Canada vs Australia for Students: Which Is Better in 2026?

When considering higher education overseas, you’ll inevitably come across two fantastic countries (with many similar characteristics), Canada & Australia. Both countries offer a strong selection of world-class universities, excellent post-study employment rights and clear avenues to permanent residency; however, they are not identical. 

Choosing the wrong country could result in several years and thousands of dollars wasted toward your future. Bajwa Migration Services works with students making this decision every day. In this info-packed comparison, we’ll explain the major differences between studying in either Australia or Canada so you can make an informed decision based on your personal priorities when selecting between these two great options!

Education Quality in Canada vs Australia

Both countries are relatively small but highly rated on a global scale for university rankings and they have many of the best research universities in the world: Australia’s Group of Eight (Go8), including universities like Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, UNSW, Queensland, and Monash, represents the country’s top research institutions.

Studies at top-tier universities in Canada, such as the University of Toronto, McGill, UBC and Waterloo, can lead to successful careers and PR options. One of the advantages of studying in Canada is the country’s integration of its research universities with industry, especially in the fields of STEM, business and health sciences. For example, Waterloo produces more computer science graduates that are placed with leading technology companies than some of the world’s top-ranked institutions.

Overall, rankings should not be your deciding factor when selecting a university; instead, you should consider which university has proven employment statistics in your specific field and is most likely to provide you with the best opportunity for obtaining a PR after graduating.

Tuition Fees & Cost of Living Comparison

Cost is often the deciding factor in the Canada vs Australia debate and Canada has a clear edge here. Here is what the numbers look like in 2026:

• Study in Canada — Tuition: For the majority of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, tuition costs range from CAD $20,000 to $40,000 annually in Canada, while in Australia, annual tuition costs for undergraduate degrees can be anywhere from AUD $28,000 to AUD $45,000.
• Living costs: Living expenses in Canada are generally in the range of CAD $12,000 to CAD $20,000. In Australia, they will range from AUD $20,000 to AUD $28,000, with living expenses in Sydney and Melbourne tending to be on the higher end of this range.
• Total annual budget: To study in Canada, your total annual budget will be approximately CAD $30,000 to CAD $60,000, while to study in Australia, your total annual budget will be approximately AUD $48,000 to AUD $73,000.
• Study in Australia — Tuition: $28,000 – $45,000 (annual undergrad).
• Living costs: $20,000 – $28,000 (higher if you live in Sydney or Melbourne).
• Total annual budget: Approximately $48,000 – $73,000
  
  

Currency comparison: January 2026 exchange rate is approx 1CAD ≈ 1.10AUD which is very close to equivalent value, therefore Canada is approximately 15% – 25% less expensive overall than Oz.

Health insurance: In most provinces throughout Canada, incoming international students have access to generally free & low-cost health care, whereas in Aus; international students must obtain OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) and must pay an estimated additional $50-$100 per month to maintain it.

Work Rights for International Students

The two countries where you can pursue your education, Australia, and Canada both allow you to work during your studies; however, they have completely different regulations about working after completing your studies, which can significantly impact your future immigration goals.

• Work during studies — Canada: Work while studying in Canada allows international students enrolled at designated institutions to work for 20 hours per week while studying and full-time during scheduled breaks.
• Work during studies — Australia: On the other hand, Australia allows students to work for 25 hours per week (increasing from 20 hours in 2025) while studying and full-time during semester breaks. Thus, Australia provides slightly more hours that you can work compared to Canada.
• Post-study work — Canada (PGWP): Regarding post-graduation work, in Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is equal to the duration of your studies for a maximum of 3 years (e.g., if your program lasts for 2 years, you can work for 2 years after graduation). Therefore, with a PGWP, you are allowed to work full-time anywhere in Canada for any employer.
• Post-study work — Australia (Subclass 485): In contrast, in Australia, the Subclass 485 allows you to work for 2 years after completing your undergraduate degree, 3 years after completing a research master’s degree, or 4 years after completing your PhD. Furthermore, you may also be able to extend your post-graduation work rights by an additional 1-2 years if you successfully complete your studies in a designated regional area of Australia.

Post-Study PR Pathways — Which Is Easier?

When discussing Canada versus Australia, many students ask themselves the same question regarding their future residency after graduation, where will I obtain my PR (Permanent Residency)? 

Here are the basic facts about both in 2026:

• Canada’s PR pathway: Canada has the easiest way to transfer from study to PR through Express Entry, which continues to be recognised worldwide as the most straightforward route for graduated students. Your PGWP (Post-Graduate Work Permit) will count towards your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score, allowing most graduates who are successful at obtaining jobs within their field to apply for PR within 2-4 years of graduation.
• Australia’s PR pathway: Australia continues to run a points-based system (minimum 65 points); however, your Australian study will only be considered qualifying points when submitting an expression of interest (EOI). For example, if you obtained your skilled job in Australia through State Nomination (Subclass 190 or 491) you may process your application significantly faster than those who did not apply through this system.
• For PhD students: Australia Has a Post-Study Work Visa For PhD Graduates That Is Lovely At 4-Years.Australia Gives PhD Graduates An Extra Qualification Point For A Degree. The High Demand For PhD Graduates In Engineering, Nursing And
• For undergraduate students: PhD Graduates Can Get An Easy Route To Permanent Residency In Canada; They Will Usually Get A Post-Graduation Work Permit; If The Degree Is From A Post-Secondary Institution With High Demand (e.g., IT, Healthcare, Engineering), The PGWP Will Be Automatically Considered As Past Experience For Express Entry, Thus Increasing The Number Of Applicants Who Will Be Approved Under The Express Entry System.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q:  Is it cheaper to study in Australia or Canada?

A:  Canada is generally 15–25% more affordable. Tuition and living costs are lower in most Canadian provinces compared to major Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne.

Q:  Which country is better for PR after studying Canada or Australia?

A:  Canada has a more direct PR pathway through Express Entry and the PGWP system. However, Australia is more stable in 2026 with 185,000 migration places and multiple pathways including employer sponsorship, state nomination and points-based independent visas.

Q:  Can I work while studying in both Canada and Australia?

A:  Yes. Canada allows 20 hours per week during term. Australia allows 25 hours per week during term. Both allow full-time work during scheduled breaks.

Q:  How can Bajwa Migration Services help me choose between Canada and Australia?

A: Bajwa Migration Services provides personalized consultations to assess your academic background, career goals and immigration timeline and match you with the country and pathway that gives you the best chance of long-term success.

Conclusion 

The choice of studying abroad in Canada or Australia is determined by your personal goals. If you want low-cost schooling, quick paths to permanent residency, and careers in technology or business; Canada is a better choice. On the other hand, if you want more flexibility in choosing where to live after completing your studies, longer periods of time to work after graduating from school, warmer weather, or if you are looking for stability in the immigration process through 2026, Australia is a great option.

When choosing between Canada and Australia, it is important to base your choice on your long-term career aspirations and plans rather than on their rankings. Both countries offer excellent opportunities for international students. At Bajwa Migration Services, we assist our clients in evaluating their options and provide guidance throughout the entire application and visa process. If you would like more information about how we can help you, call us today for a complimentary consultation.