Canada and New Zealand are among the top preferences for Indian students looking to study abroad. Canada is a highly developed country known for its top notch education system and also the most popular choice among Indian students. Lately, New Zealand has been attracting a lot of international students after showing a lot of improvement in rankings. However, it still lags behind Canada in sheer numbers. Around 650,000 international students are currently enrolled in degree programs in Canada compared to 120,000 in New Zealand.
So if you’re wondering, Canada or New Zealand, which is better for students, this blog is for you. In this blog, we will discuss the admission requirements, top universities, cost, employment, PR, student life, more importantly- “New Zealand vs Canada for Indian students”, to help you make an informed decision.
- 1. Canada or New Zealand: Which is Better for Students?
- 2. Overview of New Zealand vs Canada for Indian Students
- 3. Education System in Canada vs New Zealand
- 4. Intakes in Canada vs New Zealand
- 5. Admission Process & Requirements for International Students in Canada vs New Zealand
- 6. Student Visa Process in Canada vs New Zealand
- 7. Top Universities in Canada vs New Zealand
- 8. Top Courses in Canada vs New Zealand
- 9. Cost of Studying for International Students in Canada vs New Zealand
- 10. Canada vs New Zealand for International Students in Terms of Financial Aid
- 11. Student Life in Canada vs New Zealand
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Canada or New Zealand: Which is Better for Students?
While New Zealand is fast gaining pace as a popular study abroad destination among the international student population, Canada has been a leader in serving students from across the globe.
Being extremely student friendly, with affordable tuition options, and equally excellent education system, Canada has been a top choice for students.
Suggested: Popular Student Cities in New Zealand for International Students
Overview of New Zealand vs Canada for Indian Students
Let us first give you a brief overview of Canada vs New Zealand for Indian students based on certain parameters:
|
Parameters |
Canada |
New Zealand |
|
Education System |
Pre-elementary or kindergarten Elementary or primary education Secondary Post-secondary or tertiary education |
Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 - Certificate Level 5, 6 - Diploma Level 7 - Bachelor's Degrees and Graduate Diplomas Level 8 - Postgraduate Diploma Level 9 - Master’s Degree Level 10 - Doctoral Degree |
|
MBA Requirements |
Completed a first class bachelor’s degree in a business related field; IELTS score of 6.5-7.5; Minimum work experience of 2-3 years; GMAT score above 550 is recommended |
Completed a bachelor’s degree in a business related field with at least 70-80%; IELTS score of 6.5-7.5; Minimum work experience of 2-3 years; GMAT score above 550 is recommended |
|
Visa Processing Time |
90 days |
4 weeks |
|
Top Universities |
Mcgill University University of British Columbia University of Toronto University of Ottawa |
University of Auckland University of Otago Victoria University of Wellington University of Canterbury |
|
Tuition Fees for International Students |
10,000 CAD to 60,000 CAD |
10,000 NZD to 40,000 NZD |
|
Average Annual Salary |
60,000 CAD |
40,000 NZD |
Education System in Canada vs New Zealand
Education in Canada as well as New Zealand is recognized globally.
The Canadian education system is governed by provinces. Canada is home to vocational training or polytechnic institutes that offer job-oriented programs focusing on practical training and soft skills which prepare students to join the workforce.
The education system in New Zealand resembles the British education model wherein the hierarchy of courses start from the level 1 i.e. certificate programs to level 10 which is PhD New Zealand has publicly and privately funded institutions. The curriculum taught by institutions emphasises practical training.
Here is a quick comparison between the levels of education in Canada vs New Zealand:
|
Canada |
New Zealand |
|
Pre-elementary or kindergarten Elementary or primary education Secondary Post-secondary or tertiary education |
Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 - Certificate Level 5, 6 - Diploma Level 7 - Bachelor's Degrees and Graduate Diplomas Level 8 - Postgraduate Diploma Level 9 - Master’s Degree Level 10 - Doctoral Degree |
Suggested: Know about New Zealand Education System
Intakes in Canada vs New Zealand
Intakes in New Zealand are two in number and begin in the months of February and July. Although both intakes invite international students, a greater influx is observed in the month of July.
Canadian universities invite applications for 3 semesters i.e. Fall, Winter and Summer. The fall semester commences in September, winter in January and Summer in May.
Fall is the most popular intake among international students for admission to Canadian universities. The next best option for students who have missed the fall intake in the winter intake. It must be noted that not all courses are offered for the summer intake.
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Admission Process & Requirements for International Students in Canada vs New Zealand
The primary requirement for admission to any institution in Canada vs New Zealand for Indian students is similar while the eligibility criteria may vary for institutions or courses.
Let’s take a look at the admission requirements for international students in Canada vs NZ:
Canada
Universities in Canada accept online applications for the Fall, Summer and Winter semesters. International students applying to more than one Ontario universities can use OUAC Application Form 105 to apply. Submit the completed application along with the fee and supporting documents within the specified timeframe. If you are offered a seat at your choice of institution then accept the offer for admission and proceed with the student visa application.
Here’s a look at the eligibility criteria for various degrees offered in Canada:
|
Degree |
Eligibility Criteria |
|
Certificate/ Diploma |
Completed high school education with minimum 55% or above; IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 is recommended. |
|
Bachelor’s degree |
Completed 10+2 with 70-80%; IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is recommended. |
|
Master’s degree |
Completed first class bachelor’s degree; IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is recommended. GRE may be required |
|
MBA |
Completed a first class bachelor’s degree in a business related field; IELTS score of 6.5-7.5; Minimum work experience of 2-3 years; GMAT score above 550 is recommended. |
Suggested: All about Intakes and Deadlines in Canada for International students
New Zealand
You can submit applications for the semester starting in February or September. Applications for the intake in February will be available around September in the previous year and for September starting in May. As international students it is recommended to apply early i.e. around 4 months prior to the course start date as you will need time to complete the student visa process.
Here is the eligibility criteria for various courses for international students:
|
Degree |
Eligibility Criteria |
|
Certificate/ Diploma |
Completed high school education with minimum 55% or above; IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 is recommended. |
|
Bachelor’s degree |
Completed 12 years of high school education with overall average 75% or above; IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is recommended. |
|
Master’s degree |
Completed a bachelor’s degree in related field with at least 60%; IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is recommended. GRE may be required |
|
MBA |
Completed a bachelor’s degree in a business related field with at least 70-80%; IELTS score of 6.5-7.5; Minimum work experience of 2-3 years; GMAT score above 550 is recommended. |
Suggested: What is the admission process to study in New Zealand for international students?
Student Visa Process in Canada vs New Zealand
Whether you choose to study in Canada or New Zealand, you will need a student visa to enter and remain in the country for the duration of your program. Here’s a look at the student visa process in Canada vs New Zealand:
|
Visa Process in Canada |
Visa Process in New Zealand |
|
You need a Canada study permit |
You need a New Zealand student visa |
|
Application fee is 150 CAD |
Application fee is 330 NZD |
|
Processing time: 90 days |
Processing time: 4 weeks |
|
Requirements: Proof of acceptance to an institution Copy of passport Proof of sufficient finances Passport size photographs Proof of English language proficiency Letter of explanation Immigration Medical Examination Attested copies of 10th, 12th examination results and degree certificates A certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ), for studying in Quebec |
Requirements: Proof of acceptance at a college/ university Colour photographs from head to shoulder A Passport valid for at least 3 more months after you plan to leave NZ Medical certificate Police certificate Translation of documents not issued in English Proof of finances Ticket out of NZ or proof of money to buy one |
Suggested: Visa Requirements for Canada
Top Universities in Canada vs New Zealand
Every student aspires to get into one of the top universities as it opens doors for endless opportunities - academically and professionally. Let us take a look at top universities in Canada vs New Zealand for Indian students:
Canada
Canada is home to several top institutions known for its world class education and cutting-edge research facilities. The top 10 institutions in Canada are:
|
Canadian Universities |
World QS Rank 2022 |
|
26 |
|
|
27 |
|
|
46 |
|
|
111 |
|
|
126 |
|
|
140 |
|
|
149 |
|
|
170 |
|
|
230 |
|
|
235 |
New Zealand
Institutions in New Zealand too are climbing the global ranking ladder year by year. The top 10 universities in New Zealand are:
|
New Zealand Universities |
World QS Rank 2022 |
|
85 |
|
|
194 |
|
|
236 |
|
|
258 |
|
|
284 |
|
|
372 |
|
|
373 |
|
|
451 |
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Top Courses in Canada vs New Zealand
There are a range of disciplines that you can choose from depending on your area of interest in both Canada and New Zealand. Choosing one of the top courses is preferred by students because of its rewarding future prospects. Let us take a look at the top courses in Canada vs New Zealand:
|
Canada |
New Zealand |
|
Business and Finance Engineering Computer Science and IT Healthcare Medicine Education Media and Journalism Humanities Life Sciences Psychology and Human Resources Agricultural Science and Forestry |
Business and Management Engineering Tourism Hospitality Management Information Technology Nursing Healthcare Art and Design Animation Agriculture Sports Management |
Suggested: Best courses to study in NZD!
