Examine your options for immigration and study in Australia and Canada. To make an informed decision, compare top universities, tuition costs, work permits, and PR channels.

Canada and Australia are frequently the top choices for international students looking to study abroad and investigate immigration options. Both nations offer avenues to permanent residency (PR), friendly communities, and high-quality education. To assist you in making an informed choice, this book highlights the most important developments and distinctions between the two countries.

Immigration System Updates

Both Australia and Canada made major adjustments to their immigration laws in 2024. Both nations continue to offer excellent opportunities for overseas students looking for educational and PR pathways in spite of these changes.

Key Differences at a Glance

Aspect	Canada	Australia
PR Pathways	Wide range of eligible occupations; category-based draws offer advantages.	Relies on Skilled Occupation List (SOL); eligibility depends on occupation classification.
Work Experience Pathways	Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for skilled workers with local experience.	No equivalent program.
Work Hours During Studies	Unlimited on-campus hours; 24 hours per week off-campus during classes. Unlimited during breaks.	48 hours every two weeks during term time; unlimited during breaks.
Post-Graduation Work	Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) up to three years.	Temporary Graduate Visa for 2–3 years.
Eligibility for Work Permit	Programs aligned with in-demand occupations for college/vocational graduates.	No specific program restrictions for post-graduation work eligibility.

Educational Opportunities

Globally Ranked Institutions

Both Canada and Australia are home to renowned universities.

Canada’s Top 100 Universities (2025 QS Rankings):

University of Toronto: 25th
McGill University: 29th
University of British Columbia: 38th
University of Alberta: 96th

Australia’s Top 100 Universities (2025 QS Rankings):

University of Melbourne: 13th
University of Sydney: 18th
University of New South Wales: 19th
Australian National University: 30th
Monash University: 37th

Financial Overview

Aspect	Canada	Australia
Tuition Fees	CAD 29,000 – CAD 81,000	AUD 26,500 – AUD 113,000 (CAD 24,509 – CAD 104,511)
Study Permit Cost	CAD 150	AUD 1,600 (CAD 1,465)
Financial Requirement	CAD 20,635	AUD 29,710 (CAD 27,328)

Study Permits

Documentation Requirements

Both countries have similar requirements, but there are notable distinctions:

Requirement	Canada	Australia
Proof of Acceptance	From a designated learning institution (DLI)	From CRICOS-registered institutions
Proof of Financial Support	Bank statements showing CAD 20,635	Bank statements showing AUD 29,710 (CAD 27,328)
English Proficiency Tests	IELTS 6–6.5 (undergrad), 6.5–7 (postgrad)	IELTS 5.5–6.0 (minimum raised to 6.0 in 2024)
Health Insurance	Provincial or private, depending on region	Mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Post-Graduation Work Opportunities

Aspect	Canada	Australia
Work Permit Duration	Up to three years, depending on program	2–3 years, based on qualifications
Eligibility Criteria	Program must be full-time and at least 8 months. Includes vocational programs aligned with in-demand fields.	Recent CRICOS-registered qualification; aged 35 or younger (some exceptions apply).

PR Pathways

Pathway	Canada	Australia
Popular Programs	Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)	Skilled Independent Visa, Skilled Work Regional Visa
Eligibility	All skilled occupations under Express Entry; PNP includes some lower-skilled occupations.	Limited to occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
Age Limit	No age restrictions.	Skilled Independent Visa requires applicants to be 45 or younger (exceptions apply).

Conclusion

For overseas students, Canada and Australia offer great alternatives. Australia leads in globally renowned universities and expedited study permit processing, while Canada provides extensive avenues for PR and employment flexibility throughout studies. To choose the greatest fit for you, take into account your financial condition, desired study experience, and career aspirations.