Compare · 11 min
UK vs Canada vs Australia for Indian students: cost, work rights, PR (2026)
A no-nonsense comparison of the three biggest destinations for Indian students: total cost, post-study work visas, and realistic PR pathways.
Total cost of the degree
A UK taught masters is one year, so even with high tuition the total cost often lands lower than a two-year Canadian or Australian degree: roughly ₹22-40 lakh all-in. Canada runs ₹18-35 lakh per year, typically two years. Australia is ₹22-42 lakh per year, two years for most masters. If total outlay is your constraint, the UK wins on duration; if budget per year is the constraint, Canada colleges are the cheapest entry point.
Work rights after study
The UK Graduate Route gives 2 years of unrestricted work after a masters. Canada offers a PGWP of up to 3 years depending on program length. Australia gives 2-4 years on the subclass 485, with regional bonuses. All three are real work rights; the difference is what those jobs convert into.
The PR question, answered honestly
Canada still has the most structured study-to-PR conveyor via Express Entry, though cut-offs have risen and category draws matter. Australia has a real but occupation-gated skilled pathway. The UK does not sell PR — the Graduate Route is a work window, not a settlement promise. Any consultant who sells you "guaranteed PR" in any of the three is lying to you.
How to choose for your profile
Pick the UK if you want speed and lower total cost, Canada if PR is the primary goal and your profile fits in-demand categories, Australia if your occupation sits on the skilled lists and you can fund two years. Then shortlist consultants in your city on Kohinooor who handle that specific country — a Canada specialist and a UK specialist are different trades.
Next step: browse consultants in your city and compare three agencies with this checklist in hand.