Great question! Canada and Australia are both popular destinations for international students, but their affordability depends on several factors such as tuition fees, cost of living, and exchange rates. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:

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1. Tuition Fees

- Canada:
- Undergraduate: CAD 15,000–30,000/year (varies by course and university)
- Postgraduate: CAD 10,000–25,000/year
- Australia:
- Undergraduate: AUD 20,000–45,000/year
- Postgraduate: AUD 22,000–50,000/year

Generally, tuition fees in Canada are slightly lower compared to Australia for many programs.

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2. Cost of Living

- Canada:
- Average: CAD 10,000–15,000/year (varies by city; Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive)
- Australia (2025 figures):
- The Australian government requires students to show AUD 29,710/year for living expenses.
- Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne can be more costly.

Australia’s official living cost requirement is higher compared to Canada’s.

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3. Visa Fees

- Canada: CAD 150 (student visa application fee)
- Australia:
- From 1st July 2025: AUD 2,000 for the main applicant, AUD 1,225 for spouse/dependent partner, and AUD 400 per dependent child.

Australia’s visa fees are now significantly higher than Canada’s.

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4. Work Opportunities

- Both countries allow students to work part-time during studies and have post-study work visas, but Australia’s recent changes have increased its visa and living cost requirements.

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5. Scholarships

- Both countries offer scholarships, but Canada is known for a wider range of government and university-based scholarships for international students.

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Summary Table

| Aspect | Canada | Australia |
|----------------|------------------------|--------------------------|
| Tuition Fees | Lower (on average) | Higher |
| Living Expenses| Lower (CAD 10–15k/yr) | Higher (AUD 29,710/yr) |
| Visa Fees | CAD 150 | AUD 2,000+ (from July 2025) |
| Scholarships | Widely available | Available |
| Work Rights | Yes | Yes |

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Conclusion

Canada is generally more affordable than Australia when considering tuition, living expenses, and visa fees. However, your actual expenses will depend on your chosen city, university, and lifestyle.

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Would you like a personalised cost comparison based on your preferred course or city? Or help with scholarship options?
Feel free to share your preferences, and Pollster Education can guide you further!

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