Table of Content
Study abroad decisions are not easy for international students. Often, they are overwhelmed with multiple choices, as in the case of the UK vs. Canada. While both countries have their own offerings, finding the better option for your personal goals is important. Otherwise, you may be penalized with unplanned financial crises, cultural shocks, climate emergencies, and post-study work issues.
So, how can this confusion between two excellent choices be resolved? The answer is simple – the more you personalize your choice, the better you arrive at a decision. Let’s begin our comparison of the UK vs. Canada to understand which is better for your case.
Why study in UK and Canada?
- Global top universities: UK and Canada have world’s top universities where you can access better opportunities.
- Diverse course options: Course options in the UK and Canada are diverse. You can pursue full-time, part-time, or online courses in different subjects.
- Cultural uniqueness: The UK and Canada boast multicultural environments. Your interaction with the unique culture will give you valuable insights.
- Language benefits: Your English skills will get a boost once you land in the UK or Canada. Everyday English use will boost your flexibility and confidence to communicate in English.
- Academic excellence: There’s no compromise in the educational quality in the UK and Canada. International students access better academic experience in these countries.
- Part-time work: 20 hours a week is dedicated for part-time work. You can find a job and contribute towards your expenses while you study.
- Employment opportunities: Thanks to international recognition, degrees from UK and Canada are highly appreciated by employers across the world, letting you with more opportunities.
- Scholarship options: International students make up a significant part of revenue in the UK and Canada. To support them, the UK and Canadian governments and various organizations offer scholarships to eligible students.
- Networking opportunities: UK and Canada house significantly high international population. It helps you widen your personal and professional networks across the globe.
Canada vs. UK Education System
Education systems in the UK and Canada is different from the 10+2+3 system followed in India. In the first case, we can categorize the systems as pre-primary, primary, high school, and university levels.
Canada’s education system
- Elementary school: This phase includes the beginning of formal education, from kindergarten to grade 6.
- High school: This is the pre-university phase that starts from grade 7 to 12. High school graduation is a critical turn in which students choose a formal bachelor’s degree or a professional course further.
- Colleges, vocational schools, and universities: These are the higher education institutions in Canada for students after high school graduation. If not interested in studying at any of these institutions, students may go for any professional certifications offered by private organizations.
- Language schools: Canada’s language schools help international citizens to study English or French when they visit or work in Canada and further enroll into any study programs. Canada’s language schools are highly reputed for teaching excellence.
UK education system
- Primary education: Primary education in the UK comprises early foundation years (0 – 5 years) and 7 – 11 years. It comprises key stage 1 (KS 1) and key stage 2 (KS 2).
- Secondary education: Secondary education in the UK is the period of 11 – 16 years, comprising high school classes. Students prepare for higher education once they pass this stage.
- Higher education: From age 17, students enroll for foundation courses for university education. UK universities are renowned for excellent academics globally. Higher studies in the UK include 3-year bachelor’s, 1 – 2 years diploma courses, and postgraduate courses of 1 – 2 years and PhD programs
Top universities in Canada vs. UK
International students can access the world’s top universities in the UK and Canada for best-in-class academic and career experiences. According to the latest rankings, the following are the top universities in the UK and Canada:
| Top Universities in Canada | World University Rankings 2024 | Top Universities in UK | World University Rankings 2024 |
| University of Toronto | 21 | University of Cambridge | 2 |
| McGill University | 30 | University of Oxford | 3 |
| University of British Columbia | 34 | Imperial College London | 6 |
| University of Alberta | 111 | University College London | 9 |
| University of Waterloo | 112 | The University of Edinburgh | 22 |
| Western University | 114 | The University of Manchester | 32 |
| University of Montreal | 141 | King’s College London | 40 |
| University of Calgary | 182 | The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 45 |
| McMaster University | 189 | University of Bristol | 55 |
| University of Ottawa | 203 | The University of Warwick | 67 |
Top cities in UK and Canada for international students
