Choosing between Canada and Australia is a major decision for international students. Both countries have established education systems, large international student populations, universities and colleges offering programs across many disciplines, and opportunities to gain international academic experience.
But one of the most important questions students and families ask is:
Which is more affordable: studying in Canada or Australia?
The answer depends on much more than tuition fees.
You need to consider:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Food and groceries
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Student visa costs
- Financial requirements
- Study duration
- Exchange rates
- Student work rules
- Scholarships
- City and lifestyle
- Your chosen course and institution
For 2026/2027, Canada and Australia both require international students to plan carefully for the total cost of education and living expenses.
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This guide compares the major costs of studying in Canada vs Australia and explains how to build a realistic international student budget.
Canada vs Australia: Quick Cost Comparison
| Cost Category | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Average international university undergraduate tuition | CAD $42,062/year | Varies significantly by institution and course |
| Average international university graduate tuition | CAD $24,693/year | Varies significantly by institution and course |
| College/VET tuition | Often around CAD $16,000–$25,000/year for Canadian college diploma programs | Varies substantially by provider and course |
| Government financial/living benchmark | CAD $23,448/year for one student outside Quebec from Sept. 1, 2026 | AUD $29,710/year living-cost amount for one student |
| Student visa fee | Depends on current IRCC fee schedule | AUD $2,500 from July 1, 2026, subject to exemptions/concessions |
| Student work limit during study | Up to 24 hours/week off campus if eligible | Up to 48 hours/fortnight while course is in session |
| Health insurance | Depends on province/institution | OSHC required for international students |
| Accommodation | Varies substantially by city and housing type | Varies substantially by city and housing type |
| Main currency | Canadian dollar (CAD) | Australian dollar (AUD) |
Canada’s 2026/2027 official Statistics Canada figures put the national average international undergraduate university tuition at CAD $42,062 and international graduate tuition at CAD $24,693.
Australia does not publish one simple national tuition figure that accurately represents every international student’s cost. Australian Government guidance emphasizes that tuition varies according to the provider, level of study, location and course.
Therefore, students should compare actual programs and institutions, rather than relying only on country-wide averages.
1. Tuition Fees: Canada vs Australia
Tuition is usually the largest single education expense.
However, comparing tuition between Canada and Australia requires care because:
- Different institutions charge different rates.
- Programs have different durations.
- Professional programs can be much more expensive.
- Graduate programs may cost less per year than undergraduate programs.
- Some programs have additional laboratory, clinical or material fees.
- Currency exchange rates can significantly change the amount paid by a student from another country.
Tuition Fees in Canada
According to Statistics Canada, the average international tuition for Canadian universities in 2026/2027 is:
- Undergraduate: CAD $42,062 per year
- Graduate: CAD $24,693 per year
These are national averages and individual institutions can be significantly cheaper or more expensive.
Canada also has a large college and polytechnic sector.
EduCanada currently gives an approximate range of CAD $16,000–$25,000 per year for international students in college diploma programs, although costs vary by program and institution.
This means an international student considering Canada should not automatically assume that a university degree is the only route.
A college diploma, graduate certificate or other eligible program may have a different tuition structure.
2. Tuition Fees in Australia
Australia has a wide range of international tuition fees.
The Australian Government states that international tuition varies according to:
- Education provider
- Level of study
- Location
- Course
- Additional course requirements
Students may also have additional costs for learning materials, equipment, laboratory clothing or other course-specific requirements.
For 2026, the Australian Department of Education publishes minimum indicative course fees for fee-paying overseas students. For example, the 2026 indicative annual figures range from approximately:
- AUD $13,362 for certain Category 2 fields without the capital component
- AUD $20,176 for certain science, engineering, pharmacy and agriculture fields
- AUD $27,906 for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science categories
These are minimum indicative course fees, not a national average or a promise that universities will charge these amounts. Actual international tuition can be considerably higher.
For 2027, the corresponding indicative minimum figures increase to approximately:
- AUD $13,843 for Category 2 fields
- AUD $20,902 for Category 3 fields
- AUD $28,910 for Category 4 fields
Again, these are indicative minimums rather than typical university prices.
3. Which Country Has Lower Tuition?
There is no single answer for every student.
A student comparing Canada and Australia should compare:
Program + institution + annual tuition + program length
rather than simply asking:
“Is Canada cheaper than Australia?”
For example, a three-year degree with a higher annual tuition may still have a different total cost from a four-year degree with a lower annual tuition.
A better comparison looks like this:
| Factor | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | Highly variable | Highly variable |
| Graduate tuition | Often lower than undergraduate average | Highly variable |
| College/VET route | Strong option | Strong VET sector |
| Professional programs | Can be expensive | Can be expensive |
| Course-specific fees | Possible | Possible |
| Total degree cost | Depends on duration | Depends on duration |
The best approach is to obtain an official tuition quote from each institution you’re considering.
4. Cost of Living: Canada vs Australia
Tuition is only one part of the budget.
You also need money for:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Phone
- Internet
- Clothing
- Personal expenses
- Study materials
- Health insurance
- Entertainment
- Emergency expenses
Both Canadian and Australian authorities emphasize that official financial requirements are not necessarily the same thing as a student’s complete real-world budget.
Australia specifically warns that actual living costs can be considerably higher than the minimum amount used for visa purposes.
5. Canada Living-Cost Requirement for International Students in 2026
For study permit applications made on or after September 1, 2026, one student applying to study outside Quebec must demonstrate CAD $23,448 per year for living expenses.
This amount:
- Is for one student
- Excludes tuition
- Excludes transportation
- Applies to provinces and territories outside Quebec
- Increases when accompanying family members are included
For example:
| Number of family members | Annual living-expense amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | CAD $23,448 |
| 2 | CAD $29,192 |
| 3 | CAD $35,888 |
| 4 | CAD $43,572 |
IRCC also requires applicants to demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses and transportation and says students cannot rely on working in Canada to demonstrate the required financial capacity.
Important
The CAD $23,448 figure should not be interpreted as saying that every student can comfortably live anywhere in Canada on exactly that amount.
Housing and other expenses vary significantly between cities.
6. Australia Living-Cost Requirement for 2026
For Australia’s Student visa financial-capacity calculations, the current annual living-cost amount for a student is:
AUD $29,710
This is the minimum living-cost amount used in the Department of Home Affairs calculation.
Students also need to account for:
- Travel
- Course fees
- Living costs
- Family expenses where applicable
- School costs for accompanying school-age children
The Australian Department of Home Affairs explicitly states that actual living costs vary across Australia and may be much higher than the amount required for visa purposes.
7. Canada vs Australia: Living-Cost Comparison
At the government financial-requirement level:
Canada: CAD $23,448 for one student outside Quebec from September 1, 2026.
Australia: AUD $29,710 for one student.
However, these amounts are expressed in different currencies and should not be compared directly without considering the exchange rate.
More importantly, they are regulatory/financial benchmarks rather than guaranteed real-world budgets.
Your actual expenses depend heavily on your city.
8. Accommodation Costs
Accommodation can completely change the financial picture.
A student paying for a private apartment in a major city may spend considerably more than a student sharing a house or living in university accommodation.
Accommodation in Canada
Common options include:
1. University residence
Students may have:
- Private or shared rooms
- Shared kitchens
- Meal plans
- Laundry facilities
- Internet
- Common areas
Residence can be convenient because it reduces transportation time and may bundle several services.
2. Shared accommodation
This is one of the common ways students reduce housing costs.
You may share:
- Kitchen
- Living room
- Bathroom
- Utilities
- Internet
3. Private apartment
This gives greater privacy but can significantly increase monthly costs.
