Canada vs. Australia: Best Destination for International Students Seeking Immigration in 2024.
Are you planning to study abroad with dreams of permanent residency (PR) after graduation? If so, you’re likely considering two top destinations: Canada and Australia. Both countries are popular for their high-quality education systems, vibrant multicultural environments, and clear immigration pathways. With recent updates to immigration policies in 2024, let’s explore which country is the better choice for your aspirations.
Canada
- Canada offers numerous PR pathways, even for those with occupations not traditionally considered "in-demand." Key options include:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): A pathway under the Express Entry system for skilled workers with at least one year of Canadian work experience.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Provinces nominate candidates based on local labor needs, increasing your PR chances.
- Advantages:
- No age restrictions for PR applications.
- Open to a broad range of occupations under Express Entry, unlike Australia’s more restrictive Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Australia's immigration system heavily focuses on specific skilled occupations. Popular pathways include:
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): Requires your occupation to be on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491): For regional work with potential PR pathways after meeting specific criteria.
- Disadvantages:
- Applicants must be 45 or younger (with some exceptions).
- Heavy dependence on the SOL, which prioritizes STEM and trade-related fields.
- Canada provides more flexibility in PR pathways, particularly for those outside STEM fields, making it a preferred choice for many international students.
Work Opportunities While Studying
Canada
- On-Campus: Unlimited work hours.
- Off-Campus: Up to 24 hours/week during academic terms; unlimited during scheduled breaks.
- Post-Graduation Work: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) offers up to three years of work authorization based on the duration of your study program.
- Work hours are capped at 48 hours every two weeks during classes, with no on-campus/off-campus distinction.
- Unlimited work hours during breaks for most students.
- Post-Graduation Work Visa: Offers 2-3 years of work authorization.
- Canada’s policies on unlimited on-campus work and longer post-graduation work permits give it a slight edge.
Study Permit Costs and Requirements
Canada
- Cost: CAD 150.
- Processing Time: Approximately three months.
- Requirements:
- Proof of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Proof of financial support (minimum CAD 20,635).
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
- Cost: AUD 1,600 (approximately CAD 1,465).
- Processing Time: About 61 days.
- Requirements:
- Proof of acceptance from a CRICOS-registered institution.
- Proof of financial support (AUD 29,710 or CAD 27,328).
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- While both countries have rigorous requirements, Canada’s lower costs and financial support thresholds make it more accessible for many students.
Cost of Living
When it comes to affordability, Canada and Australia vary depending on factors like housing, food, and transportation.
Housing
- Canada: Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive, with median rents for a two-bedroom apartment at CAD 2,500 and CAD 2,829, respectively.
- Australia: Sydney (AUD 2,880 or CAD 2,639) and Melbourne (AUD 2,200 or CAD 2,016) are comparable to Canada’s major cities.
- Groceries in Canada are approximately 6.9% cheaper than in Australia. Monthly grocery costs range from CAD 248–330, while Australian costs average AUD 430 (CAD 393).
- Canada has slightly cheaper public transit fares than Australia, with fares in major cities like Toronto and Montreal at CAD 3.75 compared to Melbourne’s AUD 5.30 (CAD 4.83).
- Canada’s lower grocery and transportation costs make it a better choice for budget-conscious students.
Globally Ranked Universities
Both countries offer world-renowned universities, but Australia boasts nine universities in the QS Top 100 Rankings 2025, compared to four in Canada.
- Top Canadian Universities:
- University of Toronto (25th).
- McGill University (29th).
- University of British Columbia (38th).
- University of Alberta (96th).
- Top Australian Universities:
- University of Melbourne (13th).
- University of Sydney (18th).
- University of New South Wales (19th).
- For students prioritizing globally ranked institutions, Australia may offer more options.
Conclusion: Canada vs. Australia
If your ultimate goal is to secure permanent residency and gain valuable work experience, Canada often emerges as the better option. Its inclusive immigration policies, longer post-graduation work permits, and broader range of PR pathways make it a favorite for international students.
However, if you’re focused on attending a top-ranked university and don’t mind navigating a more selective PR process, Australia may align better with your goals.
Pro Tip: For personalized assistance with student visas, immigration pathways, and finding the best opportunities in Canada or Australia, trust Wave Visas Immigration. With expert guidance, you can navigate the complexities of studying and immigrating with ease!
Start your journey today with Wave Visas Immigration—your trusted partner in global education and immigration!
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