USA vs Canada: Which is Better for International Students?

Country Highlights: USA vs Canada for International Students

Parameters	USA	Canada
Area	7,741,220 sq. km	9,984,670 sq. km
Capital	Washington DC	Ottawa
Currency	US Dollars (USD)	Canadian Dollars (CAD or CDN)
Total Indian Students Studying in 2024	3,37,630	4.27,000
Total Tertiary Education Providers	3,982	436
Average Cost of Studying	USD 45,000 p.a.	CAD 18,000 p.a. (excluding home rent)
Average Cost of Living	USD 12,000 - USD 15,000	CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000
Permitted Part-Time Working Hours	20 hours/week	24 hours/week
Top Universities	MIT Stanford University Harvard University CalTech University of Chicago	McGill University University of Toronto University of British Columbia University of Alberta University of Montreal
Popular Job Sectors	Education | Finance | Healthcare | Technology | Retail | Law | Science | Software | Cloud Computing	Healthcare | IT Consultants | Commercial Bankers | Technology | Gasoline & Petroleum

Check:

• Study Guide to USA for International Students
• International Student Guide to Canada

Popular Courses in USA vs Canada

The following sections discuss the popular courses offered in the USA and Canada, also these are the courses which are widely opted for by international students.

Popular Courses Offered in the US

Some of the popular courses to study in the US are as follows:

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Business Management
• Engineering
• Data Science
• Business Analytics
• Medicine
• Finance
• Biotechnology

Popular Courses in Canada

For those planning to study in Canada, can consider some of the following given popular courses:

• Computer Science and IT
• Media & Journalism
• Applied and Pure Sciences
• Engineering
• Health and Medicine
• Hospitality & Tourism

These are some of the popular courses for Indian students in the USA and Canada. 

Top University Rankings 2026: US vs Canada

Based on QS - World University Ranking 2025, the following US universities and Canadian universities have made it to the top rankings, check out the table below:

US Universities	QS - WUR 2026	Canadian Universities	QS - WUR 2026
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	#1	McGill University	#27
Stanford University	#3	University of Toronto	#29
Harvard University	#5	University of British Columbia	#40
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	#10	University of Alberta	#94
University of Chicago	#13	University of Waterloo	#159
University of Pennsylvania	#15	Western University	#115
Cornell University	#16	University of Montreal	#198
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	#17	McMaster University	#120
Yale University	#21	Queen's University Kingston	#176
Johns Hopkins University	#23	University of Ottawa	#189

For the year 2025, the above-given universities have been ranked by QS. Most US universities have made it to the top 50 compared to Canadian universities. Check out the full list of rankings at the top 100 universities globally.

Admission Requirements to Study in USA vs Canada

International students applying for admission to USA or Canada will have a certain set of admission requirements based on the level of course of choice opted for, and students must be able to fulfil the minimum eligibility requirements to apply for admission. The section below discusses these requirements in detail for USA vs Canada:

Admission Requirements for USA

For undergraduate (UG) courses, you need to have completed 12 years of schooling. To get admission, though, you need to appear for the SAT exam or ACT exam. Students can submit their SAT or ACT scores, based on their preference, in the admission applications. Check out: Which is Easier? SAT vs ACT 

In recent years, some US universities have either scrapped SAT score acceptance or reinstated their requirements. Check out the SAT Accepting Universities in USA.

In postgraduate (PG) courses, you need 16 years of education. For Indian students, it translates to 12 years of schooling and four years of undergraduate education. But since most Indian colleges offer three years of education at the UG level, you might need to take up a one-year course to cover up the difference. If you have studied at a premier Indian institute, some US universities might also accept your three-year degree, although the cases are rare. You can check with the university’s admissions cell and ask about your case. To get admission in management courses, you must appear for the GMAT, and in science courses, you need to take the GRE.

There are no cutoffs for colleges, so you must score the best you can in all the exams. Colleges provide average scores accepted to different courses on their websites. That will give some idea about what’s considered a good score. You must also appear for language exams like TOEFL or IELTS, regardless of degree. Even if the colleges may not require any language test for Indian students, you should still take TOEFL or IELTS as they are important for getting a visa.

