Are you looking for a comparison post on Canada VS Australia – which country is the best for students? Then, you are at the right place. Amid the political differences, Canadian study permits to Indian students fail by 86% during the fourth quarter of 2023. Whereas the number of Indian students going to Australia increased by 34% from January to August 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Also, if you are looking for other alternatives to Canada, Australia can be among the top choices.
In this blog post on Canada VS Australia, we will briefly look at the different aspects of studying in both the country. We will also be looking at the cost of study for students, top colleges, the education system, jobs, PR, and many more things. This comparison will help you pick out the best study-abroad destination for yourself. The comparison between Canada and Australia has become a frequent topic of discussion among students.
Canada and Australia – both situated on the opposite side of the globe, offer unique qualities to attract students from all over the world. In this blog post on Canada VS Australia, we will try to analyze both countries from students’ points of view. So, keep reading to explore the insights.
Topics covered
Canada vs Australia: Benefits of Studying
Let’s start with the potential benefits of studying in Canada vs studying in Australia. We will understand this difference with the table below. This will compare the countries on several parameters and aspects.
So, without further ado, let’s look at the benefits of studying in Canada vs Australia.
| Aspect | Canada | Australia |
| Education System | Emphasizes research-oriented programs, known for high academic standards and diverse courses. | Offers a practical and hands-on approach to learning, with a focus on industry relevance. |
| Immigration Policies | Known for welcoming immigrants through various pathways, including the Express Entry system. | Attracts students with post-study work opportunities and pathways to permanent residency. |
| Cost of Living | Generally higher cost of living, particularly in major cities. Scholarships and part-time work may offset expenses. | Varied cost of living, with potential lower expenses in some regions. Part-time work opportunities are available. |
| Weather | Experiences diverse climates, from cold winters to warm summers, depending on the region. | Offers a predominantly warm climate, with variations from tropical to temperate zones. |
| Job Opportunities | A robust job market with opportunities in technology, healthcare, and natural resources sectors. | Strong job market, particularly in industries like agriculture, tourism, and mining. |
| Quality of Life | Consistently ranks high in global quality of life indices, offering a safe and inclusive environment. | Renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, friendly communities, and a balance between work and leisure. |
Note: The information in the table provides a general overview, and individual experiences may vary.
Canada VS Australia: Top Colleges and Rankings
Let’s now look at the college comparison between Canada and Australia. We will try to know the count of the colleges and universities based on the QS World University Rankings. Well, there are only 3 Canadian universities that features under the top 100 colleges. Whereas there are 9 Australian universities that features under the top 100 colleges.
Do you want to know the names of these universities? This will just be a brief overview. Let’s look at the names of the top colleges.
Top Colleges/Universities in Canada
As we have already mentioned there are just 3 Canadian universities in the top 100 universities by the QS World University Rankings, we will look at their names now. If you want to know more about these institutions, refer to our blog Top Universities in Canada for more details.
| Name of the Institution | Rankings |
| University of Toronto | 21 |
| McGill University | 30 |
| University of British Columbia | 34 |
Top Colleges/Universities in Australia
Well, there are 9 institutions in the top 100 QS university rankings. This means, if you choose to study in Australia, you have more chances of studying in a top institution. Let’s look at their names in the table below. For more details, you can refer to our blog Top Universities in Australia for more details.
| Name of the Institution | Rankings |
| The University of Melbourne | 14 |
| The University of New South Wales | 19 |
| The University of Sydney | 19 |
| Australian National University | 34 |
| Monash University | 42 |
| The University of Queensland | 43 |
| The University oof Western Australia | 72 |
| The University of Adelaide | 89 |
| University of Technology Sydney | 90 |
In terms of the college comparison, Australia comes out to be the winner! But wait, this is not the end. We have many more factors to consider. Let’s now look at the education system of both countries for more details.
Canada VS Australia: Education System
In this section, we will compare the education system between Canada and Australia. We will not go in detail, but we will ensure that you don’t miss out on anything important. We will also be making short pointers for stand-out factors between these two education systems.
Canadian Education System
Discovering the Canadian education system opens up a world of opportunities. Governed by local authorities, it ensures top-notch education from elementary to high school. Let’s look at the important pointers regarding the Canadian education system.
- Canadian education system offers high-quality education at all levels.
- Mandatory schooling for children from around six to eighteen years old.
- Safe and welcoming learning environments.
- Options include excellent elementary and high school experiences.
- Colleges and vocational schools provide practical, hands-on learning.
- Internationally acclaimed universities offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees.
