Canada vs. Australia: Which Country Offers the Best Immigration Path for Students?

Highlights: Should international students choose Canada or Australia for immigration?

• Canada and Australia are the most preferred destinations for international students.
• While Australia offers a broader range of top-ranked universities, Canada is chosen for faster visa processing.
• Post-study work permit in these countries allows you to settle with Australia PR or Canada PR.
• International students can apply for Express Entry in Canada or a Skilled Independent visa to get PR in these countries.

 

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Canada vs. Australia: Which is the best choice for immigration?

According to recent statistical data, Canada and Australia are the top choices among international students seeking immigration. Both countries are renowned for their world-class education systems, welcoming communities, and post-study work opportunities leading to permanent residence (PR).

 

In 2024, both countries have updated their immigration policies to facilitate the process of foreign immigration. The table below provides a comparative study of the major immigration policies in Canada and Australia:

Factors	Canada	Australia
PR pathways	Working in an eligible occupation or qualifying for a category-based draw can lead you to Canada PR.	Working in an occupation listed under the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) can lead you to Australia PR.
National work experience-based PR pathway(s)	Skilled workers with prior work experience in Canada can apply for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a program under Express Entry.	NA
Work hours on a study permit	Students are allowed  unlimited on-campus work	Students can work up to 48 hours every two weeks during their course.
Study program restrictions for post-graduation work eligibility	Post-graduate work eligibility is restricted to graduates of programs aligned with in-demand occupations	No restrictions on programs.
Popular PR pathways for international students	Canada Express Entry Canada PNP	Skilled Independent Visa Skilled Work Regional Visa

 

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Studying in Canada vs. Australia

While Australia offers a broader range of top-ranked universities, Canada is chosen for faster visa processing and higher approval rates. The table below lists the details to be considered by international students willing to study in Australia or Canada:

 

Factors	Canada	Australia
No. of QS Ranked universities	4	9
Approximate Tuition fees	29,000 CAD to 81,000 CAD	26,500 AUD to 113,000 AUD
Cost of Study Permit	150 CAD	1,6000 AUD
Study permit processing time	90 days (approx.)	61 days (approx.)
Work hours allowed for international students	24 hours/week off-campus during classes Unlimited on campus during classes Unlimited during breaks	48 hours every 2 weeks during classes Unlimited during breaks No distinction between on-campus and off-campus
Maximum length of post-graduate work status	PGWP: up to three years	Temporary Graduate Visa – 2-3 years.

 

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Top QS Ranking Universities in Canada

The table below lists the top Canadian universities that have been listed under the top 100 universities in the world as per QS World Rankings:

QS Ranking	Name of the University
25	University of Toronto
29	McGill University
38	University of British Columbia
96	University of Alberta

 

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Top QS Ranking Universities in Australia

The table below lists the top Australian universities that have been listed under the top 100 universities in the world as per QS World Rankings:

QS Ranking	Name of the University
13	University of Melbourne
18	University of Sydney
19	University of New South Wales
30	Australian National University
37	Monash University
40	University of Queensland
77	University of West Australia
82	University of Adelaide
88	University of Technology Sydney

 

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Requirements: Study in Canada vs. Study in Australia

You must provide certain documents while applying for a visa in Canada or Australia. The list of requirements will vary depending on the country you are choosing. The table below details the documents required to apply for a student visa in Canada or Australia:

Documents required	Canada	Australia
Proof of acceptance or Acceptance letter	From an eligible DLI (Designated learning institution)	From an eligible institution registered on the CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)
Identity proof	Required	Required
Requirement of funds	20,635 CAD	29,710 AUD
Proof of funds	Bank statements for the recent 4 months	Must submit bank statements.
English language tests	A minimum IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 for Undergraduate study programs.	A minimum IELTS score of 5.5-6.0 for Undergraduate study programs.
Provincial attestation letter	Required	Not required
Genuine student requirement	Not required	Required
Medical Insurance	Students can avail themselves of the provincial medical insurance offered by the Canadian provinces or get private insurance.	Students must have OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

 

Some other requirements which differ in both countries are listed below:

• Canada's study permit application cost is comparatively lower than Australia's.
• International students willing to study in Canada are required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
• International students willing to study in Australia must submit Overseas Student Health Cover details.
• Language proficiency requirements are lower in Australia than in Canada.

 

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Post-Graduation Work Authorization in Canada and Australia

Recent international graduates in Canada and Australia can get legal status to work after completing their studies. However, the status of post-graduation work is different in both countries.

• You must be aged below 35 years to be eligible for the post-graduation work permit in Australia, but Canada has no such requirements.
• Post-graduate work eligibility is restricted to graduates of programs aligned with in-demand occupations in Canada, but Australia has no such restrictions.

 

The table below provides a comparative overview of post-graduation work status in Canada and Australia:

Factors	Canada	Australia
Post-Graduation work options	Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)	Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Post-graduation work status duration	Up to 3 years	Up to 2-3 years (Differs based on the type of qualification)
Eligibility Criteria	Complete a full-time program (at least 8 months) at a registered and eligible DLI.	Must be under 35 years of age. (Exceptions applicable)
	Graduate with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD (or) a vocational or college program aligned with the Canadian in-demand occupations.	Must be present in Australia while applying
	Have French or English language proficiency of at least CLB Level 5 for college graduates and CLB Level 7 for university graduates.	Must have an eligible Australian visa
	Must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of graduating	Must have held a valid Australian student visa in the last 6 months
	Must maintain full-time student status during academic terms with exceptions of authorized leaves or part-time study status in the final term of their study program.	Have qualifications in courses that are recognized and registered with the CRICOS
		Provide proof of medical insurance, clear criminal record, and language proficiency tests.

 

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