Read on to get your latest updates on Universities, Courses Offered, Student Visa Updates, and lots more!
Read on to get your latest updates on Universities, Courses Offered, Student Visa Updates, and lots more!
Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) are two prominent nations known for their excellent education system. These countries are also preferred destinations for Indian students to study, work, or settle abroad. However, they are often confronted with the difficult question: Canada or the UK Which is better for Indian students?
The two nations are widely different in their QS-ranked universities, programs provided, post-study employment, and study-away opportunities for international students. While making a choice between the two, students should consider several important factors such as cost, climate, immigration opportunities, course reputation, curriculum, university placement rate, and others.
Our definitive study-abroad comparison of Canada vs the UK will help you all the way!
Aspect |
Canada |
The UK |
Top Universities |
|
|
Cost of Education |
Tuition fees are usually lower than in the UK. Undergraduate courses range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 annually. Scholarships are widely available. |
Higher tuition costs, particularly for international students. For undergraduate courses, the tuition fee ranges from GBP 10,000 to GBP 38,000 per annum. Financial aid is available, but scholarships are extremely competitive. |
Cost of Living |
Canada has lower living expenses than the UK. The average cost of living per month ranges from CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,500. |
The cost of living is high, especially in cities like London. The average monthly living expenses range from GBP 1,200 to GBP 1,800. |
Funding Sources |
Scholarships, financial aid, part-time jobs, and paid internships are available. |
Private and public universities in the UK offer well-known scholarships, such as Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT Scholarships, and similar scholarships. |
Lifestyle |
High quality of life in a multicultural society. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are some of the world’s most popular cultural hubs. |
Rich cultural heritage, a blend of modern and traditional lifestyles, and vibrant cultural experiences in cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. |
Student Support Services |
Student support services are provided in the areas of mental health, academia, and career. International student offices offer support on issues related to visas and accommodation. |
Student support services in areas such as mental health, academia, and career are provided. Universities have dedicated international student offices to help with counselling and resources. |
Post–Graduation Opportunities |
Students are issued a three-year work permit after completing the program. There is a high demand for skilled individuals across all fields. |
Students can apply for a Graduate Route visa that allows them to stay and work in the UK for up to two years. This visa is common in careers related to finance, technology, and creative industries. |
Weather |
Diverse climate, with very cold winters in the interior and milder temperatures in coastal regions. |
Moderate, temperate environment with frequent rainfall. |
Education systems to study in the UK vs Canada have different teaching styles, academic structures, and learning environments that need to be accounted for. The list intends to simplify the larger picture of studying in Canada vs the UK for Indian students.
For Indian students, the top universities are always the priority in Canada vs UK higher education. These offer excellent academic curricula, industry exposure, and support services, which serve as pathways for stellar careers.
Top Universities in Canada |
QS Ranking 2025 |
Top Universities in the UK |
QS Ranking 2025 |
The University of Toronto |
25 |
Imperial College London |
2 |
McGill University |
29 |
The University of Oxford |
3 |
The University of British Columbia |
38 |
The University of Cambridge |
5 |
The University of Alberta |
96 |
UCL |
9 |
The University of Waterloo |
115 |
The University of Edinburgh |
27 |
Western University |
120 |
The University of Manchester |
34 |
Université de Montréal |
159 |
King's College London |
40 |
Diversified and highly desired courses are a major factor in considering Canada vs the UK for Indian students. Popular programs in both nations include engineering, business, and health science courses.
The popular courses in Canada include:
The popular courses in the UK include:
International students need a sizable financial commitment to study in Canada or the UK. This section details tuition fees in UK vs Canada to help them plan effectively. It also provides estimates of living expenses and possible funding options in each country.
Program fees comprise a significant portion of the cost of studying in Canada. In most cases, international students pay CAD 12,436 to CAD 35,000 as tuition fees in Canada. In top Canadian universities, the fees are at par with the upper end of the cost. The monthly cost of living in Canada is CAD 1,100, excluding the tuition fees. However, a person's expenditure for a Canadian degree largely depends on the chosen program, university, place of residence, and scholarship support.
Annual tuition fees in UK, at both private and public institutions, generally range from £4,180 to £29,259. International students also incur additional fees and expenses, including a monthly living cost of approximately £1,000 to £1,500—depending on location and lifestyle. Therefore, meticulous financial planning is crucial to manage expenses.
The eligibility criteria for studying in UK and Canada also vary:
Post-study work opportunities for students in Canada and UK also vary.
Canada is often chosen by international students for its exceptional post-study opportunities. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows graduates to stay and work in Canada for up to three years. Canada's job market is thriving and salaries range between CAD 55,000 to CAD 85,000 per year.
The permit is complemented by robust job search support from university career services (including workshops, informational interviews, and networking opportunities) and government programs. Graduates from India are commonly employed in:
Post-study work opportunities in UK are equally attractive. The UK's Graduate Route visa offers international students the chance to work in the country for up to two years post-graduation. The tenure extends to three years for PhD graduates. The job market includes lucrative roles in finance, technology, engineering, and creative industries. Average annual salaries start from £42,210. Universities actively support students in their job search efforts through comprehensive career counselling and career events.
The first step in settling in a foreign country is to apply for permanent residence (PR). Below are the details of permanent residency in UK vs Canada for Indian students:
A post-graduation work visa is essential for applying for permanent residency in Canada under the Canadian Experience Class. The process is more straightforward as there is a lack of competent labour and the country is quite thinly populated. This drives the Canadian government to actively seek skilled foreign workers.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the equivalent of permanent residency in UK, granting individuals the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely. There are several routes to apply for ILR in the UK:
The choice between UK vs Canada for international Students depends on individual preferences and goals. From the excellent quality of education, emphasis on inclusivity and affordability, and post-graduation work opportunities in Canada to an unbroken historical legacy, prestigious universities, and close links with industries in the UK—both countries provide sufficiently strong support systems and promising career prospects for Indian students choosing to study abroad.
Discover your ideal study destination with AECC. Contact us today to explore your options between Canada or the UK. Allow us to help you through your international education journey today!
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