Australia vs Canada has become one of the biggest debates for Indian students planning to study abroad in 2025. Both countries attract lakhs of students every year, with many welcoming career opportunities.
As per reports, India makes up more than 40% of Canada’s international student population. And when it comes to Australia, the High Commission states that India is the second largest source of international students in the country.
But the real question is: Canada or Australia — which country is better for Indian students in 2025? To answer this, we need to have a complete picture that goes above mere education quality.
That’s why we’ve prepared an in-depth blog that compares Canada and Australia in 2025 for Indian students, including all important factors like the education system, costs, visas, PR, job roles, and so on.
Let’s break down which country is better for Indians based on factors that matter the most:
The academic systems in both Australia and Canada are top-notch, although they operate a bit differently.
In Australia, higher education is managed by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), a national regulated framework. It unifies all qualifications across the country. That makes it very simple to transfer credits.
Did You Know?
Don’t fear ‘D’ grade anymore! In Australia, it means Distinction. The country follows a unique grading pattern: HD (High Distinction), D (Distinction), C (Credit), and P (Pass).
The educational system in Canada, on the other hand, is decentralised. Each province and territory is in charge of its own administration.
Yes, it’s pretty complex, but it offers more flexibility at the same time. Colleges and universities are free to create curricula that address the demands of the local industry. So, it’s easier to build a career in Canada.
Although the specifics of grading and course structure may differ slightly from province to province, your qualification will still be recognised worldwide.
Both Canada and Australia have top-notch colleges and universities. To help you compare better, here is a brief overview of some of the top universities in Australia and Canada, along with their most recent international rankings:
The area of focus of the educational systems is also a bit different. For instance, Canada is popular for:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Computer Science
- Healthcare
- Business Analytics
- AI
- Cybersecurity
This makes sense given Canada’s booming tech sector and government-driven demand for healthcare workers. If you aim for a PR in Canada, you can consider these because they align directly with the nation’s immigration priority lists. And all are high-paying job roles.
Meanwhile, the Australian economy is more dependent on geography. So, naturally, the education sector is structured to address that through a special focus on courses like:
Canada keeps things fairly document-heavy. The heart of your application in Canada is the Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution and proof of funds. If your papers match, you won’t have an interview in most cases.
But Australia has an extra requirement called the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE). This is where you might have to explain why you want to study in Australia and show that you aren’t using the student visa as a way to get into the country. You need to submit it as a written statement.
The health insurance, character, and language requirements remain almost the same.
The student visa application fee in Australia is about three times more than that of Canada:
| Category |
Australia (₹) |
Canada (₹) |
| Visa Fee |
₹39,050 |
₹9,100 |
| Biometric Fee |
₹4,675 |
₹5,100 |
| TOTAL |
₹43,725 |
₹14,200 |
Apart from that, you need to show money to prove that you have enough funds to cover the cost of studying in Canada or Australia. Canada needs you to show CAD 22,895 (₹14,50,000) while Australia requires about AUD 14,000, i.e, ₹13,65,000. Australia’s show money requirement varies based on the province.
The part-time work rights in Canada during studies were increased recently from 20 hours per week to 24 hours.
In Australia, it’s 48 hours per fortnight (two weeks) for years. That works better as it gives you a bit more flexibility week-to-week.
But flexibility is just half the picture. Here’s something more important: both countries allow you to work full-time during scheduled breaks.
Canada offers a more uninterrupted summer break (May-August) of around 3-4 months. That’s the perfect time to apply for internships in reputed companies and set a firm base for your career. Australia has shorter and more interrupted breaks that may affect this process.
Did You Know?
According to the 2021 Canadian census data, approximately 1.8 million people in Canada have Indian heritage. That’s almost 5% of the country’s population. Thus, it’s easier to find your community.
