Canada vs Australia- The Better Study Destination
Canada vs Australia- The Better Study Destination
Canada and Australia – two of the most popular study destinations for Indian students. Indeed, the first choice for Indian students studying abroad is usually the US or the UK. However, when the cost of living and tuition fees are high, combined with the uncertainty of obtaining a study visa, students often prefer to apply to the next best options. After the US and the UK, Australia and Canada are the top alternatives.
Now, the question is: which of these is the better choice? To settle the debate between Canada and Australia, we are here with a comparison. No matter which country you choose, one thing is certain – you will have an incredible experience studying abroad.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into our comparison of these two popular Study-Abroad destinations.
Canada vs Australia- In a Nutshell
| Category | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Education System | Research-driven Bachelor’s: 4 years Master’s: 1–2 years Top universities: UofT, McGill |
Practical-oriented Bachelor’s: 3–4 years Master’s: 1–2 years Top universities: Melbourne, ANU |
| Cost of Education | CAD 15,000–30,000/year Scholarships like Vanier and Lester B. Pearson available |
AUD 20,000–45,000/year Scholarships like Australia Awards and RTP available |
| Living Expenses | CAD 10,000–15,000/year | AUD 20,000–30,000/year |
| Job Opportunities | Work 20 hrs./week during studies PGWP up to 3 years Key industries: IT, healthcare |
Work 48 hrs/fortnight during studies Temporary Graduate Visa: 2–4 years Key sectors: IT, hospitality |
| Post-Study Permits | PGWP based on program duration; up to 3 years | Subclass 485 Visa allows 2–4 years post-study work |
| Visa Requirements | Study Permit; proof of CAD 10,000/year for living expenses | Subclass 500 Visa; proof of AUD 21,041/year for living expenses |
Australia- The Land of Academic Excellence
Australia- a nation where wildlife is as free as humans. The land of kangaroos is one of the most popular study destinations amongst Indian students. And the reason is the various academic opportunities this nation provides. If you are a big fan of sports, adventures, and beaches, then you must prefer to Study in Australia. Below are all the reasons why study in Australia is a beneficial decision for you.
Education System
Do you know, by 2023, the percentage of international students studying in Australia is 26.7% out of this, 16% are Indian students. The reason why Indian or international students are preferring to study in Australia is because of its practical education system.
Home to some of the best universities in the world, the Australian education system is more practical-oriented to make students future-ready. Where Indian education system is theoretical based for competitive exams, it is the Australian education system making students job ready. Whether through regular classes or TAFE courses, the Australian faculty ensure students get the practical experience to know how the world works.
Top Universities:
- University of Melbourne
- Australian National University (ANU)
- University of Sydney
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- University of Queensland (UQ)
- Monash University
- University of Western Australia (UWA)
- University of Adelaide
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
- Macquarie University
Cost of Education and Living
In comparison to the US and UK, the cost of education and living is more affordable. The average tuition fee for any course (UG or PG) cost somewhere between AUD 20,000 to 45,000 annually. Whereas the cost of living in Australia ranges from AUD 1,500 to 2,500, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
If we compare this to Canada, then the cost of living and studying in Australia is comparatively a little higher. Although, students can still make these costs manageable by working part-time along with studies.
Furthermore, to help students fund their education, and fulfil their dream of studying abroad in Australia, they can apply for various scholarships. There are various university based, and government offered scholarships helping international students accomplish their dream and get the best education.
Post Study Work Permit in Australia
Another reason why Indian students prefer to study in Australia is because of the post study work permit in Australia. The Australian government allows international students to work along with studies to gain practical knowledge in the field of their studies or any other field. Knowing how the education cost be a big bump on the pocket on many students, they are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during their studies. This work permit increases by 20 more hours during the holidays, allowing international students to working for up to 40 hours a week in the holiday season.
Talking about the post study work permit in Australia, the Australian government gives the best benefits to international students. The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows international students to for 2-4 years post-graduation in Australia, depending on their education qualifications.
Visa Requirements for Australia
To study in Australia, students require to fulfil some common requirements. As a study visa is one of the most common requirements, here are what all you need to have to apply for a student study visa for Australia.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a renowned Australian university.
- Proof of financials showcasing you can cover your cost of study and living in Australia.
- Australia is an English-speaking country; hence, you require English proficiency test result. You must have a valid test score in one of the exams IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
- Some of the common documents required are; academic transcripts, a valid passport, identity proof, and medical certificates.
- The visa application fee is AUD 650 (approx.) and processing time is 4-6 weeks. Hence apply for the student study visa accordingly.