| Rankings | UK | Canada |
| 1 | London | Toronto |
| 2 | Edinburgh | Montreal |
| 3 | Manchester | Vancouver |
| 4 | Birmingham | Calgary |
| 5 | Glasgow | Ottawa |
| 6 | Bristol | Edmonton |
| 7 | Coventry | Winnipeg |
| 8 | Newcastle Upon Tyne | Waterloo |
| 9 | Brighton | Victoria |
| 10 | Aberdeen | Brandon |
Eligibility criteria for universities in UK vs. Canada
Checking your eligibility is the first step in making study abroad decisions. For a personalized checklist, kindly connect with Nomad Credit’s counselor who evaluates your profile and provides insights. Here is a general checklist for UK and Canada study aspirants:
- For undergraduate courses: 12 pass certificates
- Postgraduate courses: A bachelor’s degree
- Doctoral courses: A master’s certificate
- English proficiency proof – IELTS (6.0 – 7.0), TOEFL (80 – 100), PTE (55 – 70), or Duolingo (105 – 120) GMAT (550 – 650)/GRE (300 – 320) scores for MBA & other business courses
- Work experience for applicable courses
Documents required to study in the UK and Canada
| For UK universities & colleges | For Canadian universities & colleges |
| Application form – duly filled | Application form – duly filled |
| Receipt of the paid application fee | Receipt of the paid application fee |
| A valid passport | A valid passport |
| Student visa – Tier 4 (General) | A study permit from the immigration authorities |
| CAS letter (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) from the UK university | Acceptance letter from the university & a Provisional Attestation Letter (PAL) |
| Proof of English proficiency – IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL (78+), PTE (53+), Duolingo (120+), Cambridge C1 Advanced (180+), and C2 Proficiency (200+) | English proficiency proof – IELTS (minimum 6+), TOEFL (minimum 78+), PTE (53+), Duolingo (120+), Cambridge C1 Advanced (180+) and C2 Proficiency (200+) |
| Mandatory entrance test results – GRE, GMAT, BMAT, LNAT, UKCAT in applicable cases | Mandatory entrance test results – GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT in applicable cases |
| SOP (Statement of Purpose) | SOP (Statement of Purpose) |
| At least 2 – 3 letters of recommendation | At least 2 – 3 letters of recommendation |
| A resume or CV | A resume or CV |
Canada vs. UK application process
The application process for UK and Canadian universities involves university selection, application, documentation, and funding procedures. With Nomad Credit’s holistic support, you can enjoy a hassle-free application experience at zero cost, letting you save big.
- Find your college: Finding the top options matching your profile is crucial. Reach out to Nomad Credit’s counselor and get a shortlist of the top universities based on your profile.
- Documentation: Proper documentation is crucial for your study abroad success. Get a complete checklist of documents once you connect with our counselor and begin the application.
- Decide your intake: The fall intake is the bigger intake in terms of programs and seats. Also note that the spring and summer intakes too are available, if your course have an opening in the the UK and Canada. Once Nomad Credit’s counselor shortlists and finds your desired universities, you will be helped with the application process for the right intake.
- Apply with Nomad Credit’s assistance: We will help you apply for universities in the UK or Canada once the shortlisting is done. Our experts will oversee your SOP to make it shine amidst a pool of applications.
- Find your funding options: What is your funding plan? Discuss with our counselor and find the top options. We will help you explore minimal-interest education loan options with or without collateral, personalized for your profile and needs.
- Receive your CAS letter or Offer letter: Upon successful admission abroad, you will receive an offer letter (CAS in the UK). Accept it and respond back so that your spot is secured. Our personal counselor will inform you via email.
- Apply for a student visa: The last phase is student visa application. Like in other phases, Nomad Credit will guide you on student visa application, interview, and documentation.
Cost of study in the UK vs. Canada for international students
The study costs for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses differ in the UK and Canada. The tuition fee can be influenced by your field of study, course level, and university’s decisions.
| Level of study | Tuition fees in the UK | Tuition fees in Canada |
| Undergraduate | 13,800 – 46,000 USD | 30,000 – 36,100 USD |
| Postgraduate | 11,000 – 36,500 USD | 18,000 – 21,100 USD |
| Doctoral | 18,000 – 42,500 USD | 6,000 – 15,000 USD |
Cost of living in Canada vs. the UK for international students
Living costs abroad is crucial in selecting a country to study abroad. The country you choose must be affordable according to your funds.
- In the UK, the living costs for international students on a monthly basis can be around 1,600 – 1,700 USD in London and 1,100 – 1,600 USD in other parts.