Both countries allow students to stay back to gain job opportunities. But the time period varies:
| Degree Level |
Australia |
Canada |
| Bachelor’s Degree |
2-4 years |
Up to 3 years |
| Master’s Degree |
2-5 years |
Up to 3 years |
| PhD/Doctoral |
4-6 years |
Up to 3 years |
Australia stands out again due to its Regional Work Benefits. Students studying in a designated regional area are automatically qualified for an extra 1-2 years under the Second Post-Study Work Stream. And guess what? They even enjoy extra points toward permanent residency, priority visa processing, and so on.
Here’s a realistic estimation of the monthly cost of living in Australia and Canada:
| Expense Category |
Canada |
Australia |
| Rent |
₹42,000 (CAD 700) |
₹44,000 (AUD 800) |
| Groceries |
₹18,000 (CAD 300) |
₹19,250 (AUD 350) |
| Utilities |
₹6,000 (CAD 100) |
₹8,250 (AUD 150) |
| Public Transport |
₹9,000 (CAD 150) |
₹11,000 (AUD 200) |
| Dining Out |
₹12,000 (CAD 200) |
₹13,750 (AUD 250) |
| Total per month |
₹87,000 |
₹96,250 |
These monthly estimates are just the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot more to consider:
Both Australia and Canada require you to have health insurance to show that you can accommodate medical emergencies that may arise. Yet, the cost of that varies a lot.
The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia is uniform across the country and comes with a fixed cost of about AUD 500 to 600. It covers most services. On top of that, some universities even have clinics on their campus, where you can visit doctors at a lower cost or even for free.
On the other hand, the public healthcare system in Canada is hard to understand. Some provinces, like British Columbia and Alberta, let international students use their provincial health plans. But in some provinces, you need to buy private insurance yourself.
In certain cases, there can be a short waiting period before provincial coverage begins. And some services such as dental and vision care may not be included under basic plans and require extra insurance.
Did You Know?
Yet, Canadian students get an unexpected bonus: free on-campus fitness centers and sports facilities. You don’t need to tear your pockets for expensive gym memberships.
The banking system in these countries is known for hidden fees. To avoid that, the ‘Big Five’ Canadian banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) and ‘Big Four’ Australian banks (Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, NAB) all offer fantastic student chequing accounts with $0 monthly fees and unlimited transactions.
The catch over here is that this applies only to the bank’s own systems. For instance, if you withdraw money from any other bank’s ATM, you would be charged a hefty fee.
Now, let’s talk about some good news. The tax system in Canada and Australia is pretty good for students. You are a ‘resident for tax purposes’ after a certain period. In Canada, it’s 183 days, while it takes 6 months in Australia.
After this period, you can claim a basic personal amount (the amount you can make without paying taxes). The earnings of most part-time working students are usually below that level.
Even if you don’t make enough money to pay taxes, you can still file a return and get back things like GST/HST credits.
Let’s be honest for a second. Quality education is not just your sole purpose of studying abroad, right? A job is indeed the ultimate aim of every international student!
Luckily, both countries have a strong job market. In Australia, according to the official Australian Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate is just 4.2% and total employment keeps climbing, hitting over 14.6 million. As per Canadian Statistics, the country employs a larger number: 21.02 million people!
Now let’s have a look at the sectors that are booming across these countries:
● Healthcare
Australia has an aging population, and the government is struggling to expand the healthcare system for that. There are thousands of job openings across the country for Registered Nurses and General Practitioners.
● Engineering
Australia has a lot of big infrastructure projects going on all the time, especially due to the upcoming Brisbane Olympics in 2032. The government wants more civil engineers, construction project managers, tradespeople, and so on, to manage them effectively.
● Renewable Energy
Over the past few decades, Australia has been one of the few countries that have pushed green energy usage globally. So, naturally, project managers for solar, mining, and sustainability roles are in demand.
● Technology
The country is actively trying to bring in tech workers. There’s a visible demand for Software Engineers, Web Developers, Data Scientists, and Cybersecurity Specialists. It’s so serious that some provinces even have special immigration programs for tech professionals, making it one of the most high-demand jobs in Canada.
