Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) have similarities in culture, geography, responsibility, access to free healthcare, etc. Cost of living, tuition fees, work options after a work visa, permanent residence, employment opportunities, etc. are additional benefits for international students.
Canada vs UK: Highlights
| Major aspects | Canada | UK |
| Total International students | 7,53,000 | 6,80,000 |
| Top courses offered | Health & Medicine, Engineering, Hospitality & Tourism, Business Management | Law, Medicine, Engineering, Business Management, Biotechnology |
| Course durations | Undergraduate- 3 to 4 years Post graduate- 1 to 2 years Ph.D.- 6 years |
Undergraduate- 3 to 4 years Post graduate- 1 to 2 years Ph.D.- 3 to 4 years |
| Test scores required | IELTS- 6.0+ GRE- 300+ GMAT- 600+ TOEFL- 90+ DET- 105+ |
IELTS: 6.5-7.0 GRE: 310-315 TOEFL: 90+ GMAT- 650+ DET: 105-120 |
| Student visa fees | 150 CAD | £363 |
| Student admission intakes | September and January | September and January |
Top 10 Factors to be considered to choose between Canada and UK for your Study after 12th
While deciding why you must study in Canada vs UK, the following aspects serve as the best guidelines to make the suitable decision.
Canada vs UK: Education and Grading System
The definitions of “college” and “university” differ in Canada and the United Kingdom. Let’s look at the education and grading systems in Canada and the United Kingdom when deciding on higher education.
Canada Education and Grading system
Canada’s public and private universities are authorized to offer bachelor’s, doctoral, and master’s degrees and certificates.
In the Canadian education system, universities offer degrees such as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, while universities offer diplomas and certificates. For example, if you are planning to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree, you should apply to a non-university school.
Preparation in the applied fields of work are obtainable at technical institutions and community colleges.
When applying to Canadian universities, international students are evaluated based on their grade point average (GPA). This is to determine a student’s suitability and ability to learn.
UK Education and Grading System
In the UK, the meaning of university is completely different from “University” to “higher education”. After completing their studies, students can apply to British universities to study for a 2-year undergraduate degree and then apply to British universities to study for a bachelor’s degree (3 years).
The British grading system focuses more on students’ academic performance and special talents (skills).
Universities in the UK follow a “Letter Grade scale system” that falls between letters A and F. Letter ‘A’ being excellent knowledge while ‘F’ denotes failure with a low score.
Degree awarding institutions own and regulate numerous degrees (foundation, taught and research degrees).
Many organizations have established groups such as “Mission groups or Institutional groups,” “Russell Groups,” and “Cathedral Groups.”
Although Compared to Canada, the education system in the UK is quite successful. International students often choose to study in Canada due to its low tuition and living costs, good student environment, and fast student visa approval.
Top Universities in Canada and UK
Check out the top universities in Canada and the UK in the 2024 QS World Rankings
Top Universities in Canada
| University Name | QS World Ranking 2024 |
| McGill University | 31 |
| University of Toronto | 34 |
| University of British Columbia | 47 |
| University of Alberta | 110 |
| University de Montreal | 116 |
| McMaster University | 152 |
| University of Waterloo | 154 |
| Western University | 172 |
| University of Ottawa | 237 |
| University of Calgary | 242 |
Top UK Universities
| University Name | QS World Ranking 2024 |
| University of Cambridge | 2 |
| University of Oxford | 4 |
| Imperial College London | 6 |
| University College London | 8 |
| The University of Edinburgh | 15 |
| The University of Manchester | 28 |
| King’s College, London | 37 |
| The London School of Economics and political science | 56 |
| University of Bristol | 61 |
| The university of Warwick | 64 |
Now, let us have a look at the popular courses offered in Canada and UK
Canada vs UK: Popular Courses
| Popular Courses to study | |
| In Canada | In United Kingdom (UK) |
| Business Management | Nursing |
| Engineering, IT & computer science | Law |
| Health and Medicine | Business and Management |
| Dentistry | Sociology |
| Hospitality management | Medicine, Biotechnology, Bioscience |
| Tourism, Media and Journalism | Engineering, Design studies |
| Economics | Hospitality and Tourism |
| Psychology | Psychology |
| Agricultural science & Forestry | Sports and Exercise science |
Canada vs UK: Admission Requirements and Eligibility
Eligibility is a major factor in deciding whether to study in Canada or the UK. Below are some entry requirements and standards for specific courses in each country.
