Canada or Australia: Which is Better for Indian Students in 2024

What do you do when you are caught between two very tempting choices? I like to make a logical decision by looking at both options objectively, backed by facts. And I’d do the same for you in this blog when you are caught between Canada or Australia for your study abroad destination.

As per Oxford International’s Student Global Mobility Index (SGMI) Report 2023, over 20% of Indian students chose Australia, while 18% opted for Canada due to their affordable education.

Here are other key parameters that can help you make an informed choice. 

Canada or Australia: Which is Better for Students

Key Highlights

The Australia vs Canada debate has been ongoing among students keen on pursuing higher education abroad. Coming to the core question, which is better Canada or Australia? Here are some key aspects that you can note in this regard. 

Factors	Australia	Canada
Language of instruction	English	English, French
Average cost of study	AUD17,000–AUD50,000/yr (INR 927,350– INR 2,727,500	CAD36,000/yr (INR 2186296/yr)
Average cost of living	AUD 18,000/year (INR 9,91,506/yr)	CAD 15,000/ year  (INR9,10,860/yr)
Exams required	IELTS Exam/TOEFL/PTE Exam and GMAT/GRE Test	IELTS/TOEFL Exam/PTE and GMAT/GRE
Intakes	Three intakes in a year – Semester/Trimester 1, Semester/Trimester 2, Semester/Trimester 3	Three intakes in a year – Fall, Spring, and Summer
Funding sources	Scholarships, aids, and part-time jobs	Part-time jobs, scholarships, bursaries, grants, fellowships
Types of degrees	Diploma (level 5), Associate Degree/Assistant Degree (level 6), Bachelors (level 7), Bachelors Honors (Level 8), Masters (level 9), Doctorate (level 10)	Associate Degree, Undergraduate Degree, Graduate Degree, Doctorate Degree
Top courses	Computer Science and IT, Engineering and Management, Business and Management, Medicine, Science, Law, Arts and Design, Accounting, Education and Teaching	Computer Science and IT, Engineering, MBA, Business and Finance, Media and Journalism
Best student cities	Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane	Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Quebec, Calgary, Waterloo

Read More: Study in Australia from India | Career Opportunities in Australia 

Canada vs Australia for Study: Education System in Both Countries

Which country is better, from an educational perspective? Let's find out. Canada has two types of educational institutions offering high-quality education  – private and public universities and colleges. The country has over 100 private and public universities offering over 15,000 programs.

In Canada, education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6-18 years. Universities, colleges, and vocational schools offer higher education, with the latter providing practical learning.  

On the other hand, the education system in Australia is one of the most sought-after for being well-structured and  formulated. As per the AQF or Australian Qualifications Framework that was introduced in 1995, you can move through 10 different levels after completing secondary education, provided you meet your student visa requirements. 

The higher education system in Australia begins with Diploma (level 5) till a Doctorate (level 10).

Study in Canada

Type of Institution	Key points
Colleges	These tend to focus on hands-on learning through co-ops, internships, labs, and placements. They can be both public and private. College graduates tend to enter the workforce faster.
Universities	Most universities offer academic degrees such as undergraduate and graduate programs. However, some also train students to excel in applied fields of work.

Study in Australia

Type of institution	Key points
Public Universities	A number of research institutions fall under this category, and all of them are funded by the government.
Private Universities	These are not funded by the government and have strong relations with businesses and industries.
Private College	Offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees across various fields. They emphasize skill development and employability.
TAFE: Technical and Further Education	Focuses on apprenticeships, vocational and work experience courses at diploma and certificate level.

Read More: Cost of studying in Canada for overseas students | Cost of studying in Australia

Top Universities: Australia vs Canada for Indian students

Many popular universities in Australia and Canada excel in several aspects of teaching and research. The top institutions in both the countries as per QS World Rankings 2024 and their average tuition fees are given below.

