4. Education
Canada
In Canada, schooling is generally free for Canadian residents up to the end of high school, which varies between the 11th or 12th grade. This public education is funded by municipal, provincial, and federal governments. However, university education is not free; Canadian citizens and permanent residents pay tuition fees, which are subsidized but still require out-of-pocket contribution. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the average annual tuition fee for Canadian undergraduate students was about CAD 6,000 to CAD 8,000.
The childcare system is Canada is not free. The childcare fees vary by province and the age of the child. In 2023, the average amount parents paid for their main full-time childcare arrangement is $544 per month. However, Canadian governments are working hard, aiming to provide Canadian parents with $10-a-day regulated child care spaces for children under six years old.
Australia
In Australia, the childcare fees are higher than those in Canada. On average, the daily rate is about $119. However, the cost of childcare in Australia in 2023 varies depending on the type of care, location, and the number of days your child attends.
- Long day care (childcare centres) can range from $70 to $188 per day.
- Pre-school costs can range from $45 to $80 per day.
- Family day care typically charges between $7.50 to $16.80 per hour depending on location and service.
Remember, these costs are before any subsidies. The Australian government offers a Child Care Subsidy that can significantly reduce the amount you pay, depending on your family income, activity level, and other factors. Most families are eligible for some level of subsidy, which is paid directly to the service to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Regarding the schooling system, Australia provides free schooling for all children of Australian citizen and permanent residents. However, higher education is not free. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the student contribution amounts ranged from approximately AUD 3,950 to AUD 14,500 per year. These bands are subject to change and can vary based on the discipline of study.
