Choosing between Canada and Australia for higher education can be tough for international students. Both countries offer globally recognised universities and course options. However, factors like tuition fees, cost of living, visa policies, and work opportunities play a crucial role in making the final choice.
Canada and Australia are among the top English-speaking destinations for international students, attracting thousands each year. Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast, Sydney, Adelaide, and Canberra are the best cities for higher education in Australia. On the other hand, Toronto, Edmonton, Ontario, etc, are the best cities.
Canada vs Australian for Indian Students: Highlights
Below is a quick comparison of key aspects to help you decide the best study destination:
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Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Eligibility Criteria
Below is a comparison of the eligibility criteria for each country.
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Education System
Canada and Australia are popular choices for Indian students looking to study abroad. Both countries offer quality education, but their systems, tuition fees, and opportunities differ. The table below compares the education systems in Canada and Australia.
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Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Popular Courses
Both Canada and Australia offer a wide range of academic programs, making them top destinations for Indian students looking to study abroad. Below is the list of popular courses in each country, their duration, and estimated tuition fees.
Popular Courses in Australia
Many international students choose Australia for its high-quality education system and strong job market. Here are some of the most popular courses pursued by Indian students in Australia:
- Hospitality Management
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Media & Journalism
- MBA
- Psychology
- Agricultural Sciences
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Accounting
- Cybersecurity
- Business and Management
Top Courses in Australia: Duration & Tuition Fees
Popular Courses in Canada
Canada is a top choice for Indian students due to its affordable tuition fees, high employability rates, and welcoming policies for international students. The following are the most in-demand courses in Canada:
- MBA
- Computer Programming
- Nursing and Medicine
- Engineering
- Health & Management
- Architecture
- Business Management
- Media Studies
- Social Sciences
- Information Technology
Top Courses in Canada: Duration & Tuition Fees
Thinking about studying MS in Canada or PGDM in Canada? Canada has top universities, great job opportunities, and globally recognised courses. Know top universities, fees, career options, or admission details, and choose the best options to study in Canada
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Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Top University
Based on the QS World University Rankings 2025, several Australian and Canadian universities have secured top positions. Below are the rankings for both countries.
Top Universities in Australia
Top Universities in Canada
Studying in top colleges in Canada can be expensive, but an education loan for Canada can help. Find out about eligibility, loan options, and how to apply to secure funding for your studies in Canada.
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Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Academic Cycle/Intakes
Here are the academic cycles and intakes in Canada and Australia to help you plan your application process.
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Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Admission Requirements
For Indian students looking to study abroad, Canada and Australia are among the top choices. While both countries offer high-quality education, their admission criteria vary. Understanding these requirements can help students make informed decisions about their academic journey.
Below is a comparison of the admission requirements for both countries.
Admission Requirements for Canada
Admission Requirements for Australia
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Application Process
Here is a step-by-step comparison of the application process for studying in Canada and Australia.
Application Process for Studying in Canada
Application Process for Studying in Australia
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Cost of Studying
The cost of studying depends on the university, course type, location, and personal expenses. Below is a comparison of the costs of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in both countries.
Canada vs Australia for Undergraduate Courses
Canada vs Australia for Masters
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Student Visa
Indian students studying in Canada or Australia must apply for a student visa. While both countries offer student-friendly visa policies, there are differences in the application process, work rights, and costs. Below is a detailed comparison of student visa requirements for each country.
Canada Study Visa Requirements
Australia Student Visa Requirements
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Post-Graduate Work Visa
After completing their studies, international students can apply for a post-graduate work visa in Canada and Australia. The eligibility criteria and duration of these permits vary for each country.
Canada Post-Graduate Work Visa
Canada offers a post-graduate work visa that allows international students to stay and work after completing their studies. The visa duration depends on the length of the study program. Key points include:
- Available to graduates from recognised post-secondary institutions in Canada.
- The work permit duration is based on the length of the course, with a maximum validity of 3 years.
- There are no restrictions on the type of job or industry students can work in.
- Students must apply within 180 days of receiving their final marks.
- A valid study permit at the time of application is mandatory.
Australia Post-Study Work Visa
Australia provides post-study work opportunities for international graduates based on their qualification level. The work visa duration varies accordingly. Important details include:
- Open to students who complete a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in Australia.
- The duration of a work visa ranges from 2 to 6 years, depending on the qualification level.
- Diploma holders and other graduates can apply for an 18-month visa under the Graduate Work Stream (Subclass 485).
- Applicants must meet the Australian study requirement and hold a valid study visa.
- Graduates can work in any field and gain valuable industry experience.
