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Australia and Canada are the two most popular English-speaking countries chosen by many Vietnamese people for settlement. Each country has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of weather, cost of living, job opportunities, education, and healthcare. This article will provide a detailed analysis and comparison of life in Australia and Canada to help you make a decision that suits your settlement needs.
Australia is well known for its warm and sunny climate. In major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, the average temperature ranges from 14°C to 26°C. Summer in Australia (from December to February) can be very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C in some areas. Winter (from June to August) is milder and rarely sees snow, except in the Alpine mountain region.
Australia and Canada are two of the most popular English-speaking countries
Canada has a diverse climate but is best known for its long and cold winters. The average winter temperature ranges from -15°C to -30°C in many regions, with heavy snowfall lasting from November to April. Summers are short but can be quite warm, with average temperatures from 20°C to 30°C in major cities such as Toronto and Vancouver.
Comparison: If you prefer a warm and sunny climate, Australia is the better choice. However, if you enjoy four distinct seasons and do not mind the cold winter, Canada will be more suitable.
According to 2024 data, the cost of living in Australia is relatively high, especially in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne:
Comparing life in Australia and Canada in terms of cost of living
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: 1,800–2,500 AUD/month
Basic food expenses: 400–600 AUD/month
Utility bills: 200–300 AUD/month
Public transportation monthly pass: 150–200 AUD
The cost of living in Canada varies significantly between cities:
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: 1,500–2,200 CAD/month (in Toronto/Vancouver)
Basic food expenses: 350–500 CAD/month
Utility bills: 150–250 CAD/month (higher during winter)
Public transportation monthly pass: 120–150 CAD
Comparison: Overall, the cost of living in Canada is generally slightly lower than in Australia, especially in medium-sized and smaller cities. However, heating expenses during winter in Canada can significantly increase utility bills.
Australia has a strong economy with a low unemployment rate (around 3.8% in early 2024). The minimum wage in Australia is 23.23 AUD/hour, one of the highest in the world. The main thriving industries include:
Mining and natural resources
Tourism and hospitality
Healthcare and aged care
Information technology
Education
Comparing employment and income in Australia and Canada
Canada also has a developed economy with an unemployment rate of about 5.7% (early 2024). The minimum wage varies by province, ranging from 14 to 16 CAD/hour. Key industries include:
Information technology and artificial intelligence
Financial services
Energy and natural resources
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
Construction and real estate
Comparison: Both countries provide good job opportunities for skilled immigrants. However, Australia generally offers a higher minimum wage, while Canada has more programs to support immigrants in integrating into the labor market.
Australia has a high-quality education system, with 8 universities ranked among the top 100 in the world. Tuition fees for international students range from 20,000 to 45,000 AUD per year. Public primary and secondary education is free for permanent residents and citizens.
Canada also has an excellent education system with many leading universities. Tuition fees for international students are generally lower than in Australia, ranging from 15,000 to 35,000 CAD per year. Public primary and secondary education is also free for permanent residents and citizens.
Comparison: Both countries provide a high-quality education system. However, Canada usually has lower university tuition fees and more financial support programs available for international students.
Comparing the education system in Australia and Canada
Australia has a public healthcare system called Medicare, which provides free or low-cost healthcare services for citizens and permanent residents. Temporary visa holders usually need to purchase private health insurance, costing around 100–200 AUD per month.
Canada has a universal public healthcare system that covers most basic medical services for citizens and permanent residents. However, wait times for certain specialist services can be quite long. New immigrants often have to wait 3–6 months before being eligible for public health insurance.
Comparison: Both countries have high-quality healthcare systems, but Canada tends to cover more services under its public system. However, wait times for specialist treatment in Canada are generally longer.
Australia has a points-based immigration system with the main pathways including:
Skilled Migration Visa: Requires enough points based on age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
Business & Investment Visa: For entrepreneurs and investors with capital starting from 1.5 million AUD.
Family Reunion Visa: Allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor relatives.
Student Visa: A common pathway leading to permanent residency.
Canada also has a points-based immigration system and various programs:
Express Entry: A competitive points system for skilled workers.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Provinces nominate immigrants based on local economic needs.
Start-up Visa Program: For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas.
Atlantic Immigration Program: Focused on Atlantic provinces.
Student Visa and Work Permit: A common route that often leads to permanent residency.
Comparison: Canada currently has a more open immigration policy with diverse programs and higher annual intake targets (over 400,000 people per year). Australia has stricter requirements for language proficiency and points.
Immigration policies in Australia and Canada differ
Australia has a large Vietnamese community of about 300,000 people, mainly concentrated in Sydney and Melbourne. Australian culture is diverse and open to immigrants from Asia.
Canada has around 250,000 Vietnamese, with large communities in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Canada is proud of its multicultural policies and openness to all cultures.
Comparison: Both countries have strong Vietnamese communities and multicultural policies. However, the ease of integration may depend on each individual and the specific city you choose to settle in.
Australia is suitable for you if:
You prefer a warm, sunny climate
You prioritize higher wages and career opportunities in industries such as mining and tourism
You want to live close to beaches and unique natural landscapes
You have substantial investment capital for business or investment visas
You score highly in the points-based immigration system
Canada is suitable for you if:
You don’t mind cold weather and enjoy four distinct seasons
You prioritize lower living and education costs
You value a comprehensive social welfare system
You want a wide range of immigration programs to choose from
You prioritize a faster pathway to citizenship
Whether you choose Australia or Canada, both countries offer a high quality of life, safety, and many opportunities for immigrants. Your final decision should be based on your personal circumstances, career goals, and lifestyle preferences.
Contact the Australian immigration experts at Quốc Tịch Thứ Hai for detailed guidance on the most suitable settlement program for your situation in Australia and Canada.
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