Canada

For Canada, a good IELTS score is 6.0 to 6.5 bands, depending on the visa or PR you want. For UK universities, most ask for at least 6.0 bands, but top ones may ask for 7.0 or more.

Currently, Canada has overtaken the US when it comes to pursuing higher education. Canada is becoming the topmost choice of students because of its speedy processing times for study permits, easy immigration, and lower study costs. So students can choose to study in either Canada or USA based on their interests, scope of study and future job prospects. Students can choose Canada over USA also because there are a huge number of scholarships available for international students in Canada for all levels of study.

Students are attracted to study in the U.S. because various top-ranked global universities are situated there. American universities hold a better rank and prestige as compared to Canadian universities. USA offers top ranking courses and has a good reputation globally for its education, courses and degree programs. The degrees offered at the US universities are highly regarded and accepted worldwide. US ranks #1 for studying abroad in comparison to Canada which comes #2 on the list. Thus, it can be said that USA is better than Canada for international students.

On average, Canadian universities' tuition fees are 27% more economical than tuition fees at US universities. The tuition fee is not the only factor to consider while choosing to study. The cost of living is lower in Canada in comparison to the US for international students. Also Canada offers wider range of job opportunities in comparison to the US. All these factors collectively point towards the fact that studying in Canada is better than USA for international students with good after study prospects. 

Both the countries are good to pursue higher education for Indian students. Canada offers flexible immigration and settlement plans. Apart from this, in Canada, the PGWP and Permanent Residency can be easily obtained as compared to the US. On the other hand, the US is home to some of the top-ranked universities and it provides promising career opportunities. 

If your TOEFL score is below 90, then top universities are tough. But some colleges and smaller universities accept lower scores or give conditional offer.

In Canada, many universities want TOEFL iBT score of 80–100. Some colleges accept lower, but for master's or PhD, score should be higher.

Students having a limited budget of INR 15 L may cover the tuition expense for a year, as the average tuition cost starts from INR 30 K, but with this money, students will not be able to handle their living expenses. They must either do a part-time job or take loans to cover the amount. Students must have a budget for transportation, housing, food, insurance, books, supplies, and personal or miscellaneous expenses.

The minimum GPA score expected for a master's in Canada is 3 on the 4 scale. Scoring 2.7 is not touching the accepted threshold for most Canadian universities. However, some universities like UQAM, Laval may accept a low GPA conditionally. In addition, sometimes GPA scores may be compensated for students who score good the GRE/GMAT, have some research experience, and submit compelling SOP and LORs.