Australia vs UK vs Canada: Cost of Study Comparison for Sri Lankan Students

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July 1, 2025
7:00 pm
8 min Read

Summary

Australia offers multiple skilled visa pathways for permanent residency (PR), but success depends on scoring well in its points-based system. Age, English test scores (IELTS/PTE), work experience, and education all contribute to your total. Popular PR options include Subclass 189, 190, 491, and employer-sponsored routes. Boost your points by improving English scores, completing a Professional Year, gaining local experience, or studying in regional areas. Avoid common mistakes like mismatched ANZSCO codes or outdated EOIs. PFEC Global offers expert guidance on visas, state nominations, documentation, and personalised PR strategies. Plan early to secure your future in Australia.

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Trying to decide between Australia, the UK, or Canada can leave you feeling stuck. The numbers blur together—rent, tuition, exchange rates—while your family quietly worries about the cost. It’s a big decision, and it’s okay if it feels overwhelming. Many Sri Lankan students face the same crossroads, weighing long-term dreams against short-term affordability. The good news? These choices don’t have to be guesses. With the right breakdown of tuition fees, living expenses, and real-life costs, you can see what fits your goals—and your budget. A clear picture brings confidence. And that’s exactly what we’ll help you find next.

Understanding the True Cost of Studying Abroad: Key Metrics to Compare

Many Sri Lankan families compare study destinations based only on tuition. But cost involves much more. To make a smart decision, students must evaluate both academic fees and the actual cost of living in each country.

Key Cost Components to Consider:

Tuition fees: Vary by country, university, and program
Living expenses: Rent, food, transport, utilities, and personal items
Visa and health insurance: Includes visa fees, medical tests, and health cover
Flight costs: Return airfare from Colombo to major cities

Part-time job earnings: Depends on hourly rates and allowed working hours

PFEC Sri Lanka Cost Comparison (Monthly Averages

Country	Tuition (LKR/year)	Living Cost (LKR/month)	Part-Time Income (LKR/month)
Australia	3.6M – 5.4M	1.6L – 2.4L	80K – 1.2L
UK	3.2M – 5.0M	1.8L – 2.5L	75K – 1.1L
Canada	2.8M – 4.8M	1.4L – 2.0L	65K – 1.0L

Exchange rates (rounded):
1 AUD ≈ LKR 200 | 1 GBP ≈ LKR 385 | 1 CAD ≈ LKR 225

Expert Tip: Compare total cost over the full study period. Factor in duration, job access, and PR pathways for better long-term value.

PFEC Sri Lanka cost comparison support includes 2–4 year planning that accounts for scholarships, intake timing, and earning potential.

Tuition Fee Breakdown: Australia vs UK vs Canada

Costs depend on your course and level of study. Here’s how tuition compares for Sri Lankan students:

Undergraduate Tuition (Annual)

Country	General Degrees	Engineering / IT	Medicine
Australia	3.6M – 4.8M	4.2M – 5.4M	6.0M – 9.0M
UK	3.2M – 4.5M	4.0M – 5.2M	6.5M – 10.0M
Canada	2.8M – 4.0M	3.6M – 5.0M	5.5M – 8.0M

Postgraduate Tuition (Annual)

Country	Arts / Business	Engineering / IT	MBA
Australia	3.8M – 5.2M	4.2M – 5.6M	6.0M – 9.5M
UK	3.5M – 5.0M	4.0M – 5.5M	6.2M – 10.0M
Canada	3.0M – 4.5M	3.8M – 5.2M	5.5M – 9.0M

Program Duration

Country	UG Duration	PG Duration
Australia	3 years	1.5–2 years
UK	3 years	1 year
Canada	4 years	1–2 years

Shorter UK postgraduate degrees lower tuition costs but limit work and visa time. Canada’s longer undergraduate programs have higher upfront costs but offer better PR pathways.

Expert Tip: Some degrees (like medicine or law) may need additional licensing to work in Sri Lanka. PFEC Sri Lanka advisors can check program recognition and help plan return options.

Cost of Living Explained: From Rent to Grocery to Transport

Tuition fees are only part of the picture. Monthly living expenses can vary depending on where you study and how you manage your budget. For Sri Lankan students, the difference between capital cities and regional towns can be significant.

