UK vs Canada: Which is Better for International Students?

Higher Education Institutes in UK vs Canada

In the Canadian educational system, universities award degrees, whereas colleges award diplomas and certificates. Put another way, you should apply to universities rather than colleges if you want to pursue a bachelor's, doctoral, or postgraduate degree.

You can obtain "higher education" in the UK by attending a "university." However, there is a significant difference in the definition of college in the UK. Following completion of the necessary schooling, students are eligible to apply to UK colleges to pursue two-year degrees. Later on, students can enroll in three-year UK universities to acquire a bachelor's degree.

Consequently, there are differences between the definitions of "colleges" and "universities" in the UK and Canada.

United Kingdom

The following is the classification of organizations offering education in the UK:

• Autonomous institutions: Privately or publically administered and receive public funding.
• Degree-Awarding Institutions: Possess and oversee many degrees, including research, teaching, and foundational degrees.
• Universities: These are either private or managed by government agencies.
• Institutional Groups: Several institutions come together to form "mission groups," such as the Cathedrals Group and the Russell Group.

Canada

The following is the classification of organizations offering education in Canada:

• Public and Private Universities: Authorized to award postgraduate and one-year certificates as well as degrees.
• Colleges and Institutes: Provide instruction in practical domains of employment. These establishments are also referred to as community colleges, applied arts colleges, or institutes of technology.

Now, you can comprehend the differences between the educational institutions in the UK and Canada. These days, it's critical to know which universities are ranked highest in these two highly acclaimed study-abroad destinations, verify other factors as we will discuss below, and then make an informed choice!

Top Universities in UK vs Canada

As this entire blog is for you to make a wise decision regarding the country to go to pursue higher education, how about you also know about the top institutes there? Tabulated below are the fines universities in the UK and Canada.

Top 7 Universities in the UK

In 2024, the following UK universities have been ranked highly by QS World University Rankings.

UK Universities	QS World University Rankings 2024
The University of Cambridge	2
University of Oxford	3
Imperial College London	6
The University of Edinburgh	22
The University of Manchester	32
King’s College London	40
University College London	-

Top 7 Universities in Canada

When it comes to placing Canadian universities in the World QS Ranking 2024, the figures aren’t that impressive compared to UK universities. However, the QS rankings of top Canadian universities are improving every year.

Universities in Canada	QS World University Rankings 2024
University of Toronto	21
McGill University	30
University of British Columbia	34
University of Alberta	111
University of Waterloo	112
Universite de Montreal	-

Have you started your college search – yes, no, stuck in the middle? Don’t worry! It is easy to get overwhelmed with multiple options and things to consider. Check out Yocket College Finder, a free online tool to find universities based on your needs and preferences.

Top Courses to Study in the UK vs Canada

As we’re comparing the UK vs Canada for Indian students, below are the top courses international students can pursue in both countries.

Popular Courses in the UK	Popular Courses in Canada
Nursing	Agricultural science & forestry
Psychology	Business management
Law	Bioscience, health, and medicine
Computer Science	IT and computer science
Design studies	Finance
Preclinical medicine	Engineering
Subjects allied to medicine	Geosciences
Business and administration studies	Hospitality management
Business management	Media & Journalism
Sports and Exercise Science	Human Resources
Bioscience, health, and medicine	Psychology

Suggested:Top 10 Courses to Study in UK 

Admission Requirements to Study in UK vs Canada

What is most important in your quest to study abroad? To meet certain eligibility criteria mentioned by the universities. In Canada and the UK, the students must fulfill specific stringent requirements of the respective university and country.

Requirement to Study in Canada

As an Indian student, if you plan to study in Canada, look at the requirements below.

• Original copy of the previous qualifications.
• GRE or GMAT scores (for MBA and masters courses).
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR) and Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• Scores of English proficiency tests: C1 Advanced, IELTS, and TOEFL. If you are pursuing any course in the French language, you need scores of either one French proficiency test: DALF, TEF, TCF, or DELF.
• Legal proof that you’ve enough funds sources to study and survive in Canada.
• A well-updated CV.
• As you’re planning to pursue Master's or PhD programs, you have to offer employment letters and two academic references.
• If you’re a fresher coming to India, you’ll also require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Requirement to Study in United Kingdom

As an Indian student, if you plan to study in the UK look at the requirements below.

• Students should complete 10+2 from any recognized board or institution.
• The minimum marks eligibility and study programs vary from desired study program and university.
• Aspirants might be asked to submit GMAT or GRE scores for specific courses. Some universities also conduct their interview rounds and university-specific entrance examinations.
• In the case of management courses, you should have a few years of prior work experience.
• The English proficiency tests accepted by UK universities are IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL. Having an IELTS score of 6.5 scores, including 6 in each band, is accepted by most UK universities.

If you have the aforementioned documents ready and meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply to either, or both nations' universities!

Cost of Studying in UK vs Canada

Ah, the cost of studying abroad countries! Indeed, it can be a burden for some, while not for others. Anyhow, the primary expenses that international students incur when studying and living abroad are listed below.

Tuition Fees in Canada vs UK

To continue the conversation of which country is better for master's degrees - Canada or the UK - tabulated below are the tuition costs for both countries' universities. Take a look!

Study program	Tuition fees in the UK yearly (in GBP)	Tuition fees in Canada yearly (in CAD)
Bachelors degree	GBP 8,000 - 14,000 (INR 8,44,770 - 14,78,350)	CAD 5,000 - 20,000 (INR 3,10,350 - 12,41,400)
Postgraduate degree	GBP 10,000 - 20,000 (INR 10,55,960 - 21,11,930)	CAD 8,000 - 25,000 (INR 4,96,560 - 15,51,750)

Visibly, Canadian universities offer significantly lower tuition. However, do not make that the only reason you choose to study there.

