If you’re planning to study abroad with the goal of immigrating afterward, Canada and Australia are likely at the top of your list.
In 2024, both countries introduced significant updates to their immigration systems, making them even more attractive to international students.
Comparing Canada and Australia for International Students Seeking Immigration
For those looking to study abroad with plans to immigrate afterward, Canada and Australia stand out as top choices. Both countries offer high-quality education, welcoming communities, and opportunities for post-graduation immigration.
In 2024, Canada and Australia introduced notable changes to their immigration systems, each with unique benefits for international students. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which destination aligns with your goals.
Key Differences Between Canada and Australia
Category | Canada | Australia |
Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways | Wide range of occupations eligible for PR; category-based draws offer advantages. | PR under the Skilled Independent Visa depends on your occupation being on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). |
Work Experience-Based PR | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) offers a pathway for skilled workers with Canadian experience. | No direct equivalent program. |
Work Hours on Study Permit | Unlimited hours on campus during classes. | Work-hour limits apply equally to on-campus and off-campus jobs. |
Program Restrictions for Post-Graduation Work | Limited to graduates from in-demand occupations for vocational and college programs. | No restrictions tied to study programs. |
Other Factors to Consider
Globally Ranked Educational Institutions
Both countries host world-class universities, with Australia boasting more top-ranked institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2025:
Canada: 4 universities in the top 100 (University of Toronto, McGill University, UBC, University of Alberta).
Australia: 9 universities in the top 100 (University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University, and more).
Tuition Costs
Tuition fees are comparable, but vary depending on the program, school, and location:
Canada: 29,000 CAD to 81,000 CAD annually.
Australia: 26,500 AUD to 113,000 AUD (24,509 CAD to 104,511 CAD).
Study Permit Process
Both countries have similar application processes, with distinct differences:
Requirement | Canada | Australia |
Cost | 150 CAD | 1,600 AUD (1,465 CAD). |
Financial Support Requirement | 20,635 CAD | 29,710 AUD (27,328 CAD). |
Language Tests | IELTS 6-6.5 | IELTS 5.5-6.0 (or equivalent). |
Processing Time | Up to 3 months | Approximately 61 days. |
Health Insurance | Provincial or private insurance required. | Mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover. |
Conclusion
Both Canada and Australia offer excellent opportunities for international students, but the choice depends on your specific goals:
If you prioritize broad PR pathways and affordability, Canada might be the better option.
If university rankings and fewer restrictions on work-study programs matter more, Australia may be ideal.
Documentation Requirements for Study Permits: Canada vs. Australia
Both Canada and Australia have specific documentation requirements for international students applying for study permits. Below is a comparison of the key aspects:
Proof of Identity
Canada & Australia: A valid passport is required.
Proof of Acceptance
Canada: Must be issued by a designated learning institution (DLI), which is approved by provincial or territorial governments to host international students.
Australia: Must come from a CRICOS-registered institution, which is the official register of Australian education providers authorized to offer courses to international students.
Proof of Financial Support
This demonstrates that the applicant can sustain themselves financially while studying.
Canada: Applicants need to show proof of 20,635 CAD (outside Quebec).
Australia: Applicants must provide evidence of at least 29,710 AUD (27,328 CAD).
English Language Tests
Canada: Language proficiency is assessed during the application for the DLI. Most institutions require:
Undergraduate: IELTS score of 6-6.5.
Postgraduate: IELTS score of 6.5-7.
Australia: As of March 2024, the minimum IELTS score for a student visa has increased from 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent).
Additional Documentation
Canada | Australia |
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): Required as of January 2024; applicants should consult their institution. | Genuine Student Requirement: Introduced in March 2024, requiring applicants to complete an online questionnaire to verify study intentions. |
Other Documents: Letter of explanation, medical exam, custodian declaration (for minors), and others. | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory private health insurance for students and dependents. |
Processing Costs and Times
Canada:
Cost: 150 CAD.
Processing Time: Varies by country, typically up to 3 months.
Australia:
Cost: Recently increased to 1,600 AUD (1,465 CAD) as of July 2024.
Processing Time: Median processing time is 61 days.
Both countries have rigorous documentation processes, but Canada offers lower costs for study permits and financial requirements, while Australia emphasizes verifying genuine intent and requires mandatory health insurance.
Comparing Canada and Australia for International Students: Key Updates and Considerations
International Student Intake Caps
Canada:
Target: 305,900 new international student arrivals for 2025, consistent through 2026 and 2027.
Australia:
National Planning Level (NPL): Limits new international student commencements to 270,000 starting January 1, 2025 (similar to 2023 levels).
Work While Studying
Canada | Australia |
Off-campus: Up to 24 hours per week during classes. | Up to 48 hours every two weeks during term time. |
Unlimited hours on-campus. | No distinction between on-campus and off-campus work. |
Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer, winter holidays). | Unlimited hours during study breaks. |
Research-based Master’s and PhD students: No specific work-hour restrictions. | Research-based programs: No limit on work hours. |
Post-Graduation Work Authorization
Canada | Australia |
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Up to 3 years based on program duration. | Post-Higher Education Work Stream: 2-3 years, based on qualification. |
No age restrictions. | Age limit of 35 or younger (exceptions apply). |
Field of study restrictions for vocational program graduates (new as of Sept 2024). | No restrictions based on field of study. |
Must maintain full-time status during studies, with exceptions for final term/authorized leaves. | Must have a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered institution. |
Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways
Canada | Australia |
No age restrictions for PR eligibility. | Age limit of 45 or younger for skilled PR visas (exceptions apply). |
PR pathways through Express Entry and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) favor candidates with Canadian work experience and degrees. | PR heavily tied to the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and regional/state nominations. |
Express Entry system includes occupations in TEERs 0-3 (higher skill levels). | Applicants must have a listed occupation and obtain a skills assessment before applying. |
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) align with regional labor market needs. | Points-based Skilled Independent Visa and Skilled Regional Visa options. |
Cost of Living
Housing (Median Rent for Two-Bedroom Apartments)
City | Canada | Australia |
Montreal | 1,890 CAD | - |
Toronto | 2,500 CAD | - |
Vancouver | 2,829 CAD | - |
Melbourne | - | 2,200 AUD (2,016 CAD) |
Sydney | - | 2,880 AUD (2,639 CAD) |
Canberra | - | 2,240 AUD (2,052 CAD) |
Food Costs
Canada: Monthly groceries cost approximately 248-330 CAD.
Australia: Monthly groceries cost around 430 AUD (393 CAD).
Public Transit Costs
City | Canada | Australia |
Montreal | 3.75 CAD | - |
Toronto | 3.75 CAD | - |
Vancouver | 3.20 CAD | - |
Melbourne | - | 5.30 AUD (4.83 CAD) |
Sydney | - | 5.00 AUD (4.56 CAD) |
Canberra | - | 5.00 AUD (4.56 CAD) |
Conclusion
Both Canada and Australia remain attractive destinations for international students, but their policies emphasize different priorities:
Canada: Greater flexibility in PR pathways and work opportunities, but slightly higher living costs in major cities.
Australia: Stricter age and occupation requirements but offers more straightforward eligibility for post-graduation work permits.
These updates, particularly intake caps and cost differences, highlight the need for careful planning when choosing between these two destinations.
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