Australia offers excellent education opportunities with top-ranked universities, diverse courses, and strong career prospects. Here is everything you need to know about studying in Australia for Indian Students, including universities, fees, and job opportunities.
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Permanent Residency
Many students aspire to settle in the country where they complete their studies. Canada and Australia offer pathways to Permanent Residency (PR), but the process and requirements differ.
Permanent Residency in Canada
Canada has a straightforward PR process, especially through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system. Students can apply for PR after gaining work experience through a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Due to a labour shortage in several sectors, Canada has a high demand for skilled workers, making it easier to secure PR compared to many other countries.
PR Points System for Canada
Permanent Residency in Australia
Australia offers PR opportunities, but the process is more complex and time-consuming. The immigration system involves a thorough background check and requires candidates to meet eligibility criteria, including work experience, skills, and points-based assessments. While obtaining PR in Australia can take longer, it is possible to become a citizen after meeting the required conditions.
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Scholarships
Many universities in Canada and Australia offer financial aid and scholarships to help international students manage tuition costs. In addition to university-specific scholarships, several government and private organisations also provide funding. Here are some scholarships available for Indian students in both countries.
Scholarships in Canada
- International Research Linkages – Funded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Government-funded for exceptional students
- Canada Asia-Pacific Awards (CAPA) – Supports students focusing on Asia-Pacific studies
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship – Government-funded for postdoctoral research
- Sauvé Scholars Program – Provided by the Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation
Scholarships in Australia
- University of Adelaide Ashok Khurana Scholarship – Supports Indian students
- University of Queensland Postgraduate Coursework Scholarships – For postgraduate students
- India-Australia BEL Excellence Scholarship – Offered by the University of Queensland
- Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) – Supports future leaders
- Endeavour Awards – Recognises academic excellence in international students
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Quality of Education and Safety
It is important to focus on the quality of education and safety when choosing a country to study. Canada and Australia offer top universities and a secure environment for students.
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Cost of Living
When planning to study abroad, it's important to consider not just tuition fees but also the cost of living. Understanding everyday expenses in your chosen country helps in effective budgeting.
Below is a comparison of living costs for Indian students in Canada and Australia.
Cost of Living in Australia
Get detailed insights on the cost of living in Australia for Indian and international students, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses.
Cost of Living in Canada
Get complete information on cost of living in Canada for 2025, including housing, food, transportation, and other expenses. Plan your finances wisely for a smooth stay in Canada.
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Career Opportunities
Both Canada and Australia offer excellent jobs for international students. Some industries in each country have a higher demand for skilled workers, making it easier for graduates to secure jobs. Below are the key sectors with high employment opportunities.
Job Opportunities in Canada
Due to its ageing population, Canada has a strong economy and a growing need for skilled professionals. The country actively hires international talent to fill the workforce gap, including students who graduate from Canadian institutions. Some of the most in-demand job sectors include:
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Business & Communication
- Law
Job Opportunities in Australia
Australia also has several industries that provide job opportunities for graduates. Many students find employment in these sectors through full-time or part-time roles while studying. The top job sectors in Australia are:
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Education
- Technology & IT
- Professional & Scientific Services
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Job Roles and Salary
Canada has a strong job market, with 63.4% of its population (aged 15 and older) employed as of April 2024. This makes it an attractive destination for graduates, especially in high-demand fields like technology, healthcare, and business.
Similarly, Australia has a higher employment rate of 66.7% for the same age group, offering promising career prospects in finance, mining, and education. Both countries provide competitive salaries and excellent job growth for international students.
Below are some job roles and their average salaries in each country:
Job Roles and Salaries in Canada
Job Roles and Salaries in Australia
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Taxation System
Both Australia and Canada have progressive tax systems, meaning higher incomes are taxed at higher rates. However, there are key differences in how taxation works in each country.
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Best Cities
When choosing between Canada and Australia, Indian students should consider the best cities for education based on living costs and student-friendly environments. Below are some of the top student cities in both countries and their average annual living expenses.
Best Student Cities in Australia
Best Student Cities in Canada
Canada vs Australia for Indian Students: Climate
When choosing between Canada and Australia for studies, it is important for Indian students to consider the climate to ensure a comfortable stay.
Climate in Canada
The weather varies depending on the region. While cities like Toronto have milder winters, places like Montreal experience heavy snow and freezing temperatures. Summers are generally cool and pleasant across the country.
Climate in Australia
Being in the southern hemisphere, seasons in Australia are opposite to the seasons in India. Summer starts in December, and winter begins in June. Northern areas have tropical weather with warm temperatures, while the southern regions experience a temperate climate.
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