Canada vs Australia for International Students 2026
Canada and Australia have been the top two destinations for international students seeking permanent residency through education. But in 2025-2026, both countries made significant policy changes. Here is a data-driven comparison to help you decide.
The head-to-head comparison
| Canada | Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average tuition | CAD 20,000–35,000/yr | AUD 25,000–45,000/yr |
| Living costs | CAD 12,000–18,000/yr | AUD 24,500/yr (min visa req) |
| Part-time work | 20 hrs/week (term), full-time breaks | 48 hrs/fortnight |
| Post-study visa | Up to 3 years (PGWP) | 2–4 years (subclass 485) |
| PR pathway | Express Entry (1–2 yrs) | Points-based (variable) |
| Study permit changes | 48% cut, PAL required | Enrollment caps, GS test |
| Int'l students | ~800,000 | ~710,000 |
Tuition and living costs
Australia is generally more expensive on both tuition and living. The minimum financial requirement for an Australian student visa is AUD 24,505/year for living costs alone — significantly higher than what most Canadian provinces require. However, Australia's minimum wage (AUD 23.23/hour) is among the highest in the world, making part-time income more significant.
Post-study work rights
Canada's PGWP gives up to 3 years for 2+ year programmes. Australia's Temporary Graduate Visa gives 2 years for bachelor's, 3 for master's, and 4 for PhD — plus additional years for regional study and certain STEM fields. On duration alone, Australia wins for master's and PhD students.
PR pathway
Canada's Express Entry has historically been faster and more predictable — 6–12 months after PGWP, many graduates qualify. Australia's points-based system is more complex and variable, though STEM graduates and healthcare workers have advantages.
2026 reality: Both countries are tightening. Canada's Express Entry draws have become more selective, and Australia is reforming its entire migration framework. Neither is a guaranteed PR pathway anymore.
The 2025-2026 policy changes
Canada: Study permit approvals dropped 48%. New PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) requirement. PGWP eligibility tightened to exclude some programmes. Political pressure to reduce international student numbers further.
Australia: Introduced enrollment caps at individual institutions. Strengthened the Genuine Student test. Raised visa fees. But post-study work visa rights remain generous, especially for PhD graduates.
Our take
If you can get into a strong Canadian programme (DLI with high approval rates), the PGWP + Express Entry combination is still the fastest PR route. If you are applying to Australia, PhD students get the best deal (4 years post-study work). For master's students in STEM, both countries are strong but Australia's 3-year visa edges out Canada's 3-year PGWP when you factor in fewer admission restrictions.
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