UK vs Canada: Which is Better for International Students?
Talk to Expert
Canada Vs UK: Both Canada and the UK are among the top study-abroad destinations for international students around the world. However, the choice of which location will be the best for each international student depends on their preferences and choices. This article contains a brief comparison of both the UK and Canada as the top student destinations abroad to help students get some clarity and confidence in their choice.
The United Kingdom and Canada offer quality education to international students. As per the official estimates, in 2023, the total number of international students in Canada rose to up to 1 million. On the other hand, as per Higher Education Student Statistics for the UK, the total number of international students in the UK, in 2023-24, stood at 586,099. The data reveals that both countries are good choices for pursuing higher education. However, there are some factors that students must consider before deciding to be admitted to their desired foreign university. It is difficult for students to decide between two countries; whether it is Canada vs UK or Canada vs India. Some of the factors that can be considered by international students while deciding on a country for higher studies are tuition fees, cost of living, post-study work permit, permanent residence, etc.
- Top Universities
- Popular Courses
- Admission Requirements for the UK and Canada
- Costs for Undergraduate Courses in UK and Canada
- Costs for Postgraduate Courses in UK and Canada
- Student Visa for UK and Canada
- Post-graduate Work Visa in UK and Canada
- Popular Jobs in UK and Canada
- Residency in UK and Canada
- Scholarships to Study in UK and Canada
- The climate in the UK and Canada
- UK vs Canada – Which is better?
- UK vs Canada FAQs
Top Universities
Check the top-ranked universities in the UK and Canada as per the QS World University Rankings 2025 below.
Top Universities in UK 2025
| UK Rank |
QS World University Rankings 2025: UK |
University |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
2 |
|
| 2 |
3 |
|
| 3 |
5 |
University of Cambridge
|
| 4 |
9 |
|
| 5 |
27 |
|
| 6 |
=34 |
|
| 7 |
=40 |
|
| 8 |
=50 |
|
| 9 |
54 |
|
| 10 |
=69 |
Top Universities in Canada 2025
| Canada Ranking |
QS World University Rankings 2025: Canada |
University |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
25 |
|
| 2 |
29 |
McGill University
|
| 3 |
38 |
|
| 4 |
96 |
|
| 5 |
115 |
|
| 6 |
=120 |
|
| 7 |
=159 |
University of Montreal
|
| 8 |
=176 |
McMaster University
|
| 9 |
189 |
|
| 10 |
193 |
Popular Courses
| Popular Courses in the UK | Popular Courses in Canada |
|---|---|
| Business and Management | Hospitality |
| Law | Health and Medicine |
| Sociology | Dentistry |
| Engineering | Engineering |
| Medicine | Economics |
| Biotechnology | Business and Management |
| Hospitality and Tourism | Hospitality and Tourism |
Admission Requirements for the UK and Canada
Check the common admission requirements for getting admitted to the universities in the UK and the universities in Canada.
UK
For UG courses in the UK, premier universities used to require 13 years of pre-university education. This rule was recently changed and now UK universities recognise CBSE Standard XII certificates for admission to UG courses.
In PG courses, you can get admission after finishing a three-year UG degree. Certain universities ask for GMAT scores for admission to management courses. Universities also give admission for management courses without GMAT scores as well. For science courses, you may not need to give the GRE exam so check with the university first.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Similar to the US, you might be required to have a few years of work experience in the case of management courses in the UK. TOEFL or IELTS may be waivered by the university but are important for the purpose of getting a visa.
Canada
For undergraduate (UG) courses, you need to have completed 12 years of schooling. To get admission, you need to appear for the SAT exam. The duration for degree courses is four years, and that of a diploma is two to three years.
In postgraduate (PG) courses, getting admission to vocational courses is easier as the admission criteria are a lot more relaxed. To get admission for management degrees you will have to appear for GMAT, and for engineering degrees you need to give the GRE exam.
The concept of cutoffs doesn’t apply to Canadian colleges. Colleges provide average scores accepted to different courses on their websites. That will give some idea about what’s considered a good score. You will also need to appear for language exams like TOEFL or IELTS, irrespective of the degree. There are some colleges that may not require language tests for Indian students, but it is advisable you still give either TOEFL or IELTS as they are important for the purpose of getting a visa. If the visa interviewer is not sure of your spoken skills, they may not grant you the visa.
Costs for Undergraduate Courses in UK and Canada
| Particulars |
Undergraduate course in UK |
Undergraduate course in Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees |
£11,400 - £38,000 |
CAD 15,700 to 53,538 |
| Living expenses |
₹ 14-24 Lakhs per year |
CAD 20,000 per year |
| Duration of course |
3 years |
4 years |
Costs for Postgraduate Courses in UK and Canada
| Particulars |
Postgraduate course in UK |
Postgraduate course in Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees |
£17,000 - £22,000 |
CAD 13,742 to 45,800 |
| Living expenses |
₹ 14-24 Lakhs per year |
CAD 20,000 per year |
| Duration of course |
1-2 years |
1-2 years |
Also Read:
Student Visa for UK and Canada
Check out the details of the student visa in UK and Canada below.