UK
Applicants must complete their 12th from a recognized institution/board.
For enrolling in PG courses, a UG degree (three years) completion certificate with a minimum 75% aggregate is required.
Candidates will be guided towards GMAT or GRE scores for admission to certain management programs, however, some universities do not have these scores for admission through their own entrance exams and interviews.
The UK accepts English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE. Most schools consider an IELTS score of 6.5 overall and 6 in each.
Medical Insurance
Proof of funds
A statement of Purpose, Letter of Recommendation
Letter about Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)
Canada
Students’ previous qualifications original copies are required.
To study a bachelor’s degree in Canada, you need at least 12 years of schooling. In addition, you will need to take the SAT exam. University education lasts 4 years, while postgraduate education lasts 2 to 3 years
For MBA degree program and other Master’s courses, GRE or GMAT scores are required. Canadian universities don’t have cut off limits; instead, they provide the accepted average score of particular courses on their official website.
Statement of Purpose (SOP) and letter of recommendation (LOR) should be submitted by the candidates.
English proficiency tests- C1 Advanced, IELTS and TOEFL scores are compulsory. If a student wants to take a French course, they must have a score from one of the following French exams: DALF, DELF, TEF and TCF.
Students are required to provide legal proof of eligibility to live and study in Canada.
An updated resume is needed.
Canada vs UK: Cost of study and living expenses for overseas students
It is important to understand the cost of studying and living in both countries, as the cost of studying at Canadian universities is lower than at UK universities.
The cost of tuition fee is typically lesser in Canada and hence the tuition fees in Canadian universities are much cheaper than UK Universities.
The Canadian dollar has a lower exchange rate than other currencies.
Let’s take a closer look at the main costs that international students have to incur.
| Checkout the Study cost and Living expenses for Undergraduate (UG) courses in Canada and UK | ||
| Main Particulars | Canada | UK |
| Tuition fee | CAD 10,000 to CAD 30,000 (INR 6,10,845 to INR18,32,536) per year | £8,000 to £15,000 (INR 8,22,602 to INR 15,42,380) per year. |
| Cost of living | $10,000 to $12,000 per year. | £12,000 to £15,000 per year. |
| Duration of the course | 3 to 4 years | 3 years |
| Checkout the Study cost and Living expenses for Postgraduate (PG) courses in Canada and UK | ||
| Main Particulars | Canada | UK |
| Tuition fee | CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 (INR 9,16268 to INR 21,37959) per year | £18,000 to £35,000 (INR 1,800,000 to INR 3,500,000) per year. |
| Cost of living | $10,000 to $12,000 per year. | £12,000 to £15,000 per year. |
| Duration of the course | 1 to 2 years | 1 to 2 years |
Scholarships availability to study in Canada and UK
Canada
Whatever you choose, getting scholarships for Indian students in Canada can help you manage your debt. Here are some scholarships for international students in Canada; please check your eligibility before applying.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Canadian Government scholarship namely, Vanier
- Canada Graduate scholarship
- International Research Linkages
- For Masters Programs- Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- Canada Memorial scholarship for Indian students
United Kingdom (UK)
Here is a list of scholarships in the UK for Indian students to provide to your financial requirements and fund your higher education.
- Sri Ratan Tata Fellowship for South Asian Students at LSE
- British Council Great Scholarships for Indian students
- Cardiff Business School of Scholarships
- Edinburgh Global Research scholarship
- Government-funded scholarships like Scotland’s Saltire
- Oxford and Cambridge Society of India scholarships
Canada vs UK: Student Visa Requirements
Canada
Canada student visa has the following rules and regulations
- Candidates have to take Medical examination as a part of visa application process
- After completing your studies, you must apply for a post-graduation work permit within 90
- You must not work more than 20 hours per week. Exemptions are available during weekends, holidays and summer vacations, and students can work up to 40 hours per week.
- If the spouse has lived with him/her for a year or more, he/she can work full time.