Cost of Studying for International Students in Canada vs New Zealand
When talking about Canada vs New Zealand study, we must consider the cost aspect. The cost of studying abroad can be classified into tuition fees and cost of living.
Tuition Fees: Canada Vs NZ
The tuition fees in Canada and NZ vary with the levels of study. Take a look at the tuition fees for Canada vs New Zealand study below:
|
Program |
Annual Tuition Fees in Canada (in CAD) |
Annual Tuition Fees in New Zealand (in NZD) |
|
Undergraduate degree |
10,000 - 30,000 |
20,000 - 40,000 |
|
Graduate degree |
15,000 - 65,000 |
20,000 - 45,000 |
|
Doctoral program |
7,000 - 17,000 |
6,500 - 7,500 |
|
Diploma/ certificate/ vocational training |
10,000 - 15,000 |
25,000 - 48,000 |
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Cost of Living: Canada vs NZ
It is very important to plan your monthly budget before deciding which is better, Canada or New Zealand. The average cost of living in Canada for international students is around 10,000 - 12,000 CAD i.e. 5.9 lakh - 7 lakh INR per year. For New Zealand, the cost of living is nearly 18,000 - 27,000 NZD i.e. 10.6 lakh - 13.9 lakh INR per year.
Let’s compare the cost of living per year in Canada vs NZ:
|
Expenses |
Cost per year in Canada (in CAD) |
Cost per year in New Zealand (in NZD) |
|
Campus Accommodation |
3,000-7,500 |
8,000-22,800 |
|
Private Accommodation |
8,000-9,000 |
18,000-38,000 |
|
Food |
4,800 |
3,800-5,800 |
|
Utility bills |
800 |
1,100 |
|
Phone & Internet |
600 |
850 |
|
Public Transport |
960-1,320 |
1,500-1,700 |
|
Entertainment |
1,800 |
2,600 |
|
Health insurance |
600-800 |
200-700 |
Please note that the figures are for reference. Your cost of living will depend on various factors such as your location, type of accommodation and most importantly lifestyle.
Suggested: Complete Breakdown of Cost of Studying in Canada for International Students
Canada vs New Zealand for International Students in Terms of Financial Aid
The expenses of studying abroad are overwhelming for international students. However, there are various financial aid options to save students from financial hardship. The common sources of financial aid for studying in Canada, New Zealand or any other foreign country for that matter are scholarships and part-time work for international students.
Scholarships
Scholarships are capable of covering the maximum expenses for studying abroad and are preferred because of no repayment obligation. The scholarships in Canada & NZ are awarded by universities, private organizations, or Governments. Some of the top scholarships in Canada vs New Zealand are:
|
Scholarships in Canada |
Scholarships in New Zealand |
|
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship International Major Entrance Scholarships Vantage One Excellence Award Hatch Scholarships Gold Standard Scholarship Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) |
New Zealand Excellence Awards New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship New Zealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarship New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship (NZIDRS) BayerBoost Environmental Scholarship Scheme University of Canterbury's College of Engineering Scholarship |
Suggested: Ways to Grab Fully Funded Scholarships in New Zealand!
