The UK and Canada are two great nations of the world and have a global reputation for offering the best in class education. Both countries are known to be excellent hosts for international students and are becoming more and more popular with students thinking of studying abroad. Several factors make these countries great destinations for studying, working and settling. However, there are times when students are confused by the question of which is best, Canada or the UK? Students still view the UK and Canada in contrasting terms, but we will present a holistic picture of studying in these two equally good countries.
Highlights
| Factors | UK | Canada |
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| Eligibility Requirements |
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| Test Scores |
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| Top Courses Offered |
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| Student Visa Fees | 350 EUR | 150 CAD + 85 CAD |
Top Universities in Canada VS UK
Both the countries are well known for their prestigious universities that offer them academic excellence. Some of the top universities in both the countries with QS World Ranking 2023 are tabulated below.
| QS World Ranking 2023 | Universities in UK | QS World Ranking 2023 | Universities in Canada |
| 2 | University of Cambridge | 31 | McGill University |
| 4 | University of Oxford | 34 | University of Toronto |
| 6 | Imperial College London | 47 | University of British Columbia |
| 8 | University College London | 110 | University of Alberta |
| 15 | The University of Edinburgh | 116 | University of Montreal |
| 28 | The University of Manchester | 152 | McMaster University |
| 37 | King’s College, London | 154 | University of Waterloo |
| 56 | The London School of Economics and Political Science | 172 | Western University |
| 61 | University of Bristol | 237 | University of Ottawa |
| 64 | The University of Warwick | 242 | University of Calgary |
UK vs Canada for International Student: Admission Requirements
Most of the study abroad destinations for international students focus on similar admission requirements. However, there are certain criterias that may vary as per the country. A brief of the same for students planning to study in Canada and study in UK is mentioned below.
United Kingdom
- For UG courses in the UK, the best universities require 13 years of pre-university training.
- This rule has recently been changed and UK universities now recognize the CBSE Plus Two certificate for admission to UG courses.
- You can be admitted to PG courses after completing a three-year UG course. Some universities require a GMAT score for admission to management courses.
- Universities also allow admission to management degree programs without GMAT scores. Science courses may not require the GRE test, so check with the university first.
- As in the US, management courses in the UK may require a few years of work experience. The university can waive TOEFL or IELTS, but they are important for obtaining a visa.
Canada
- For undergraduate (UG) courses, you must have completed 12 school years.
- To be admitted you must pass the SAT exam.
- The duration of the diploma is four years, the diploma from two to three years.
- In graduate (PG) programs, admission to professional programs is easier because the admission criteria are much more flexible.
- Admission to management degrees requires completion of the GMAT, and engineering degrees require passing the GRE exam.
- The threshold concept does not apply to Canadian universities. Universities provide accepted grade averages for various courses on their websites. This gives an idea of what is considered a good score.
- Regardless of your degree, you must also take language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Some universities may not require a language proficiency test for Indian students, but it is advisable to pass the TOEFL or IELTS as they are important for obtaining a visa.
- If the visa interviewer is unsure of your language skills, they may not be able to grant you the visa.
Student Visa for UK and Canada
For any country out of India, a student is required to apply for a student visa. A student visa is granted only when the student fulfils all the mandatory requirements. Hence, the student visa is a must and students must follow below mentioned pointers.
United Kingdom
Students wishing to study at a university in the UK must apply for a UK student visa (former UK level 4 visa). Recently, the UK government eased post-study work visa regulations for international students. To apply for a UK student visa, these rules apply:
- It is awarded for full-time study only.
- Applying for a UK student visa costs £ 363.
- You can work part-time during your studies. However, some rules apply, e.g. B. up to 20 hours per week part time (on campus or off campus) and full time during holidays (on campus only).
Canada
The Canadian student visa has the following provisions:
- You must apply for a postgraduate work permit within 90 days of graduation.
- The Canada visa application process requires a mandatory medical test for Indian applicants.
- Spouses can also work full-time if their stay lasts for a year or more.
- Applying for this visa costs $ 150.
- You can't work more than 20 hours a week. During the holidays, vacations and summer semesters, the student can work up to 40 hours per week.
Postgraduate Work Visa for UK and Canada
After a student completes the education, he or she is required to get a post graduate work visa. Every country has its own set of rules for PR. A brief of the same is mentioned below.
United Kingdom
Recently, the UK Home Office officially launched its new Graduate Route visa for international students. The Graduate Route allows international students who have graduated from a recognized UK university to stay and seek work for a minimum of two years. If you want to work there after your studies, you will need to apply for a postgraduate visa (PSW UK).
Canada
The Canadian Postgraduate Work Visa allows students who have graduated from a post-secondary institution to work after their studies for a period of availability that depends on the length of their studies, up to a maximum of three years. With this work permit, the student can work in any field or sector.
Costs for Undergraduate Courses in UK and Canada
The cost of attendance for UG courses in the UK and Canada are tabulated below.
| Particulars | Undergraduate course in UK | Undergraduate course in Canada |
| Tuition fees | B.Tech: Rs 18.66 Lakhs per year | B.Tech: Rs 22.39 Lakhs per year |
| Living expenses | Rs 5.86 Lakhs per year | Rs 6.31 Lakhs per year |
| Duration of course | 3 years | 4 years |
| Total cost | Rs 24.53 Lakhs per year | Rs 28.70 Lakhs per year |
Costs for Postgraduate Courses in UK and Canada
The cost of attendance for PG courses in the UK and Canada are tabulated below.
| Particulars | Postgraduate course in UK | Postgraduate course in Canada |
| Tuition fees | MS: Rs 20.47 per year | MS: Rs 11.52 Lakhs per year |
| Living expenses | Rs 5.86 Lakhs per year | Rs 6.31 Lakhs per year |
| Duration of course | 1-2 years | 1-2 years |
| Total cost | Rs 26.34 per year | Rs 17.83 Lakhs per year |
Scholarships to Study in UK
Choosing the UK as a higher education destination may be the best option for international students to gain global recognition with quality education. However, studying in the UK is expensive, up to £ 40,000 per year, including tuition and living expenses. This is where UK scholarships come in handy in easing the financial burden on students.
