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Canada vs Australia: which should you study in?
Both are strong destinations, and the honest answer depends on your budget, your grades and whether you want to stay on after graduating. Here is the side-by-side.
Canada vs Australia, line by line
| Metric | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Living cost | ≈ $16,000 | ≈ $20,500 |
| Tuition from | ≈ $3,200 | ≈ $21,500 |
| Average tuition | ≈ $19,700 | ≈ $29,000 |
| Total per year | ≈ $35,700 | ≈ $49,500 |
| Post-study work | 3 years | 2 years |
| Work while studying | 24 h/week | 24 h/week |
| PR pathway | strong | strong |
| Institutions | 40 | 31 |
| Courses listed | 155 | 120 |
| World rank | #25 | #19 |
| Typical entry grade | 69% | 77% |
| English requirement | IELTS 6.3 | IELTS 6.5 |
Which one fits you?
Choose Canada if…
- ✓you want lower living costs (about $4,500 a year less)
- ✓you want cheaper tuition (from $3,200 a year)
- ✓you want longer post-study work rights (3 years)
- ✓you want more institutions to choose from (40 here)
Choose Australia if…
- ✓you are targeting a higher-ranked university
The short version
Canada is the cheaper route on total annual cost, while Canada gives you longer to work after you graduate. If you are optimising for permanent residency, Canada has the stronger pathway.
Canada
Study permit. Proof of funds is CAD 22,895/yr of living costs on top of tuition (CAD 24,617 in Quebec from Jan 2026). The Post-Graduation Work Permit can last up to 3 years and feeds directly into Express Entry permanent residence.
Australia
Subclass 500 student visa. Financial capacity requirement is AUD 29,710/yr of living costs. The Temporary Graduate visa (485) gives 2 years for bachelor's/coursework master's and 3 for research degrees and PhDs; skilled occupations feed a points-based PR system.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Canada or Australia?
On total annual cost — tuition plus living — Canada works out cheaper. Tuition in Canada starts around $3,200 a year against $21,500 in Australia, and living costs run $$16,000 versus $$20,500 a year.
Which gives better post-study work rights, Canada or Australia?
Canada allows 3 year(s) of post-study work and Australia allows 2. During term, students can work up to 24 hours a week in Canada and 24 hours in Australia.
Which is easier to get into, Canada or Australia?
Across the courses we list, the typical competitive grade is about 69% in Canada and 77% in Australia, with English requirements of IELTS 6.3 and 6.5 respectively. Entry difficulty varies far more by institution than by country.
Other comparisons
Estimated figures. Tuition, living costs and entry benchmarks on this page are estimates for guidance and comparison. Always confirm exact figures with the institution before you apply.
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