Studying in Canada vs. Australia: Which is better? Study Abroad Comparison

Australia is incredibly diverse and has a reputation for quality education. The country is the third most popular destination for international students in the English speaking world just behind the United States and the UK. Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than the UK and USA.

With a strong presence in reputable international university rankings, Canada is an increasingly popular study destination for international students, just behind Australia. Canada offers a great higher education system and student experience that keeps the number of foreign students steadily increasing.

But how does studying in Australia compare to studying in Canada? Is tuition fees and living cost in Australia also less expensive than in Canada? Which of both countries offer better student experience? If you are contemplating between studying in Canada and Australia, this video offers you a side by side comparison that would hopefully help you make a decision.

*Please note that this video is for information purposes. We advise that you seek professional advice and do your own research to make a decision*

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Also, watch Studying in China vs Canada: Which is better? below

Let’s get started..

University Ranking Comparison

Based on the Times Higher Education rankings of universities around the world, the University of Toronto, which is the best university in Canada, is 21^st in the rankings while the University of Melbourne (the best university in Australia) follows at a distant 32nd position. The University of British Columbia and McGill University are at 37^th and 44^th positions respectively while the Australian National University and the University of Sydney follow at 49^thand  59^th respectively! Universities in Canada tend to rank higher than those in Australia. But the differences are not so far apart. You wouldn’t want to base your decision solely on this.

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Teaching Style Comparison

While the exact types of classes you take will depend on your institution or your degree, there are some principles that are common to higher education teaching throughout Australia. At Australian universities, many degrees are based on the tutorial system where you will be required to attend tutorial classes after regular lectures. At these tutorials, you will discuss the lectures you have had in other to grasp the ideas better. There is an emphasis on group work, as well as individual study in Australia.

One striking similarity in both education systems is that they both encourage students to think independently. In Australian universities, as well as in Canada, students are encouraged to express their differing ideas with lecturers and tutors. The atmosphere in a typical Canadian university classroom is incredibly open and friendly. Like with Australian universities, the Canadian university experience is to move students gradually toward a more independent learning style where students can engage in self- and peer-assessment as they mature as learners.

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Tuition Fees Comparison

Canada has some of the cheapest tuition fees for international students compared to other English speaking countries. Tuition fees for an average undergraduate course in Canada ranged from around $5,000 – $20,000 per year, with many courses in the lower end of this scale. Statistics Canada pegs the average tuition fee for postgraduate study at 12,500USD.

Tuition fees at Australian universities are generally calculated per unit, not per year. Each unit falls into a fee band, and as most students will be studying a combination of units from different bands, fees will be different for most people. At Australian universities, the average tuition fee for international undergraduate students is the equivalent of US$22,170 per year. According to Study in Australia, the official government site for international students, the typical annual tuition fees for international graduate students for Master’s degree is US$14,400 to US$26,600, while Doctoral degrees start from US$10,060 to $37,000.

Cost of Living Comparison

Australia has a relatively high cost of living. The average international student in Australia spends about 1,050USD on accommodation, food and other living expenses. Although the Australian government stipulates that you have about 12,180USD to cover your yearly living costs, your rent alone might be as high as 9,600USD per year. In Canada, students will need the average of US$11,370 per year to living expenses. The living costs in Canada are slightly lower than in Australia.

Scholarship Availability

Canada and Australia offer considerable amount of scholarships for international students. However, you are more likely to find partial scholarships in Australia than full scholarships. But there are full scholarships like the Australia Awards Scholarships, and the Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarships. See the description below to find links to our videos on top scholarships in Australia and Canada.

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Ability to Work while Studying

One of the benefits of being an international student in Australia is the ability to work part-time because you will be granted automatic permission to work once you have a student visa. International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while studying in Australia. The same applies to Canada where you only need a valid study permit to access part-time jobs (on or off campus). However, it is much easier to work after graduation in Canada with the Canadian Post Graduation Work permit than in Australia.

Language Comparison

Except you intend to study in Canada’s Quebec province where courses are taught in French, English is the language of instruction for most Canadian and Australian universities. You will have to prove your proficiency in English language with the TOEFL or IELTS score as part of the admission requirements in both countries.

In summary, Canada and Australia are both great destinations to study abroad and rank among the top countries for quality higher education and student experience. You have to decide what factors are most important to you and choose the country that win along those lines.

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Will you prefer to study in Australia or Canada? Let us know in the comment section.

Until next time, YOUR SUCCESS MATTERS!