In the case of an MBA, you might be required to have a few years of work experience along with a minimum score in GRE or GMAT as set by the respective US university.

Admission Requirements for Canada

For admission to Canadian universities, applicants must first have an offer letter from any of the Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. 

On the other hand for admission to Canadian universities for undergraduate (UG) courses, you need to have completed 12 years of schooling. To get admission, though, 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, gaining admission to vocational courses is easier, as the admission criteria are more relaxed. To get admission for management degrees, you must appear for GMAT, and for engineering degrees, you need to take the GRE.

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 must also take language exams such as TOEFL or IELTS, regardless of your degree. Some colleges may not require language tests for Indian students, but you should still take either TOEFL or IELTS as they are important for getting a visa. If the visa interviewer is unsure of your spoken skills, they may not grant you a visa.

Thus, the admission requirements for the USA and Canada are not very different. However, admissions, evaluations, and enrollment vary based on metrics per country and university. 

Cost of Studying Comparison: USA vs Canada

This section provides a cost comparison for international students studying in the USA or Canada, including expenses for both studying and living. All costs are subject to change without prior notice; therefore, students are advised to verify them before making any decisions. Check out the cost of living in USA along with study costs, and living costs for Canada including its studying costs in the following section based on the level of study. 

Costs for UG Courses USA vs Canada

The following table throws light on the cost of pursuing an undergraduate course in the USA or Canada along with a rough estimate of the living costs:

Particulars	Undergraduate course in US	Undergraduate course in Canada
Tuition	BTech: Rs 14-32 Lakhs per year	BTech: Rs 10-22 Lakhs per year
Duration of course	4 years	4 years

If interested in studying in the USA, consider applying to Top ROI Universities in USA, which can be fruitful in for your pocket and give higher returns also. 

(Source: Studyabroad.shiksha.com)

Cost of PG Courses in the USA vs Canada

The following table shows the widely opted MS courses' costs for studying in both USA and Canada. However, the costs may vary per choice of specialisation as well. Read on for major details:

Particulars	Postgraduate course in US	Postgraduate course in Canada
Tuition	MS: 25 Lakhs per year	MS: 13 Lakhs per year
Duration of course	2 years	1-2 years

(Source: Studyabroad.shiksha.com)

USA vs Canada in terms of studying can vary based on universities. Like applicants applying to Ivy Leagues in USA will have to pay more in comparison to private universities in Canada. 

Also Read:

• Cost of Studying in Canada
• Cost of Studying in the US

Cost of Living in Canada vs US

US vs Canada cost of living is different for the two countries. Applicants who plan to study in either US or Canada can have a rough idea of the living costs. The actual cost of living may also vary based on the applicant's study location. Roughly, the cost of living in Canada vs US is as follows:

• Cost of Living in USA: INR 10 Lakhs - INR 22 Lakhs (annually)
• Cost of Living in Canada: INR 12 Lakhs - INR 13 Lakhs (annually)

 Applicants must note, that the Canada vs US cost of living is a rough estimate. The cost of living will vary on city of study in these countries and personal expenses.

Student Visa in USA vs Canada

To study in USA or Canada, international students who accept their admission offers must apply for a student visa. Students can only study in the USA or Canada if the student visa application is accepted. The following section describes the student visa requirements.

US Student Visa Requirements

A full-time US student visa is called an F1 visa. This visa has the following regulations -

• Students applying for a program that requires more than 18 hours of study need an F-1 visa. Under this, all undergraduate and graduate programs are included.
• To apply for an F1 student visa, you must have major documents showing your personal information, professional documents, academic background, and financial documents.
• The application fee for this visa is USD 185. To enrol in an SEVP-approved or certified institution, a SEVIS fee of USD 350 is applicable for F and M student visa applications. In contrast, a SEVIS fee of USD 220 is charged for J-1 exchange visitor student visa applicants, while the application fee is the same, that is, USD 185. 
• You cannot work more than 20 hours per week. During holidays, breaks, and summer sessions, students may work up to 40 hours per week. The student can only work on campus for a commercial firm that provides services to the college, such as a bookstore or cafeteria.

