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Anusha
Anusha

Anusha stands out for in-depth knowledge of Canada, UK and Australia visa process. With 7+years of experience, she adds a lot of worth to the team.

UK vs Canada for Study – Which Country Is Better For Indians in 2024?

If you want to study abroad, take a look at the following contents that international students must not miss.

Yearly Number of Immigrants


Canada

Approximately 80,000 Indians have been granted PR in Canada till November 2019. This number was 40,000 in 2016. This data proves Indian students and skilled workers are coming in bulk to settle in Canada. 

UK

As per the report, a significant rise was recorded in the numbers of Indian students studying in the UK. In 2018, nearly 15,000 Indian students obtained a Tier 4 student visa, and this number was raised to 21,000 in the year 2019.

 
 
 
Eligibility Criteria for Admissions
UK Study Visa

TOEFL or IELTS not required at universities although it can help fetch points.

Canada Study Permit

TOEFL or IELTS are mandatory for admissions while few universities have exempted

 
 
 
Eligibility Criteria for Admissions
UK Study Visa

TOEFL o r IELTS not required at universities although it can help fetch points.

Canada Study Permit

TOEFL or IELTS are mandatory for admissions while few universities have exempted

 
 
 
Tuition Fees
UK Study Visa

Average tuition fees in most UK universities are comparatively much lower.

Canada Study Permit

Comparatively tuition fees are higher but some universities have slashed.

 
 
 
Tuition Fees
UK Study Visa

Average tuition fees in most UK universities are comparatively much lower.

Canada Study Permit

Comparatively tuition fees are higher but some universities have slashed.

 
 
 
Cost of Living
UK Study Visa

The average cost of living for international students is lower and affordable in the UK.

Canada Study Permit

The cost of living for international students is much higher throughout Canada.

 
 
 
Cost of Living
UK Study Visa

The average cost of living for international students is lower and affordable in the UK.

Canada Study Permit

The cost of living for international students is much higher throughout Canada

 
 
 
Post-Study Work Permit
UK Study Visa

International students can stay in the UK for up to 2 years in order to find work.

Canada Study Permit

Foreign students in Canada will have to apply for a work permit within 90 days after finishing their studies.

 
 
 
Post-Study Work Permit
UK Study Visa

International students can stay in the UK for up to 2 years in order to find work.

Canada Study Permit

Foreign students in Canada will have to apply for a work permit within 90 days after finishing their studies.

 
 
 
Permanent Residence Opportunity
UK Study Visa

Chances of permanent residency in the UK are very low. Especially so following post-Brexit.

Canada Study Permit

Canada welcomes more and more immigrant students to study, work and live in the country.

 
 
 
Permanent Residence Opportunity
UK Study Visa

Chances of permanent residency in the UK are very low. Especially so following post-Brexit.

Canada Study Permit

Canada welcomes more and more immigrant students to study, work and live in the country.

 
 
 
Medical Care
UK Study Visa

The UK offers state-funded medical care called the National Health Service that guarantees free of cost healthcare for all.

Canada Study Permit

Canadian healthcare is known as Medicare. It is a publicly funded system offering a $900 average cost per year.

 
 
 
Medical Care
UK Study Visa

The UK offers state-funded medical care called the National Health Service that guarantees free of cost healthcare for all.

Canada Study Permit

Canadian healthcare is known as Medicare. It is a publicly funded system offering a $900 average cost per year.

Top Universities

Both Canada and the UK are home to some of the top-notch global universities. Here you can find some of their top universities. 

Canada

QS World University Rankings 2021 – Top 10 Universities in Canada

Canada Rank

Global Rank

University

1

25

University of Toronto

2

31

McGill University

3

45

University of British Columbia

4

118

Université de Montréal

5

119

University of Alberta

6

144

McMaster University

7

166

University of Waterloo

8

203

Western University

9

246

Queen's University

9

246

University of Calgary

 

 

QS World University Rankings 2021 – Top 10 Universities in the UK

UK Rank

Global Rank

Institution

1

5

University of Oxford

2

7

University of Cambridge

3

8

Imperial College London

4

10

UCL (University College London)

5

20

University of Edinburgh

6

27

The University of Manchester

7

31

King’s College London (KCL)

8

49

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

9

58

University of Bristol

10

62

The University of Warwick

 

Confused about where to complete your higher education?