Suggested: Cost of Studying in UK for International Students

Cost of Living in UK vs Canada

Tabulated below are the cost of living for Canadian and UK universities.

Major expenses	Cost of living per year (£)	Cost of living per year (CAD)
On-campus accommodation	GBP 3,600 - 4,000 (INR 3,80,150 - 4,22,390)	CAD 3,000 - 8,000 (INR 1,86,250 - 4,96,660)
Private accommodation	GBP 4,000 - 6,000 (INR 4,22,390 - 6,33,580)	CAD 7,000 - 9,000 (INR 4,34,580 - 5,58,740)
Transportation (public)	GBP 1,500 - 1,800 (INR 1,58,390 - 1,90,070)	CAD 900 - 1,200 (INR 55,870 - 74,500)
Entertainment	GBP 100 (INR 10,560) and above (depends on personal preferences)	Entertainment CAD 200 (INR 12,420) and above (depends on personal preferences)
Household and other bills	GBP 200 - 500 (INR 21,120 - 52,800)	CAD 600 - 1,000 (INR 37,250 - 62,080)
Internet charge	GBP 100 - 150 (INR 10,560 - 15,840)	CAD 400 - 600 (INR 24,830 - 37,250)
Stationary	GBP 500 - 1,000 (INR 52,800 - 1,05,600)	CAD 500 - 1,500 (INR 31,040 - 93,120)

Note: All of the above-mentioned values in the table are approximations that vary depending on a person's lifestyle and other elements like city, course duration, etc.

Student Visa in UK vs Canada

If you're debating whether the UK or Canada is a better place to study, you should consider how each country handles student visa applications. Mentioned below are the thorough procedures for both nations.

UK Student Visa

Briefly, the UK student visa entails the following:

• Tier 4 refers to the full-time student visa in the United Kingdom.
• A student visa for the UK is approximately GBP 350 (INR 36,940). The cost of the dependent visa can be the same. Additionally, a GBP 705 (INR 74,400) international health premium needs to be paid.
• The consulate for your visa may or may not call you for the in-person interview phase.
• If you are on a short-term study visa, you should plan to depart the United Kingdom within 30 days of finishing your course.

Documents Required for a UK Student Visa

Keep the following documents handy before beginning your application for a UK visa.

• A valid passport.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and other documents asked for obtaining CAS.
• Passport-sized pictures.
• Tuberculosis screening report (if asked).
• Assessment documentation.
• ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance report.
• Proof of student loan from the bank (if you have taken a student loan).

Canada Student Visa

Briefly, the Canadian student visa entails the following:

• The SDS Visa program or a Canada Study Permit may be required for interested students.
• A student visa for Canada costs about CAD 150 (INR 9,310). Additionally, you must pay CAD 85 (INR 5,280) in biometric costs.
• While submitting your biometrics is required, appear for the interview phase only upon request.

Documents Required for a Canada Student Visa

Keep the following documents handy before beginning your application for a Canadian visa.

• A valid passport
• The acceptance letter from the Designated Learning Institute (DLI).
• You have to provide the relevant evidence that you have CAD 10,000 (INR 6,20,660) as financial assistance.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Immigration medical examination (IME).
• The English language proficiency exam scores.
• Proof of student loan from the bank (if you have taken a student loan).
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from the Canadian financial organization (if asked).

Work While Studying in UK vs Canada

Obviously, in the attempt to bear the costs of living abroad and to enjoy their lifestyle, working is elemental. Thankfully, depending on several additional criteria, Canada and the UK, both let foreign students work part-time while they are enrolled in classes.

Canada

According to your Canadian Student Permit, you can work on campus. It is also possible to work for an employer who is closely connected to the university campus. You have to meet your employer's eligibility requirements to begin working. You are only permitted to work as an international student while you are enrolled in classes. Once your program is complete, stop working.

Suggested: Job Opportunities After Studying in UK

United Kingdom

International students may work 20 hours per week part-time under the terms of the UK student visa, generally known as the Tier 4 visa. During their holiday, international students who live in the UK are permitted to work full-time. You have the option of working on campus at your university or working for an employer who is connected to it. You can work off campus, although this is contingent upon the policies of your university and study program.

If you were to ask whether working while studying is preferable in the UK over Canada, the answer would be "Yes." Employers in Canada, however, give preference to Indian students. However, there aren't many job prospects.

Suggested: Job Opportunities After Studying in the UK

Stay Back Options in UK vs Canada

A new graduate route has been developed by the British government. After finishing their education, international students can remain in the UK for 24 months if they receive an undergraduate degree or above.

For international students, staying in Canada is a much better alternative than going to the UK. Upon completion of an undergraduate degree, qualified applicants may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows one to remain within the borders of Canada for employment.

Suggested: How to get PR in the UK after completing Studies?

Note: Irrespective of whichever country you choose to go to for further education, be aware of the current political scenario there. This could hamper or benefit your motives for living in that country post-graduation.

From the Desk of Yocket

As you may have observed, every nation offers a unique combination of benefits for students looking to study abroad. While Canada offers lower total study and living costs and has traditionally offered international students flexible post-study career opportunities, the UK boasts some of the top universities in the world and is ramping up its game to help international students after graduation.

Are you still debating between the UK and Canada for overseas students? Don't worry! Make contact with knowledgeable Yocket counselors who will assist you in selecting the ideal nation, college, and program depending on your tastes.

Schedule A Consultation Call Today!