By rob eagar 
Among the international students aiming to combine quality education with prospects for post-study immigration, two countries stand out immediately: Canada and Australia. Both have good education systems, including friendly cultures and prospects for permanent residence. Of course, the choice to make between these two nations depends on various factors-from tuition fees to immigration policies-and we’re here to make that choice easier for you.
1. Pathways To Permanent Residency (PR)
Australia and Canada, offer pathways from international students to permanent residents but approach them in utterly different ways.
- Canada:
Canada offers flexible PR pathways like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These pathways are open to a wide range of skilled workers, including those with Canadian work experience or provincial ties. In addition, category-based Express Entry draws focus on occupations in demand, which makes it easier for students in these fields to settle permanently. - Australia:
The Australian PR system is occupation-specific and currently depends on the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Work Regional Visa. Both of these visas require your occupation to be on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which puts a brake on access for people in non-listed fields. Canada does not have a direct route from student to having work experience-based permanent residency.
2. Work Opportunities During Studies
Balancing work with study is important for most international students. The rules about working on campuses differ between Canada and Australia; however, there are explicit statements on rules in both countries
- Canada:
In Canada, students can work without any limits on-campus and 24 hours a week off-campus during classes. During the breaks, there is no restriction on work hours. - Australia:
Australia limits international students to 48 hours every two weeks during classes, whether the work is on-campus or off-campus. Similar to Canada, no limit is placed on international students during study breaks.
3. Post-Graduation Work Permits
The post-study work permit is an essential tool for those wanting to gain invaluable experience in the workplace and transition into permanent residency.
- Canada:
Canada offers up to three years of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which provides access to work experience in Canada without some of the study restrictions, so a graduate of any designated learning institution can work anywhere. - Australia:
Australia provides the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which also lasts 2–3 years. However, graduates from specific programs aligned with Australia’s occupational needs are given preference for longer durations.
4. Cost of Education and Study Permits
The cost of studying abroad is a significant factor for most students.
- Tuition Fees:
- Canada: Tuition fees for international students range between 29,000 CAD and 81,000 CAD annually.
- Australia: Tuition costs are slightly higher, ranging between 26,500 AUD (24,509 CAD) and 113,000 AUD (104,511 CAD).
- Study Permit Costs:
- Canada: A study permit costs 150 CAD, making it a more affordable option.
- Australia: The study visa fee is significantly higher at 1,600 AUD (1,465 CAD).
5. Processing Times for Study Permits
The processing time for a Canadian study permit depends on the applicant’s country of origin and can take a maximum of three months. Meanwhile, in Australia, processing is faster at 61 days on average.
6. Financial and Language Requirements
- Canada:
Required financial support: Show proof that an individual has at least 20,635 CAD. English language requirements vary by institution but usually demand a minimum score on the IELTS test to be 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate programs. - Australia:
Australia calls for proof of at least 29,710 AUD (27,328 CAD) financial support. The country just upped its language requirement to IELTS score 6.0 for student visa applications recently.
7. Globally Ranked Universities
Both Canada and Australia are home to top-ranked universities.
- Canada’s Top Universities (QS World Rankings 2025):
- University of Toronto (25th)
- McGill University (29th)
- University of British Columbia (38th)
- University of Alberta (96th)
- Australia’s Top Universities (QS World Rankings 2025):
- University of Melbourne (13th)
- University of Sydney (18th)
- University of New South Wales (19th)
- Australian National University (30th)
8. Health Insurance Requirements
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in both countries.
- Canada:
Several provinces provide international students access to provincial health insurance. For regions that don’t, private insurance is required. - Australia:
Students must purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), a private insurance plan.
9. Ease of Transitioning to Permanent Residency
Canada’s immigration system is generally more open and flexible. Students get rewarded in a program such as the CEC, which rewards Canadian work experience, and the PNP, which allows the provinces to nominate skilled workers.
In contrast, Australia’s PR system is very restrictive and favors SOL at its key occupations. While regional work visa programs are some of the initiatives by Australia to attract skilled professionals, these are still occupation-type-specific and location-specific.
Conclusion
Both Canada and Australia have much to offer international students, but your decision should depend on your priorities:
- Choose Canada if you prefer a more flexible PR pathway, affordable study permits, and greater work opportunities during your studies.
- Choose Australia if you prioritize attending globally ranked universities and quicker study permit processing times.
Ultimately, both countries are spectacular places for students to be educated, offering world-class education and pathways to a promising future. Consider your career goals, financial situation, and academic preferences to make the best choice.
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