Eligibility Criteria

Canada

  •   If you want to get admission in an undergraduate course (UG), you need to complete the 12-years of schooling. International students have to sit for the SAT Exam.
  •   The average duration for degree courses in Canada is four years. The diploma course duration in Canada varies from 2 to 3 years.
  •   Canadian education system allows different types of vocational courses along with regular courses.  It also comes with many regular classes at a Master's degree or postgraduate (PG) level. Securing admission to vocational courses is a lot easier than traditional courses.
  •   To get admission to a management degree program, you must sit for the GMAT exam. GRE Exam score is a must to seek admission for engineering degrees in Canada.
  •   Canadian education format doesn’t have any cut-off concept. Colleges publish the average scores required for different courses. Aspiring students can check their websites for average scores to have a fair idea of what is good.
  •    To apply for a Canadian course, you have to take language exams to
    prove your language skill. TOEFL or IELTS scores are accepted irrespective of the course. A few Canadian colleges allow admission to Indian students without a language test.
  •    We recommend you take the TOEFL or IELTS test as they are also important to get the visa. You may be denied a Canadian student visa if the visa interviewer is not sure of your spoken language skill.

UK

  •   Unlike Canadian institutions, UK undergraduate courses used to require 13 years of pre-university education. Recently this rule was modified. Now UK universities consider 10+2 CBSE certificate holders for admission to UG courses.
  •   You have to complete a 3-year UG degree course to apply for a postgraduate course in UK universities.
  •   You have to appear for GMAT to get admission in management courses. GRE score is mandatory for admission in science courses.
  •   A good score in GMAT or GRE test can improve one’s chance to secure admission in reputed UK colleges and universities.
  •   UK universities also prefer to take students with work experiences. Having work experience is incredibly helpful in securing a place in UK management courses.
  •   Universities in the UK no longer consider TOEFL or IELTS exams as mandatory admission criteria. But these language test exams play a crucial role in getting a UK study permit.

Scholarships

Many Indian students aim for scholarships in Canada and the UK. Obtaining a scholarship reduces financial burden. Take a look at the scholarships offered in these countries. 

Canada Scholarships

UK Scholarships

International Research Linkages offered by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

British Council GREAT scholarships for Indian Students

Canada Asia-Pacific Awards (CAPA)

Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships granted by Government of Canada

Sir Ratan Tata Fellowships for South Asian Students at LSE

Sauvé Scholars Program by the Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship supported by the Government of Canada

Cardiff Business School India Scholarships

 

Grading Systems

United Kingdom

  •   The United Kingdom comes with a unique higher education grading system. It is far better than the traditional grading system to describe a student’s academic performance.
  •   The UK grading system focuses more on student’s specific skills and academic strengths. It helps employers to have a better idea of one’s true potential.
  •   UK Universities use a ‘Letter Grade Scale.’ It ranges from A to F. Letter ‘A’ stands for outstanding knowledge. The letter ‘F’ means failing with a low score.
    Here is a table to explain the UK grading system :

Letter Grade

Score in Percentage

Grade Meaning

Degree Class

 

 

 

 

Honours Degree

Foundation Degree

A

70% – 100%

Excellent to Outstanding

PASS

First

Distinction

B

60% – 69%

Good to Very Good

Upper Second 2:1

Merit

C

50% – 59%

Satisfying

Lower Second 2:2

 

Pass

D

40% – 49%

Sufficient

Third 3

E

30% – 39%

Unsatisfactory

 

FAIL

 

FAIL

 

   FAIL

F

0 – 29%

Unsatisfactory/Very Poor

 

Canada

  •   International students have to meet the Grade Point Average (GPA) criteria while applying for Canadian universities.
  •   Canadian GPA system determines the academic skill and eligibility of the students. This system was designed to know whether a student is fit for a particular course or not. So, foreign students need to understand their GPA before applying for Canadian universities.
  •   GPA, followed by Canadian universities, is unique. It is very different from the standard GPA system of other countries.
    The following tables show the basic percentage equivalency for Letter Grade and GPA :

Scale-I

Letter Grade

Score in Percentage

GPA Grade

A+

92-100

4.33

A

88-91

4

A-

85-87

3.67

B+

82-84

3.33

B

78-81

3

B-

75-77

2.67

C+

72-74

2.33

C

68-71

2

C-

65-67

1.67

D

55-64

1

F

0-54

0

 

Scale-II

Letter Grade

Score in Percentage

GPA Grade

A+

90-100

9.0

A

80-89

8

B+

75-79

7<

B<

70-74

6

B-

65-69

5

C+

60-64

4

C

55-59

3

C-

50-54

2

D

40-49

1

F

0-39

0

 

Most Sought-after Fields

Canada

  • Sales Associates, Average salary of $50,255
  • Registered Nurse, Average salary of $ 76,362
  • Driver, Average salary of $44,836
  • Receptionist, Average salary of $31,304
  • Welder, Average salary of $40,927
  • Business Development Manager, Average salary of $85,000
  • Project Manager, Average salary of $90,000
  • Web Developer, Average salary of $62,522
  • General Labourer, Average salary of $29,250
  • Heavy-duty Mechanic, Average salary $70,000
  • Electrical Engineer, Average salary of $77,400

UK

  • Data Scientist, Average base salary: £46,665
  • Project Manager, Average base salary of £41,808
  • Software Engineer, Average base salary £41,100
  • Business Analyst, Average base salary £39,127
  • Accountant, Average base salary £36,171
  • Mechanical Engineer, Average base salary £33,765
  • Graphic Designer, Average base salary £25,543
  • Software Developer, Average base salary £35,247
  • Data Analyst, Average base salary £30,323
  • Executive Assistant, Average base salary: £39,163

Working while studying

Canada

  •   Prospective international students pursuing a full-time course at DLLs in Canada can work.
  •   Such students can work off-campus with any work permit.
  •   The maximum off-campus working hour is 20 per week during a regular session.
  •   They are allowed to do a full-time job during vacation.
  •   They can start working immediately after reaching Canada without any waiting period.

Uk

  •   International students can easily find a part-time job in the UK while studying.
  •   Some universities don’t allow their students to work off-campus.
  •   Only Tier 4 visa holders are allowed to work in the UK.
  •   You have to be 16-year old or more to take any job in the UK.
  •   You can work if your residence permit letter states any of the followings 
  1. Work must be authorized
  2. Can work as approved by the Secretary of State
  3. Work as per Tier 4 Rules
  4. Restricted as in Tier 4 Rules
  5. Restricted work – Part-time during term-time, Full-time during vacations
  6. Limited work time
  7. Work up to 20 hours per week during term-time
  8. Work up to 10 hours per week during term-time

Post-study Work Opportunity

Canada

  •   You can obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. This post study work permit is given depending on two factors :
  1. the stream you studied
  2. duration of your course 
  •   PGWP allows international students to stay in Canada for up to 3 years. You can also study and work within Canada with this work permit. 
  •   Students who graduated from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are only eligible for a work permit. After completing graduation from a DLI, you will have 180 days to apply for PGWP.
  •    PGWP helps you to :
  1. gain Canadian work experience
  2. obtain Permanent Residence visa in Canada through Express Entry
  • To be eligible for PGWP, you must :
  1. have to complete a full-time course in Canada
  2. course duration of a minimum of 8 months
  3. apply within 180 days of finish the course
  4. hold a valid Canadian study permit or student visa

UK

  •   The post-study work (PSW) visa allows international students to earn their living in the UK. With this visa, you can stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation.
  •   PSW visa holders are allowed to take any job they find. The primary purpose of this work visa is to help immigrant students to get a General Work Visa.
  •   Eligibility conditions for UK Post-study Work Visa are :
  1. holding a Tier 4 visa
  2. admission to a UK institution on and after 20th September 2020
  3. Ph.D. holders (as per the new extension of PSW visa rules)

Cost of Study

Tuition cost is one of the crucial criteria to choose your education destination to study abroad. The difference between the tuition fees of public and public institutions can be massive. Let’s take a look at the tuition cost in the UK and Canada.

Canada

The average tuition fees are broader in Canada. That’s why it offers both expensive and cheaper options than the UK.

Canadian course fee majorly depends on the two factors :

  1. field of study
  2. choice of institution

Post Graduation average course costs in Canada are more or less equal to those in the UK.  It is about $25,000-$47,000 per year.

Look at the following chart to calculate the cost of study in Canada.

 

Categories

Undergraduate Course

Postgraduate Course

Tuition Fee

$10,000 - $30,000 per year

$15,000 - $35,000 per year

Room and Living Cost

$10,000–$12,000 per year

$10,000–$12,000 per year

Course Duration

4 years

1- 2 years

Total Expense

$20,000-$42,000 per year

$25,000-$47,000 per year

 

UK

Tuition fees for undergraduate degree courses in the UK are about GBP8,000 – GBP15,000 per annum. For PG courses, you have to pay GBP10,000 – GBP20,000 per year on average. Tuition cost in the UK doesn’t include room and living expenses. These are additional costs that you have to bear on your own.

