10 Reasons why Australia is better than Canada for international students

Australia and Canada have long been among the top destinations for international students.

Both countries offer world-class education backed by a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and academic excellence.

Plus, amazing cultural experiences which students are attracted to.

Read also: 5 consequences of working more than 20 hours on a student visa

I’ve witnessed what it’s like studying in both countries so, I can tell you they are both great places to study.

During my master’s program in Canada, it felt like the best, however, while in Australia for my program, the country came with an experience different from what it was like in Canada.

If you’re torn between choosing Australia or Canada, I’ll recommend you go to Australia.

And, below are reasons why I believe Australia is better than Canada for international students, (based on my personal experiences).

I understand that my judgment isn’t absolute, so, I’ll be glad to hear what you think.

Why Australia is better than Canada for international students?

There are many reasons why I’d choose Australia over Canada and one of them is the weather.

1. The weather

You must have heard this before but I’ll do you the favour of reminding you. The weather in Canada can be extreme.

When it’s cold, expect it to be “very” cold. Much of Canada is Arctic in climate, do not forget.

One of the most appealing aspects of Australia is its climate.

Australia experiences mild winters and warm, sunny summers which makes its weather ideal if you prefer a temperate climate.

In Canada, the story isn’t the same. The winter temperatures can be freezing.

Read also: Where to do Biometrics for an Australian visa in South Africa?

Therefore, Australia offers a more comfortable environment year-round.

I found it easier to adapt and stay active in Australia without the harsh winter conditions.

I remember landing in Sydney in July, expecting a winter chill, but instead, I was greeted with mild, pleasant weather.

It was wonderful.

The ability to spend weekends at the beach even in winter is something you just can’t do in Canada.

So, yes, Australia wins here.

You can read more about the weather comparison of Australia and Canada here.

2. Quality of Education

When it comes to the quality of education, it is hard to pick a side but I’ll be frank, I prefer how the system works in Australia to Canada (my personal choice).

The system in Australia focuses on practical learning and they have more top-ranked universities (not like ranking makes any difference).

Australia has over 9 universities in the world’s top 100 university ranking including the University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Australian National University, Monash University, University of Queensland, University of Western Australia, University of Adelaide and the University of Technology Sydney.

On the other hand, Canada has only 3 universities in the top 100 universities according to World University Rankings

If you pick Australia as your study destination, you have a high chance of studying at a top-ranked university in the world.

Read also: Is there a time limit to enter the UK after getting visa?

Although recent ranking shows that The Australian National University which holds the top spot in Australia ranks 34th globally.

While McGill University which is the top in Canada is ranked 30th globally.

These institutions in Australia offer cutting-edge research opportunities and innovative teaching methods just like in Canada.

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However, I was particularly impressed by the emphasis on practical learning and industry connections, which greatly enhanced my academic experience in Australia.

Again, the two countries are on the same level here – they’re both great with the quality of education they offer.

3. Part-time work opportunities

When it comes to work opportunities, Australia’s policies for international students are very accommodating.

However, the same can be said about Canada, especially with the recent announcement to increase student’s work hours from 20 hours to 24 hours per week.

In Australia, international students can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during semester breaks.

Read also: After visa approval when should I travel?

What I find interesting about working in Australia as a student is that you can do just any job out there.

In contrast, the restrictions and options in Canada are more stringent.

4. Healthcare system for students 

Australia’s healthcare system is highly efficient and accessible for international students.

With your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), you’ll get comprehensive medical and hospital insurance.

In addition, you can easily walk in and get the help you need urgently.

This isn’t the same in Canada, the long wait times in Canada make it daunting to get the right attention on time.

While Canada also offers good healthcare, the waiting times for medical services make it less attractive for me.

5. Easy visa process

This is one aspect of studying in both countries that I found Australia to be better.

It’s easier to get an Australian student visa than a Canadian visa – this is based on my experience.

When applied for my student visa in Canada, it wasn’t easy to get, even though my application was complete, the process was rigorous and tiring.

Read also: What is the maximum working hour in Canada for international students?

However, this wasn’t the experience I had when I applied for my Australian student visa.

I found the visa application process for Australia to be relatively straightforward and transparent.

The clear guidelines and efficient processing times made the entire experience less stressful compared to Canada with more complicated visa procedures.

6. Job Security

If you wish to stay back and work after your studies, it’ll pay more to study in Australia than in Canada.

You’ll earn more money working in Australia than in Canada, as Australia’s average labour growth surpasses Canada’s by 0.4%.

In addition, Australia also outperforms Canada in job security.

In Canada, the average tax rate is higher at 28%, leaving Canadian workers with an average take-home salary less than in Australia.

It’s also easier to find a job after graduation in Australia than in Canada.

Economically, Australia has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, compared to Canada’s 5.2%.

Furthermore, Australia’s inflation rate stands at 6.59%, slightly lower than Canada’s 6.8%. And, the average income in Australia is US$60,840 (AU$82,460).

7. Safety and security

This is also another place where it’s hard to pick between both countries.

Australia is one of the safest countries in the world likewise Canada. Whether in Australia or Canada, I always felt secure, whether I was walking home late from the library or exploring a new city.

However, the stats favour Canada.

From recent stats, Australia reported 46.01 crimes per 100,000 citizens, placing it 69th out of 164 countries for overall crime.

In comparison, Canada fared better, with 39.03 crimes per 100,000 citizens and a ranking of 80th.

The low crime rates and strict gun control laws contributed to a sense of safety and peace of mind which students enjoy in Australia.

The country has one of the strictest gun laws in the world which was implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, where 35 people were killed by a lone gunman.

8. Innovative learning environment

You can’t talk about the amazing aspects of studying in Australia without mentioning how they emphasize innovative and interactive learning environments.

My classes involved a mix of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, often featuring industry professionals as guest speakers.

This approach kept me engaged and better prepared for the workforce.

While Canadian education is also excellent, I found Australia’s teaching methods more dynamic and forward-thinking (my personal opinion).

9. Community and Support

You’ll also get this in Canada. The sense of community and the support services available for international students in Australia are exceptional.

From orientation programs to ongoing counselling and academic support, I always felt guided and cared for.

My university had dedicated services to help with everything from visa issues to career advice, making my transition smoother.

10. Quality of Life

Australia consistently ranks high in quality of life indices, and I experienced this firsthand.

The cities are clean, the public transport is reliable, and the overall standard of living is high.

Australians value work-life balance, which contributes to a more relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle compared to Canada.

This is not me saying work-life balance isn’t a thing in Canada, it is just not taken as serous as it is in Australia.

Final words

While Canada is a fantastic destination for international students, my experience in Australia was nothing short of extraordinary.

The weather, work opportunities, cultural diversity, and overall quality of life made my stay in the country truly memorable.

Read also: How do authorities find out that you worked over 20 hours per week?

If you’re considering studying abroad and are torn between these two countries, I hope my experiences help you see why Australia might be the better choice for you.