Part-time Work and Internship Opportunities
Both Canada and New Zealand allow international students to work part-time both on-campus and off-campus.
In Canada, you can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during semester breaks. Similarly in New Zealand, an international student can work for 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours during semester breaks. You can expect a minimum hourly pay of 10 CAD in Canada and 18.90 NZD in New Zealand.
Employment Opportunities, Stay Back Options & PR in Canada vs New Zealand
Both Canada and New Zealand offer promising opportunities to students post study. Let us discuss the stay back options, PR and employment opportunities below:
Employment Opportunities
An individual in Canada earns around 120,000 CAD with salaries starting from 30,200 CAD which can go up to 534,000 CAD. A person working in New Zealand earns 97,300 NZD per year. The starting salary for individuals in New Zealand is 24,600 NZD and it can go up to 434,000 NZD.
The average salary for individuals in Canada is 70,00,000 INR approx compared to 50,00,000 INR approx in New Zealand. Therefore, clearly the salary prospect in Canada is better than New Zealand. It is important to remember that the pay scale varies between location, qualification, company, job title and experience.
The latest QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022 reveal that graduates from universities in Canada are in a better position to be employed compared to graduates from New Zealand. Take a look at the table below to understand Canada or New Zealand which is better for students: in terms of providing employment:
|
Universities in Canada (GE Rank) |
Universities in New Zealand (GE Rank) |
|
Massey University (251-300) |
|
|
Western University (43) |
Victoria University of Wellington (251-300) |
|
McMaster University (81) |
Auckland University of Technology (301-500) |
|
University of Canterbury (301-500) |
Stay Back Options After Studies
If you choose to stay back in Canada or New Zealand after studies to work, you are allowed to do so by applying for a post study work permit. The key differences between the two are:
|
Canada |
New Zealand |
|
Need to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to stay back after completing your studies. |
need to apply for a post-study work visa to stay and work here after graduation. |
|
PGWP can be valid for any duration between 8 months to 2 years depending on the length of your program. |
With a post-study work visa you can work in NZ for up to 3 years after completing your program depending on the level of your qualification. |
Permanent Residency
Permanent residency options can be availed in both countries. Let us briefly overview the conditions for PR in Canada Vs New Zealand:
Canada: There is scope for permanent residency in Canada after you apply for a PWGP or through the Express Entry process or as provincial nominees.
New Zealand: You may be eligible for Permanent Resident Visa if you have been living in New Zealand for 2 years or more.
Suggested: How to Apply for PR in Canada?
Student Life in Canada vs New Zealand
An essential part that directly affects students while studying abroad is the quality of social life. Studying in Canada as well as New Zealand is an enriching experience for students academically, and socially.
- Canada is known for an ethnically and linguistically diverse environment both inside and outside the classroom. The country is known for great food, entertainment venues, shopping hubs, sports, theatre, music and a lot more. The only concern here is the weather.
- The cold bone-chilling winters may witness a temperature drop to -30 degrees Celsius in the northern region. The best student cities in Canada are Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Quebec.
- New Zealand offers a safe and welcoming environment for international students with a lot of learning opportunities. Every institution in New Zealand is required to maintain standards set by the Government to safeguard international students. Education in New Zealand is characterized by small class sizes that promote learning.
- There are a lot of sports and activities such as football, rugby, kayaking, sailing, etc. that students can enjoy besides famous eateries, cuisine and culture. The weather in New Zealand varies widely.
- The temperature in cold months can go down to -10 degrees Celsius while the average temperature in summer is between 20-30 degrees Celsius. Auckland and Christchurch are the best student cities in New Zealand.
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Every country has its pros and cons so now whether you decide to study in Canada or New Zealand is completely a matter of personal choice. From the above guide, you must have got an idea about various factors that will help you decide which destination is ideal for you. Make sure you compare every aspect right from the choice of university to career prospects and your way forward when it comes to making a decision for your future. In case you need more assistance, talk to a Yocket Professional for expert advice!
