UK vs Canada: Which is Better for International Students?

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

Check the top-ranked universities in the UK and Canada as per the QS World University Rankings 2025 below.

UK

Canada

Popular Courses

Admission Requirements

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.

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

Costs for Postgraduate Courses in UK and Canada

Also Read:

• Cost of studying in the UK
• Cost of Studying in Canada

Student Visa for UK and Canada

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 £363 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 recognized 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: