Essential Guide for Indians: Costs, Visas, and Jobs in Australia, UK, Canada

Choosing the Right Study Destination: Canada, the UK, or Australia

Each year, many Indian students travel abroad for higher education, drawn by quality universities and greater career opportunities. Canada, the UK, and Australia are popular choices, thanks to their strong educational frameworks and prospects for job growth.

Why Students Prefer Canada

Canada has gained popularity due to its welcoming student immigration policies and generous post-study work permits. However, the landscape has changed; in 2025, nearly 80% of visa applications from Indian students were rejected – the highest rate in a decade. A new financial requirement compels applicants to prove they have over CAD 20,635 for living expenses, making it more challenging for many.

Despite these obstacles, Canada remains attractive due to the potential pathways to work and residency after graduation.

The UK’s Attractive Features

The UK lures students with shorter degree durations, especially master’s programs that often last just one year. This means lower costs and quicker entry into the workforce. The Graduate Route visa allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for two years after completing their studies, offering valuable international experience. However, job competition can be fierce in urban centres.

Discovering Australia’s Benefits

Australia strikes a balance between high-quality education and a welcoming atmosphere. Science, technology, engineering, and health sciences are particularly appealing fields. As of 2023, there are over 118,000 Indian students studying in Australia, reflecting its popularity. Flexible work rules allow students to combine their studies with part-time jobs.

Nonetheless, many students struggle to find internships or jobs in their field without local experience, and living costs have substantially risen.

Comparing the Three Countries

Here’s a quick look at the differences:

• Student Numbers: Canada has 427,000 Indian students, followed by the UK with over 140,000 and Australia with 118,109.
• Degree Duration: Canada and Australia usually require 3–4 years for undergraduate degrees, while the UK offers one-year master’s programmes.
• Tuition Fees: Average fees range from CAD 20,000–35,000 in Canada, GBP 15,000–25,000 in the UK, and AUD 25,000–40,000 in Australia.
• Living Costs: Living expenses vary, with Canada at CAD 15,000–20,000, the UK at GBP 12,000–18,000, and Australia at AUD 21,000–27,000 annually.
• Post-Study Work Visas: Work visas vary, with Australia allowing up to six years depending on the course undertaken.

Making Your Decision

The “best” choice ultimately depends on personal priorities. The UK is suited for quick qualifications with reputable employers. Canada suits those seeking long-term settlement and practical work experience. Australia is ideal for students interested in STEM and healthcare fields, offering a high-quality living environment.

When deciding, consider financial aspects, course qualifications for post-study work, and job market conditions.

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