You may need to budget for:
- Rent
- Electricity
- Heating
- Internet
- Furniture
- Tenant insurance
- Transportation
9. Accommodation in Australia
Australia offers several student accommodation options.
These include:
- University-managed accommodation
- Purpose-built student accommodation
- Shared houses
- Private apartments
- Residential colleges
- Homestays
Study Australia explains that international students commonly share accommodation to make living costs more affordable.
When renting a house or apartment in Australia, students commonly need to pay a bond, usually equivalent to around four weeks’ rent, as well as some rent in advance. Rules and exact requirements vary by state or territory.
Australian accommodation can include:
- Private rooms
- Shared rooms
- Furnished housing
- Utilities
- Internet
- Student facilities
- Meal plans in some residential colleges
10. Which Country Has Cheaper Accommodation?
The answer depends heavily on the city.
For either country, accommodation in a major metropolitan area can be substantially more expensive than in a smaller student city.
Instead of comparing:
Canada vs Australia
compare:
City A vs City B + housing type + distance from campus.
For example, the financial difference between:
- a private studio near campus, and
- a room in a shared house farther from campus
can be much greater than the difference between two countries.
11. Food and Grocery Costs
Food is another major recurring expense.
Your monthly food budget depends on whether you:
- Cook most meals
- Eat on campus
- Use a meal plan
- Order takeaway frequently
- Eat at restaurants
- Follow a special diet
- Buy imported foods
A student who cooks regularly can generally control food spending better than someone who eats out frequently.
A practical strategy in either country is to:
- Create a weekly grocery budget.
- Shop with a list.
- Cook in batches.
- Compare supermarket prices.
- Buy store brands where appropriate.
- Limit frequent food delivery.
- Use student meal plans when they offer genuine value.
12. Transportation Costs
Transportation varies significantly according to where you study.
Canada
Many students use:
- Buses
- Trains
- Subways
- Light rail
- Cycling
- Walking
- Student transit passes
In some institutions, transit costs may be incorporated into student fees.
Australia
Students commonly use:
- Trains
- Buses
- Trams
- Ferries
- Cycling
- Walking
Australia’s major cities have extensive public transportation networks, but transportation costs and student concessions vary between states and territories.
Cost-saving tip
Choosing accommodation close to campus can sometimes reduce transportation expenses enough to offset a slightly higher rent.
13. Health Insurance: Canada vs Australia
Healthcare is an important difference between the two countries.
Health Insurance in Canada
International student healthcare arrangements vary by province and institution.
Depending on where you study, you may have:
- Provincial health coverage
- University or college insurance
- Private insurance
- A combination of basic and supplementary coverage
Students should confirm the exact insurance arrangement with their institution before travelling.
Do not assume that the healthcare system works the same way for international students in every Canadian province.
14. Health Insurance in Australia
Australia requires international students to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay.
OSHC generally provides cover for services such as:
- Doctor/GP visits
- Certain hospital treatments
- Ambulance
- Some prescription medicines
Basic OSHC generally does not cover services such as routine dental and optical treatment. Additional cover may be available at extra cost.
Therefore, students comparing Australia with Canada should include health insurance in their total Australian education budget.
15. Student Visa Costs
Visa costs should not be ignored when calculating the first-year budget.
Canada Study Permit
Canadian students need to account for the study permit application process and associated fees.
More importantly, the study permit financial-capacity assessment requires evidence that the student has enough money for:
- Tuition
- Living expenses
- Transportation
IRCC also states that students must demonstrate how they intend to fund the full duration of a program longer than one year.
Australia Student Visa
From July 1, 2026, Australia’s Student visa application charge is AUD $2,500 per application, unless an exemption or concession applies.
This represents a significant upfront cost and should be included in an Australian study budget.
16. Canada vs Australia: Student Work Rules
Many international students want to work while studying.
However:
Part-time employment should supplement your budget, not replace the money required to start your studies.
