Is Canada or Australia better for a study visa and PR?

Factors

Canada

Australia

Total number of Universities in QS World University Rankings 2025 (Top 100 Ranking)

4

9

Types of Institutions

·         University

·         University colleges

·         Community colleges

·         Career and technical colleges

·         CEGEPs (Collèges d'enseignement général et professionnel)

·         Public Universities

·         Private Universities

·         Vocational Education and Training (VET) Providers

·         Self-Accrediting Higher Education Institutions

·         State and Territory Accredited Higher Education Institutions

Top 5 universities

·         The University of Toronto

·         McGill University

·         The University of British Columbia

·         The University of Alberta

·         McMaster University

·         The University of Melbourne

·         The University of Sydney

·         The University of New South Wales (UNSW)

·         Australian National University (ANU)

·         Monash University

Top 5 Scholarships

·         Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

·         Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

·         Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

·         Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

·         University-Specific Scholarships

·         Australia Awards Scholarships

·         Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP)

·         Destination Australia Scholarship

·         University-Specific Scholarships

·         Endeavour Scholarships

Top 5 Cities for International Students

·         Montreal

·         Toronto

·         Vancouver

·         Ottawa

·         Quebec

·         Melbourne

·         Sydney

·         Brisbane

·         Adelaide

·         Perth

Study intakes

·         Fall Intake (September)

·         Winter Intake (January)

·         Summer Intake (May/June)

·         February (Semester 1)

·         July (Semester 2)

·         November (Semester 3)

Student visa requirements

·         An original Passport

·         Acceptance letter from a Canadian DLI

·         Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

·         English language test scores

·         Statement of Purpose (SOP)

·         Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

·         Medical insurance

·         Recent passport-sized photographs

·         Proof of funds

·         Genuine intent to study in Australia

·         English language requirements

·         Proof of funds

·         Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

·         Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

·         Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

·         Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement

Student visa fees

CAD 150

AUD 1,600

Student visa processing time

2-16 weeks

4 weeks

Total number of working hours for international students

24 hours per week off-campus (during classes)
Unlimited (on-campus classes)
Unlimited (during breaks)

48 hours (fortnight)
Unlimited (during breaks)

Post-Study Work Options

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Post-Study Work visa validity

Up to 3 years

 2-3 years

Factors

Canada PR

Australia PR

PR Pathways

·         Express Entry

·         Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

·         Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

·         Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

·         Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

·         Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

·         Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

·         Regional Skilled Work Visa (Subclass 491)

·         Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

·         Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)

Immigration target

3,95,000

1,85,000

Pros

·         Live, work, and study in Canada

·         Sponsor your family members

·         Avail the healthcare system in Canada

·         High quality of life

·         Avail of social security benefits

·         Get free education for your children

·         Pathway to citizenship

·         Freedom to reside and work anywhere in the country

·         Avail of Australia's Medicare benefits

·         Get social security benefits

·         Sponsor eligible family members

·         Pathway to citizenship upon eligibility

Cons

·         High cost of living

·         Strict immigration process

·         High rates of income tax

·         Difficulty with finding employment

·         Restrictions while applying for Government jobs

·         Limited social security benefits when compared to the citizens

·         Certain visa applicants may have higher taxes

·         No voting rights

Can students directly apply for PR after their studies?

Yes, students can apply for PR while studying. This is known as dual intent and allows international students to apply for a PR application while holding a student visa. However, they must apply for a PGWP that gives them work experience.

No, they cannot directly apply for PR, they must first apply for Subclass 485 visa to gain work experience that can qualify them for PR.

Post-study work opportunities

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

Number of job vacancies

5,47,785

3,28,900

Cost of living

CAD 18,000 to CAD 20,000

AUD 50,000 to 70,000

Visa processing

6-12 months

9-18 months