Student Visa Requirements for Canada

The Canadian student visa has the following regulations -

• If a student wishes to take academic, professional, or vocational training at a university, college, or any other DLIs in Canada, he/she require a study permit. It is issued to students upon their arrival in Canada. International students cannot study in Canada without getting a valid study permit.
• You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. Additionally, provide proof of a clean background and no criminal record by submitting a police certification.
• The cost of a Canadian student visa is CAD 150 + CAD 85 for biometrics.
• The visa application process to Canada requires a compulsory medical test for Indian applicants.
• You cannot work more than 24 hours per week on a Canadian student visa during university holidays. 

Post-Graduate Work Visa in USA vs Canada

International students who wish to stay back after graduation or postgraduate to work full-time will have to apply for a post-graduate work visa in the USA and Canada. More details in the respective sections below:

US Post-Graduate Work Visa

If students want to stay back in the US to gain practical knowledge in their subject, they can do so through OPT. It is temporary employment permission allowing students to gain practical experience in their field of study for 12 months. After enrolling for at least 9 months, you can apply for OPT but cannot begin employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document.

The Student Co-Op Program is a formally structured program that intends to recruit students while still in school to fill permanent positions upon graduation. Co-op programs are generally undertaken at colleges and universities. In most cases, you must apply for a work visa upon getting a permanent full-time job.

Students who study STEM courses are given a stay back of 3 years. Check out about STEM OPT Extension in detail.

Check: Post-Study Work Permit in the USA 

Canada Post-Graduate Work Visa

The Canadian Post-Graduation Work Visa allows students graduating from any post-secondary institution to work for a specified period after completing their studies, depending on the duration of their course, up to a maximum of three years. Under this work permit, the student is permitted to work in any field or industry.

Also Read: Post Study Work Permit in Canada

Popular Jobs in Canada vs USA

Certain jobs in Canada and the USA are popular and in high demand. These popular jobs based on the respective countries are as follows:

Popular Jobs in the USA

Applicants can get job opportunities in USA after graduating with a STEM degree and apply for an H1B visa from F1 visa through lottery system in case they get a sponsorship from a US employer. The popular job sectors in the USA are:

• Information Technology
• Real Estate
• Healthcare
• Education
• E-commerce
• Tourism

Check out: Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in USA

Popular Jobs in Canada

Some of the in-demand jobs in Canada are:

• Web Developer
• Registered Nurse
• Marketing Manager
• Engineer
• HR Manager
• IT Project Manager
• Pharmacist

Check out: Top Highest Paying Jobs in Canada

Permanent Residency in USA vs Canada

Many international students look forward to applying for PR after finishing their university-level education and finding a full-time job. There are Green Card holders in the USA, and in Canada, there is Express Entry. More information is elaborated on below:

PR in the US

A permanent residency USA option is possible, but it is a long and slow process. It is a complicated process and requires the person applying for it to reside in the US for at least five years on the grounds of employment. After that, you will be granted a “Green Card”, but the process might take years to complete.

A green card holder is a permanent resident authorised to permanently live and work in the US. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants a permanent resident card, also known as the “Green Card”, as proof of status. 

PR in Canada

You can apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class during this post-graduation work permit period. Since the country is sparsely populated, there is a shortage of highly skilled employees. Compared to most other countries, getting PR in Canada is easy.