Working in Canada
Eligible international students can generally work up to:
24 hours per week during regular academic sessions.
During scheduled breaks that meet the requirements, eligible students can work unlimited hours.
Students must meet the eligibility requirements and should not begin working before they are authorized to do so under their study permit conditions.
Working in Australia
Under the Australian Student visa, students can generally work:
Up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
Students undertaking a master’s by research or doctoral degree may have different work-hour rules once their course has started.
Australia therefore expresses its standard student work limit differently from Canada.
Important comparison
Canada:
24 hours per week
Australia:
48 hours per fortnight
On a simple mathematical basis, both correspond to an average of 24 hours per week during periods when the limits apply.
But the actual legal conditions are not identical, so students should always follow their current visa conditions.
17. Can You Pay Your Tuition Through Student Work?
Students should be careful with this strategy.
It is risky to arrive with insufficient funds assuming that a part-time job will immediately cover:
- Tuition
- Rent
- Food
- Transportation
- Insurance
- Phone
- Books
- Emergency expenses
Both countries require students to demonstrate financial capacity.
Canada explicitly says students must prove sufficient financial support without working in Canada for the required funds.
Australia likewise requires students to meet financial-capacity requirements for visa purposes.
Better approach
Use employment income as:
additional financial support
rather than:
the foundation of your study plan.
18. Program Duration Matters
One of the most overlooked parts of international education costs is how long you will study.
Consider two hypothetical programs:
Example A
Tuition:
CAD $30,000/year
Duration:
4 years
Approximate tuition:
CAD $120,000
Example B
Tuition:
CAD $35,000/year
Duration:
3 years
Approximate tuition:
CAD $105,000
The second program has higher annual tuition but a lower total tuition bill.
The same principle applies when comparing Canadian and Australian degrees.
Always calculate:
Annual tuition × number of years
Then add:
- Living expenses
- Insurance
- Visa costs
- Transportation
- Books
- Other academic expenses
19. Undergraduate Study: Canada vs Australia
International undergraduate students should compare:
- Annual tuition
- Number of years
- Course structure
- Accommodation
- Scholarships
- Work opportunities
- Total program cost
Canada’s national average international undergraduate university tuition for 2026/2027 is CAD $42,062.
Australian undergraduate tuition varies significantly by institution and discipline, so prospective students should use the official course/provider information rather than assuming a single national figure.
20. Postgraduate Study: Canada vs Australia
Postgraduate education can produce a very different financial comparison.
Canada’s 2026/2027 national average international graduate tuition is:
CAD $24,693 per year.
However, actual fees vary considerably.
Australia similarly has substantial variation between:
- Master’s coursework
- Master’s research
- Graduate certificates
- Graduate diplomas
- Doctoral programs
A student should compare the complete program cost, not just the first-year tuition.
21. College and Vocational Study
Canada and Australia both offer alternatives to traditional university degrees.
Canada
International students can consider:
- Colleges
- Polytechnics
- Diploma programs
- Graduate certificates
- Applied programs
EduCanada currently indicates approximately CAD $16,000–$25,000 per year for international college diploma programs, although individual programs vary.
Australia
Australia has a large vocational education and training sector, commonly referred to as VET.
Students can find programs in areas such as:
- Business
- Information technology
- Hospitality
- Construction
- Community services
- Engineering-related fields
- Design
- Other technical occupations
Costs vary by provider, qualification and location.
22. Scholarships: Canada vs Australia
Scholarships can dramatically change the total cost of international education.
In Canada, scholarships may be offered by:
- Universities
- Colleges
- Provinces
- Private organizations
- Government programs
EduCanada notes that scholarships, fellowships and grants are available to international students through institutions and government-related programs.
Australia also offers scholarships through:
- Universities
- Australian Government programs
- Institutions
- Other organizations
Before applying, check:
- Eligibility
- Academic requirements
- Country eligibility
- Application deadline
- Amount awarded
- Whether it covers tuition or living costs
- Whether it is renewable
- Whether separate applications are required
23. First-Year Budget Example: Canada
Let’s create a hypothetical example, not a guaranteed price.
Suppose an international undergraduate student has:
Tuition
CAD $30,000
Living expenses
CAD $23,448
Transportation
CAD $1,500
Books and supplies
CAD $1,500
Other initial expenses
CAD $2,000
Estimated first-year budget:
CAD $58,448
This is only an illustration.
A student attending a higher-cost university or living in an expensive city could spend substantially more.
Likewise, a student receiving a scholarship or choosing lower-cost accommodation could spend less.
24. First-Year Budget Example: Australia
Consider another illustrative example.
Suppose an international student has:
Tuition
AUD $30,000
Living-cost benchmark
AUD $29,710
Student visa
AUD $2,500
Travel and initial expenses
AUD $2,000
Additional study costs
AUD $1,500
Illustrative first-year financial requirement:
AUD $65,710
Again, this is not a national average.
Actual tuition and living costs vary by course, provider and location, and the Australian Government specifically notes that real living costs can be higher than the visa minimum.
25. Why You Should Not Convert Everything Into One Currency Immediately
Students from countries such as Nigeria often want to know:
“How much will this cost me in naira?”
This is understandable, but currency conversion can be misleading if done too far in advance.
Exchange rates can change.
For example:
- CAD/Naira can change
- AUD/Naira can change
- Bank exchange rates can differ
- Transfer fees can apply
- Tuition payment platforms can use different rates
- Currency fluctuations can affect the amount your family ultimately pays
Therefore, create your initial budget in:
CAD for Canada
and
AUD for Australia
Then convert the total using a current exchange rate when planning your actual payment.
26. Canada vs Australia: What Makes a City More Affordable?
Country selection is only part of the decision.
Your city can have an enormous impact on your budget.
Consider:
Tuition
Is the institution expensive or relatively affordable?
Housing
Can you find:
- Shared accommodation?
- Student residence?
- Homestay?
- Affordable private rental?
Transportation
Can you walk or use public transportation?
Food
Are supermarkets reasonably accessible?
Employment
Are there part-time jobs compatible with your study schedule and visa conditions?
Lifestyle
Will you need to spend heavily on entertainment and travel?
27. Major City vs Smaller City
One strategy available in both countries is considering smaller cities.
A smaller city may offer:
- Lower accommodation costs
- Shorter commuting times
- Less expensive lifestyle options
- Smaller campuses
- Different employment opportunities
But don’t assume every smaller city is automatically cheap.
Always compare the actual:
tuition + rent + food + transport + insurance
before making your decision.
28. Hidden Costs International Students Often Forget
When preparing your budget, remember expenses such as:
Before departure
- Application fees
- English-language test
- Document processing
- Academic transcripts
- Credential assessment where required
- Visa fees
- Biometrics where applicable
- Medical examination where required
- Flight
- Travel insurance where relevant
After arrival
- Security deposit/bond
- First month’s rent
- Bedding
- Kitchen equipment
- Winter clothing in Canada
- Phone
- Internet
- Transportation card
- Laptop
- Books
- Course materials
- Student fees
- Health insurance
- Emergency fund
These expenses can make the first month considerably more expensive than an ordinary month.
29. Canada vs Australia: Sample Cost Structure
A useful way to think about the comparison is:
| Expense | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Major expense | Major expense |
| Accommodation | Major expense | Major expense |
| Food | Recurring | Recurring |
| Transportation | City dependent | City dependent |
| Health insurance | Province/institution dependent | OSHC required |
| Visa | Study permit costs | AUD $2,500 student visa charge from July 2026, subject to exemptions |
| Initial setup | Significant | Significant |
| Emergency fund | Recommended | Recommended |
| Student work | Up to 24 hours/week during regular sessions if eligible | Up to 48 hours/fortnight while course is in session |
The comparison demonstrates why total cost of attendance is more useful than tuition alone.
