New Zealand vs Canada for Indian Students: 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

Let us first give you a brief overview of Canada vs New Zealand for Indian students based on certain parameters:

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:

Suggested: Know about New Zealand Education System

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.

Suggested: List of Universities in New Zealand Accepting Backlogs

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:

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:

Suggested: What is the admission process to study in New Zealand for international students?

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:

Suggested: Visa Requirements for Canada 

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:

New Zealand

Institutions in New Zealand too are climbing the global ranking ladder year by year. The top 10 universities in New Zealand are:

 Suggested: Cheapest Universities in 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:

Suggested: Best courses to study in NZD!

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:

Suggested: Cost of Living in New Zealand

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:

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

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:

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.

Suggested: How to Get an Education Loan for 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:

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:

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?

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.

Suggested: Colleges in Christchurch for International Students

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!