Top Universities According to QS  World University Rankings 2024

Australia			Canada
Universities	QS WUR 2024	Average annual tuition fees	Universities	QS WUR 2024	Average annual tuition fees
The Australian National University	34	AUD 33,000 – AUD 50,000 (INR 1,782,000 – INR 2,700,000)	McGill University	30	CAD 21,000 – 56,000 (INR 1,281,000 – 3,416,000)
The University of Melbourne	14	AUD 30,000 -AUD 48,000  (INR 1,620,000 – INR 2,592,000)	University of Toronto	21	CAD 30,000 – 58,000 (INR 1,830,000 – 3,538,000)
The University of Sydney	19	AUD 30,000 – AUD 59,000 (INR 1,620,000 – INR 3,186,000)	University of British Columbia	34	CAD 32,000 – 55,000 (INR 1,952,000 – 3,355,000)
The University of New South Wales	19	AUD 16,000 – AUD 40,000 (INR 864,000 – INR 2,160,000)	University of Alberta	111	CAD 13,000 – 49,000  (INR 793,000 – 2,989,000)
The University of Queensland	43	AUD 30,000 – AUD 43,000 (INR 1,620,000 – INR 2,322,000)	University of Montreal	141	CAD 18,000 – 36,000 (INR 1,098,000 – 2,196,000)
Monash University	42	AUD 25,000 – AUD 37,000 (INR 1,350,000 – INR 1,998,000)	McMaster University	189	CAD 25,000 – 60,000 (INR 1,525,000 – 3,660,000)
The University of Western Australia	72	AUD 23,000 – AUD 53,000  (INR 1,242,000 – INR 2,862,000)	University of Waterloo	112	CAD 30,000 – 62,000 (INR 1,830,000 – 3,782,000)
The University of Adelaide	89	AUD 23,000 – AUD 53,000 (INR 1,242,000 – INR 2,862,000)	Western University	114	CAD 21,000 – 52,000 ( INR 1,281,000 – 3,172,000)
University of Technology Sydney	90	AUD 20,000- AUD 37,000 (INR 1,080,000 – INR 1,998,000)	University of Ottawa	203	CAD 16,000 – 32,000 (INR 976,000 – 1,952,000)
University of Wollongong	162	AUD 20,000- AUD 30,000 (INR 1,080,000 – INR 1,620,000)	University of Calgary	182	CAD 18,000 – 36,000  (INR 1,098,000 – 2,196,000)

Popular Courses in Canada & Australia

The type of course you wish to pursue will also influence whether you choose Canada or Australia to study abroad. Both countries offer various courses in engineering, business management, and medicine, which are widely opted for by students across the globe.

Popular Courses in Australia

Popular courses	Duration	Average annual tuition fees
B.Eng Civil Engineering	3 years	AUD 35,000 (INR 1,792,700)
BMed + MD	5-6 years	AUD 28,000 (INR 1,434,160)
LLM	1 year	AUD 28,000 (INR 1,434,160)
MBA	2 years	AUD 60,000 (INR 3,073,200)
MSc Information Technology	2 years	AUD 30,000 (INR 1,536,600)
MSc Data Science	1-2 years	AUD 45,000  (INR 2,304,900)
MSc Computer Science	1.5 – 2 years	AUD 35,000  (INR 1,792,700)
MA Applied Economics	2 years	AUD 25,000  (INR 1,280,500)

Popular Courses in Canada

Popular courses	Duration	Average annual tuition fee
BSc Nursing	2-4 years	CAD 33,000 (INR 1,758,570)
LLM	1-2 years	CAD 20,000 (INR 1,065,800)
MSc Nursing	2 years	CAD 44,000 (INR 2,344,760)
MEng Aerospace and Engineering	3 years	CAD 38,000 (INR 2,025,020)
MEng Industrial Systems and Engineering	2 years	CAD 45,000 (INR 2,398,050)
MBA	1-2 years	CAD 38,000 (INR 2,025,020)
MSc Business Management	1 year	CAD 29,000 (INR 1,545,410)
MA Media Studies	2 years	CAD 35,000 (INR 1,865,150)

Eligibility Criteria: Canada vs Australia 

When considering studying abroad in Canada or Australia, it's important to understand that the eligibility criteria for admissions vary based on the course and the university you choose.