Canada- Where Education Excellence Meets Global Opportunities
Do, you know, besides English, French is the second official language of Canada? However, this doesn’t mean you have to be fluent in French as well. The total number of international students studying in Canada are 21.2% out of which 41% are Indian students. For Indian students, their primary choice for study abroad destination is Canada.
The reason is because of the work permit after Study in Canada and easy PR options. However, now the PR option is a little tough for Indian students and so the visa process, yet there are many Indians willing to go to study in Canada. Let’s pain the picture, why you should be one of them.
Education System
If you are a 12th pass out or a graduate wondering to study abroad, then Canada is your best study destination for you. The Candian universities offer research driven education, making it the perfect study destination for research-based courses like data science or biotechnology. The hands-on learning experience help students in gaining the best practical knowledge through co-programmes, internships, and research opportunities.
Home to some of the best universities globally, the Canadian education system give students the flexibility to pick the course of their choice. This help students explore various fields within one degree without studying anything forcefully. Besides this, the Canadian education system opens door for students globally. Allowing them to work anywhere in the world.
Top Universities:
Here’s a list of the top universities in Canada:
- Canadian College of Technology and Business
- McGill University
- Durham College
- University of Alberta
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Mount Saint Vincent University
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- Hermes College
- University of Calgary
Cost of Education and Living
Study abroad is an expensive option. From application fees to tuition fees, everyday expenses, and other additional costs, the entire sum can be a bit heavy on an average earning family. However, the cost of studying in Canada is more manageable in comparison to Australia and other popular study destinations.
The cost of education in Canada ranges between CAD 15,000 to 30,000 per year, depending on the course and college. Whereas the cost of living in Canada ranges from CAD 1,000 to 1,500 per month which includes accommodation, food, and transportation.
However, to make the cost of living and studying budget-friendly, there are various scholarships available for Indian and international students. The various merit-based or need-based scholarships offered by universities and other financial aid offer by the Canadian government help international students accomplish their goal of studying abroad.
Post Study Work Permit in Canada
The cost of studying in Canada can be a big hit on the pocket. Hence, to help students manage their finances, there are various part-time job options available. International students, with a valid passport and work permit, can work in Canada while studying for up to 20 hours a week during classes. However, there is no limit for off-season working. A student can work unlimited hours during the holidays.
The various job options include on-campus and off-campus opportunities. However, it is always clever to work in a field of your study to gain relatable experience in the same field. This also helps in finding a job after graduation.
As the international students can work for up to 3 years in Canada after graduation, the work permit can even change into permanent residency if the job is in IT sector or so.
Visa Requirements for Canada
To study in Canada, the common requirements that you have to fulfil to get a student visa are mentioned below for your easy understanding.
- Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Financal proof that you can cover your living and study costs in Canada. The average cost can be CAD 10,000/year.
- As Canada is an English-speaking country, you must have to prove your English language skills. Some of the commonly accepted exams for that are IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.
- The basic requirements you have to fulfil to get a student visa for Canada includes academic transcripts, financial proof, valid passport, and identity proof.
- The visa application fee for Canadian study visa is CAD 150 for study permit. And the turnaround time for the visa is 4-6 weeks; hence you must apply the visa accordingly.
Canada or Australia; MetaApply IE Helps with All!
As we drew a comparison between the two countries, there are not many differences. The only difference besides the tuition fees is climate and weather. On one hand, Canada’s winter season is tough to get through. And on the other hand, Australian weather is opposite from the rest of the world.
No matter which country you pick for your abroad education, the benefits you are going to get are the same. Both nations are your door to global opportunities. With several scholarships and easy visa process, you can actually get admission in your dream university in Canada or Australia.
Although, following the process can be a little tough for you during the first time. Hence, to ensure you make no mistakes and get a successful admission in your dream university (or country), our team at MetaApply IE helps you with everything. From visa assistance to managing finances and finding accommodation abroad at the last minute, we are up for it all.
So, don’t let go your chance of studying abroad because of any confusion. Connect with us today and find your best study destination abroad.
Read More: Expert Tips to Choose the Right Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada and Australia are two of the most popular study destinations amongst Indian and international students. While both countries provide the same benefits of global opportunities, the Canadian education is more affordable, but Australian visa process is easier. Hence, it can’t be said which country is best, because this decision depends on every individual’s career preference.
Yes! To make it affordable for international students to manage their abroad expenses, the Canadian and Australian government allows Indian students to work part-time for 20 hours per week during the classes and for unlimited time during holidays. This experience also counts at the time of finding a job after graduation in the same country.
In Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to stay and work there for up to three years. Meanwhile, in Australia, the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) permits a stay of 2-4 years depending on the educational qualifications.
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