● Skilled Trades
Canada also needs people to build and keep the country running. Across the country, there is a high demand for welders, carpenters, and truck drivers.
● Early Childhood Educators
The federal government has made a significant investment in creating more affordable childcare spaces. That led to a demand spike for qualified professionals. Thousands of open positions are to be filled.
All your dreams, be it a stable career or a peaceful life abroad with family, depend on a single thing: Permanent Residence (PR). Both countries have well-defined steps for that. Let’s check it out.
Australia
- First of all, complete your studies and get an Australian degree. That makes you eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). It lets you stay back and work for two to four years.
- Try to gain work experience during this time. Australia has a Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which is a list of jobs they really need. If you have a job that’s mentioned in that list, you’ll have a preference for PR in Australia.
- After that, you apply for a skills assessment through the official body for your field. This step makes sure that your education and work experience are up to Australian standards.
- These are the best PR pathways to Australia:
| Visa Category |
Explanation |
| Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) |
You don’t need a sponsor; it’s all based on your points, like your age, English level, work experience, and education. |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) |
It’s for those who are nominated by an Australian state or territory. It gives you an extra 5 points. But in return, you commit to living and working in that state for a few years. |
| Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) |
You live and work in regional Australia for a few years, and then you become a permanent resident. This one is popular because it gives you an extra 15 points. |
- Submit an online application through SkillSelect.
- Every applicant has to go through a points system. You get points for your age (the younger you are, the better), your English level (IELTS/PTE), your education, and your work experience. If your score is good enough (above 85 points), you’ll get an invitation to apply.
- Once your application is approved, you will be a permanent resident of Australia. You will have access to Medicare and a path to citizenship after four years.
Canada
- Canada’s PR pathway is also similar. After completing the degree, you will get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that lets you stay and work for up to three years. Give preference to jobs in tech, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades, as they are more rewarding.
- There are three different streams for PR in Canada:
| Visa Category |
Explanation |
| Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker / Canadian Experience Class) |
The most common way to get a Canada PR. All you need to do is: make an online profile, get points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
Every province (like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta) has its own immigration stream. If a province needs your skills, they will nominate you with a 600-point boost. |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) |
This program is a great option if you study or work in the Atlantic provinces (like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, etc.) because the requirements are easier. |
- The CRS system is Canada’s version of the points test. You get points for your age (the highest is between 20 and 29), your education, your work experience, your language skills, and your ability to adapt. Once your score is good enough, you’ll get an ITA through Express Entry draws.
- A PR in Canada gives you access to the same medical health benefits (like Medicare) and apply for citizenship after living in Canada as a PR for just three years.
Canada offers several pathways, such as Express Entry and PNP, giving students multiple options to qualify. Australia’s points-based system, with extra points for regional areas, provides another route for those planning to settle there. In a nutshell, both are good choices for international students who wish to settle abroad.
1. Which country is safer for Indian students: Australia or Canada?
Although both nations are renowned for their student safety, Canada typically scores slightly higher on international safety indices.
2. Do Australia and Canada accept study gaps?
If you can provide work or other good reasons, Canada typically allows a 5-year study break. Australia is a little stricter and typically accepts two to three years.
3. Can I travel around the nation without restriction once I have PR?
Of course. You have complete freedom to live, study, and work anywhere in Canada or Australia after obtaining permanent residence.
4. Which country’s weather is the easiest to adapt to?
Australia’s climate is more similar to India’s, with warmer temperatures, sunny beaches, and mild winters in many areas. Canada is colder and even snowy in some provinces.
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question: “Canada or Australia, which is better for Indian students?” It all depends on your long-term goals and where you see yourself living in the future. And you need expert guidance to check if those countries’ immigration systems fit into those goals.
That’s exactly where The Chopras – TC Global comes in. Our experienced counsellors have guided thousands of students to pick the right university and country for their career aspirations.
Before you jump in, let’s sit together and look at both sides of the picture to see which country really feels like home for you.
Book a free consultation now!
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