However, here's a comparison of Canada vs Australia based on the standard eligibility process followed by all the universities.

Canada

Undergraduate Degree

• Completion of high school or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board such as ICSE/CBSE. 
• Meet the minimum English language proficiency score requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, etc). An IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is recommended.
• SAT/ ACT may be required for some courses. A SAT score of 1430-1540 and an ACT score of 32-35 is desirable. 

Master's Degree

• Completion of a first-class bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 
• English language proficiency is similar to undergraduate programs. An IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is recommended.
• There may be other requirements depending on the program. You might need to submit additional materials like a portfolio or written samples.
• A GMAT score above 550 is recommended for management programs
• GRE scores may be required for some programs, though they are not mandatory.

Australia

Undergraduate Degree

• Completed 12 years of pre-university education, equivalent to an Australian Year 12 Certificate. 
• You will need to provide evidence that you have achieved one of the following levels of English language proficiency. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall is recommended.

Master’s Degree

• Completed a 3-year bachelor’s degree program or a 4-year Engineering degree at UG level.
• You will need to provide evidence of English language proficiency. An IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is preferred.
• GMAT scores are required for management programs. A GMAT score of 695 or above is desirable. 
• Some management courses will also require a work experience of around 2 years. 
• GRE scores for other programs.

Application Process: Canada vs Australia 

Canada

The application process for studying in Canada is as follows:

Research universities: Explore universities in Canada that align with your academic goals. Consider at least three options to have alternatives.

Check admission requirements: It involves checking aspects like admission times, language requirements, and credit score requirements for the degree or program you're interested in. It also involves preparing an application letter to introduce yourself to the university.

Submit required documents: For most universities, you will have to complete the application online by submitting the application form along with the following documents:

1. Copy of diploma or degree
2. Updated CV
3. Letter of intent:
4. Language proficiency results
5. Proof of funds
6. Reference letters

Receive an offer of admission: Once your application is processed, you'll receive an offer of admission (also called an acceptance letter). After this, you must apply for a study permit or a student visa.

Australia

Choose your course and university: Research and select the course you're interested in and the educational institution where you'd like to study.
Learn about the application process: You can download application forms from the institution's website or request them to be sent by post. 
Evaluate the academic entry requirements: It is important to review the admissions requirements for various courses at the university of your choice. For instance, Vocational education and training(VET) institutions may not require entrance exams. But, for other courses, you may have to take entrance tests. 
Prepare all the documents:  You may need the following documents to apply to an Australian university: 

1. Certified proof of your level of English language proficiency.
2. Previous academic qualifications, such as academic transcripts.
3. Proofs of your employment experience (if applicable).

Application acceptance and Visa application: Once you receive the offer letter from the institution, check with the country's immigration services and apply for a student visa.

Academic Cycles/Intakes: Canada vs Australia

Here’s a comparison of Canada vs Australia intakes to help you decide which country to go for and streamline your application: 

Australia	Canada
Semester/Trimester 1 intake spanning from February/early March to late May/early June; with deadlines before October or November Semester/Trimester 2 intake spanning from late July/early August to early September; with deadlines usually falling between April to May Semester/Trimester 3 intake spanning from September to late November; with deadlines falling between September to November	Fall intake spans from September–December/early January; with deadlines falling between December to March Winter intake from January–May; with deadlines falling between September and November Summer/Spring intake running from May-August; with deadlines usually falling in February

Cost of Studying for International Students in Canada vs Australia

The cost of education is one of the most important factors to consider when wondering if Canada or Australia would be better for you. The tuition fees differ across universities and courses in both countries. Therefore, we present to you the average annual tuition fees.

