If you’re thinking about pursuing higher education abroad, you might be wondering which country is the best option for you. Two of the most popular destinations for international students are the UK and Canada, both of which offer world-class education, multicultural diversity, and exciting opportunities. But how do you choose between them? What are the pros and cons of studying in each country? And what are the main differences and similarities between them?
In this blog post, we’ll compare and contrast studying in the UK and Canada on various factors, such as tuition fees, living costs, visa requirements, work opportunities, and more. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better idea of which country suits your needs and preferences better. Let’s get started!
Tuition Fees
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a study destination is the cost of tuition. Tuition fees vary depending on the level of study, the type of course, and the institution. However, in general, tuition fees in the UK are higher than in Canada.
According to a report by HSBC1, the average annual tuition fee for international undergraduate students in the UK was $22,045 USD in 2020, while in Canada it was $16,746 USD. For postgraduate students, the average annual tuition fee in the UK was $24,914 USD, while in Canada it was $17,744 USD.
However, it’s important to note that tuition fees in the UK are usually fixed for the duration of your course, while in Canada they may increase every year due to inflation. Moreover, tuition fees in the UK are usually lower for EU/EEA students than for non-EU/EEA students, but this may change after Brexit.
Living Costs
Another factor to consider when choosing a study destination is the cost of living. Living costs include expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment, and health insurance. Living costs vary depending on your lifestyle, location, and spending habits. However, in general, living costs in the UK are higher than in Canada.
According to Numbeo, a website that compares living costs across countries, the average monthly cost of living for a single person (excluding rent) in the UK was $1,023 USD in October 2021, while in Canada it was $928 USD. For a four-person family (excluding rent), the average monthly cost of living in the UK was $3,635 USD, while in Canada it was $3,280 USD.
However, it’s important to note that living costs vary significantly within each country depending on where you live. For example, living in London or Toronto will be much more expensive than living in smaller cities or towns. Therefore, it’s advisable to research the cost of living in your chosen city before making a decision.
Visa Requirements
Another factor to consider when choosing a study destination is the visa requirements. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, level of study, duration of stay, and purpose of visit. However, in general, visa requirements for studying in the UK and Canada are similar.
To study in the UK as an international student (non-EU/EEA), you need to apply for a Student visa3, which allows you to study at an approved institution for up to six years (or 11 months for short courses). To apply for a Student visa, you need to meet certain requirements such as:
- Having a confirmed offer from an approved institution
- Having enough money to pay for your tuition fees and living costs
- Having a valid passport and tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
- Having an English language proficiency test score (such as IELTS or TOEFL)
- Having a criminal record check (if applicable)
The application fee for a Student visa is £348 GBP (around $480 USD) per person. You also need to pay an immigration health surcharge of £470 GBP (around $650 USD) per year to access the National Health Service (NHS).
To study in Canada as an international student (non-Canadian), you need to apply for a study permit4, which allows you to study at a designated learning institution for up to six years (or until your passport expires). To apply for a study permit, you need to meet certain requirements such as:
- Having a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution
- Having enough money to pay for your tuition fees and living costs
- Having a valid passport and biometric data (if applicable)
- Having an English or French language proficiency test score (such as IELTS or TOEFL)
- Having a medical exam and police certificate (if applicable)
The application fee for a study permit is $150 CAD (around $120 USD) per person. You also need to pay a biometric fee of $85 CAD (around $70 USD) per person. You may also need to apply for a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, depending on your nationality.
Work Opportunities
Another factor to consider when choosing a study destination is the work opportunities. Work opportunities include part-time jobs, internships, and post-study work options. Work opportunities vary depending on your visa status, level of study, and field of study. However, in general, work opportunities for studying in the UK and Canada are similar.
To work in the UK as an international student (non-EU/EEA), you need to have a Student visa3, which allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, depending on your course level and type. You can also do an internship or a placement as part of your course, as long as it does not exceed 50% of your total course duration. However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson, entertainer, or self-employed person.
To work in Canada as an international student (non-Canadian), you need to have a study permit4, which allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, as long as you are enrolled in a full-time program at a designated learning institution. You can also do a co-op or an internship as part of your course, as long as it does not exceed 50% of your total course duration. However, you cannot work as a medical intern, resident physician, or flight instructor.
To stay and work in the UK after graduation, you need to apply for a Graduate visa5, which allows you to work or look for work for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates). To apply for a Graduate visa, you need to meet certain requirements such as:
- Having completed an eligible course at an approved institution
- Having a valid Student visa at the time of application
- Having enough money to support yourself
- Having a valid passport and tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
The application fee for a Graduate visa is £700 GBP (around $960 USD) per person. You also need to pay an immigration health surcharge of £624 GBP (around $860 USD) per year.
To stay and work in Canada after graduation, you need to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)6, which allows you to work for up to three years, depending on the length of your program. To apply for a PGWP, you need to meet certain requirements such as:
- Having completed an eligible program at a designated learning institution
- Having studied full-time for at least eight months
- Having a valid study permit at the time of application
- Having applied within 180 days of completing your program
- Having a valid passport and biometric data (if applicable)
The application fee for a PGWP is $255 CAD (around $205 USD) per person. You also need to pay a biometric fee of $85 CAD (around $70 USD) per person.
Conclusion
As you can see, studying in the UK and Canada has its advantages and disadvantages. Both countries offer high-quality education, cultural diversity, and attractive opportunities. However, they also differ in terms of tuition fees, living costs, visa requirements, and work options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences, goals, and budget.
To help you make an informed decision, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What are your academic interests and career aspirations?
- How much can you afford to spend on tuition fees and living costs?
- How comfortable are you with the language and culture of each country?
- How important is it for you to stay and work after graduation?
We hope this blog post has given you some useful insights into studying in the UK and Canada. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And if you’re ready to apply for your dream program, check out our guide on how to write a winning personal statement. Good luck!