Australian Education System
Exploring the Australian education system unveils a diverse array of study options, both within Australia and globally. Known for its excellence, this system encompasses primary, secondary, and higher education for international students. Some of the important pointers regarding the education system in Australia include:
- Provides primary, secondary, and higher education for international students.
- The academic year spans 13 years, with four terms starting late January/early February.
- ELICOS courses ensure English language proficiency with flexible durations.
- Pathway and Foundation courses help those not meeting university entry requirements.
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) offers practical courses with work placements.
- Flexible academic year structures for different programs and degrees.
Who is the winner here? Well, both the education system has different features for the students. We can’t say which is the best because it depends on personal preferences. But worry not, let’s look at another factor of comparison – the cost of living.
Canada vs Australia: Cost of Living
In this section, we will be comparing the cost of living in Canada vs Australia. Well, the thing to note is that these are rough estimates and actual costs may vary on the different factors. Let’s try to analyse the Cost of Living in Canada and the Cost of Living in Australia for Indian students.
| Aspect | Canada | Australia |
| Housing | CAD 1,500 – 3,000 per month | AUD 2,000 – 4,000 per month |
| Groceries | CAD 200 – 400 per month | AUD 250 – 500 per month |
| Utilities | CAD 100 – 200 per month | AUD 150 – 300 per month |
| Transportation | CAD 100 – 300 per month | AUD 150 – 300 per month |
| Healthcare | Covered by public system | AUD 50 – 200 per month (private) |
| Fees | CAD 6,000 – 20,000 per year | AUD 7,000 – 30,000 per year |
Canada vs Australia: PR (Permanent Residency)
Getting a PR in Canada and PR in Australia involves different processes. In Canada, the Express Entry system focuses on skilled immigrants, considering things like education and work experience. Your eligibility is determined by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Meanwhile, Australia uses programs like SkillSelect to assess applicants based on skills, age, and language ability, assigning points accordingly.
Both countries prefer skilled immigrants, but the details of the criteria and points systems are not the same. It’s important for people looking to become permanent residents to understand the specific rules and procedures of each country before starting the PR process.
Canada VS Australia: Job Opportunities
Canada and Australia have many different job opportunities. Canada has a strong economy, especially in areas like technology and healthcare. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are great places for jobs. Canada is open to skilled immigrants and values diversity. Australia also has a strong economy, with important industries like mining and finance. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have a lot of job options.
Australia needs skilled workers and even regional areas have job openings. Both countries have programs to welcome skilled workers. Canada uses the Express Entry system, while Australia has visas like the General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa. To decide which country is better for work, it’s important to consider personal preferences, lifestyle, and the type of job you want. Researching each country’s job market and industries can help make a smart decision for your career.
Wrapping It Up!
Choosing between studying in Canada vs Australia involves considering many things. Canada has good schools, diverse job options, and a high quality of life. On the other hand, Australia has more top-ranked universities and focuses on practical learning. Living costs differ, and the ways to get a Permanent Residency are unique in each country.
Canada is strong in tech and healthcare jobs, while Australia is known for jobs in farming, tourism, and mining. The decision depends on what you like and your career goals. It’s essential to research both countries well to make a smart choice for your education and future.
Here is our success story out of many:
With iDreamCareer’s guidance, Shreya pursued NEET preparation alongside US pre-medicine program applications due to her medical history. Her exceptional time management and unwavering commitment led to impressive acceptance offers and scholarships from renowned institutions like the University of Pittsburgh, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Connecticut, Temple University, Stony Brook University, Drexel University, and Wayne University. After careful deliberation, she selected the University of Pittsburgh to fulfill her aspirations.
Related Links
- Study in Canada
- Intakes in Australia
- MBA in Australia
- Life in Australia
- Canada Student Visa Process
- Best Universities in Melbourne
FAQs
Both Canada and Australia offer excellent study opportunities. Canada excels in diverse programs and a multicultural environment. Australia stands out with practical learning and a strong emphasis on research. The best choice depends on personal preferences, career goals, and desired experiences.
The cost of living varies. Canada generally has a higher cost of living, especially in major cities. Australia, with a more varied cost of living, may have lower expenses in certain regions. The actual costs depend on factors like location, lifestyle, and personal choices.
Canada’s education system emphasizes research-oriented programs and high academic standards. Australia adopts a practical, hands-on approach with a focus on industry relevance. The choice depends on individual learning preferences and the desired educational experience.
Both countries offer diverse work opportunities. Canada’s robust job market includes technology and healthcare sectors. Australia, known for agriculture, tourism, and mining, also provides ample job prospects. The decision depends on one’s field of interest, skills, and career goals.
Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