Comparative Study of Cost of Study in Canada and Australia

Degree type	Average Annual Tuition Fee in Canada	Average Annual Tuition Fee in Australia
Bachelors	CAD46,000–CAD71,560 (INR 2,530,000–INR3,930,800)	AUD33,888–AUD69,760 (INR18,68,473–INR38,46,338)
Masters	CAD52,160–CAD77,800 (INR2,873,800–INR4,309,000 )	AUD42,576–AUD85,024 (INR2,277,816–INR4,548,784)

Living in Canada or Australia – Which is Better

The cost of living in Australia and Canada for international students depends on the lifestyle of the students. Students interested in knowing  if Australia is better than Canada in terms of living expenses can refer to the table below. 

Expenses	Average cost per month in Australia	Average Living Cost Per Month in Canada
Rent	AUD1,754–AUD3,568 (INR93,839–INR190,888)	CAD1,926–CAD3,115 (INR106,430–INR171,325)
Food and expenses incurred on dine-out	AUD25–AUD120 (INR1,337.5–INR6,420)	CAD25–CAD100 (INR1,375–INR5,500)
Transportation	AUD60–AUD167 (INR3,210–INR8,934.5)	CAD39–CAD105 (INR2,145–INR5,775)
Utilities	AUD41–AUD306 ( INR2,193.5–INR16,401)	CAD64–CAD205 ( INR3,520–INR11,275)

Source: Numbeo

Canada or Australia – Job Opportunities in Most Popular Sectors

Both Australia and Canada boast robust economies, with a working population of 14,289,600 and 21,828,500, respectively(as of April 2024). Here are some of the in-demand fields and their average salaries in both countries: 

Area of specialization for job opportunities in Australia	Average annual salary	Area of specialization for job opportunities  in Canada	Average annual salary
Healthcare	AUD 80,000 AUD 60,500 (INR4,280,000)	Healthcare	CAD 1,47,307 (INR8,129,888.5)
Statistics/Data Science	AUD 1,15,000 (INR6,152,500)	Statistics/Data Science	CAD99,46387,248 (INR 5,470,509)
IT & Computer Science	AUD 1,22,445 (INR6,550,807)	IT & Computer Science	CAD71,95075,768 (INR3,957,250 )
Business Management	AUD 1,48,000	Management	CAD 86,733 ( INR4,770,315)
Education & Training	AUD80,332 (INR4,297,762)	Education & Training	CAD 62,255 (INR3,424,025)

Source: Glassdoor (As of April 2024)

Scholarships: Canada vs Australia

There are multiple scholarship opportunities for international students in different universities across both Australia and Canada. In the debate of Australia vs Canada, we have compiled a list of the top 5 notable scholarships these countries offer, along with their eligibility criteria and benefits.

Canada

1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be an international student
• Currently in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June of the previous year.
• Have exceptional academic achievement and creativity.
• Demonstrate leadership skills.
• Be nominated by your school and apply to the University of Toronto for undergraduate studies.

Benefits:

• Covers full tuition.
• Provides books.
• Covers incidental fees.
• Full residence support for four years of undergraduate study.

2. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be an international student.
• Entering a UBC undergraduate program from a recognized secondary school or a post-secondary institution.
• Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership skills.
• Require financial assistance to study at UBC.

Benefits:

• Award value ranges from CAD14,000–CAD34,000 
• Provides partial funding for tuition.
• Covers living expenses based on demonstrated financial need.

3. York University International Student Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be an international student.
• Applying to an undergraduate degree program at York University.
• Demonstrate excellent academic achievement.
• Involvement in community service or extracurricular activities.

Benefits:

• Scholarship amount varies based on academic excellence.
• Can range from partial to full tuition coverage.

4. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a graduate student pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree at a publicly-assisted university in Ontario.
• Demonstrate high academic achievement (typically an A- average in the last two years of study).
• Be enrolled in a full-time program for a minimum of two terms.

Benefits:

• Provides financial support of CAD10,000 for two consecutive terms or CAD15,000 for three consecutive terms.
• Funds are intended to cover research and academic excellence costs.

