Canada vs. Australia: Which is Better for Student Immigration?

Selecting the correct destination for your study abroad journey is a crucial step. Many students might start with a dream of building a better future abroad or getting a better quality of education abroad, but with numerous countries to choose from, students often don’t have the necessary insights on which country will be perfect for them. 

Among all the popular destinations, like the USA, the UK, or any European country, students often get confused between Canada and Australia. These two offer world-class education, easy study visa pathways, and some appealing immigration options to students. These qualities create confusion among students about Canada vs. Australia for Students PR and which country might be the best choice for international students’ immigration.  

This blog’s aim is to give students a solution to this problem of choice. By diving deep into the unique advantages and opportunities each country provides, this blog will compare Canada and Australia across key factors like education quality, visa processes, cost of living, work opportunities, and pathways to permanent residency. Let us break it down. 

Immigration Pathways for Students

Both Canada and Australia offer multiple immigration pathways that helps in making the study abroad journey easy and hassle free. Let’s understand what these pathways are and what they offer:  

Canada:  

The goal of Canada’s immigration policies is to draw and keep talented foreign workers. International students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after finishing their studies with a Study Permit. Depending on how long their degree is, students can work in Canada for up to three years under the PGWP. 

Additionally, Canada has the Express Entry system, which increases the possibilities of Permanent Residency (PR) for applicants with Canadian job experience and education. International graduates can get permanent residence through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which are customized by each province in Canada. 

Australia: 

Australia’s immigration system is equally designed to help overseas students. The path begins with a Student Visa (subclass 500), and once graduated, students can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). This visa permits graduates to reside and work in Australia for up to four years, depending on their qualifications and location of study. 

Pathways to permanent residence are made easier by Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which offers the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190). The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) gives preference to particular professions for migration, which is advantageous for graduates with credentials in high-demand industries. 

Post-Study Work Opportunities

Most Indian Students while looking for a country for their study abroad journey, often lean towards a country that along with a good education also offers them with post study work opportunities. Both these countries provide students with plenty of work opportunities which makes it hard to choose. Let’s break it down: 

Canada:  

International graduates have the opportunity to obtain important work experience that is essential for PR applications through Canada’s PGWP, which is a significant advantage. With its thriving engineering, healthcare, and technology sectors, Canada provides a wealth of employment options for qualified foreign graduates. 

Australia: 

Particularly for students studying in remote locations, Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa is noteworthy since it may be eligible for longer work visa terms. Regional locations are a smart alternative for people who want to remain longer since they frequently provide additional points for PR applications, even if large cities like Sydney and Melbourne are centers for IT, banking, and healthcare. 

Eligibility Requirements

Selecting a destination also depends on the eligibility requirements that a student needs to fulfil to get their visas. Here are the visa eligibility criteria for Canada and Australia. 

Canada: 

To study in Canada, students need to demonstrate the following: 

• Admission to a recognized institution. 

• Proof of financial support. 

• A clean criminal record. 

• English or French language proficiency (via IELTS, TEF, etc.). 

Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during their studies and full-time during breaks. 

Australia: 

To Study in Australia Student Visa (subclass 500), students need to fulfill these criteria: 

• Enroll in a full-time course. 

• Proof of financial ability to pay tuition and living expenses. 

• Health insurance is available through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). 

• English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE). 

Part-time work rights (up to 48 hours per fortnight) are granted during semesters, with full-time work allowed during breaks. 

Advantages & Disadvantages 

For students when selecting a destination for international education, it’s important to evaluate the pros as well as the cons of the country that they are considering. Here are pros and cons for international students deciding between Australia and Canada: 

Canada: 

 Advantages: 

• Tuition costs are lower compared to Australia. 

• A cosmopolitan atmosphere that welcomes international students. 

• PNPs and Express Entry provide many paths to permanent residency. 

• Permanent residents receive free or discounted healthcare. 

Disadvantages: 

• Some provinces experience harsh winters, which might be challenging for certain students. 

• Processing times for visas can sometimes be lengthy. 

Australia: 

Advantages: 

• A mild temperature and attractive scenery provide a great quality of life. 

• Streamlined public relations routes for graduates in regional locations. 

• Opportunities to study at world-renowned universities. 

Disadvantages: 

• Higher tuition fees and living costs compared to Canada. 

• Limited PR options for professions outside the Skilled Occupation List. 

Specific Programs or Visas 

Canada as well as Australia have laid down multiple program that carters to specific requirements of international students. 

Canada: 

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Provides up to three years of employment permission following graduation. 

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): These programs offer provincial avenues for overseas students to obtain permanent residency. 

• Express Entry: Express Entry is a point-based system that prioritizes individuals with Canadian education and job experience. 

Australia: 

• Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): Offers 18 months to four years of work authorization. 

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): A PR pathway for graduates with the right skills. 

• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): A state-sponsored PR pathway. 

Cost Comparison 

Cost sometimes becomes a deciding factor for students deciding to commence their international journey and are confused between Canada and Australia. 

Canada: 

• Tuition Fees: Typically range between CAD 15,000 and CAD 35,000 per year, depending on the program and institution. 

• Living Expenses: Estimated at CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 annually, depending on the location and lifestyle. 

• Immigration Costs: Study Permit and PR application fees range from CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,500. 

Australia: 

• Tuition Fees: Generally fall between AUD 20,000 and AUD 45,000 per year, varying by program and institution. 

• Living Expenses: Around AUD 21,041 annually, as per visa requirements. 

• Immigration Costs: Student Visa applications cost approximately AUD 620, with PR applications costing AUD 4,000+. 

Actionable Insights 

After comparing both the courtiers, lets shed some light on insights that will help you in making the best decision for your study abroad journey. 

For Canada: 

• Choose programs with co-op or internship opportunities to gain Canadian work experience. 

• Focus on provinces with student-friendly PNPs, such as Ontario or British Columbia, for smoother PR transitions. 

For Australia: 

• Consider studying in regional areas to benefit from extended work rights and additional PR points. 

• Opt for programs aligned with the Skilled Occupation List to maximize PR prospects. 

General Tips: 

• Maintain a high academic standard to meet both visa and PR eligibility criteria. 

• Stay informed about changes in immigration policies and seek advice from visa experts to streamline your application process. 

Conclusion 

Both Canada and Australia provide exciting prospects for overseas students, with each having its own set of perks and disadvantages. Canada vs. Australia for Students PR provides different immigration opportunities, with Canada offering more affordable pathways and established PR channels. Australia, on the other hand, provides a dynamic lifestyle and specific regional perks that might be the best choice for international students’ immigration. Your own objectives and preferences will determine which option is better for study abroad immigration. 

Whatever place you select, skilled help may make the process easier and boost your chances of success. Your goal of studying abroad is within reach, so take the next step with confidence!