When I first decided to study abroad, I was torn between two popular destinations: Australia and Canada.
Both countries are popular among international students, and for good reasons, they’re doing great in everything a student needs.
They both have world-class education systems, very welcoming people and policies, great student communities and will give you excellent cultural experiences.
However, after extensive research and reflecting on what mattered most to me, I chose Australia.
And, frankly, it turned out to be a great choice because, after my program in Australia, I did another 1-year program in Canada and from my experience, I’d choose Australia if I had to choose again.
If you want to know why, I’m glad to share here, the reasons why I believe Australia is a better option than Canada for international students, based on my experience.
Why Australia is better than Canada for study
Australia is better than Canada because it has:
1. Better climate and weather
One of the biggest factors for me was the weather. Australia enjoys a warm, sunny climate almost year-round.
Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have mild winters and pleasant summers.
In contrast, Canada’s winters can be extremely harsh, with temperatures dropping below -30°C in cities like Toronto and Montreal.
For someone who isn’t a fan of snow and freezing temperatures, Australia’s climate made my daily life more comfortable and enjoyable.
2. Shorter academic programs
In Australia, undergraduate degrees take 3 years to complete, and master’s programs are often 1 to 1.5 years.
While, in Canada, some undergraduate degree programs can last 4 years, and master’s programs can take 2 years.
This means I could graduate faster in Australia, saving both time and money on tuition and living expenses.
3. Higher minimum wage for part-time work
As an international student, working part-time was important to support my living expenses.
In Australia, the minimum wage is around $24.10 per hour (as of 2024), which is one of the highest in the world.
In Canada, the minimum wage differs by province but ranges between $17.30Â per hour.
This meant I could earn more in Australia, even while working fewer hours.
4. More relaxed work rights for students
Australia offers flexible work rights for international students.
Students can work 48 hours per fortnight during the academic session and unlimited hours during vacations.
In contrast, Canada limits students to 20 hours per week during school terms.
Although, there was a recent review of student’s work hours in Canada and it was increased to 24 hours per week.
The problem is that according to the announcement, they can go back to the previous work hour anytime.
5. Post-study work opportunities
Australia’s Post-Study Work Visa (Temporary Graduate Visa, subclass 485) allows international students to work for up to 4 years after graduation, depending on the level of qualification.
In Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) also allows work after graduation, but it’s tied to the length of your study program, usually not more than 3 years.
The extra year in Australia isn’t bad for me – it means more time to gain valuable work experience.
6. Globally recognized universities
No debate here, the two countries are great in this aspect.
Australia is home to prestigious universities like the Australian National University (ANU), University of Melbourne, and University of Sydney, all ranked in the top 50 globally.
While Canada has great institutions like the University of Toronto and McGill University.
Just like you have in Canada, Australia’s universities are equally competitive with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
7. Easier visa process
This may not be much of a big deal for you but it was for me.
I found the Australian student visa process to be more straightforward and quicker compared to Canada.
The Subclass 500 student visa application was clear, and I received my visa decision within a few weeks.
On the other hand, many of my friends faced long waiting times for Canadian study permits, especially during peak seasons.
8. Diverse and welcoming culture
This is another place where the two countries are doing great and it’s hard to pick a side.
Australia is a multicultural society with people from all over the world.
Cities like Melbourne are often ranked among the most livable cities globally, thanks to their diversity, safety, and vibrant lifestyle.
While Canada is also multicultural, I personally found Australia’s cultural blend to be more dynamic, with influences from Asia, Europe, and the Pacific.
You may have a different opinion here as many students find Canada more friendly.
9. Proximity to Asia (Better travel opportunities)
I travelled to Asian countries a lot, therefore, this was also a big deal for me.
Being located in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia is closer to many Asian countries, making it easier and cheaper for international students from Asia to travel home during holidays.
Flights from Canada to Asia are often longer and more expensive.
10. Strong focus on outdoor activities and lifestyle
Australia took the lead here as well. If you love the outdoors, Australia is paradise.
From beautiful beaches to the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback, there’s no shortage of natural wonders.
Australians have a relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle, which I love very much.
The outdoor lifestyle helped me maintain a healthy work-study-life balance.
Canada isn’t left out here, however, its cold climate limits outdoor activities during winter months.
11. High-quality healthcare system
Australia has a robust healthcare system.
As an international student, I was covered under Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which provided access to affordable healthcare services.
While Canada also has an excellent healthcare system, in some provinces, international students are not covered under public healthcare and need to purchase private insurance.
In addition, there are also reports of long wait hours before you receive medical treatments in Canadian healthcare facilities.
12. Better work-life balance
I found that Australian universities promote a better work/study-life balance.
The academic environment is challenging but not overwhelming.
Professors encouraged practical learning, group discussions, and real-world projects, which made my studies engaging and less stressful.
This was different from the more traditional, lecture-heavy approach I observed in Canadian institutions.
Final thoughts
Choosing Australia over Canada was one of the best decisions I ever made.
The warm climate, higher earning potential, flexible work rights, and shorter academic programs were key factors that influenced my choice.
Plus, the great culture, outdoor lifestyle, and welcoming community made my study abroad experience truly unforgettable.
I know we all have our opinions, however, if you’re considering studying abroad, I highly recommend looking into Australia—it might just be the perfect fit for you, as it was for me.