- In Canada, the monthly living costs for international students can be around 1,000 – 1,500 USD (an average of 15,000 USD a year). However, the cost of living differs significantly across the states in Canada
| Category of expense | UK | Canada |
| Accommodation | 500 – 1,500 USD | 900 – 2,000 USD |
| Travel | 46 – 90 USD | 80 – 120 USD |
| Food & Groceries | 200 – 350 USD | 500 – 1,000 USD |
| Visa Insurance (yearly) | 570 – 600 USD | 500 – 1,000 USD |
| Books & Stationaries | 30 – 50 USD | 50 – 100 USD |
| Electricity, gas, internet, etc. | 50 – 100 USD | 100 – 200 USD |
| Entertainment | 100 – 150 USD | 200 – 400 USD |
| Others/ Extra money | 100 – 200 USD | 500 – 700 USD |
| Total | 1,600 – 3,000 USD | 2,830 – 5,520 USD |
UK vs. Canada: ease of student visa application
UK: Here are the steps to obtain a UK student visa and related stay-back information you need to know:
- Get the CAS letter and apply online for the UK student visa
- Pay the visa application fee, which is 440 USD
- According to the Student Route visa rule, your visa is valid up to 5 years in the UK
- You can stay for 2 years post completion of studies in the UK doing a job
Canada: Follow the steps below to secure your Canada student visa.
- Receive a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Get proof of proficiency in English or French through tests like IELTS/ TOEFL/PTE/ Duolingo or DELF.
- Proof of Funds: Show evidence of funds such as an education loan sanction letter to cover tuition, living expenses, and return transportation.
- Health Insurance: Health coverage through the purchase of the Canadian health insurance plan.
- Biometrics: Provide biometric information as part of the application process.
- Application Process: Apply online through the Canadian immigration portal or in-person at a Visa Application Centre.
Canada vs. UK salary comparison
Getting a job post study in the UK or Canada is a dream of many. Diverse industries offer job opportunities in various roles. You can access your dream job via campus placement, personal connections, or online research on platforms like LinkedIn. As of latest data, Canada vs. UK salary for different jobs have been provided below:
| Job opportunities | Salary in the UK | Salary in Canada |
| Engineering – Software engineer, Mechanical engineer, Civil engineer, etc. | 55,600 USD | 64,300 USD |
| IT jobs – Data analyst, Data scientist, Cybersecurity analyst, etc. | 55,000 USD | 73,000 USD |
| Healthcare – Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist, etc. | 42,000 USD | 65,000 USD |
| Finance – Financial professional, Accountant, Finance Manager, etc. | 63,500 USD | 77,000 USD |
| Arts – Curator, Art teacher, etc. | 37,000 USD | 44,000 USD |
| Humanities – Teacher, Subject matter expert, Market Research analyst, etc. | 63,000 USD | 50,000 USD |
UK or Canada which is better for Indian students?
It is very up to the student to decide whether to study in the UK or Canada. There are pros and cons to every country, and the best choice for you will rely on your preferences, goals, and situation. Think about things like the school programs, the culture, and the way of life to make the choice that fits your needs the best.
You may consider personal interests and career goals to decide your choice, based on your profile. Here are some useful suggestions:
- Compare the culture of UK and Canada to choose one you like the more.
- Canada is more preferred for PG Diploma courses in science, business, and humanities courses.
- The UK is better for one-year postgraduate degrees in science, business, economics, humanities, and art.
- Cost of living is more affordable in the UK compared to Canada. In Canada, the living costs can be lower as you move to less urbanized areas.
- Look into the acceptance rate at the time of application. You may have a word with our counselor in this regard for a better experience.
To conclude, you can study in the UK or Canada as both countries are rich providers of academic excellence you need for professional success. Explore your personal interests and prioritize your requirements for a better selection.
That said, take advantage of Nomad Credit in making serious admission and financial decisions. Our experts will offer personalized guidance and provide insights based on your profile, at ZERO COST. Connect now and level up your global ambitions.
Elevate Your Global Study Dreams! Connect with Nomad Credit Now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better UK vs. Canada for Indian students?
Both the UK and Canada are good study abroad choices for Indian students for degree and diploma courses. We suggest you explore your course options based on personal interests and eligibility. For details, connect with our study abroad counselor and get zero cost guidance for making better choices.
Is Canada better than the UK for international students?
Canada can be better if the scope of success for your personal aspirations are better there compared to the UK. To check that out, you may book a zero-cost consultation call with Nomad Credit’s counselor and get valuable insights based on your profile.
Is salary in Canada better than UK?
The salary can be better in the UK or Canada, depending on your job role, experience, location, and qualifications. In general, companies in Canada pays better than those in the UK. However, note that inflation chances and cost of living are higher in Canada compared to the UK.
If I secure a job, then how long can I stay in the UK and Canada post completion of my graduate studies?
You can stay up to 2 years in the UK and up to 3 years in Canada post completion of your graduate studies for work
Which country is better for living among Canada and UK?
Canada and the UK offer better living standards with a low crime rate. In terms of living costs, Canada is more expensive than the UK.
Is Canada cheaper than the UK?
Canada is more expensive than the UK if we compare the general cost of living. Living in Canada is cheaper as we move from cities to regional side.
