Canada and Australia both offer great learning venues for international students, however, when compared, there are certain points where one country wins versus the other.
Do you plan to study abroad but are stuck in which country to pick? If you are eyeing Canada or Australia, this article will help you determine the right country for you as we discuss the deciding factors when choosing between Canada and Australia for your International studies.
1. Cost of studies
Canada offers more flexible and budget-friendly tuition fees. According to Leverage Edu, the estimated cost when studying in Canada ranges between $10,000 to $30,000 while Australia is at $15,000 to $33,000 per year.
2. Quality of Education
Both countries offer unparalleled quality of education and training. This is also the reason why Canada and Australia are the most preferred countries for foreign studies.
In 2018, Canada was ahead in an international comparison based on the PISA score. But, both have very similar education systems. They might differ slightly in some areas but you can be sure that you are getting nothing but the best in these two countries.
3. Safety and Security
Politically, both countries have no known major issues within or outside their borders. In terms of COVID-19 readiness, the Australian and Canadian governments earned the highest respect in controlling cases and implementing guidelines to impose pandemic safety on permanent and temporary residents.
4. Scholarship Offers
There are many different types of scholarships offered to Australian and Canadian international students. Both would usually require an essay and several other documents. You can find out your eligibility for the scholarship by checking with the institution.
When we talk about the level of competitiveness, many applicants find it extra challenging to bag a scholarship from an Australian institution. There’s no reason to feel dispirited though as there are proven methods on how to enhance your chances of getting an Australian scholarship. In addition, scholarships are not only granted for academic excellence but also for community participation.
In terms of coverage, you’ll find more institutions in Canada that are likely to offer full scholarships, while in Australia, most schools only provide partial grants.
5. Language requirement
Language requirement as one of the deciding factors when choosing between Canada and Australia for your international studies is no longer significant since both countries have schools that don't require passing an English exam. IELTS used to be a popular way of proving one's English proficiency, but taking the exam adds up to the costs and lengthy processes.
For both countries, English tests may or may not be required depending on your school and program. Some institutions waive the English proficiency requirement as long as the student graduated from a school where the English language was used as the main medium for teaching. You need to prove this through certification so you can be exempted.
If you look forward to studying in Quebec, Canada, don't be surprised if you’ll find some schools requiring a minimum French language level. French is the official language of the province. So it’s only understandable for schools to expect a decent knowledge of the French language.
Since July 1, 2021, the Quebec government has started providing French courses for free to international students and are now considered admissible for financial assistance. In some programs with French course prerequisites, or even for those who don't, any enrollee who wishes to learn the language can take advantage of this benefit!
6. Program Duration
Programs offered by Canada and Australia range between 1 to 4 years. If you prefer a short-term course, you need to check the pros and cons. Going for short courses can affect your working rights and you may have a hard time proceeding to PR (Permanent Residency) status.
7. Working Rights
For both countries, student visa holders are automatically allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week, this rises to 40 hours during school vacations.
8. Country’s Climate
Canada and Australia have center areas that are far too cold and too hot. In short, these two countries have extreme weather conditions that can be hard to tolerate especially for someone coming from a warm homeland.
Since Filipinos live in a warm climate, many choose Australia for its similar temperatures. However, some students wouldn't mind a change of environment, from the humid and hot atmosphere all year round to freezing winters and cool summers.
To avoid the harsh weather, you can always choose a school in an area with a temperate clime. There are many nice and livable places in these countries with institutions that accept international students. Know your choices by talking to our Fil-Global agents.
9. Travel Distance
By plane, the traveling hours between the Philippines and Australia is 6 hours. The short travel distance makes it very convenient for many international students to go home easily in the Philippines. It's one of the main reasons why applicants choose to go to Australia rather than Canada.
Canada, on the other hand, takes almost 16 hours to reach. If you plan to go home every school break, it can be tough to travel frequently with very long flight durations.
Choosing which place to attend further studies can be confusing. Both countries are wealthy, livable, and are home to top-notch colleges and universities making it very challenging to decide on. I hope the listed deciding factors when choosing between Canada and Australia for your international studies helped you conclude which country to pick.
Ultimately, the choice rests on your preferences. But if you feel you need more assistance, never hesitate to call us and we will guide you to the best country and program well-suited for you!