Canada and the UK always make an excellent choice for international students to pursue their higher education. These countries have some of the world's oldest and most reputed educational institutes. As the colleges across Canada and the UK offer high-quality education and are equipped with top-class infrastructure, students stand to gain a lot in studying here. Students will need to make their final call in selecting the course, university, and country based on their requirements, goals, and budget. However, students can expect a great atmosphere to study and shape their careers in Canada and the UK.
Table of Contents
- Students' LifeStyle in Canada Vs the UK
- Top Universities to Study Canada Vs the UK
- Eligibility Criteria to Study Canada Vs UK:
- Scholarships to Study Canada Vs UK
- Cost of Studying in Canada Vs the UK
- Cost of Living in Canada Vs UK
- Visa Process
- Post Study Work Visa:
- Part-Time Jobs while Studying
- Conclusion
Students' Lifestyle in Canada Vs the UK
There are many reasons students prefer studying in the UK and Canada over other destinations. While education in these countries is high-quality, other reasons for students are excellent quality of life, great food and dining options, natural life spotting, freedom of doing what you want to do, and so on.
Canada
- Every Canadian college has a wide range of clubs for students to participate in and be active in.
- Every Canadian college provides students with many sports options before, during, and after college hours.
- There are plenty of options available for students who want to explore Canadian nightlife, especially in the major cities.
UK
- There are endless ways for international students to learn new things, enjoy themselves, and make friends in the UK.
- The country has a rich performing arts heritage. From modern dance to operas, there are so many choices students can take advantage of.
- The weather in the UK can be unpredictable. So, students take advantage of trying out different types of clothing to make themselves comfortable and happy.
- There are various food options in the UK to try out. It is an ultimate destination for students who love to experience the various cuisine offered.
Top Universities to Study Canada Vs the UK
One of the most important and life-turning decisions you will ever make is choosing a university in the UK or Canada. There are so many universities to choose from in these countries, so the task will not be easier. However, when you make the right decision, it will have a positive impact on your career as well as your future. Given below are some of the best universities in the UK and Canada.
Canada
University Name |
QS World Ranking |
Canada Rank |
University of Toronto |
26 |
1 |
McGill University |
27 |
2 |
The University of British Columbia |
46 |
3 |
University of Montreal |
111 |
4 |
University of Alberta |
126 |
5 |
McMaster University |
140 |
6 |
University of Waterloo |
149 |
7 |
Western University |
170 |
8 |
University of Ottawa |
230 |
9 |
University of Calgary |
235 |
10 |
UK
University Name |
QS World Ranking |
Canada Rank |
University of Oxford |
2 |
1 |
University of Cambridge |
3 |
2 |
Imperial College London |
7 |
3 |
University College London |
8 |
4 |
The University of Edinburgh |
16 |
5 |
The University of Manchester |
27 |
6 |
King’s College London |
35 |
7 |
London School of Economics and Political Science |
49 |
8 |
University of Warwick |
61 |
9 |
University of Bristol |
62 |
10 |
Eligibility Criteria to Study Canada Vs UK:
International students interested in studying in Canada and the UK need to meet certain eligibility criteria if they are to be considered for the courses. All universities in the UK and Canada have competitive exams, and students are required to clear them to get admitted to their courses.
Canada
- Original copy of prior qualifications
- Letter of Recommendation and Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Scores of GMAT or GRE (for Masters or MBA courses)
- Scores of IELTS, TOEFL, or C1 Advanced English proficiency tests
- Updated CV
- Two employment letters and two academic references if you plan to pursue a PhD or Master's program
UK
- Students must have a 10+2 diploma from an accredited institution or board. The minimum marks required depend on the chosen program and the university
- Minimum IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE scores as indicated by the university
- Students may be asked to provide GRE or GMAT scores for certain courses
- For enrolling in management courses, students may need to have some prior work experience
- Several UK universities also conduct university-specific interviews
Scholarships to Study Canada Vs UK
If you are an international student wishing to study in the UK or Canada, then you can consider several scholarships that can help you lessen your financial burden while you concentrate on your studies. While some of the scholarships available to you are government-sponsored, the rest of them are university-sponsored. Depending on the course and university chosen, the scholarship values may change. The students must verify the details at the time of admission.
