The never-ending dilemma for students looking to fulfil their study-abroad dreams in reputed countries has reached an all-time high. With the FOMO in the air and nagging from relatives, students make some regrettable decisions jeopardising their future.
For a long time, students remained confused between Canada & UK as their preferred study-abroad destination. Since each country has their specific advantages and distinct offerings, the decision becomes harder.
As per recent statistics, Canada has witnessed a massive intake of 2,26,450 students setting the bar high for the top study-abroad destination in the world.
Whereas the UK has welcomed around 1,40,000 Indian students making it one of the popular study-abroad destinations in Europe.
Now the question arises if you are planning to pursue higher education but are confused about the UK or Canada, how will you choose it?
Let’s Compare Each County side by side:
| Category | Canada | UK |
| Education Quality | Renowned global universities facilitating high-quality academic programmes and research. | Hosts popular universities ranking among the top universities worldwide. |
| Flexibility | Canadian universities offer a wide range of courses allowing them high flexibility tailoring to their needs. | UK universities provide diverse options to choose from based on your interests and careers. |
| Duration | PG courses in Canada are shorter in duration than in other countries enabling quick entry into the job market. | UK universities also offer one-year master’s courses providing a smooth path in completing your educational journey. |
| Tuition Fees | Tuition fees vary with programmes and institutions with an average of $36,100 for UG and $21,100 for PG courses. | Tuition fees are a bit on the higher side compared to Canada with an average cost of $27,000 or £22,200. |
| Work Rule | Canada allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during their semester and full-time during breaks. | The UK allows work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. |
| Campus Life | Canadian universities offer students an inclusive campus environment and provide them with diverse opportunities. | UK universities have societies that host various events catering to the cultural needs of the students. |
| Cost of Living | Canada has a moderate cost of living when compared to other countries with around $15,000 per year. | The cost of living in the UK is a bit high, especially in busy cities like London, and Manchester. |
| Safety | Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world ranking in third position as per the US report. | The UK has a lower safety rating than compared to Canada. |
| Weather | Canada usually experiences a cold climate which can be challenging for some students. | UK experiences milder climates but can be unpredictable and harsh during winter. |
| Citizenship | Canada is more welcoming and easier for international students to obtain Permanent Residency (PR). You can even work for 3 years post-study completion. | UK on the other hand offer a point-based immigration system that needs to be met before applying for a PR. However, it has a very limited number of visas available for each applicant and has imposed strict rules related to immigration. |
Both countries cater to the needs of students with each having its own advantages & disadvantages.
Canada’s diverse immigration system allows applicants to choose from multiple provincial programmes based on their profile and preferences. Additionally, it has a higher number of visas available for each category and charges lower fees than the UK. However, the UK has a shorter visa processing time i.e., within 3 weeks when compared to 1-16 weeks for Canada. This depends on the number of applications, verification and completion of all other formalities.
Conclusion
Both the UK and Canada are excellent study-abroad destinations for Indian students in 2024. You will experience world-class education, stunning career opportunities and best-in-class life. Before moving out to any foreign land always make sure you have gathered enough information about the country and have a sufficient fund for at least 9 months. It can be a daunting yet thrilling experience and hence you should always proceed with utmost care.
