses get dependent only if the student is pursuing a Master's degree or PhD. The spouses of Master's and PhD students can work unlimited hours.
- Student visa holders are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their study in Australia.
Post-Graduate Work Visa in Canada & Australia
There are certain requirements which need to be fulfilled to qualify for a post-graduate work visa. The requirements for both Canada and Australia have been given below:
Canada Post-Graduate Work Visa
The Canadian Post Graduation Work Visa allows students graduating from any post-secondary institute to work post-studying for an uptime period depending on the duration of their course to a maximum of three years. Under this work permit, the student can work in any field or industry.
Post-Graduate Work Visa for Australia
Graduates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree from Australian Universities and hold a study visa are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa. Diploma holders or other qualified graduates may be eligible to apply for an 18-month subclass 485 visa through the graduate work stream in Australia. Applicants are eligible to extend their stay in Australia by two years and up to six years based on the level of study.
Also Read: All About Post Study Work Permit in Australia
Popular Job Sectors in Canada & Australia
There are a few job sectors which are popular in each country and finding jobs in these areas is easier than usual, hence a lot of international students apply for courses that may make them eligible to find jobs in these popular sectors of Canada and Australia, given below:
Popular Job Sectors in Canada
In terms of jobs, Canada has been in the limelight. The Canadian economy is one of the most powerful in the world. In recent years, Canada’s population has been aging, and they are facing a shortage of skilled professionals. To maintain the workforce, the government is actively hiring skilled professionals from other countries, including students who are studying in Canada. As a result, these students have good opportunities to work there. Here are some popular job sections in Canada:
- Engineering
- Medical
- Business and Communication
- Law
Also Read: Highest Paying Job Sectors in Canada
Popular Job Sectors in Australia
There are five main job sectors that attract job seekers in Australia. They include Healthcare, Construction, Education, Professional-Scientific & Technical, and Information Technology sectors. These sectors not only offer full-time placements but also provide part-time job opportunities in Australia.
Also Read: Life after MBA from Australia
PR in Canada & Australia
To settle in a foreign land after studying from there is an aspiration of many students. Check out the PR-related information for Canada and Australia in their respective sections below:
PR in Canada
During this period of Post Graduation Work permit, you can apply for Permanent Residency under the Canadian Experience Class. Since the country is sparsely populated, there is a shortage of highly skilled employees. Compared to most other countries, getting PR in Canada is very easy.
PR Points for Canada
| Assessment Criteria |
Maximum Score for Canada PR |
|---|---|
| Marital Status |
It will be decided based on the maximum points given in the criteria below |
| Age |
110 |
| Level of Education |
150 |
| Language Proficiency |
160 |
| Canadian Work Experience |
80 |
| Skill Transferability |
100 |
| Additional Points |
600 |
| Total Points |
1200 |
Also Read about:
| Express Entry Canada | What is SPP Program? |
| What is CRS Calculator? | Provincial Nominee Program and its Benefits |
PR in Australia
Getting a permanent residency permit to Australia is possible but it is a long process. The immigration officials conduct a thorough background check on the candidate to make sure s/he is not fraudulent. Because of the complicated process, the PR permit may take some time to get approved but it is possible to get Australian citizenship.
Check:
Scholarships for International Students in Canada & Australia
Abroad, most universities have a provision for financial aid. You can find out about the scholarships your university offers through its Financial Aid department. Apart from universities, there are a lot of scholarships made available to organizations, funds etc. here are a few scholarships for Indian students interested in studying in either Canada or Australia.
Climate in Canada & Australia
To stay in a foreign country for a long period, international students must take note of the climatic conditions of where they would be staying to make their stay comfortable. Below is the detail for the climate in Australia and Canada for reference:
| Month | Toronto (°C) | Melbourne (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4.4 to -2.4 | 25.8 |
| February | -3.5 to -1.3 | 25.8 |
| March | 0.5 to 3.6 | 23.8 |
| April | 6.3 to 11.1 | 20.2 |
| May | 12.0 | 16.6 |
| June | 17.2 | 14.0 |
| July | 20.6 to 21.9 | 13.4 |
| August | 20.3 | 14.9 |
| September | 16.3 | 17.2 |
| October | 10.1 | 19.6 |
| November | 4.7 | 21.8 |
| December | -1.5 to 0.3 | 24.1 |
Students wanting to apply to Australia or Canada and have doubts as to how to apply or where to begin their preparation can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Canada's immigration policies are welcoming in nature. A strong economy and robust job market of Canada offer ample job opportunities. However, the cost of living is recently hiked. On the other hand, the climate of Australia is warmer. The government here charges less tax than Canada.
Selecting a country to migrate is depends on your skill set and personal preferences. If you have family members in either country, this may influence your decision.
According to Glassdoor, the range of average salary in Canada is CAD 40K - CAD 60K (INR 24.54 Lakhs to INR 35.53 Lakhs) per year. On the other hand, According to Glassdoor, the average salary in Australia is around AUD 98,000 per year (INR 52.14 Lakhs), with significant variations depending on the industry, location, and experience level.
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Comments
(512)
V
2 years ago
A
2 years ago
Hello Vraj! Both countries are good and both have good future prospects. For a detailed discussion, apply for free counselling by signing up here - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply
A
3 years ago
A
3 years ago
Please refer to this link: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/australia/march-colleges-dc
b
3 years ago
A
3 years ago
Hello. Please note that Australia is an equally good country. I am attaching a few links for your reference: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/australia and https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/canada-student-visa-rejection-reasons-applycontent51677
P
3 years ago
A
3 years ago
Hello Prithvi. You can refer to the above article once more for comparison between the two countries. In addition, for counseling, you can contact our experts here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply
Both countries offer excellent educational opportunities, diverse cultures, and a variety of courses. When comparing the two for study in 2025, Australia may be a better option to consider. Currently, the Canadian government has imposed a cap on study visa approvals. This could lead to a lower likelihood of approval compared to Australia.