30. How to Reduce Your Study Costs in Canada
If you choose Canada, consider:
1. Compare institutions
Don’t apply to the first school you find.
Compare:
- Tuition
- Mandatory fees
- Program duration
- Housing
- Scholarships
2. Consider colleges and polytechnics
Some programs may cost less than university programs.
3. Choose accommodation carefully
Shared housing can reduce individual costs.
4. Cook
Food delivery can quickly increase your monthly spending.
5. Use student transportation options
Check whether your school offers a discounted transit pass.
6. Buy used textbooks
Use:
- Libraries
- Used-book stores
- Student marketplaces
- Digital resources where permitted
7. Build a monthly budget
Track every major expense.
31. How to Reduce Your Study Costs in Australia
Students choosing Australia can also reduce expenses by:
1. Comparing cities
Don’t assume Sydney or Melbourne is the only option.
2. Comparing institutions
Look at the full tuition amount rather than advertised starting prices.
3. Sharing accommodation
Shared housing can reduce individual rental costs.
4. Cooking regularly
Meal planning can reduce food expenses.
5. Using public transport
Learn about local student concessions.
6. Checking university scholarships
Some institutions offer substantial international student awards.
7. Understanding OSHC
Compare what is included before selecting your insurance arrangement.
32. Which Country Requires More Financial Preparation?
Both require serious financial preparation.
For Canada, IRCC requires students to show sufficient money for tuition, living expenses and transportation, and the living-expense benchmark for one student outside Quebec rises to CAD $23,448 for applications from September 1, 2026.
For Australia, the Student visa financial-capacity calculation includes:
- Travel
- 12 months of course fees
- 12 months of living costs
- Relevant family expenses
The current living-cost amount for one student is AUD $29,710.
Neither system should be approached with the assumption that a student will simply arrive and immediately earn enough through part-time employment.
33. Canada vs Australia for Students With a Limited Budget
If your budget is limited, don’t begin by asking:
“Canada or Australia?”
Start by asking:
What can I realistically afford?
Then calculate:
Maximum annual tuition
Annual accommodation
Food
Transportation
Insurance
Visa/application expenses
Books and supplies
Emergency fund
Then compare actual programs.
34. A Better Way to Compare Two Offers
Imagine you receive two admission offers.
Canada
Tuition: CAD $28,000
Accommodation and living: CAD $24,000
Program duration: 2 years
Australia
Tuition: AUD $31,000
Accommodation and living: AUD $28,000
Program duration: 2 years
Don’t immediately conclude that one is cheaper.
Instead, calculate:
- Annual cost
- Total program cost
- Currency conversion
- Scholarship
- Visa expenses
- Insurance
- Travel
- Expected housing costs
- Other mandatory fees
Then compare the complete financial picture.
35. Questions to Ask a Canadian Institution
Before paying a deposit, ask:
- What is the exact tuition for my program?
- Is the tuition charged per year or per credit?
- Are international student fees included?
- Are health insurance fees included?
- Are there mandatory student fees?
- What is the estimated cost of books?
- Does the institution provide student accommodation?
- How much does accommodation cost?
- Are meal plans available?
- Are scholarships available?
- Can tuition increase in subsequent years?
36. Questions to Ask an Australian Institution
Ask:
- What is the total tuition for the program?
- Is tuition fixed or subject to annual increases?
- What additional course fees apply?
- What is the cost of OSHC?
- Does the university provide accommodation?
- What is the estimated accommodation cost?
- Are scholarships available?
- Are there compulsory student fees?
- What equipment or textbooks are required?
- How much does the full program cost?
37. Canada vs Australia: Financial Planning Checklist
Before applying, prepare the following.