Canada
Scholarship Name |
Description |
Eligibility |
Amount (CAD) |
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships |
Eligible for doctoral students in all subjects. |
Students must have agency-specific awards, like SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR at the postdoctoral level |
70,000 yearly |
York University’s VISTA Masters Scholarships Canada |
Eligible for high-calibre scholars associated with the VISTA program |
PhD degree from a national or international institution |
Up to 10,000/year for 2 years |
Leakey Foundation – Franklin Baldwin Memorial Fellowships |
Is beneficial for students pursuing a PhD or Master’s degree in Evolution or Human Origins |
Students must be from developing countries |
Up to 15,000 per year |
University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Undergraduate Research Award in Canada |
Open for Bangladeshi students pursuing undergraduate programs |
Must have completed at least 1 year of university course work and have a cumulative average of B |
Between 4,500 and 6,500 |
UK
Scholarship Name |
Description |
Eligibility |
Amount (GBP) |
Commonwealth Rutherford Fellowships |
The scholarship is aimed at attracting talented students from the Commonwealth countries interested in studying in the UK |
Students must belong to a Commonwealth country, except the UK and planning to pursue postdoctoral research at a UK university |
Up to 2,500 per year |
British Chevening Scholarships |
The scholarship is aimed at helping talented scholars with leadership potential from foreign countries to study for a master’s degree in any subject |
Be a citizen of a Chevening -eligible country and have at least 2 years of work experience |
Up to 18,000 |
University of Bradford Global Development Scholarships |
To help students enrolled in a master’s program |
Be enrolled in a Master’s program (except MBA) based at the University of Bradford and must have English qualifications as prescribed by the university |
Up to 25,000 |
Cambridge Trust Scholarship (Undergraduate) |
To help students enrolled in an undergraduate program |
Be an undergraduate student with international fee status |
Contribution toward the university tuition fee |
Cost of Studying in Canada Vs the UK
Canada and UK have always been popular destinations for international students to study. However, before you travel to these countries, you need to figure out the cost of studying. It will enable you to plan better and make your experience of staying there comfortable and happy.
Canada:
Each college or university in Canada charges a fee for students to apply for a course. This fee can vary between CAD 50 and CAD 250, depending on the program and university/college. Furthermore, students need to appear for English proficiency tests, like IELTS or TOEFL. The cost of these tests can vary between CAD 150 and CAD 330. Other important costs include a study permit for Canada (CAD 150) and tuition fees (between CAD 8,000 and CAD 52,000).
S. No |
Programs |
Tuition Fees (CAD) |
1 |
Bachelor’s Degree |
5,000-20,000 |
2 |
Postgraduate Degree |
8,000-25,000 |
3 |
Doctor Degree |
100,000 |
4 |
PhD Degrees |
2,500-17,000 |
5 |
MBA Programs |
30,000-40,000 |
UK
The cost of studying in the UK for international students is lower than in countries like Australia and the USA. However, the cost depends on your study's location and the level. Students may be required to spend between £10,000 and £26,000 annually to pursue undergraduate courses. The cost may increase for medical courses.
S. No |
Programs |
Tuition Fees (GBP) |
1 |
Bachelor’s Degree |
8,000-14,000 |
2 |
Postgraduate Degree |
10,000-20,000 |
3 |
Doctor Degree |
220,000 |
4 |
PhD Degree |
15,000-25,000 |
5 |
MBA Programs |
27,500-87,900 |
Cost of Living in Canada Vs UK
The cost of living in the UK for international students is slightly more expensive than in Canada. However, in both countries, the actual cost of living depends on many factors, like their location, transportation, food preferences, healthcare, entertainment, internet, etc. On average, students must spend between CAD 7,500 and CAD 12,000 per year to maintain basic living standards. In the UK, this cost will be between GBP 15,000 and GBP 20,000 per year.
