If you are a medical graduate and you’re thinking of migrating to a new country, you’ve definitely considered a few locations. Despite the fact that many countries are fantastic places for immigrants, why shouldn’t you consider your alternatives before picking where to start a new life?
There are many options available worldwide. But if you look at the data on where healthcare folks are migrating, Australia, Canada, the USA, and the UK are among the top considerations for international medical graduates for obvious reasons.
In this article, we will compare Canada and Australia on different parameters and see which one is better. Well, we have done a similar article on Australia vs. the USA; have a look at the article. The USA or Australia: Which one is the better option for Indian doctors?
Immigrating to Canada or Australia might be somewhat different! Both of these locations have excellent job opportunities. They also have some similarities.
We will be looking at the parameters that would help you understand which one is a better fit for you: future career opportunities, earning potential, lifestyle, and work environment. Family and friends, eligibility requirements, licensing exams and pass rates, the desired field of specialisation, moving and living expenses abroad, religion, culture, and personal preferences all play a role in the final decision to choose a country.
This blog will help you better understand your immigration alternatives, pathways to practice, the cost of living, healthcare, and other critical determining considerations, and thus help in deciding whether Canada or Australia is a better place for you to relocate in order to pursue a global career. I’ll go over the steps and tests needed to get a license in two different countries: the MCC in Canada and the AMC in Australia.
Here is a simultaneous comparison:
Career opportunities and earning potential
Career opportunities and earning potential, both in Australia and Canada, are promising for medical professionals.
Australia offers career opportunities in various specialties, including general practice, surgery, and more. Earning potential is competitive, with Australian general doctors often earning a substantially high income, especially if you are a specialist. The exact earnings depend on factors such as experience, specialization, and job location. The average salary is 156,000 AUD, which equals up to a whopping INR 85 to 90 LPA.
In Canada, a career in medicine offers diverse opportunities and strong earning potential. Physicians can pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, research, or academia. Specializations like surgery, cardiology, and family medicine are in demand. While salaries vary, doctors generally enjoy competitive compensation, with the potential for higher earnings in specialized fields. The country’s robust healthcare system and aging population contribute to the sustained demand for medical professionals, making Canada an attractive destination for doctors seeking rewarding careers. The average salary can be around 101188 CAD, which equals up to INR 60 to 65 LPA.
Immigration process:
The immigration procedures for international medical graduates range greatly between Australia and Canada. The immigration procedure for these two counties may also differ based on aspects like the country from which you are applying, your greatest level of education, job experience, the college you attended, and so on.
Australia: International medical graduates interested in working in Australia can look at visa possibilities such as Subclass 482 and Subclass 186. These visas allow people to work in Australia. You can also look into permanent residency (PR) programmes such as General Skilled Migration.
The Australian visa processing time for Indians varies depending on the type of visa. However, here are some average processing times based on the visa:
- Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): 18 Days
- Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500): 59 Days
- Australian Work Visa (Subclass 482): 30 Days–49 Months
International medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to practice as doctors in Canada must first get a work permit. Once approved into a Canadian residency programme, IMGs can apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a work permit. The work permit is frequently granted under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Programme (PGWPP). The completion of the residency programme is a fundamental criterion for acquiring a work visa, which allows IMGs to gain significant Canadian work experience and take subsequent stages towards medical licensure in the nation.
Please note that the processes and their times are subject to change. It’s essential to check the official Department of State websites of both countries for the most current processing time information. Additionally, it’s advisable to apply for visas well in advance of your intended travel or employment start date to account for potential delays.
Lifestyle and work environment:
International medical graduates seeking to practice in Australia and Canada can enjoy a high-quality lifestyle and excellent work environments. These countries offer a favourable work-life balance, advanced healthcare facilities, and a diverse, multicultural society.
In Australia, you may enjoy a relaxing lifestyle with outdoor activities, stunning scenery, and a solid healthcare system. Workplace settings are often favourable to leading a balanced life. A doctor in Australia works 42 hours a week on average.
Medical practitioners in Canada benefit from cutting-edge technology, a thriving healthcare sector, and the possibility of high earnings. The work atmosphere is not overly demanding but very rewarding, with several prospects for advancement. In Canada, the typical work week for a doctor might be up to 40 hours.
Family and friends
As is well known, family and friends are extremely important sources of comfort and support for Indian medical professionals who are seeking professions overseas. These nations are home to a sizable Indian diaspora that provides a tight-knit society that facilitates immigration and preserves cultural ties.