Here is a table to show the necessary expenses related to the UK courses :

 

Categories

Undergraduate Course

Postgraduate Course

Tuition Fee

£8,000-£15,000 per year

£10,000-£20,000 per year

Room and Living Cost

£12,000-£15,000 per year

£12,000-£15,000 per year

Course Duration

Three years

1- 2 years

Total Expense

£20,000-£30,000 per year

£20,000-£35,000 per year

 

Visa Process

Canada

It is easier to get a Canadian Student Visa rather than obtaining a UK student visa. Canadian student visa also comes with various conditions. These are :

  •   You need to apply for the post-study work permit within 90 days of finishing your course
  •   The visa process includes a compulsory medical test for Indian applicants
  •   Spouses can work full time. The duration of their stay in Canada must be at least one year
  •   Processing cost is $150
  •   more than 20 hours per week is not allowed during the course term
  •   During holidays, you may work up to 40 hours per week

UK

Due to more strict visa rules, it is challenging to obtain a UK Student Visa. Generic information about student visa in the UK are :

  • only for a full-time study program
  • the length of the visa would be up to 3 years for a diploma course
  • the validity of the visa would be a maximum of 4 years for a degree from a university
  • application cost is £310
  • an additional fee of £310 for every dependent visa
  • you may have to appear for a personal interview
  • part-time work permit during studies depends on individual cases
  • International Students are allowed to:
  1. Part-time up to 20 hours a week in during term
  2. full-time during vacations (only on-campus)
  3. full-time work placements, which are part of a 'sandwich course.'

Permanent Residence Opportunity

Canada

Canada welcomes more and more immigrant students to stay and work there. This country allows students to apply for PR when they are on PGWP. This country also allows PR visa holders to bring their families with them. So, securing a permanent residence visa in Canada is more profitable and straightforward.

UK

Several changes in terms of UK government policies happened due to Brexit. It is very difficult for international students to stay and look for a UK job upon graduation. So, chances for permanent residency in the UK is low.

Cost of Living

The average cost of living in the UK is $19,500 per person per year. The average cost of living in Canada is $7,500 - $11,000 per person per year. So, Canada is cheaper than in the UK to live.

Medical Care

Canada

  • Healthcare in Canada is offered through the provincial and territorial system
  • It is called the Medicare
  • It is a publicly funded healthcare system
  • The average cost of healthcare is $900 per year
  • Private healthcare insurance costs average $750 per year

UK

  • The UK offers state-funded medical care called the National Health Service
  • This scheme guarantees care for all at free of cost
  • The average health insurance cost in the UK is £1,435 per year

Current trends: 2020 updates in immigration laws (important updates with date)

It is important to be aware of the latest immigration rules before heading for UK or Canada to study. It will save international students from unnecessary harassment at the time of entry. Here is the list of such updates for Canada and the UK

Canada Immigration Updates 2020

  • 30th July 2020: Open Work Permit pilot program extended to spouses or common-law partners in Canada
  • 15th July 2020: Exemption on biometrics collection for temporary residence visa applicants within Canada
  • 14th July 2020: Application extension for temporary residents to restore their status
  • 5th June 2020: Temporary public policy to exempt essential workers from submitting biometrics overseas
  • 14th May 2020: More flexibility in post-graduation work permit to international students
  • 30th April 2020: Rise in permanent residence fees
  • 10th April 2020: Changes in processing for Canadian visas due to COVID-19
  • 30th March 2020: Starting Agri-Food Immigration Pilot program
  • 7th February 2020: Special initiative to help temporary and permanent residents and applicants affected by COVID-19 situation

UK Immigration Updates 2020

  • 24th August 2020: Change in Immigration Rules EU and EU (Family Permit)
  • 4th June 2020: Modification in Immigration Rules part 6A (the points-based system), Immigration Rules part 5 (working in the UK), and Immigration Rules Appendix W (Immigration Rules for Workers)
  • 6th April 2020: Amendment in Immigration Rules part 3 (students), part 5 (working in the UK), and part 9 (grounds for refusal)
  • 20th February 2020: Changes in Immigration Rules part 1 (Leave to enter or stay in the UK)
  • 2nd January 2020: Updated Immigration Rules Appendix G: Youth Mobility Scheme

Common challenges faced by Indian immigrants in Canada

Here is the list of common challenges you may face in Canada :

  • difficulty to blend in with a different culture
  • Social discrimination
  • Isolation based on origin
  • Hardship to find a home
  • Food habits
  • Different family structure
  • Raising children
  • Freezing winter months
  • One country with six different time zones

Common challenges faced by Indian immigrants in the UK

Indian immigrants face several challenges in the UK. Here are some of the most common challenges faced by Indians in the UK :

  • Learning a new language with a different accent
  • Getting accustomed to a different Cultural
  • Finding new friends
  • Getting a house to stay
  • Discrimination in employment sectors
  • Raising children
  • Facing prejudice
  • Limited access to local services
  • Extreme weather conditions (during winter months)

How can Kansas help?