- The Canadian student visa fees is around CAD 150(10K Indian rupees).
- A separate permit is essential to work as an intern or participate in Co-op as per your course requirements.
UK
International students planning to study in the UK need to apply for a UK Tier 4 visa. The UK government has adopted a UK postgraduate work visa policy for international students.
Here are the requirements you must meet when applying for a UK student visa:
- Visa is granted only on a full-time study program
- Students are limited to working part-time for 20 hours per week (on or off campus) while studying. During holidays, they can only work full-time at school.
- The tier 4 visa costs £363. If the family accompanies you an additional charge of £363 has to be paid for a dependent visa. Also, an international health surcharge of £705 should be paid.
- For a short-term study visa, you must leave the UK within 30 days of completing your
Post-study Work Visa details in Canada and UK
Canada
By applying for a Canadian post-school work visa, international students can stay for an additional three years after graduating from university. This work permit will allow you to live and work in any workplace/business.
UK
The UK Department for Education has recently launched a Graduate Transition Visa for international students, allowing UK graduates to live and work in the UK for a minimum of 2 years. If you plan to work in the UK after completing your studies, you should apply for a student visa (PSW UK).
Canada vs UK: Permanent Residence (PR) Opportunities
UK
By applying for Permanent Residence (PR), commonly known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you can live and work in the UK permanently without restrictions or time limits. PR applications have a higher chance of being accepted if:
You have been living in the United Kingdom for the past 5 years
If one of your dependent relatives or family members is a United Kingdom citizen or permanent resident.
You are staying for the past 5 years on Tier 2 (General) work visa, you can apply for PR. Nevertheless, your employer must sponsor you.
Canada
Obtaining permanent residency in Canada is very flexible and easy. International students can apply for a permanent place in the Canadian Experience Class with a Canadian post-study visa. Due to its low population and a shortage of skilled workers, Canada has strengthened its Community Relations program to attract immigrants to study, work and live in the country.
Employment Opportunities
Canada has better job opportunities and career options than the UK in many areas. There are many businesses in Canada that outperform the UK. Canada’s unemployment rate is currently at its lowest level since 2020.
Here are the list of popular jobs in both Canada and UK for overseas students
Canada
Some of the high paying jobs in Canada are Engineers, Financial Analysts, Project Managers, IT Managers, HR Managers, Nurses etc.
Details of Annual Salary package in Leading Job Sectors in Canada
| Field of Specialisation | Average Annual salary |
| Business Development Manager | CAD 85,000 |
| Project Manager | CAD 90,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | CAD 77,400 |
| Registered Nurse | CAD 76,362 |
UK
High-demand and high-paying employments in the UK include dermatologists, advertising and public relations managers, dentists, dental hygienists, IT managers, data scientists, marketing and sales managers, etc.
Details of Annual Salary Package in Prime Job Sectors in UK
| Field of Specialisation | Average Annual salary |
| Legal Professionals | ￡ 76,522 |
| Senior officials and chief executives | ￡ 90,000 |
| IT & Telecommunication Directors | ￡ 63,810 |
| Medical Practitioners | ￡64,504 |
Canada vs UK: Climate and Weather conditions
Canada’s climate remains cold, with temperatures dropping below -30°C in many places. Summers are very short, and winters are very cold with plenty of snow.
The climate of the United Kingdom, on the other hand, is maritime, humid and temperate. Temperatures range from 15-25 degrees in summer and 0-7 degrees in winter. Winter weather can be cold, foggy and snowy; rain is rare.
Which Country is better – Canada or UK?
Canada and the UK are ranked high and offer good education and living opportunities to Indian students. Although the UK has some of the best universities in the world, Canada is better because of its lower cost of education and job flexibility after graduation. If we compare Canada and the UK, Canada would be a better choice if you want to extend your work permit after graduation as it is easier to get a residence permit.
PG degree programs in Canada are more popular in science, business and humanities. The UK is ideal for one-year master’s degrees in science, business, economics, humanities and arts. The cost of living in the UK is cheaper than in Canada. The cost of living in Canada will be lower if you move to a cheaper area. International students should check the acceptance rate at the time of application.