Average Monthly Living Costs (in LKR)

Expense Type	Capital City (e.g. Sydney, London, Toronto)	Regional City (e.g. Adelaide, Glasgow, Halifax)
Rent (shared apartment)	1.0L – 1.5L	70K – 1.0L
Utilities & Internet	25K – 40K	20K – 35K
Food & Groceries	40K – 60K	35K – 50K
Transport Pass	20K – 35K	15K – 25K
Miscellaneous	15K – 25K	10K – 20K

Total Monthly Range:

Capital cities: LKR 1.8L – 2.6L
Regional towns: LKR 1.4L – 2.0L

Living cost Canada Sri Lanka comparisons show Canada’s regional cities are often more affordable than cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

Expert Tip: Choosing a regional city can reduce living costs by up to 30%. It may also increase PR opportunities in countries like Australia and Canada.

Part-Time Work and Earnings Potential While Studying

Part-time jobs build independence, improve language skills, and provide local work experience.

Student Work Rules and Income Potential

Country	Max Hours (Term Time)	Avg Wage (LKR/hour)	Monthly Earnings (LKR)
Australia	24 hours/week	1,600 – 2,000	1.2L – 1.6L
UK	20 hours/week	1,500 – 1,850	1.0L – 1.4L
Canada	20 hours/week	1,400 – 1,800	1.0L – 1.3L

Common Jobs for Students

Supermarkets and retail
Cafés, restaurants, and delivery
Campus assistant roles
Customer service or admin work
Tutoring and freelance online jobs

Expert Tip: PFEC Sri Lanka cost comparison advices estimating net monthly expenses after part-time income. This helps families plan real support needs. We also guide students on finding jobs in high-opportunity cities.

Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid: What Sri Lankan Students Can Access

Many Sri Lankan students miss scholarship opportunities simply because they are not aware of them. Australia, the UK, and Canada offer several financial aid options that can reduce your tuition by 25% to 100%—if you apply correctly and on time.

Common Types of Scholarships

Type	Criteria	Coverage
Merit-based	Academic scores, leadership, sports	25%–100% tuition waiver
Need-based	Low-income or financial hardship	Partial tuition + living costs
Destination-specific	Country or university offers	Fixed amount or full coverage

Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students

Australia

Destination Australia Scholarship: Up to AUD 15,000 per year
University Grants: Monash, Deakin, UniSA offer 25%–50% tuition waivers
Research Scholarships: Full tuition and stipends for postgraduates

Commonwealth Scholarship: Tuition, living, and airfare for postgraduates
Chevening Scholarship: Fully funded master’s degrees
University Awards: South Asia-specific scholarships at Bristol, Glasgow, Nottingham

Canada

Vanier CGS: CAD 50,000/year for PhD students
University of Toronto International Scholar Award: CAD 80,000 over 4 years
Provincial Grants: Offered in Ontario and British Columbia

Expert Tip: PFEC Sri Lanka guidance includes shortlisting scholarships that match your grades and goals. We also help you prepare documents and apply early.

Hidden and One-Time Costs to Plan For

Many students overlook setup costs, which can affect your early budgeting. Planning for these expenses avoids stress in your first few months abroad.

Common One-Time or Hidden Costs

Item	Cost Estimate (LKR)	Notes
Visa application	30K – 65K	Depends on country and visa type
Health insurance	50K – 1.2L/year	Mandatory in all study destinations
Flight ticket (one-way)	1.2L – 2.0L	Book early to save on peak pricing
Medical tests	15K – 30K	Needed for visa in most countries
Winter clothing (Canada)	35K – 70K	Important in colder provinces
Laptop & accessories	1.5L – 2.5L	Required for online coursework
Study materials	20K – 50K/semester	Books, printing, and software licenses

PFEC Sri Lanka cost comparison shows that Canada and Australia have higher upfront costs but better long-term PR or post-study work benefits.

Expert Tip: Keep a contingency fund of at least LKR 2.0L for unexpected costs during the first three months. This buffer helps you adjust smoothly while you find part-time work and settle in.

Long-Term ROI: Post-Study Work and PR Opportunities

Studying abroad is a big investment. Sri Lankan families want to know what comes after graduation. That’s why return on investment matters. You’re building a path toward a stable, well-paid career and possibly a new life overseas.

What Impacts ROI?