Canada
☐ Tuition estimate
☐ Living-expense budget
☐ Accommodation plan
☐ Transportation budget
☐ Health insurance arrangement
☐ Study permit expenses
☐ Flight budget
☐ Books and supplies
☐ Emergency fund
☐ Scholarship applications
☐ Proof-of-funds documentation
Australia
☐ Tuition estimate
☐ Living-cost budget
☐ Accommodation plan
☐ OSHC
☐ Student visa fee
☐ Flight budget
☐ Course materials
☐ Emergency fund
☐ Scholarship applications
☐ Financial-capacity evidence
38. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canada cheaper than Australia for international students?
Not necessarily for every student.
The answer depends on the institution, program, city, accommodation, study duration, scholarship and exchange rate.
Canada’s 2026/2027 national average international undergraduate university tuition is CAD $42,062, while Australian tuition varies substantially by provider and program.
Is Australia more expensive than Canada?
Australia can be expensive, particularly in major cities, but the actual comparison depends on the student’s program and lifestyle.
A student should compare complete annual and program costs rather than country-level assumptions.
How much money does a Canadian international student need in 2026?
For study permit applications made on or after September 1, 2026, one student outside Quebec must demonstrate CAD $23,448 per year for living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation.
How much money does an international student need for Australia?
Australia’s current Student visa financial-capacity calculation uses AUD $29,710 as the annual living-cost amount for one student, in addition to the relevant course fees and travel costs.
Can international students work in Canada?
Eligible international students can generally work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions, with unlimited hours possible during qualifying scheduled breaks.
Can international students work in Australia?
Students on the Student visa can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, subject to their visa conditions.
Is health insurance mandatory in Australia?
Yes. International students undertaking formal studies in Australia must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and it must generally be maintained for the duration of their stay.
Do international students need health insurance in Canada?
International student healthcare arrangements vary by province and institution. Students should confirm the specific requirements of their school and province before travelling.
Can I study in Canada or Australia with a low budget?
Yes, but you need to choose your institution, program, city and accommodation carefully.
A lower budget does not mean you should focus only on the lowest advertised tuition.
You should calculate:
Total tuition + total living costs + visa + insurance + travel + other expenses.
Which country has lower tuition for international students?
There is no universal answer.
Canada’s 2026/2027 university averages are publicly available through Statistics Canada, while Australian international tuition varies significantly by institution and program.
The most useful comparison is between specific programs.
Is it cheaper to live on campus or off campus?
It depends.
On-campus accommodation can provide convenience and may bundle services such as internet or utilities.
Shared off-campus accommodation can sometimes reduce costs, but students need to consider:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Transportation
- Deposits
- Furniture
- Internet
- Commute
39. Final Thoughts: Canada vs Australia for International Students
Canada and Australia are both major destinations for international education, but the cost of studying in either country depends heavily on what you study, where you study and how you live.
For Canada, the 2026/2027 national average international university tuition is approximately:
CAD $42,062 for undergraduate study
and
CAD $24,693 for graduate study.
For Canadian study permit applications made from September 1, 2026, one student outside Quebec must demonstrate CAD $23,448 in annual living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation.
For Australia, tuition varies significantly by provider, program and location, while the current Student visa financial-capacity calculation uses AUD $29,710 in annual living costs for one student, in addition to relevant course fees and travel costs.
Australia’s Student visa application charge is also AUD $2,500 from July 1, 2026, subject to applicable exemptions and concessions.
The most important lesson is simple:
Don’t compare Canada and Australia using tuition alone. Compare the complete cost of obtaining your education.
Before choosing a destination, calculate:
Tuition
Accommodation
Food
Transportation
Health insurance
Visa expenses
Books and supplies
Flights
Emergency funds
Then compare the actual programs you are interested in.
For students with a limited budget, this approach can reveal options that are not obvious when looking only at advertised tuition fees.
If Canada is one of the destinations you are considering, start by comparing institutions, programs, tuition, admission requirements and your total first-year budget before submitting an application.
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