5. University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be an international student.
• Entering any undergraduate program at the University of Winnipeg.
• Have a minimum admission average of 80% or equivalent.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities.
• Engage in activities that support leadership development.

Benefits:

• Covers tuition and fees.
• Scholarship values range from $3,500 to $5,000.

Australia 

1. Australia Awards Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an International student
• Meet English language proficiency requirements.
• Plan to return to your home country for at least two years after availing the scholarship.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees.
• Return air travel.
• Establishment allowance.
• Contribution to living expenses.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Introductory academic program.
• Additional support if necessary (such as English language courses).

2. University of Sydney International Research Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be an international student commencing a full-time PhD or master's by research program.
• Be willing to undertake a research degree within the University of Sydney.

Benefits:

• Tuition fees offset.
• Living allowance for up to three years (with a possible six-month extension for PhD students).

3. Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be an international student.
• Must have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a master's by research or doctoral degree at the University of Melbourne.
• Demonstrate excellent academic achievement and research potential.

Benefits:

• Full fee offset, with an award valued at AUD1,35,000
• Living allowance.
• Relocation grant for students moving to Melbourne from interstate or overseas.
• Health cover.

4. UNSW International Scientia Coursework Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be an international student commencing full-time study in the University of New South Wales’ undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program.
• Meet the entry requirements for the chosen program.
• Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage or an annual award of AUD20,000 payable towards tuition fees. 
• Health cover.
• Possible additional benefits depending on the specific scholarship.

5. Adelaide Global Citizens Scholarship 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be an international student of high academic standing.
• Have applied to undertake an undergraduate or postgraduate program at the University of Adelaide.
• Provide evidence of meeting the University of Adelaide’s English language proficiency requirements.

Benefits:

• Tuition fee waiver of around 15–30%
• Annual living allowance.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (if applicable).

Start Your Study Abroad Journey: Bachelors in Canada | Bachelors in Australia

Best Student Cities

The best student cities in Australia and Canada are given below: 

Australia	Average cost of living per year	Canada	Average cost of living per year
Sydney	AUD 22,800 – AUD 28,800 (INR1,221,600 - INR1,539,600)	Toronto	CAD 22,000 (INR1,210,000)
Melbourne	AUD 18,000 (INR963,000)	Montreal	CAD 15,000 (INR8,25,000)
Adelaide	AUD 24,000 (INR1,284,000)	Vancouver	CAD 17,000 (INR935,000)
Perth	AUD 16,200 (INR869,100)	Ottawa	CAD 15,000 (INR825,000)
Brisbane	AUD15,000–AUD20,000 (INR802,500 - 1,070,000)	Quebec	CAD 20,000 (INR1,100,000)

Canada vs Australia- Permanent Residency 

Students who have graduated from an Australian university can apply for a post-study work visa that allows them to stay in Australia for 2–4 years, depending on their qualifications. A person can obtain a permanent residency in Australia through various routes: family stream, work stream, and business stream. To obtain a workstream PR, an Australian employer must sponsor your stay in the country.

On the other hand, students who have completed their higher studies at institutions in Canada can apply for a post-study work permit. The duration for which they can stay will depend on the type of course they have completed. For instance, those who have pursued their master’s(less than 2 years) can stay back for 3 years to seek employment. After working in the country for 3 years, students can apply through the Express Entry route(Canadian Experience Class) to secure permanent residency. 

Taxation in Canada and Australia

While choosing Canada or Australia for your work, knowing the tax rates in both countries is important as this can significantly affect your take-home income. In Canada, the federal income tax rates are progressive and usually vary from 15–33%, depending on taxable income.

Similarly, Australia has a progressive tax system, with tax rates varying between 19–45%. However, the tax you may have to pay in either country will depend on your deductions and tax exemptions.

Conclusion

Choosing Canada or Australia for Indian students in 2024 depends on individual preferences, career goals, and personal circumstances. Both countries offer high-quality education, diverse cultural experiences, and friendly immigration policies, making them attractive destinations for international students.