For international students planning to study abroad with the goal of immigrating afterward, Canada and Australia often emerge as top choices. Both countries offer world-class education, welcoming communities, and robust pathways to permanent residency (PR).
In 2024, both Canada and Australia implemented significant changes to their immigration systems, making it crucial for students to understand the differences when choosing a destination.
Comparing PR Pathways
| Factor | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| PR Pathways | Offers a variety of options across a wide range of occupations, with category-based draws providing an advantage to certain skilled candidates. | Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) eligibility is strictly tied to occupations listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). |
| Experience-Based PR Pathways | Canadian Experience Class (CEC), under Express Entry, rewards skilled workers with Canadian work experience. | No direct equivalent. |
| Work Hours During Studies | Unlimited on-campus hours; up to 24 hours per week off-campus during classes, and unlimited during breaks. | Up to 48 hours every two weeks during classes; unlimited during breaks. No distinction between on-campus and off-campus work hours. |
| Post-Graduation Work Eligibility | Vocational program graduates must align with in-demand occupations; university graduates face no such restrictions. | No program-specific restrictions. |
Globally Ranked Universities
Both Canada and Australia are home to prestigious universities. The QS World University Rankings 2025 highlights top institutions in both countries:
Canada:
- University of Toronto – 25th
- McGill University – 29th
- University of British Columbia – 38th
- University of Alberta – 96th
Australia:
- University of Melbourne – 13th
- University of Sydney – 18th
- University of New South Wales – 19th
- Australian National University – 30th
- Monash University – 37th
- The University of Queensland – 40th
Cost of Education
While tuition fees vary based on the institution, program, and study location, both countries have similar fee structures:
| Country | Undergraduate Tuition |
|---|---|
| Canada | 29,000 CAD to 81,000 CAD |
| Australia | 26,500 AUD to 113,000 AUD (24,509 CAD to 104,511 CAD) |
Study Permit Costs and Processing
Canada’s study permit application costs 150 CAD, significantly less than Australia’s 1,600 AUD (1,465 CAD). Processing times vary:
- Canada: Up to three months, depending on the applicant’s country of residence.
- Australia: Approximately 61 days.
Financial Support Requirements:
- Canada: Proof of 20,635 CAD for living expenses.
- Australia: Proof of 29,710 AUD (27,328 CAD).
Work While Studying
In Canada, international students can work:
- Up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic terms.
- Unlimited hours on-campus during terms.
- Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
In Australia:
- Students can work up to 48 hours every two weeks during classes.
- Unlimited hours are allowed during breaks, with no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work.
Post-Graduation Work Opportunities
Both countries offer pathways for international students to work after graduation. Here’s a comparison:
| Factor | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit Type | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). | Temporary Graduate Visa. |
| Duration | Up to three years, based on program length. | Two to three years, depending on qualification. |
| Eligibility | Vocational graduates must align with in-demand occupations. | Must be aged 35 or younger (some exceptions apply). |
Permanent Residency Pathways
Canada offers broader PR opportunities compared to Australia:
- Canada: All skilled occupations under National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEERs 0, 1, 2, and 3 are eligible for Express Entry. Lower-skilled occupations may qualify for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Australia: PR pathways focus on occupations listed under the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), heavily favoring STEM fields.
Popular PR pathways for international students include:
Canada:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Requires one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Allows provinces to nominate candidates based on regional labor market needs.
Australia:
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) – Points-based system tied to specific occupations.
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) – For skilled workers in regional areas, offering a pathway to PR after meeting specific criteria.
Cost of Living
| City | Median Rent (2-Bedroom) |
|---|---|
| Montreal, Canada | 1,890 CAD |
| Toronto, Canada | 2,500 CAD |
| Vancouver, Canada | 2,829 CAD |
| Melbourne, Australia | 2,200 AUD (2,016 CAD) |
| Sydney, Australia | 2,880 AUD (2,639 CAD) |
Food costs are generally lower in Canada. On average:
- Canada: Monthly grocery costs range from 248 CAD to 330 CAD.
- Australia: Monthly grocery costs are approximately 430 AUD (393 CAD).
Final Thoughts
Both Canada and Australia have much to offer international students in terms of quality education, work opportunities, and immigration pathways. Choosing the best destination depends on your career goals, field of study, and immigration preferences.
Explore Your Canadian Study and Immigration Options
At Skynet Immigration, we specialize in guiding students through every step of studying and immigrating to Canada. Contact us today for a free assessment and personalized support!