Scholarships to study in USA vs Canada

Since it's very expensive to study in the USA and in Canada for international students, one way of cutting down on tuition costs is through scholarships. Not all scholarships offered in the USA or Canada are applicable for international students, hence, there are other ways of supporting one's studies. Following are a couple of scholarships offered for international students in the USA and Canada:

USA Scholarships	Canada Scholarships
K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad	University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
International Scholars Award	Ontario Graduate Scholarship- Other Master Programs
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship	University of Alberta - India First Year Excellence Scholarships
Tata Scholarship	President's International Scholarship of Excellence
Joseph Wharton Fellowship	Humber College - International Entrance scholarships - Graduate Diploma/ Certificate Program
Trustee Scholarships - Boston University	International - Entrance Excellence Scholarship
Shardashish Interschool Fellowship (Columbia University)	SFU Ryan Barrington-Foote Bursary in Business Administration
Yale Scholarship ( All Undergraduate Programs)	Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships (Faculty of Arts & Engineering)
MBA Foundation Study Grant	University of Saskatchewan Dean's Scholarships

Climate in USA & Canada

International students shifting to study in the US or Canada should know about the climate conditions to be able to adjust and carry along with them suitable sets of clothing.

US Climate

The US is a huge land area with varied temperatures and climates in different areas. The East Coast has a warm climate and covers cities like California and Arizona. The Midwest and New England regions have frozen winters and cover cities like Chicago and Boston.  The Pacific Northwest has a humid oceanic climate and covers cities like Seattle and Portland. The Southwest has a hot desert climate and covers cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas. The southeast has a warm to hot, humid climate and covers cities like Houston and New Orleans.

Canada Climate

Weather in Canada varies widely depending on where you are. Canada stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic, covering five time zones. In Toronto, winter is milder than in most Canadian cities, yet still cold and snowy. Montreal weather is cold and snowy in the winter. Usually, the country experiences pleasantly cool summers.

Which One to Choose for Studying - USA or Canada?

After reading the guide, are you stuck on US and Canada options?  A comparative study of the US and Canada for Indian students is as follows to understand in depth about USA or Canada which is better for international students:

Academic Legacy & Prestige:

• With the USA leading, 25% of the world's top 100 universities are located here. Check out the top 100 universities in USA.
• Additionally, only eight of the Canadian universities feature in the top 200 in the world.

When it comes to prestige and universal recognition, the universities in the United States outshine Canada in terms of ranking and global recognition.

Cost Consideration:

• Tuition fees in Canada are significantly lower; other expenses work out to be around ₹7.4-18.5 lakhs per year for Canada, while the USA costs over ₹82.6 lakhs per year.
• However, the living costs in Canada are slightly higher than those in the US: ₹12.5 to 13 lakh per year for the former and ₹10.5 to 11 lakh per year for the latter.

Overall, Canada is a more favourable option for financial returns on education compared to the US, which is slightly more costly for Indian applicants. 

Work Opportunities & Immigration:

• Work restrictions on students are more relaxed in Canada (24 hours/week compared to the US, 20 hours/week).
• In Canada, post-study work permits are issued for a maximum term of 3 years for all graduates.
• There are restrictions of up to one year in the USA (or 3 for STEM degree holders). However, applicants can obtain an OPT STEM Extension if they continue to study and work in the USA after graduation. 

The process of obtaining permanent residency through immigration in Canada is simpler and easier than in the US, which is a much more complex process.

Student Experience:

• The larger Indian population in the USA (948,000) versus Canada (180,275).
• There is indeed a wide range of jobs available in both the US and Canada, the majority of them in more diverse sectors in the US.
• More scholarship options for international students in the US. (List of US Universities Offering Financial AId to Students)
• Visa processing in Canada is generally cheaper and easier. 

Thus, applicants can:

• Choose the USA if you put prestige and diverse career options before financial burdens.
• On the contrary, choose Canada if you are more certain of the effective budgeting for education and an easy immigration path.

Although both countries offer good education and excellent career opportunities upon graduation, Canada currently leads in all-around experience and opportunities for Indian students to settle there. The last word must ultimately shape up into your long-sought aspirations regarding career goals, financial stability, and long-term options. 

Hence, for international students, the USA or Canada may be better, which can vary from person to person. Applicants can understand which is better for them based on 

If applicants have any further queries, they can write to us in the comments section below. Also, they can seek free counselling from our team of expert counsellors by signing up at Shiksha Abroad Counselling and requesting a callback.