Canada vs The UK for International Students - Which is Better?

Canada and the United Kingdom consistently rank at the top of the list of most desirable countries for studying abroad. It is no secret that they retain the most prestigious and world-renowned universities due to their vast and rapid development as nations and their high-quality academic systems.

As such, they have successfully trained and transformed international students into qualified professionals for the main industries and nurtured further development of international students. Choosing the most appropriate target can be challenging with such top targets.

Take a look at the factors that will assist you in making the right choice for your academic journey and country.

Education System

Many countries (on all continents) have adopted their state-of-the-art education system, which has gained international recognition and prestige. In defining both systems, we can say that Canadians had a more holistic approach to school policy, whereas the British emphasised statistics and grades.

Despite their similar goals, they have different mindsets, which is why their impacts on student development are different.

In terms of bureaucracy and tradition, the British higher education system is one of the most rigid. If you fail to include the process, however, it won’t be comprehensive because it will drive you beyond your limits. Unless you comprehend the process and achieve such goals, you will be held back from further opportunities.

The Canadian system differs from the UK’s closed regiment, offering a broader education, incorporating extracurricular activities and programs, and connecting directly to the community. The high-performance rates of students demonstrate its effectiveness.

The student can complete a UK undergraduate degree in three years and a postgraduate degree in one year. While in most other countries, undergraduates and postgraduates take four and two years to complete their degrees.

Eligibility Criteria

Both countries are home to top-ranked universities, so the high acceptance rate isn’t surprising.

Both countries do require an English proficiency test, preferably IELTS. Even if the university does not withhold proficiency with such bureaucracy, as the government does, you will need to present a score for your visa — the minimum score for IELTS is 6.0 or 6.5 in total and for each of its sections.

Both countries have 12th-grade certificates for UG and a 3 to 4-year bachelor’s degree certificate for PG. The first difference is in the scoring criteria.

As we pointed out above, when it comes to grades, the UK is the most steadfast; that’s precisely why their demand is 80%+ for both 12th grade and bachelor’s, with very few institutions accepting a minimum of 75%, as it depends on the courses. Canada requires a 70% average for both UG and PG.

The admission criteria in Canada are more relaxed, requiring the SAT Exam for undergraduates, the GMAT for postgraduates, and the GRE for engineers. Depending on the course and the institution, MBAs in the UK must present GMAT scores, while GREs are required for science-related programs.

It is imperative to note that each university has its own requirements in both countries. In determining which is best for you, your interests and transcript will play an equally significant role.

Employment Prospects Post Completion of Studies

A professional path is the outcome of our academic training. It is a must-have for every student and represents the realisation of the biggest challenge.

One of the greatest benefits of getting a degree in Canada or the UK is the incredible doors they open for a progressive professional life, whether within the countries — as both are notorious for embracing immigrants — or in every other country globally.

The Post-Graduation Work Program builds a structure to help the students in this scenario successfully. The program allows them to work while studying in a commodious way; it will also let them dive into numerous work opportunities, even outside their study field. This is a program aimed at fully accompanying the students.

However, UK’s strictness is also present in this sector. Their visa policies made it difficult for students to stay in the country for work after getting their degrees; happily, this saw change as they extended the post-work employment policy, allowing students to stay for about two years after completing their studies.

Salary Comparison

While both countries are developed and economically stable, they also succeed in remunerating their employees with positive wages.

High salaries can catch the eyes of every international student, especially from countries that do not meet Canadian or British standards. However, working in the country also means living there. Therefore, even with such pretty numbers, it comes with perks.

Compared to Canada, the UK is the most expensive country. As a graduate student, you can earn up to GBP 20K+ per year, which is high until you look at the cost of living that will require you to disburse more than GBP 1000 to survive monthly.

As mentioned above, Canada opens the door to a progressive professional life, presenting comfortable opportunities to graduates. Its cost of living is significantly lower than in the UK; however, it strictly depends on work, and the average salary is CAD 40K+.

Other Important Factors to Consider While Choosing Between UK and Canada

– Cost of Living

Canada is more cost-effective than the United Kingdom. From an analysis of the tuition fees between the two countries, it can be concluded that Canadian tuition fees are more diverse than those in the UK; universities in Canada offer both expensive and cheaper fees.

One of the most influential factors on this board is the availability of health insurance in Canada, which is 12-14% less expensive than in the UK.

However, in the commodity market, the UK tends to win. Having been subjected to importation, food, beverages and groceries in Canada are more expensive; thus, prices in the UK are about 19% lower than in Canada.

– Safety

The United Kingdom’s universities invest in the security of their students in general, especially on campus. From CCTV surveillance to trained security, they build a strategic and effective body to ensure the well-being of the students and, consequently, a commodiously safe environment for them to achieve their goals.

Canada is an extremely safe country in all aspects; students feel comfortable and safe walking its streets. Its universities also embody security through security services, patrols and other programs to maintain a balanced student environment on and outside the campus.

However, in the current global situation, where crime is almost taking a front seat, it is highly advisable students should connect with local students and advisors to stay safe in a foreign land.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, both territories are steadfastly wonderful study abroad options, as both present high-standard opportunities to the student’s academic and professional lives. Each country has diverse elements that must be studied to successfully choose the one most benefits you as a student and resident.

Global Colliance assists students in picking the best country and program according to student’s best interests and future goals. Global Colliance offers numerous other services, including IELTS and foreign language classes. Global Colliance works with over 250+ leading educational institutions in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, France, Australia and New Zealand.

Visit us at www.globalcolliance.com and get answers to all your study abroad-related queries.