Depending on the funding source, scholarships to study in the UK can be divided into three categories:
- UK Government Funded Scholarships
- Undergraduate Scholarships
- Other grants
UK Government Funded Scholarships
Government Funded Scholarships are among the most sought after UK scholarships for Indian students. These Government Scholarships should be your best options when looking for UK Masters Scholarships:
- Saltire Scotland Scholarship:
The Scottish Government, in partnership with Scottish universities, offers Masters Scholarships in the UK. This scholarship is offered to citizens of India, Japan, Canada, the United States, China and Pakistan.
- Scholarships to chew:
For Indian students, this is one of the UK's best Masters Scholarships. The UK government offers these fully funded scholarships to outstanding students from Chevening eligible countries around the world.
- Commonwealth Scholarships and Grants:
The scholarship is funded by the UK's Department of International Development. The Commonwealth offers scholarships and scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries.
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships:
Multi-year scholarships, scholarships for short research and professional stays, scholarships for guests in certain subjects and doctoral scholarships. Two-year courses are not supported.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Here are some of the best university scholarships in the UK:
- Edinburgh Global Scholarship:
There are only 30 scholarships available for international students interested in pursuing a PhD. at the University of Edinburgh. This scholarship only covers part of the tuition.
- Kingston University London Scholarship:
The scholarship is open to all international undergraduate and postgraduate students of Kingston University. This £ 5,000 scholarship is available to students starting their first year in September or January.
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship:
The Gates-Cambridge Scholarship is for international students from any country who wish to pursue full-time postgraduate studies in a subject offered by the university. It covers the full cost of the study and provides additional flexible funding.
Other Grants
Independent agencies offer various other scholarships for international students. These scholarships for American students studying in the UK are:
- Castle Smart Scholarship:
This is an undergraduate scholarship provided by Castle Smart Estate to international students in the UK. It offers tuition fees of around £ 6,000. In lieu of an essay, this grant can be accessed via video. To apply, a student must create a video that covers all the points necessary for the chosen course.
- Royal Society Scholarships:
The Royal Society, the oldest and most independent scientific academy, offers several scholarships. The Society awards scholarships to promote scientific genius. These are available for undergraduate and graduate students.
Scholarships to Study in Canada
Scholarships in Canada can be classified into:
- State subsidies
- Non-governmental contributions
- Institutional scholarships
State subsidies
Canadian government sponsored international scholarship programs allow international students to study in Canada at affordable cost. These grants also cover travel and other expenses in Canada. Here are some Canadian government scholarships:
- Banting Postdoctoral Scholarship:
This scholarship is for two years and Indian students must be accepted at their chosen institution or university in Canada to be considered. Scholars keep the scholarship and their applications are approved by the relevant university authority.
- Scholarships for Vanier graduates:
Scholars studying science, engineering, health research, or research in the social sciences and humanities at Canadian institutions are eligible for the Vanier Three-year Postgraduate Scholarships.
- IDRC Awards for Research:
One of the Canada Masters Scholarships is for Indian students who are admitted to an accredited university in Canada and are pursuing a masters or postgraduate degree.
- Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship:
This is a merit-based award for masters and doctoral students from Quebec universities. This Indian Student Scholarship is awarded annually to those pursuing Masters and PhD programs.
- Canada - ASEAN SEEDS:
The ASEAN Canadian Development Education Scholarship and Exchange Program provides students from ASEAN member countries with short-term exchange opportunities to study or conduct research at Canadian post-secondary institutions at undergraduate, graduate and graduate level.
Climate in UK and Canada
United Kingdom
The climate in Great Britain is temperate. The summer months are the best months of the year with an average temperature between 15 and 25 ° C. Winters in Britain are characterised by cold, rain and sometimes snow and fog. The temperature in winter varies between 0 and 7 degrees Celsius. Rain in the UK is unpredictable.
Canada
The climate in Canada remains cold in most areas. The temperature can drop below -30 degrees Celsius in some places. Summers can be hot and dry in the Canadian prairies, humid in central Canada, and milder along the coasts. The spring season is generally pleasant throughout the country.
Placement Opportunities between Canada and United Kingdom
Canada
Canada offers a wide range of opportunities for students who graduate from its universities. Salaries are decent enough, but it also depends on the type of job you do, the organisation you work for, the university you attended, and many other factors. But discounting the cost of living in the UK, the average salary offered by the two countries is similar. One of the best things about the average salary offered in Canada is that there is a publicly funded healthcare system that will help you save a lot. You can also move to the United States for better job opportunities. So in terms of salary, Canada is as good as the UK, with the average salary for a skilled worker ranging from CAD $ 50,000 to CAD $ 100,000.
United Kingdom
The UK offers good salary packages and if you have a degree from a UK university you can earn between £ 27,000 and £ 42,000 per year. These salaries may seem high when you are in India, but don't forget the high cost of living. Living in London costs around £ 1,200 per month for a single person.
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