Canada
Kind of Expenses |
Amount (CAD) |
Private Accommodation |
7,000-9,000 |
Internet |
400-600 |
Public Transportation |
900-1,200 |
Stationary |
500-1,500 |
Household and other bills |
600-1,000 |
Entertainment |
200 |
UK
Kind of Expenses |
Amount (GBP) |
Private Accommodation |
4,000-6,000 |
Internet |
100-150 |
Public Transportation |
1,500-1,800 |
Stationary |
500-1,000 |
Household and other bills |
200-500 |
Entertainment |
100 |
Visa Process
After finalising your study program and the institution, the next step is to apply for a student visa. Applying for a visa is different in the UK and Canada. So, students need to follow the exact steps prescribed by the concerned authorities. For example, to get a student visa for Canada, you must receive an acceptance letter from the university. The same needs to be provided with other documents like a valid passport, documents indicating that you have sufficient funds, proficiency in the English language, etc.
On the other hand, the UK provides a full-time student visa called Tier 4 Student Visa. To get this visa, students need to have an acceptance letter from the university, proof of having sufficient funds and the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. Students may need to go through interviews during the visa application process for Canada and the UK.
Canada
- The visa cost is approximately 150 Canadian Dollars
- The post-study work permit needs to be applied for within 90 days of course completion
- You must take IELTS or TOEFL exams when applying for the visa
- International students need to undergo a medical examination compulsorily
- Personal interviews may be required for students for the visa application
UK
- A Tier 4 Student Visa is issued for a full-time study program
- You may or may not be called for the personal interview
- The length of the visa could be three years (maximum) if you are applying for a diploma course
- The length of the visa could be four years (maximum) if you are applying for a degree course from a university
- The cost for applying for a Tier 4 Student Visa is £348. The international health surcharge is £705
Post Study Work Visa
In acquiring a Post Study Work Visa, students studying in Canada and the UK can stay in those countries after their studies and work for a stipulated period, as prescribed by the visa rules. There are certain criteria students need to fulfil to be considered for a Post Study Work Visa.
Canada
As an international student, you are eligible to work in Canada after your studies. However, you need to have a Post Study Work Visa. Students need to apply for this visa within 180 days after they graduate and need to confirm the following:
- The length of the program
- The name of the program, and
- That you have attended the program and completed the program.
You can confirm the above by providing any of the following:
- An official letter from the school
- Your transcript or
- Your degree or diploma.
UK
The Post Study Work Visa offered by the UK for international students lets them remain in the country and work for up to 2 years after completing their studies. However, the work visa duration is three years for students who hold a PhD or any other doctoral qualification.
Whether a student is eligible for the Post Study Work Visa depends on the following:
- How long he/she studies in the UK
- The kind of program the student has completed, and
- The education provider where the course was completed.
The following criteria need to be met if a student has to apply for a Post Study Work Visa successfully:
- He/she has to be in the UK
- The education provider (College or University) has informed the student of the successful completion of the course
- The student has acquired a UK bachelor's degree or completed another eligible degree
- The student holds a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa or a Student Visa
Part-Time Jobs while Studying
International students in both Canada and the UK are allowed to work while studying, subject to certain criteria and regulations. The Canadian Work Permit, for example, requires students to work on campus – either for an employer with the university or one of the buildings within the campus. Also, students need to work only during the tenure of their course, not before or after. In the UK, students with a Tier 4 Visa can work full-time during holidays or up to 20 hours a week during the term. The work allowed for students will be within the campus, like research assistantship or teaching.
Canada
Jobs |
Salary (CAD) |
Tutor |
15-20/hour |
Teacher’s Assistant |
15.65/hour |
Freelancer |
25.60/hour |
Translator |
21.16/hour |
Bartender/Server |
11/hour + Tips |
UK
Jobs |
Salary (GBP) |
Writer |
31.79-84.78/hour |
Tutor |
37.09/hour |
Data Entry |
3.97/hour |
Marketing Researcher |
21.20-317.94/hour |
Accountant |
12/hour |
Conclusion
AECC is the perfect study abroad consultant you can rely on when you are confused about choosing the right college or course. Our educational experts are always there to help you with any queries regarding studying abroad. Whether you wish to study in the UK or Canada, you can be sure of getting all the right information and help through us. Our expert guidance will put all your confusion to rest and let you focus on the most important things – studying abroad and shaping your career. We wish to see students having a good time while abroad pursuing their interested courses and fulfilling their goals. Get in touch with AECC today and find out which countries – the UK or Canada- fit perfectly with your educational goals.