Canada and UK are popular study abroad destinations providing top-notch education. These two countries are increasingly being chosen by study abroad aspirants as they have been fantastic hosts for foreign students. They are excellent locations for work study and settling due to the kind of opportunities and resources they provide.
Often you must be confused,”which is better, Canada vs UK?”. Both countries are great choices for a foreign education, but you should prioritise your goals and ambitions before applying to universities in these countries.
There are many factors that will determine your entire learning experience. In this blog we will provide a comparative study of Canada vs UK. By reading this blog you would have a broader view of both countries and realise your preference.
Canada vs UK : Quality of Education
Canada and UK create an academic environment backed by the best resources and faculty. But, there are some instrumental differences when we compare the education system of Canada vs. UK. Let’s have a broader look at the education in Canada vs UK.
Canada
- Canada provides holistic education more than the grades. According to a survey, students studying in Canada are comparatively stress-free due to the educational system.
- High focus on extracurricular activities and sports for the all-round development of every student.
- Student community is more involved in the education system for suggestions and feedback.
- The cost of living and tuition fee is comparatively lower than that of UK universities.
- Excellent infrastructure, facilities and teaching experts are available to students.
- Global job, internship and research opportunities for students during and post-studies.
UK
- A lot of importance is given to grades and is highly based in the ranking system.
- Students often have a high-workload in this sort of education system.
- The education system is highly bureaucratic.
- A very sophisticated education system with the best faculty, infrastructure and resources.
- Extracurricular activities focus given to students showing a level of excellence in a particular art, activity or sport.
- Students can network in the best way as there is a student diversity from all over the world in the UK.
- The UK has some of the most prestigious universities that are recognized on a global level, a degree from these universities will provide a global exposure.
- As, UK is the financial hub of the world there are many multinational companies in the country. Students get exposure and opportunities to have a good career in UK.
Canada vs UK: Top Universities
The UK has some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. The top universities include , University of oxford ranked 4th, University of Cambridge ranked 2nd University College London, ranked 8th worldwide, the University of Edinburgh, ranked 20th and University of Manchester, ranked 27th,
Canada also is home to some of the best universities as well. Top universities in Canada include McGill University, ranked 35th,University of Toronto, ranked 29th, University of British Columbia, ranked 51st, McMaster University, ranked 147th and University of Montreal, ranked 137th.
Here is a list of some of the top universities in Canada and UK:
| Canada | UK |
| University of Toronto | University of Cambridge |
| University of British Columbia | University of Oxford |
| University of Montreal | The University of Edinburgh |
| McMaster University | The University of Manchester |
| University of Waterloo | King’s College, London |
| McGill University | Imperial College London |
| University of Alberta | University College London |
Canada Vs UK: The Best Courses
The courses that are in the greatest demand among international students include Computer Science, Data Science, Nursing, Hotel Management, Business, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and Social Sciences. Now if we compare UK vs Canada, below mentioned are the top courses for international students in Canada and UK:
| Popular courses in Canada | Popular courses in the UK |
|---|---|
| IT and computer science | Computer science |
| Bioscience, health, and medicine | Law |
| Finance | Design studies |
| Geosciences | Subjects allied to medicine |
| Agricultural science and forestry | Nursing |
| Business management | Psychology |
Canada vs UK: Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for Canada and UK differs on various aspects. Taking the discussion of Canada vs UK in terms of affordability below, we’re mentioning the tuition fee of both the countries. In the below table, we’ve compared both the fees:.
| Course | Tuition fee in Canada | Tuition fee in UK |
| Bachelor’s | 5,000 CAD – 20,000 CAD | £8,000 – £14,000 |
| Master’s | 8,000 CAD -25,000 CAD | £10,000 – £20,000 |
Canada Vs UK: Eligibility Criteria
Canada
- For UG courses you require a minimum of 12 years of pre-university education. Undergraduate programmes are four years, while diploma programmes range between 2-3 years.
- The SAT exam results are required to complete the admission process in Canada.
- GRE / GMAT exam results to complete the admission process for masters or MBA.
- Students applying to Canada from non-English speaking countries must take the English proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL exam. These exams are required for admission and visa requirements.
- Canadian colleges do not have cutoffs but they provide minimum average scores required for admission into particular courses.
- Applicants for Canadian universities also require a statement of purpose (SOP) and at least two letters of recommendation (LORs), along with a resume, portfolio and other documents.
- If you have studied outside Canada previously, you need also provide a transcript of your grades or ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).
UK
- The UK universities require 13 years of pre-university education for graduation programs, which has now been changed. A CBSE plus-two final certificate will also be sufficient. ISC students can produce a 13-year pre-university education.
- GMAT score is usually a mandate for postgraduate management programmes or MBA , but it entirely depends on which university you are applying to. There are a few universities in the UK that provide MBA without the GMAT.
- Students applying for masters in art or science courses such as MA or MS are usually required to take the GRE. Again, this is not a mandate for all universities.
- IELTS or TOEFL exams are not required for many universities. But for a few courses IELTS or TOEFL score of 6.5 is required to obtain admission.
- 75% aggregate or equivalent to first-class in bachelor’s degree is required for master courses.
- A statement of purpose (SOP) and at least two letters of recommendation (LORs), along with a resume, portfolio and other documents.
Canada Vs UK: Admission Requirements
Canada:
- You should provide a 10+2 diploma certificate from a recognised board or institution.
- Original degree or other equivalent certificates for master’s students
- GRE or GMAT score cards for Masters
- SAT exam results
- Statement of Purpose and Letter of Recommendation (SOP).
- English proficiency test scores like IELTS, and TOEFL.
- Legal financial proof that students have sufficient funds to manage their expenses in Canada.
- An updated resume or CV.
- Employment letters if previously worked and two academic references.
- Current passport
- Educational degree transcripts
UK:
- You should provide a 10+2 diploma certificate from a recognised board or institution.
- Original degree or other equivalent certificates for master’s students
- GMAT or GRE scores for specific courses.
- Several universities also have individual entrance exams and interview rounds.
- The English language proficiency exams accepted by UK universities are IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL.
- Evidence of funds to manage the tuition and living cost in UK
- Passport
- An updated resume or CV.
- A Purpose Statement (SOP)
- A Recommendation Letter (LOR)
Canada Vs UK: Work Opportunities
UK
Before 2020, the UK had a very strict policy on post-study work visas for international students. International students could stay back in the UK only for 4 months to look for and acquire employment within the UK. This rule changed in 2020, where graduates and above students can stay back up to two years to search for preferential employment.
You need to apply for a skilled worker visa and your yearly income must be more than £20,500 (INR 20,44,014.52 approx). This post study work visa is valid for a maximum period of 5 years.
Canada
Canada has a very student-friendly policy for post- study employment opportunities. You can apply for a post-graduation work permit that’s valid for 3 years. Eventually, a work permit can help the students to convert it to permanent residency.
Canada and the UK offer the most advanced learning experience to every international student.It is entirely up to you to choose between Canada Vs UK as per your goals and requirements.
Are you confused about choosing between Canada Vs UK? LeapScholar is proud to have the best counsellors in India with 50+ years of combined experience in helping students study abroad. You can connect with LeapScholar’s counsellors who will help you pick the desirable country based on your personal preferences.
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