Ireland, Canada, UK and USA are considered to be some of the top study abroad destinations for international students. While you are aware that Ireland vs Canada’s education system is the talk of the town, the USA and UK are also frontrunners in providing world class facilities too. In choosing a destination, a student needs to consider multiple factors such as affordability, top courses, best universities, well-ranked education system, and more. We have made this assessment easy for you by providing you with a detailed analysis if you are troubled by the question - the UK or the USA or Ireland or Canada which is better for masters and other programs.
US vs UK vs Ireland vs Canada Education System
Let’s begin with understanding which education system is best among USA vs UK vs Canada vs Ireland for indian students-
Ireland
Ireland has one of the best education systems in Europe. The courses are created to align with the career opportunities students wish to pursue which is why their unemployment rate has been less than 5%. The education system is divided into 4 categories, primary, secondary, third-level, and further education.
Canada
Their education system is divided into 4 categories, pre-elementary, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary. Higher education in Canada is offered through publicly funded institutions, private institutions, and numerous private career training institutions or career colleges.
USA
The USA has a similar educational category as Canada and Ireland, divided into primary, middle school, secondary and post-secondary. At the higher level, USA is home to a range of diversity-based programs which international students like you can choose to enhance your careers.
UK
The British education system is considered to be one of the best academic standards in the world. It is divided into four categories, primary, secondary, further, and higher education. Higher education in the UK takes place at universities and colleges that offer undergraduate and postgraduate study.
SUGGESTED: Step-by-step Guide for International Students who Want to Study Abroad
Top Courses and Universities in Ireland vs Canada vs USA vs UK
Choosing the top courses and universities plays an important role when deciding your career. Here’s a detailed list of the top courses and best universities when considering USA, UK, Ireland vs Canada for Masters and Bachelors.
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Country |
Top 3 universities (QS Ranking 2022) |
Top 3 courses |
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Ireland |
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Canada |
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USA |
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UK |
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When it comes to choosing the best destination for Canada, USA, UK vs Ireland for Masters, USA takes the lead with the student population of 10,95,299.
RECOMMENDED: Which are the Best Universities for International Students?
Ireland vs Canada vs USA vs UK: Eligibility Requirements
To pursue your education abroad, there are certain eligibility criterias that you need to fulfil. Here’s a detailed overview of the criteria required when applying for UG or PG courses in Ireland, UK, USA and Canada.
Eligibility for Undergraduate Courses
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Country |
Eligibility Requirements |
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Ireland |
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Canada |
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USA |
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UK |
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Eligibility for PG/Masters Courses
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Country |
Eligibility Requirements |
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Ireland |
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Canada |
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USA |
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UK |
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Suggested: PR In Ireland
NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 regulations, test scores of GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT may be renounced. Kindly check this on the official website of the universities for further information.
Total Cost of Studying in Ireland vs Canada vs USA vs UK
When it comes to comparing the cost of studying in Canada, USA, UK vs Ireland for Masters and Bachelors, there is a difference based on the country and choice of university. The tables below illustrates this is in detail:
Cost for Undergraduate Courses
|
Country |
Average Tuition Fees |
|
Ireland |
9850- 2,250 EUR/ year |
|
Canada |
12,000- 30,000 CAD/ year |
|
USA |
41,950 -53,000 USD/year |
|
UK |
8000-9000 GBP/ year |
Cost for PG/ Masters Courses
|
Country |
Average Tuition Fees |
|
Ireland |
9,950- 35,000 EUR/year |
|
Canada |
18,000 CAD/year |
|
USA |
25,000- 41,000 USD/year |
|
UK |
12,000-15,000 GBP/year |
If you’re looking to study engineering, medicine, MBA, MBBS, USA and UK are more expensive than the others. However, when it comes to choosing between Ireland or Canada which is better for Masters, Ireland proves to be the affordable option.
Total Living Cost in Ireland vs Canada vs USA vs UK
The cost of living in the USA, UK, Canada vs Ireland for Indian students or other international students depends on the lifestyle. Based on your choices, the living costs can differ. Let us take a look at the average costs of living in these countries -
|
Country |
Average Annual Expenses |
|
Ireland |
7,000-12,000 EUR |
|
Canada |
7,000 - 10,000 CAD |
|
USA |
10,000- 18000 USD |
|
UK |
10,000 -12,000 GBP |
Scholarship Availability in Ireland vs Canada vs USA vs UK
Scholarship opportunities make it easy for international students to finance their studies. Thus consider the below scholarships when choosing between USA, UK, Ireland vs Canada for Masters and other courses.
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Country |
Top Scholarships to Avail |
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Ireland |
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Canada |
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USA |
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UK |
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RECOMMENDED: Best Scholarships for International Students
Part-time Work and Internship Opportunities in Ireland vs Canada vs USA vs UK
Part-time jobs and Internship opportunities give international students the leverage to earn additional income as well as gain the necessary experience. Here are the top part-time and the average salary for each.
|
Country |
Popular Job Profiles |
Average Income |
|
Ireland |
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10 EUR/hour |
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Canada |
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2,757 CAD/ month |
|
USA |
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2,514 USD/month |
|
UK |
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2 GBP/ hour
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Job Opportunities and PR in Ireland vs Canada vs USA vs UK
Another factor to consider while choosing a study abroad destination for most students is the availability of jobs and in some cases the options for Permanent Residency. Let us take a look at how these countries fare in these areas.
Job Opportunities
Canada, Ireland, USA and UK, are considered as the prominent choices to build promising careers. With great job opportunities available, we have listed the top ones along with its average salary below.
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Country |
Popular job sectors |
Average salary/year |
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Ireland |
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Canada |
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USA |
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UK |
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PR Requirements
Many international students apply to PR (permanent residency) after completing their studies. In such cases, students need to adhere to certain rules and regulations:
|
Country |
PR Requirements |
|
Ireland |
Minimum stay should be 5 years Should have Stamp 1 or Stamp 4 visa permission Irish residence permit needs to be valid at the time of application |
|
Canada |
PR can be availed to those who have the capability to contribute to the Canadian economy Apply under Canadian Express Class Require work experience before applying for PR Need to meet language requirements in speaking, listening, and writing |
|
USA |
Require a Green card Fill form 1-485 Pay PR fees Schedule interview |
|
UK |
Minimum stay should be 5 years under Tier 1 or Tier 2 Proof of living in UK should be shown |
Ireland and Canada are considered the easiest when applying for a PR process. While the process in the USA does take time, once the PR process is approved, international students can avail PR for up to 10 years. With the remaining countries, the figure is less than 5 and needs to be renewed after a shorter period.
Student Visa Process to Study in Ireland vs Canada vs UK vs USA
The visa process is different for each country. In order to apply for a student visa, certain documents and steps are required to smoothen the process. Let’s take a look at these -
|
Country |
Documents required/Process steps |
Process Time Period |
|
Ireland |
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4-8 weeks |
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Canada |
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90 days |
|
USA |
|
120 days or 3 days to 3 months |
|
UK |
|
15 days or with priority service 1 day |
Student Life in Ireland vs Canada vs USA vs UK
Let us now compare the student life in Ireland, Canada, US and UK -
Ireland
- Lot of on-campus activities with sports clubs and academic groups
- The student life differs with the cities. In Galway, you can be part of a lot of festivals. In Cork, there are more clubs for youngsters.
Canada
- Canada provides more real time interactive learning in its classes.
- Has a diverse culture which makes it easy for international students to adapt.
- Students can enjoy numerous sports events, musicals, theatrical performances and more.
USA
- Enjoy the weekend outings to a number of famous spots such as Grand Canyon, Gulf shores, etc.
- Great nightlife for students to enhance their social life.
UK
- Emphasize on self learning amongst students
- Multiple places to visit, one such being Buckingham Palace
Climate, Safety, Healthcare, Food & Culture, Activities, in Ireland vs Canada vs USA vs UK
Before you can make the decision of is Ireland better than Canada vs UK vs USA, consider the below related factors as well.
Ireland
- Weather- Ideal for rain lovers, Warmer than other countries, Summer- 60 degree F TO 70 degree F
- Safety- Ranked 12th in the Global Peace Index with regards to top safe country, Lower crime rates, 24/7 security on-campus
- Healthcare services- Non-EU students require private medical insurance by themselves
- Food & Culture - Friendly, Patriotic and has an influence of Scottish, Anglo Normal and English. Also known for amazing food.
- Top activities- Rugby, Football, Cricket, Handball.
Canada
- Weather- Summer temperatures are 72 degree F and winter are 45 degree F. The south is much warmer. Spring is pleasant.
- Safety- Ranked 6th in safer countries list in 2018 Global Peace Index, Has apps and shuttles for international students. Also provides safe walk programs for night shift courses.
- Healthcare Services- Non- EU students require private medical insurance. In case of emergency, healthcare services are provided but will have restrictions based on immigrant status.
- Food & Culture - Meat, Fish and Chips, Maple syrup is the popular food. Welcome students from all cultures.
- Top activities - Volunteer work, sports clubs, hobby groups for arts, calligraphy and more.
USA
- Type of Weather- Climate depends on the state. Northwest US is warm, Middlewest US winters are harsh, South US has very hot summers
- Safety- Most states in the USA are safe such as Iowa, Minnesota, etc.
- Healthcare services- Non-US students require their own medical insurance. The campus offers basic medical facilities such as first-aid. Few universities/colleges offer affordable health insurance for non- US students
- Food & Culture - Focuses on freedom of speech, incorporated independence, open minded to explore different cultures
- Top activities - Multiple sports activities and clubs on-campus such as Basketball, Women’s clubs etc.
UK
- Weather- Mild summer and winter, Rarely snows, Winters are between December to February and can get wet. Summers are between June and August, Spring is between September and November
- Safety- Makes use of high end technology for security such as electronic gates etc, Monitors and secures campus 24/7.
- Healthcare services- Non- UK students don't require to own private medical insurance as during visa process, the same can be paid. All medical treatments will be free
- Food & Culture - Variety of food available, multicultural, open to new cultures.
- Top activities- Cricket, Football, Rugby, Charitable events like marathons etc.
UK, USA, Canada and Ireland, all these countries have their own perks when it comes to offering multiple educational benefits to international students. Thus, it is ideal to choose any one of them based on your needs and study interests. You can also seek help from a Yocket professional to make the process easier.
