Canada vs. Australia: The Best Choice for International Students

When considering studying abroad to stay, Canada and Australia are two top destinations. Both countries have recently announced significant changes to their immigration systems for 2024. Despite these shifts, they continue to offer quality education and welcoming communities.

This article explores the key differences between Canada and Australia for international students seeking immigration.

Permanent Residence Pathways

In Canada, students can gain permanent residency through various occupations, especially those eligible for category-based draws. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a prominent pathway for skilled workers with Canadian experience. In contrast, Australia’s Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) heavily relies on the applicant’s occupation being listed in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Work Opportunities During Studies

Canada allows students to work unlimited hours on campus. Additionally, during scheduled breaks, there are no restrictions on off-campus work hours. Conversely, Australia limits students to 48 hours every two weeks during term time. However, they can work unlimited hours during breaks, and PhD students have no work hour limits.

Study Permit Requirements

Both countries have similar study permit requirements. Canada generally has lower application fees and financial support requirements. On the other hand, Australia has more lenient language testing requirements. Canadian students must provide a provincial attestation letter, while Australian students need to show proof of health coverage.

Tuition Fees

International tuition fees are comparable in both countries. In Canada, fees range from 29,000 CAD to 81,000 CAD annually. In Australia, the cost can vary significantly, with top universities charging between 26,500 AUD and 113,000 AUD, which converts from approximately 24,509 CAD to 104,511 CAD.

Admission Caps for International Students

Both Canada and Australia impose caps on international student admissions. Starting January 1, 2025, Australia will limit new international student commencements to 270,000. Meanwhile, Canada aims for 305,900 arrivals in 2025, maintaining this figure for the following years. These caps may lead to smaller cohorts, offering more personalized academic experiences and easier access to campus resources.

Postgraduate Work Authorization

After graduation, both countries provide opportunities for international students to work. However, Canada has no age limit for applicants, while Australia restricts applicants to those aged 35 or younger, with some exceptions. Canada also limits postgraduate work eligibility to programs aligned with in-demand occupations, unlike Australia, which has no such restrictions.

Key Differences in PR Pathways

The PR pathways differ significantly between the two countries. Australia requires applicants for the Skilled Independent Visa to be aged 45 or younger, while Canada has no age restrictions.

Canada prioritizes applicants with Canadian work experience, particularly through the CEC, which is unavailable in Australia. Instead, Australia’s pathways focus on specific occupations listed in the SOL, which limits options for those in other fields.

Conclusion

Choosing between Canada and Australia as an international student hinges on various factors, including educational opportunities, work regulations, and immigration pathways. Canada offers more inclusive PR pathways and fewer restrictions on work hours, while Australia provides a vibrant educational landscape.

Ultimately, potential students should weigh these differences to make an informed decision based on their goals and circumstances.