Duration of post-study work rights
PR eligibility and timeline
Job market for graduates
Average monthly salary

Country	Post-Study Work Rights	PR Pathway	Avg Graduate Salary (LKR/month)
Australia	2–6 years (based on qualification)	Graduate visa → PR (points-based)	380,000 – 620,000
UK	2 years (3 years for PhD graduates)	Graduate visa → Skilled Worker visa	400,000 – 550,000
Canada	Up to 3 years	PGWP → Express Entry or PNP	450,000 – 700,000

Expert Tip: Canada’s PGWP is highly flexible. Many Sri Lankan students use it as a direct path to PR within two years.

Cost Comparison Table: Australia vs UK vs Canada

This table gives a clear overview of average education costs and key benefits. It helps families compare what each destination offers based on budget and long-term goals.

Cost Component	Australia 🇦🇺	UK 🇬🇧	Canada 🇨🇦
Tuition (UG/PG avg)	LKR 3.6M – 6.8M/year	LKR 3.2M – 6.2M/year	LKR 3.0M – 5.5M/year
Living Cost (monthly)	LKR 160,000 – 220,000	LKR 180,000 – 250,000	LKR 140,000 – 200,000
Visa + Insurance	LKR 150,000 – 210,000 (1st yr)	LKR 100,000 – 160,000 (1st yr)	LKR 130,000 – 180,000 (1st yr)
Work Hours (term time)	24/week	20/week	20/week
Scholarships Available	25%–100% (varies by uni)	Chevening, Commonwealth, others	Vanier, U of T, regional grants

Cost-Saving Tips for Sri Lankan Students

Studying abroad can be affordable with the right planning. Many Sri Lankan students reduce their costs without missing out on the full experience. Here are practical ways to manage your money:

Choose regional universities. Tuition stays the same, but rent and food cost less.
Share accommodation to lower monthly rent and utilities.
Use your campus library or buy second-hand textbooks.
Cook at home. Simple meals can save thousands each year.
Apply for a student transport pass for discounts on buses and trains.
Track your spending using budgeting apps like Mint or Splitwise.
Apply early for scholarships and financial aid.
Use your student ID for discounts on tech, clothing, food, and travel.

Expert Tip: Always check the city’s average rent before choosing a university. Regional cities like Halifax (Canada), Adelaide (Australia), and Leicester (UK) offer quality education with lower living costs.

How PFEC Sri Lanka Helps You Navigate the Cost Decision

PFEC Sri Lanka guide families through every part of the budgeting process with a personalised plan.

Here’s how we support your financial planning:

Recommend universities that match your academic goals and budget
Explain actual costs of tuition, rent, food, and travel in your chosen country
Guide you through available scholarships and help you apply
Offer one-on-one sessions using real exchange rates and monthly cost estimates
Prepare you for setup costs like visas, insurance, and flights
Help structure your part-time work plan to support income and studies

PFEC Sri Lanka cost comparison services are designed to give you clarity and confidence. We help families avoid stress and make smart, informed choices.

Conclusion

Studying abroad is a major investment. But the goal isn’t to find the cheapest option. It’s to find the right value. A higher tuition fee might lead to better career returns. A lower-cost option might limit work or PR opportunities. Understanding the full picture helps you choose wisely.

Compare living costs, part-time income, and long-term pathways like PR and job access. Each factor shapes your real return on investment.

PFEC Sri Lanka support is built for this. We help families look beyond surface costs and create a personalised plan that matches both ambition and budget.

Book a free session to get country-wise breakdowns, clear answers, and peace of mind.

FAQs

What is the cheapest country to study among Australia, UK, and Canada for Sri Lankan students?

Canada usually has lower tuition and living costs, especially outside major cities. But it depends on your course and goals.

How much should I budget monthly for living in each country as a Sri Lankan student?

Australia: AUD 1,500–2,500
UK: GBP 1,300–1,800
Canada: CAD 1,000–2,000

Costs vary by city, lifestyle, and accommodation choice.

Can I cover my living expenses through part-time work while studying abroad?

Yes. Canada and Australia offer strong part-time wages that can help cover monthly basics.

Are there scholarships specifically for Sri Lankan students?

Yes. Look for Commonwealth, Asia-Pacific, and university-based scholarships that accept Sri Lankan applicants.

How does PFEC help with budgeting and cost planning for my studies abroad?

We offer personalised support on tuition, living costs, and scholarships. Our PFEC Sri Lanka cost comparison tools help you plan with clarity and confidence.