Last verified: 2 October 2026
Quick answer
Canada and Australia both offer large international education systems, but their 2026 rules differ significantly.
Canada currently allows eligible students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic periods. Australia uses a 48-hours-per-fortnight limit during study periods.
Canada has introduced more detailed post-graduation work permit eligibility rules, while Australia offers specific Temporary Graduate visa periods for Indian nationals under AI-ECTA.
Canada vs Australia: quick comparison
Factor | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
Tuition | 2026 average university tuition: CAD41,746/year international undergraduate; CAD24,028/year international graduate | Varies by provider and programme; official Study Australia portal recommends checking exact course fees |
Living-cost benchmark | EduCanada recommends budgeting at least CAD23,000/year for living costs | Student visa financial-capacity amount: AUD29,710 for 12 months; actual cost can be higher |
Typical bachelor’s duration | Usually 3–4 years | Usually 3–4 years |
Typical master’s duration | Often 1–2 years | Often 1–2 years |
Major intakes | September main; January common; May available at some institutions | February main; July common; other intakes available for selected programmes |
English requirements | Institution-specific; study-permit and PGWP rules can create separate language requirements | Course-specific; visa benchmark for many applicants includes IELTS 6.0 or accepted equivalent |
Work while studying | Eligible students: up to 24 hours/week off-campus during regular terms; unlimited during scheduled breaks | Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods; unlimited during scheduled breaks |
Post-study | PGWP depends on institution, programme, length, language and in some cases field of study | Indian nationals: bachelor 2 years; first-class honours STEM bachelor 3; master’s 3; PhD 4 under current settings |
Tuition and living costs
EduCanada’s 2026 guidance gives national average university tuition of CAD41,746 per year for international undergraduate students and CAD24,028 for international graduate students.
It also recommends budgeting at least CAD23,000 per year for living expenses.
Australia does not publish one national higher-education tuition range on Study Australia because fees vary by provider, course and location.
For visa financial capacity, Australia currently uses AUD29,710 for 12 months of student living costs. The government warns that this is a minimum visa figure, not necessarily the actual cost of living.
Student work
Canada: Eligible international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular school terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
Australia: Eligible student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks.
In practical weekly terms, the limits are similar, but the Australian rule is calculated over two weeks.
Important Canada 2026 changes
Students considering Canada should not rely on older advice about the Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Current PGWP eligibility can include:
- completion of a PGWP-eligible programme at an eligible DLI
- language requirements
- field-of-study requirements for some non-degree programmes
- programme-length conditions
Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates do not currently face the same field-of-study requirement that applies to certain other programmes, but language requirements still apply.
Students should verify PGWP eligibility before paying a deposit.
Australia graduate work for Indian nationals
Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa currently gives Indian nationals:
- bachelor degree: 2 years
- bachelor with first-class honours in STEM including ICT: 3 years
- master’s coursework/extended/research: 3 years
- PhD: 4 years
Eligibility conditions still apply.
Which is better for master’s study?
Canada may fit students who value:
- a wide range of public universities
- co-op and applied programmes
- North American industry exposure
- a 1–2 year master’s structure
Australia may fit students who value:
- a large international-student ecosystem
- strong Asia-Pacific connections
- flexible city choices
- three-year Temporary Graduate settings for eligible Indian master’s graduates
Which is cheaper?
Neither is automatically cheaper.
Canada provides clearer national average university tuition figures.
Australia requires institution-level tuition comparison. A lower-fee programme in a regional Australian city may be cheaper than a Canadian programme in Toronto or Vancouver; the reverse can also be true.
English requirements
Canada’s admission English requirements vary by institution.
Australia’s Student visa English rules are more explicitly standardised for many applicants. For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, Home Affairs lists IELTS 6.0, PTE Academic 47 and TOEFL iBT 67 among standard equivalents for many Student visa applicants, subject to exemptions and pathway provisions.
Frequently asked questions
Does Canada still allow 20 hours per week?
The current off-campus limit is up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions for eligible students.
How many hours can students work in Australia?
Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, with unlimited work during scheduled breaks for eligible visa holders.
Is PGWP automatic in Canada?
No. Graduating from a DLI does not automatically make a student eligible.
Which is better for Indian master’s students?
Compare course quality, cost and current graduate-work eligibility. Australia currently lists a three-year Temporary Graduate period for eligible Indian master’s graduates.
Related reading
These guides on the Versatile Overseas Consultants blog cover closely connected questions:
- Australia vs New Zealand for Indian Students
- UK vs Australia: Which Is Better for Indian Students?
- USA vs UK vs Australia: Cost, Education and Career Comparison
- Which Country Is Best for Indian Students to Study Abroad?
How Versatile Overseas Consultants can help
Versatile Overseas Consultants is a study abroad consultancy established in 2005, with offices in Nashik and Pune. After the 30-minute call, the team can support you with country selection support, study abroad counselling and student visa guidance, depending on where you are in your plan. You can also read more about Versatile Overseas Consultants or explore universities abroad for Indian students.
Book a 30-minute call
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