Study in Australia vs Canada: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Australia and Canada— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | Australia | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 29,710 AUD | 22,895 CAD |
| Living cost (per month) | 2,476 AUD | 1,908 CAD |
| Visa fee | 2,000 AUD | 150 CAD |
| Typical processing time | ~6 weeks | ~8 weeks |
| Main intakes | Feb, Jul | Jan, May, Sep |
| Required documents | 6 | 7 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: Australia vs Canada
- Canada needs less money up front — about €15,575/year versus €18,227 for Australia (≈ €2,652 less).
- Australia is typically faster to process (~6 weeks vs ~8 for Canada).
- Australia asks for fewer required documents (6).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to Australia
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement
- Financial capacity
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- English language proof
- Health examination
- Tuition / funds transfer
Unique to Canada
- Letter of acceptance (LOA)
- Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL)
- Proof of financial support
- Health insurance
- English/French language proof
- Biometrics
- Medical exam
- GIC / tuition transfer
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Australia or Canada?
By proof of funds, Canada is cheaper — €15,575/year versus €18,227 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, Australia or Canada?
Australia typically processes faster (~6 weeks vs ~8). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Australia or Canada?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Canada needs less money up front — about €15,575/year versus €18,227 for Australia (≈ €2,652 less). Australia is typically faster to process (~6 weeks vs ~8 for Canada). Australia asks for fewer required documents (6). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.