UK
Students, who wish to pursue an academic course in the UK, have to apply for a UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 UK Visa). Recently, UK Post-Study Work Visa Rules were relaxed for international students. To apply for a UK Student Visa, the following rules apply:
- It is granted only for a full-time study program
- It costs £490 to apply for a UK Student Visa.
- One can work part-time during his/ her studies, and only up to 20 hours per week (on campus or off campus), and full-time during vacations (only on-campus).
Canada
The Canadian student visa has the following regulations -
- You will have to apply for a post-graduation work permit within 90 days of finishing your studies.
- The visa application process to Canada requires a compulsory medical test for Indian applicants.
- Spouses can also work full-time if his/her stay is for a year or more.
- It costs C$150 to apply for this visa.
- You cannot work more than 20 hours per week. During holidays, breaks, and summer sessions, the student may work up to 40 hours per week.
Post-graduate Work Visa in UK and Canada
UK
Recently, the UK Home Office formally opened its new post-study work visa (Graduate route visa) for international students. The Graduate Route will allow international students who have earned a degree from a recognised university in the UK to stay there and search for work for at least two years. If you want to work there after your studies, then you need to apply for a Graduate Visa (PSW UK).
Canada
Canadian Post Graduation Work Visa allows students graduating from any post-secondary institute to work post-studying for an uptime period depending on the duration of their course to a maximum of three years. Under this work permit, the student can work in any field or industry.
Popular Jobs in UK and Canada
UK
Some of the high-paying jobs in the UK are Lawyers, IT Directors, Engineers, Orthodontists, Dermatologists, Advertising and Public Relations Directors, etc.
Canada
Some of the popular professions in Canada are Project Managers, HR Managers, Nurses, IT Managers, Financial Analysts, Engineers, etc.
Residency in UK and Canada
UK
Getting a Permanent Residence in the UK is popularly known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Because of this, students can reside and work in the UK permanently. After getting ILR, one will have no restrictions on working and no time limitations on your stay.
Canada
During this period of Post-Graduation Work permit, you can apply for Permanent Residency under the Canadian Experience Class. Since the country is sparsely populated, there is a shortage of highly skilled employees. Compared to most other countries, getting PR in Canada is very easy.
Scholarships to Study in UK and Canada
List of scholarships to fund your higher education in the UK and Canada.
The climate in the UK and Canada
UK
The climate in the UK is temperate. The summer months are the best months of the year with an average temperature ranging from 15-25°C. Winters in the UK are characterized by cold weather, rain, and sometimes snow and fog. The temperature during the winter ranges from 0 to 7 degrees Celsius. The rain in the UK is unpredictable.
Canada
The weather in Canada remains cold in most of the regions. The temperature can go below -30 degrees Celsius in specific locations. The summers can be hot and dry in Canada on the Prairies, humid in Central Canada, and milder along the coasts. The Spring season is generally pleasant across the country.
UK vs Canada – Which is better?
The answer to the question, “UK or Canada which is better for Indian students?” depends on the priorities of the students. For those looking to pursue research from premier universities, the UK is a better option. Those who are looking for relaxed post-study visa norms and an affordable postgraduate education can opt for Canada. Certain other factors include your course, university, location, job prospects, PR requirements for the UK and Canada, etc.
UK
- Many prestigious universities are situated in The UK and students get to be a part of these universities on a global level
- Quality education is offered along with the best infrastructure and faculty
- Students have access to a multicultural contemporary society that operates globally within every industry
Canada
- The universities in Canada teach with the holistic educational mindset
- The cost of living and education fee is more affordable than the universities situated in The UK
- There is a vast landscape and aesthetic beauty in Canada
- Good job opportunities after the completion of studies
Browse Some Popular Universities in UK and Canada:
UK vs Canada FAQs
Q. Amongst the UK and Canada, which is more economical in terms of tuition fees?
A. Depending on the type of course and the institution, the cost of studying in the UK and Canada might vary significantly. Generally speaking, undergraduate tuition costs in the UK can be lower than those in Canada and can vary from £11,400 - £38,000 per year. In comparison, tuition fees in Canada for undergraduate programs can range from approximately $15,700 to $53,538 CAD per year. Additionally, the cost of living in both countries can be quite high.
Q. Amongst the UK and Canada, which has a lower cost of living?
A. Cost of living is largely dependent upon a student’s location, accommodation, lifestyle, dietary habits, etc. UK and Canada cost more or less the same; however, in general, living expenses in the UK are cheaper than those in Canada. Canada's average cost of living is around 8.2% more than the UK's average cost of living. While food and utilities are less expensive in the UK, rent is often more expensive in Canada. While leisure and entertainment expenses are comparable in both nations, transportation costs are significantly cheaper in the UK.
