UK Vs Canada: Choosing The Best Country For Abroad Studies
When it comes to going abroad for studies, the UK and Canada have always remained the favourite destination for Indian students. It is no doubt that both countries provide top-notch services when it comes to quality of education, the standard of living, and employment opportunities. But you are hesitating between whether to go to a university in the UK or Canada, aren’t you? Don’t worry! You are not the only one confused here.
Almost every student has gone through the phase of being perplexed about choosing between the UK and Canada. In this blog, we’ll be going through all the information that students consider before choosing between the UK and Canada. By the end of this blog, you will be able to choose the country which works the best for you.
Ranking
Even though both the countries are home to the world’s top 50-150 universities, the universities in the UK are ranked far better than the Canadian universities.
UK: The UK is widely known for its oldest and most prestigious universities; the top 10 universities of the world are situated in the UK. In the list of top universities, Oxford University ranks first. In the third place, we have the University of Cambridge.
Canada: Canada has the University of Toronto which is ranked in 18th place and the University of British Columbia in 34th place. Canadian universities are also considered as one of the finest in the world.
When it comes to ranking, UK is definitely on top. But you shouldn’t make your decision based on the ranking. What you should do is compare the universities in the UK with the universities in Canada based on the course that you want to apply for.
Cost of studying
One of the most crucial questions that come right after or even before the first question is the cost of education. When it comes to tuition fees, the education system in the UK is considered to be among the most expensive education systems in the world.
UK: The undergraduate program in the UK costs between 15,000-27,000 CAD per year that when converted to Indian money would come about 9,00000 to 15,00000 INR. The cost of studying the postgraduate program would be between 10,000 pounds and 20,000 that would cost around 10,00000- 20,00000 when converted to INR.
Canada: The cost of studying in Canada is somewhat similar to the cost of studying in the UK. In Canada, an undergraduate program would be between 10,000- 30,000 CAD that roughly amounts to 6- 17,62,311 INR. For the postgraduate program, the tuition fee in Canada would be between 16,000-35,000 CAD that would cost around 10- 2,056,046 INR.
Again, the prices listed here are in general. The prices may vary according to what course and at which university you are studying.
Cost of living
The cost of living is less in Canada when compared to the UK.
UK: The rent price in the UK varies according to where you are living. Living in expensive locations like London would cost around 11000-125000 GBP for one academic year. This amount varies when you move to other cities like Manchester, Lester, etc, the prices are less expensive.
Canada: Renting a place in Canada is way too inexpensive than renting a place in the UK. Living in major Canadian cities like Toronto and -Ontario would cost about 14-16000 CAD per annum that roughly costs around 7-9,00,000 INR.
Programs length
The UK usually has shorter courses when compared to Canada.
UK: The duration of an undergraduate program in the UK is three years. For masters, the time duration is one year, and for Ph.D. it is three years.
Canada: In Canada, the time duration for an undergraduate program is four years, for a master’s it is two years, and for Ph.D. it would be four years
Working as a student
Both the countries allow the students to work for 20 hours a week along with their university degrees. However, the salary you get for a part-time job is going to be different.
UK: In the UK, the salary would be around 13 CAD that roughly amounts to 764 INR.
Canada: In Canada, the salary would range between 11.5- 16 CAD that roughly 675-940 INR
Post-study work opportunities
UK: Till 2020, UK had imposed strict regulations on international students looking to stay back in the country to seek employment opportunities. Students were only allowed to stay back in the country after graduation for four months. Recently, the government has loosened the strict regulation with the announcement of the Graduate route which allows students with an undergraduate or higher degree to stay back in the UK for 2 years. The period may extend if they find suitable employment.
Canada: In Canada, the students after applying for Post- Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can stay back in the country for 2-3 years after graduation. With proper education and work experience, foreign students can even gain Permanent Residency (PR) status in Canada which is not possible in the UK.
Applying for universities
For applying to universities in both Canada and the UK, you will have an English test. You will need a good IELTS or TOFEL score.
UK: Students with a 3-year Bachelor’s Degree program from India are accepted by most of the universities in the UK.
Canada: Indian students with a 3-year Bachelor’s Degree program are not accepted in Canadian Universities. A postgraduate/ Master’s degree is often required by universities to apply and qualify for a Master’s degree.
The Weather
Living in the UK, it’s always going to be rainy. But it’s not going to be super cool living in Canada, living in Canada is going to be freezing.
However, each country has its benefits as a Study Abroad destination- the UK with its top prestigious universities and buzzing social life, Canada with its inexpensive living cost and after graduation stay back and work opportunities for international students.
If you’re still confused, don’t worry! There are many Study Abroad consultants in Kochi, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, and many more who are ready to help and guide you through. Study Abroad Consultants will help you choose the best course, university, and country that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