Indian expats have cultivated thriving communities in Australia’s main cities, such as Sydney and Queensland, which gives newcomers a sense of community. A feeling of home away from home is fostered by this network of support. In Australia, physicians from India make up about 21% of the workforce.
Similarly, Canada is home to a diversified and large Indian diaspora, notably in cities such as Vancouver and Toronto. This group connects Indian medical graduates on a social, cultural, and professional level. One in every ten doctors in Canada is of Indian descent.
The strong links and networks offered by one’s home community make navigating the hurdles of a new nation easier, allowing a smoother transition and improving the entire experience for individuals who are going to practice medicine in Australia and Canada.
Licensing exams and pass rates:
International medical graduates who want to practice in Australia or Canada must pass rigorous licensure tests.
The AMC (Australian Medical Council) tests, which include the AMC MCQ and AMC Clinical, are the most important in Australia. Pass rates vary but are typically competitive, necessitating much preparation and attention. The pass percentage for AMC MCQ is around 58%. The clinical pass percentage at AMC is less than 28%. As a result, we would conclude that the first portion of the AMC test is rather easy, while the second half is somewhat difficult.
The Medical Licensing Exams in Canada, administered by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC), include the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination. Pass rates can vary, and the exams are designed to assess the competence of medical graduates. The pass rates for the Medical Licensing Exams in Canada vary depending on the specific exam and the year. However, in general, the pass rates are quite high. For example, the pass rate for MCCQE Part I was 92% for Canadian medical graduates (CMGs) in 2021 and 83% for international medical graduates (IMGs) in 2021. The pass rate for the NAC Examination was 94% for all candidates in 2021.
Moving and living costs
Moving to a new country as an international medical graduate entails a variety of expenses. Visa fees, hotels, transportation, and everyday living expenses can all be incurred in Australia. Larger cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, have greater living expenses than smaller towns.
Similarly, overseas medical graduates in Canada should budget for immigration costs, accommodation, healthcare, and day-to-day living expenditures. The cost of living may vary greatly depending on geography, with big cities such as Toronto and Vancouver being more costly than smaller towns or rural locations.
To guarantee a seamless transfer and comfortable living in their new location, prospective medical professionals should conduct research and organise their expenses properly.
| Expense | Australia | Canada |
| Licensing Exam fees (one-time cost) | INR 3,68,566 | INR 137,754 |
| Visas and flights (one-time cost) | INR 130,000 | INR 1,10,000 |
| Initial setup, utilities, etc. (one-time cost) | INR 52,900 | INR 50,000 |
| Rent per month (recurring) | INR 80,000 | INR 60,000 |
| General living expenses per month (recurring) | INR 52,000 | INR 50,000 |
Table of expenses
Culture and religion
International medical graduates relocating to Australia and Canada should expect to encounter varied and welcoming cultures. Both nations are well-known for their pluralism and tolerance of other cultures, especially Indians.
Australia has a ‘mateship’ culture with a laid-back and inviting vibe. Cultural diversity is valued and celebrated in Australia, making it simple for overseas medical graduates to assimilate into society. With a happiness rating of 7.24, Australia is an extremely happy and chill country.
Canada is celebrated for its cultural diversity and religious pluralism. A mosaic of traditions, languages, and customs coexists harmoniously, shaping the nation’s identity. Canadians embrace multiculturalism, fostering an inclusive society where people of various ethnicities and faiths contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the country. Religious freedom is a fundamental value, allowing individuals to practice their beliefs freely. The happiness index is 6.96.
Personal preference:
Aside from the variables described above, one of the most important aspects of selecting which nation to choose is personal choice.
This varies greatly from person to person. Some people would like to work in Australia, while others would choose to work in Canada. As a result, this component cannot be measured. However, it performs an important function.
Conclusion
Thus, the decision between Canada and Australia as preferred locations for Indian doctors is influenced by a variety of circumstances. Both nations provide appealing options, but crucial factors to consider include job opportunities, income potential, and so on.
Individual preferences should be considered during the decision-making process, since what works for one person may not work for another.
To achieve a pleasant and meaningful career journey, the decision should be well-researched and linked to personal objectives and circumstances.
If you are a doctor or a medical graduate interested in coming to Australia and establishing a fantastic career, please fill out this form, and we will assist you in getting there and establishing a job.
All the best.