Kansas is well versed in dealing with immigration issues for Canada and the UK. Our immigration lawyers and registered migration agents will help you to settle abroad smoothly.

Conclusion

The content a hoard of valuable information about studying in the UK and Canada. Canada's immigration process is simple, and it is easier to obtain PR and Canadian Citizenship. The UK follows somewhat stringent immigration rules. But it is still a great country to study and live. You can compare the pros and cons to decide which country to choose from.

Our team has many years’ experience handling all facets of visa applications. We deal in areas like visas for students, graduates, skilled workers, and their families and dependants. For practical advice and support from experts, get in touch with us now.

Other Important FAQs

What are some useful things to keep in mind?

We have given you a fair picture of abroad study in the UK and Canada. There are a lot of other factors to consider. Here we have listed down with short descriptions.

  •   Canada scored 7.6 on the Average Life Satisfaction Ranking scale when the UK's score is 7.2. This means people consider Canada a better country to live than in the UK.
  •   As per the World Happiness Index chart, Canada ranks 9th on the list, and the United Kingdom’s rank is 15th. So, Canadian people lead a happier life.
  •   Some of the Best Cities to Live in Canada include Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa. On the other hand, the best cities to live in the UK include many lesser-known names like Sunderland, Leeds, Liverpool, Derby, Aberdeen, etc.
  •   Population Density in the United Kingdom is 281 per square kilometer. Canada’s population density is about 3.0 people per square kilometer as per the survey.
  •   Global Economic Competitiveness report reveals that Canada scored 79.59 points on a scale of 100 when the UK scored 81.20 points.
  •   Thanks to Canada’s strong economic policy, the Unemployment Rate was about 5.67% in 2019. The UK registered an unemployment rate of 3.9 in May 2020. This means the job market is more secure in the UK.
  •   Wages, Racial Discrimination, and Safety: The crime rate is much higher in Canada than in the UK. Incidents of racial discrimination and hatred are higher in Canada. The UK is undoubtedly safer than Canada. But Canadian law treats everyone with equality.
  •   Weather Changes for Indians is a severe problem to face in both countries. Summers are very short. Both countries showcase extremely cold weather during winter months.

What is it like to study in Canada for Indian students?

Indian students can look for permanent resident status in Canada after finishing their full-time course. Canada also has several immigration programs to invite skilled workers.

Can I migrate to the UK without a job offer?

Yes, you can move to the UK without a job. There are several options to do that. Ask an immigration expert for that.

Is it easy to get a job in the UK?

After Brexit and changes in government policies, it is not that easy to get a job in the UK.

Is the UK safe for Indian students?

Yes, it is safe for Indian students to study in the UK. The crime rate in the UK is very low.

How can I get PR in the UK after studying 2024?

To get PR in the UK, you must have a stable income along with a full-time job. Upon finishing your course, get a full-time job. After 5 years of working, you can apply for the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Visa), leading to the UK’s permanent resident status. You must pass the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and an English Language Proficiency test.

Is UK education better than India?

Yes, it is. As per global surveys, the UK’s international education system is one of the best in the world.

Can UK Law Degree holders practice in India?

Yes. They can also practice in India.

What is the Student Mobility Program?

The Student Mobility Program allows students to work or study abroad while continuing their degree programme. Student Mobility includes both Bilateral Exchange or one-way Study Abroad programs.

Why is the UK not a country?

The 'United Kingdom' refers to a political union between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The UK is a fully independent sovereign state, but the other four nations are also countries in their own right.

How much money can a student earn in the UK?

The average part-time wage across the UK is £112.20 per week. But the top 15% of students take-home is more than £200 per week.

Is a UK degree valid in Canada?

No foreign degrees, including UK degrees, are not automatically accepted in Canada. You have to get it evaluated before Canada immigration. 

Is Canada more expensive than in the UK?

No. It is cheaper to study and live in Canada than in the UK. In fact, it is even easy to get a PR or Canadian citizen.

Is it easy to get PR in the UK?

No. obtaining PR in the UK is not easy.

Should I study in the UK or Canada?

Go for the UK. Even though the cost of living and the cost of tuition is fairly high, but the average starting salary is also higher in the UK.

What are the best Australian Universities for foreign students?

Here is the list of top 3 Australian universities :

  • The University of Melbourne
  • The University of Queensland
  • Monash University

What are the best five countries to study for Indians?

They are :

  • USA
  • UK
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • New Zealand

 

Topics: Study, UK, Canada, Study-in-Canada

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