Q. What is the duration of the post-study work visa for the UK and Canada?
A. International students in the UK are qualified to apply for a Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, which enables them to remain in the nation and work there for up to two years after they graduate. Students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, which permits them to work while they are there and get experience in the workplace. The PGWP is valid for up to three years. Both visas demand that applicants have a current study permit and graduate from their programme. As long as the student satisfies the requirements, both visas are renewable.
Q. Is IELTS compulsory for UK and Canada both?
A. If you belong to a country where English is not the native language, then you need to provide proof of your English-language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. You must take the IELTS exam if you intend to study in the UK or Canada. IELTS minimum score requirements vary between the UK and Canada. The minimum necessary score in the UK is 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6 in each of the four components, however, in Canada, it is 6.0 to 6.5 overall. It's also vital to keep in mind that certain institutions in the UK and Canada can have minimum standards that are greater than the government's minimum necessary score.
Q. Can I work part-time in UK and Canada while pursuing my studies?
A. It is legal for international students studying in the UK to work up to 20 hours per week of part-time employment during the academic year and full-time during breaks. In Canada, foreign students with a student visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. In addition, foreign students in Canada are permitted to work full-time when classes are not in session. In the UK and Canada, part-time jobs typically pay about 600 USD per week.
Q. Which of the UK and Canada has better Universities?
A. The United Kingdom and Canada both have excellent universities with world-renowned reputations. When it comes to university rankings, the UK definitely has an upper hand since it has 4 universities that fall within the first 10 ranks of QS World University Rankings 2025. The University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, etc. are some of the UK universities that stand apart and have been considered global leaders in terms of education and research. Both countries offer high-quality education, so the decision will come down to personal preferences and which country better meets your needs.
Q. What are the top courses that are offered in the UK and Canada?
A. Given that both nations provide a vast variety of degrees in several fields, comparing the courses offered in the UK and Canada is challenging. The UK often offers more specialised courses, such as those concentrating on certain fields like business, law, or engineering. The course variety is bigger in Canada, though, with more general undergraduate and graduate courses available. In addition, Canadian colleges frequently offer more flexible study options, including part-time, online, and distance learning. Universities in Canada are often less expensive than those in the UK. In the end, students should investigate the programmes offered at institutions in both the UK and Canada to choose which is the greatest fit for their requirements.
Q. Can you compare the education level in England with that of Canada?
A. When we compare the education level in England with that of Canada, we find that there is not much difference between them. Both of them have world-class Universities, high research output, and excellent placements. Though the UK has older and higher-ranking Universities, Canada is not much behind. There are other factors that students should consider; these include career outcomes of a course, location of a University, networking opportunities, post study work options, ease of getting a PR, etc.
Q. What are the student visa fees for UK and Canada both?
A. In order to apply for a UK student visa, a student needs to a fee of £490 if he/ she is applying from outside the UK. Canada student visa fee is CAD 150, and in order to restore your student status, you need to pay CAD 350.
Q. What are the university intake seasons in Canada and the UK?
A. UK and Canada, both, have 2 major intakes in the months of September and January, out of which September intake is considered to be more prominent. Some universities also offer courses on a rolling basis, so the admissions continue till all the seats are filled. However, September and January are the two major intakes for both countries.
Q. Is it better to migrate to the UK or Canada?
A. The UK offers a rich cultural heritage, top universities, and better career opportunities in finance, healthcare, and technology. However, living costs are higher than in Canada, and getting a permanent residency can take longer. On the other hand, Canada, known for its high quality of life, affordable education, and easier permanent residency process and a welcoming environment for immigrants, has colder weather and fewer job opportunities in some sectors.
Bishop's University is a well-known and highly reputed university located in Canada. The university provides over 106 programs offered under the multiple faculties and 25 departments at the university. Furthermore, the university also offers scholarship opportunities to students pursuing their Master's, Doctorate, Postdoctoral, and Short-term research at the university. The university also offers multiple placement opportunities to the graduates of the university across multiple organizations and industries such as Deloitte, CGI, and RBC. Bishop's University also offers accommodation facilities to ensure that the students enjoy a safe and comfortable time while at the university. Additionally, the university also offers multiple clubs, culture, sports, and other events, and multiple events to ensure active participation of students outside classrooms as well.
For FDU Vancouver, the acceptance rate has not been mentioned but, this is one of the campuses of FDU New Jersey University, so, the acceptance rate can be considered as 87%. The acceptance rate signifies that the university is less selective during admission, but, there are a few of the master’s programs of the university that are highly competitive to get into such as MSc in Applied Computer Science.
Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.
Starting research
Shortlisting colleges
Exam preparation
SOP/LOR writing
Scholarship & finance
Visa application
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(18)
y
3 years ago
m
3 years ago
K
4 years ago
K
4 years ago
K
4 years ago
P
4 years ago
P
4 years ago
The University of Hertfordshire has 70% acceptance rate, making it easy to get into it. Good academic results, English proficiency, references, and many other conditions are taken into account for selection.