Is Australia better than Canada for international students?
Both Australia and Canada are popular study destinations among international students. Both have top-ranked universities though Canada is cheaper compared to Australia.
If you're looking for an education abroad, you must think about Canada and Australia. The two countries have liberalised visa regimes and offer high-quality education. These countries top the charts as preferred destinations among Indian students who aspire to study abroad. Despite their similarities, Canada and Australia are completely different in their education systems, employment opportunities, and visa regulations. Many students in India choose Canada and Australia to be their preferred destinations for their UG and PG abroad programs. Unlike the US, neither requires a student visa nor employment authorisation during or after your degree program.
But which country is better? Are you an Indian student interested in studying abroad? Here's your complete guide to everything you need to know about the education system in Canada and Australia.
Every year, many students move to various countries, searching for the country with the best education system. For many years, the USA has continued to be the top study destination for students, but now the scene is pretty different. Currently, Canada and Australia have become the top pick for students who look to study abroad for their excellent educational systems. Because both Australia and Canada have a great education system and career scope, you could make progress if you continue your studies in these two countries. Yet, there are several parameters that students can carefully assess before making any final decision.
Parameter |
Australia |
Canada |
Length of Time |
UG – 3 Years PG – 2 Years PhD – 2-4 Years |
UG – 3 Years PG – 2 Years PhD – 3 Years |
Academic Term |
Most universities/institutions use the semester system. |
Most also use a semester system |
Depth vs Breadth |
Breadth |
Depth |
University Organization |
Universities are frequently organised into serves based on their subjects. |
The university serves As a coordinating body for several colleges. |
Cost |
Low-moderate |
Low-moderate |
Style of Education, |
Mostly liberals can study outside your major |
Must attend classes at your university |
Types of Degrees |
Associates, Bachelors, Masters, PhD, variety of vocational and professional degrees. |
National Diploma, Diploma of Higher Education, Foundation Degree, Bachelors, Masters, PhD, and other professional and vocational degrees. |
WANT TO LEARN CANADA EDUCATION SYSTEM? CLICK HERE
Many Indian students opt for Canada or Australia for higher studies. Students who wish to pursue higher studies in these countries must know the admission process beforehand. Many students get confused because both are trendy destinations for getting educated. However, the admission process in these two countries is slightly different.
Want to Know University Application Process? Click Here
Before enrolling in undergraduate programmes, students must have completed 12 years of education in Canada (UG). For most, no SAT (school assessment test) is required for admission. In Canada, four years of study is the standard, and a bachelor's degree usually takes two to three years to accomplish. Entry into professional programs is easier for graduate students (PG). If you want to pursue a management degree, you may need to take the GMAT. However, some of Canada's top MBA programs do not require the GMAT.
Similarly, for an engineering degree, such as a master's degree, a final test (GRE) is frequently necessary. A language test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, may be required of applicants. However, some schools waive this requirement depending on whether the candidate's first language is English.
Most Australian universities require 12 years of pre-university education for admission. This process makes it easier for international students to access their desired study program/degree directly. Only applicants who have completed a three-year undergraduate degree may be admitted to the postgraduate program. In terms of engineering, students need a four-year engineering degree. They must take the Graduate Management Entrance Test (GMAT) for admission to a management course. And so on, science courses may need to qualify for the GRE. Australian institutions may not expect you to have work experience for some college management courses.
Studying in Canada or Australia is an option for international students who wish to study abroad. Both countries are top-rated destinations for students, home to some of the world's top universities that attract students worldwide. Catching the interest of universities can be a challenge for many international students. These two countries have some of the most competitive universities globally, and they fill up quickly. Unsurprisingly, most universities in Canada and Australia are ranked among the top 10 for their specific disciplines. In other words, if you choose to pursue a degree from any of these institutions, your degree will be highly valued in the worldwide employment market. Today, we'll take you through some of Canada and Australia's most prestigious, sought-after, and popular universities.
Australian Universities |
QS Rankings |
Canadian Universities |
QS Rankings |
Australian National University |
29 |
University of Toronto |
29 |
University of Melbourne |
38 |
McGill University |
35 |
University of Sydney |
42 |
University of British Columbia |
51 |
University of New South Wales |
43 |
University of Alberta |
113 |
University of Queensland |
47 |
University of Montreal |
137 |
Monash University |
55 |
McMaster University |
140 |
University of Western Australia |
92 |
University of Waterloo |
145 |
University of Adelaide |
106 |
Western University |
170 |
University of Technology Sydney |
133 |
University of Ottawa |
230 |
University of Wollongong |
195 |
University of Calgary |
235 |
For many students in India, Canada and Australia are the most preferred destinations for their scholarship programs. Indian students in Canada and Australia increasingly realise a wide array of scholarships from the government and private sources to help them pursue further studies in their respective fields without worrying about the enormous costs involved. There are a lot of scholarships for international students studying abroad. Several such scholarships are available for international students who want to learn in Australia or Canada. Such scholarships vary from university to university, but they are usually based on financial need, merit, or academic performance.
