Maple News reports that Canada and Australia remain top choices for international students hoping to turn their education into a pathway to permanent residency. In 2024, both countries introduced sweeping reforms to their immigration policies, directly impacting international students.
For students interested in settling long-term, Canada stands out with its Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a pathway under the Express Entry system that allows foreign graduates with local work experience to apply for permanent residency. Australia has no direct equivalent, relying instead on occupation-based visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), which only admits applicants whose professions appear on the country’s Skilled Occupation List.
In terms of work rights while studying, Canada permits unlimited on-campus work and up to 24 hours per week off-campus during school sessions, with no limits during scheduled breaks. Australia caps work at 48 hours every two weeks during sessions but treats on-campus and off-campus jobs the same way.
When it comes to post-graduation work rights, both countries allow students to remain and gain valuable job experience—up to three years under Canada’s PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit), and up to two to three years through Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa.
However, there are key differences in program eligibility. As of Canada’s latest policy updates, only students in programs aligned with high-demand occupations may qualify for post-graduate work opportunities. Australia, in contrast, does not currently restrict eligibility based on field of study.
Educational quality is another area of interest. According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Australia boasts nine universities in the global top 100, while Canada features four. However, both nations host a variety of high-caliber institutions that are globally respected.
Cost is a factor many students weigh heavily. Tuition for international students in Canada ranges from approximately 29,000 CAD to 81,000 CAD, while Australia’s fees range from around 26,500 AUD to 113,000 AUD (about 24,500 CAD to 104,500 CAD). Moreover, Canada’s study permit cost is significantly lower at just 150 CAD, compared to Australia’s 1,600 AUD (approximately 1,465 CAD).
In terms of processing times for study permits, Australia has a slight edge, with average wait times around 61 days, compared to roughly three months for Canada.
Ultimately, both Canada and Australia offer strong educational opportunities and viable immigration routes. Choosing the right destination requires students to consider not just study quality, but also how work experience, program alignment, and immigration targets affect their chances of securing permanent status after graduation.
As immigration policies evolve, students are encouraged to stay informed and align their academic and career plans accordingly. Maple News will continue to provide the latest updates to help guide your international education journey.