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Canada vs Australia

A side-by-side comparison of tuition, cost of living, work rights, and post-study pathways to help Pakistani students choose between Canada and Australia.

Factor
Canada
Australia
Bachelor's Tuition Fee
CAD 18,000 - CAD 35,000 / Year
AUD 20,000 - 45,000 / Year
Master's Tuition Fee
CAD 15,000 - CAD 30,000 / Year
AUD 22,000 - 50,000 / Year
Cost of Living
CAD 1,500 - CAD 2,200 per month (approx. CAD 20,635 per year mandatory deposit via GIC).
Overall living costs typically range between AUD 1,700 and 2,700 per month depending on city and lifestyle, broadly aligning with the government's published student visa financial capacity requirement.
IELTS Requirement
6.5 Overall (no band less than 6.0)
Overall 6.0-6.5 (no band below 6.0) for undergraduate; 6.5-7.0 for postgraduate programs
Part-Time Work Rights
20 hours per week (often extended during semesters)
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during term-time, with no cap during scheduled course breaks
Post-Study Work Visa
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — 1 to 3 Years depending on program length
Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) - Post-Study Work stream — 2 to 4 years depending on qualification level (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD), with additional time available to graduates of regional campuses
Permanent Residency Pathway
High PR compatibility through established Express Entry system.
There is no automatic or direct grant of permanent residency upon graduation; PR is pursued separately through Australia's skilled migration system
Student Visa Processing Time
6 - 12 Weeks
Typically 4-12 weeks, though timelines vary based on the completeness of documentation and individual circumstances
Notable Scholarship
Lester B. Pearson Scholarships (University of Toronto)
Australia Awards Scholarships (Australian Government (DFAT))

Top Universities in Canada

University of Waterloo — Waterloo, Ontario (MENTISGO Official Partner University)
University of Ottawa — Ottawa, Ontario (MENTISGO Official Partner University)
Dalhousie University — Halifax, Nova Scotia (MENTISGO Official Partner University)
Full Canada Study Guide →

Top Universities in Australia

University of Melbourne — Melbourne (QS World Ranking: Top 15)
University of Sydney — Sydney (QS World Ranking: Top 20)
UNSW Sydney — Sydney (QS World Ranking: Top 20)
Full Australia Study Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which is cheaper for a Pakistani student: Canada or Australia?

Tuition and living costs differ by city and program in both countries. Canada typically runs CAD 1,500 - CAD 2,200 per month (approx. CAD 20,635 per year mandatory deposit via GIC). while Australia typically runs Overall living costs typically range between AUD 1,700 and 2,700 per month depending on city and lifestyle, broadly aligning with the government's published student visa financial capacity requirement.. Compare the exact tuition ranges above for your specific program level before deciding.

Q. Which offers better post-study work rights, Canada or Australia?

Canada offers the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for 1 to 3 Years depending on program length, while Australia offers the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) - Post-Study Work stream for 2 to 4 years depending on qualification level (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD), with additional time available to graduates of regional campuses. The better fit depends on your qualification level and long-term career plans — our advisors can map this against your specific profile.

Q. Is it easier to get permanent residency in Canada or Australia?

Canada: High PR compatibility through established Express Entry system. Australia: There is no automatic or direct grant of permanent residency upon graduation; PR is pursued separately through Australia's skilled migration system Neither guarantees automatic residency after graduation — both require qualifying work experience and, in most cases, a separate application process.

Q. Can I get a scholarship to study in Canada or Australia as a Pakistani student?

Yes. Notable options include Lester B. Pearson Scholarships for Canada and Australia Awards Scholarships for Australia. See each country's full destination guide for the complete scholarship list.

Q. What IELTS score do I need for Canada compared to Australia?

Canada generally requires an IELTS score of 6.5 Overall (no band less than 6.0), while Australia generally requires Overall 6.0-6.5 (no band below 6.0) for undergraduate; 6.5-7.0 for postgraduate programs. Many universities in both countries also accept PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, or an MOI letter as alternatives — check the specific country guide for details.

Still deciding between Canada and Australia?

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