Scholarships to study in Australia |
Scholarships to study in Canada |
Australia Awards Scholarships |
York University International Student Scholarships |
Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarships |
Carleton Prestige Scholarships |
GyanDhan Scholarship |
Winnipeg President’s Scholarships for World Leaders |
CSIRO Scholarship Program |
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships |
Destination Australia Scholarship |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships |
Monash International Leadership Scholarship |
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship |
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship |
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships |
QUICK READ: Scholarships in Canada & Scholarships in Australia
Australia and Canada are ideal destinations for anyone considering immigrating for studies to a new country they haven't visited in recent years. They are great for pursuing higher education and offer excellent job opportunities and career scope. Many young immigrants looking to study abroad still choose between Canada and Australia. These countries help them broaden their horizons through education via their education system. So yes, choosing between Canada and Australia's immigration is a bit tough.
Nonetheless, both countries appear to have more in common than most people expect. Here are a few points to consider before starting your migration:
However, we can make a few key differences and comparisons to bring that definitive answer to the question: which country is best for immigrants?
Canada or Australia. One should consider the following parameters if you're a new immigrant.
Australia |
Canada |
Easy access to the New Zealand education system to |
Flexible Skilled Immigration Policies |
Easy PR system |
Low-cost accommodation |
Public Education |
Ideal for a family setting |
Organized immigration procedures |
Good Labour Market |
Higher salary for skilled candidates |
Low-interest rate |
Better economy |
Ideal Family Settings |
If you plan to study abroad, the first and foremost question is: where and how much does it cost? The cost may vary from course to course and university to university if you decide what you want to do. That will narrow down your options and make it easier to choose. If you look up the top countries for studying abroad, such as Canada or Australia. Both are famous study abroad destinations for students looking to learn abroad for low-cost degree programmes. But each university in Canada and Australia has its fee structure, which depends on several factors like
We made a comparative analysis of the universities, courses, and fees for studying in Canada Vs. Australia.
Course/Program |
Australia Cost |
Canada Cost |
Creative Arts and Design |
$20,875 |
$20,875 |
Business and Management |
$33,545 |
$25,127 |
Medical Sciences |
$25,654 |
$28,676 |
Dentistry |
$23,630 |
$56,621 |
Engineering |
$34,845 |
$40,960 |
Computer Science |
$30,250 |
$32,450 |
Environmental Sciences |
$28,950 |
$31,536 |
Law |
$25,600 |
$23,992 |
Accounting |
$26,750 |
$24,626 |
Hotel Management |
$22,500 |
$20,332 |
Both Canada and Australia have affordable living costs for international students, and expenses need to be accounted for in both countries. Still, students prefer studying in Canada because of factors like affordability and a high standard of living with its inclusive cost of living. And on average, your yearly living expenses in both Canada and Australia look similar in most cases when compared approximately. The average cost of living in Australia (is $1942) and in Canada ($1702), Australia ranked 11th compared to 17th for Canada in the list of the most expensive countries.
Here, finding the more significant difference in the cost of living is quite tricky as they cost you the same and are less compared to other countries. Here are the complete lists of the prices of various necessities in the respective countries:
Parameter |
In Australia |
In Canada |
Accommodation |
$1942 |
$1702 |
Monthly rent |
$1540 |
$1300 |
Food expenses |
$425 |
$450 |
Transport expenses |
$215 |
$190 |
Phone and Internet |
$150 |
$160 |
Entertainment |
$325 |
$385 |
READ MORE: Popular Country Comparison
Canada and Australia are both beautiful places to study and work. There are many reasons to pursue your education at their universities. But before you plan your getaway, you'll need to know how to apply for a student visa. The application process is straightforward in Canada and Australia. The critical difference between the two countries is how long it takes them to process an application. The Canadian government takes about 28 days to process a student visa application.
In comparison, the Australian government takes up to 30 days to do the same. If your request is successful, your visa will be valid for up to five years, beginning on the date of approval and ending on graduation, whichever comes first.
The application process for a student visa in Canada and Australia is quite similar.
The student visa process in Canada and Australia is very similar. It involves the following steps to follow:
It's no secret that the Canadian and Australian economies have been booming—which has, in turn, increased the number of job opportunities for those seeking work in a new country. Both Australia and Canada offer many job opportunities for skilled immigrants and have the lowest unemployment rate globally. But with Canada's recent economic growth, how does it compare to Australia as an option for international jobs?
The answer isn't simple. Like many comparisons, it depends on your priorities and what you want from a career abroad. However, if you're still confused, check out the job opportunities below:
Here are some things to think about when comparing job opportunities in both countries:
SUGGESTED: Part Time Jobs in Australia & Part Time Jobs in Canada
This blog is designed to help students who are looking to study abroad in Canada or Australia. For more queries about your future, contact AECC Global today. Our Education Experts will help you find out the best universities and courses for your future.
Both Australia and Canada are popular study destinations among international students. Both have top-ranked universities though Canada is cheaper compared to Australia.
Relocation to Canada is easier than relocating to Australia.