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

16 October 2023

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Many students wonder if studying in the UK or Canada is a better option. Studying in either destination is a great idea because of the high quality of education, easy life and reliable public services. This detailed guide aims to help you decide whether the UK or Canada is the best place to study abroad for your goals.

Table of contents

The education system in the UK versus Canada

The education system in the UK	The education system in Canada
The UK has a long and prestigious academic legacy and its modern research facilities are widely recognized as some of the best in the world.

The high quality of the higher education system at UK universities is one of the main draws for international students looking to improve their chances of career success.

Canadian higher education institutions are committed to fostering student success in their academic, professional and personal endeavors.

Canadian universities classrooms are a mix of lectures and tutorials in addition to being committed to high quality research and teaching.

There are 4 types of higher education institutions in the UK:

1. Autonomous settings: They are privately or publicly funded institutions that are operated independently.

2. Degree-Granting Institutions: Degree awarding institutions own and administer many degrees (foundation degrees, teaching degrees, and research degrees).

3. Universities: They are privately or publicly funded.

4. Group settingsMany institutions have formed ‘missionary groups’, such as the Russell Group and the Cathedrals Group.

There are 4 types of higher education institutions in Canada:

1. Universities: They offer a wide variety of associate degree programs, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

2. Colleges: University colleges offer diploma and university transfer programs.

3. Community Colleges: Students have the option of pursuing a variety of credentials, including certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

4. Career and Technical Colleges: Technical training programs usually conclude with certificates or degrees.

Top 10 Universities in UK vs Canada

You can compare the quality of higher education in the UK and Canada by looking at university rankings. This can help you choose between the two study destinations. According to the QS World University Rankings, these are some of the best universities in each destination:

You can also see the most recent updates of university rankings here.

Dual Degrees in UK vs Canada

Have you ever thought of integrating your two talents, business and food, into one career? Having two degrees, whether a bachelor’s degree or a diploma, gives you an edge in the competitive job market.

Let’s take a look at some of the best double degrees available in both the UK and Canada:

Dual Undergraduate Degrees in UK and Canada	Dual Masters Degrees in the UK and Canada
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Business	Master in Cyber Security Analysis and Master in International Relations
Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Information Technology	Master Accountancy and Master Business Law
Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts	Master Creative Industries and Master Management
Bachelor Design and Bachelor Media Communication	Master in Planning and Master in Architecture
Bachelor of Pedagogy and Bachelor of Music	Master Business Analytics and Master Management

Types of Postgraduate Degrees in UK vs Canada

Postgraduate courses in the UK are divided into Masters (taught or research) courses and PhD courses. On the other hand, postgraduate degrees in Canada are classified into diplomas, courses, and programs.

Postgraduate courses in the UK	Postgraduate courses in Canada	Duration
Master’s degree (taught)	–	1 to 2 years
Master’s degree (Research)	–	1 to 2 years
Doctorate or PhD	–	3 to 7 years old
–	Postgraduate Diplomas	1 year
–	Master’s programs	Up to 2 years
–	Doctorate courses	Up to 6 years old

Top 5 Scholarships in UK vs Canada for International Students

Universities and colleges in the UK and Canada have long been recognized as some of the largest in the world, with many of them offering a variety of scholarships to international students each year.

Check out the list of the best scholarships for international students in each study destination below:

University Admission Requirements in UK vs Canada

University admission requirements vary by institution, subject and level of study. However, if you want to apply to a prestigious university in the UK or Canada, you must have the following:

Visa Requirements for UK vs Canada Students

Visa requirements for UK students

The type of UK visa you need is determined by your age and the type of study you wish to pursue. The following is a summary of the types of study visas and the application criteria.

Student route (General) visa: For students aged 16 and over admitted to a course at a UK educational institution.
Student Route (Children’s) Visa: For students aged 4 to 17 who have been offered a place on a course at a UK educational institution that has a valid student route sponsor, such as an independent fee-paying school.
Short term study visa: For students who have been offered a place on a short-term course in the UK, such as an English language or training programme.

For more information, visit the Gov.UK website.

Visa requirements for students in Canada

The Canadian student visa is commonly referred to as a “study permit”.

Due to the possibility of rapid changes in study permit regulations, you need to stay informed. This information is most easily accessible through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

For possibly. you can always contact us a free consultation Where we can advise you on the full visa application procedure.

Student Employment| the United Kingdom vs. Canada

Work in the UK

If you want to stay and work in the UK after graduation, you must first apply for a new visa or an extension.

The three most common work visas for international students are Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur), Tier 2 (General) and Tier 5 (Temporary Worker). You can find out if you are eligible for one of these visas and how to apply for them on the UK government website.

Work in Canada

If you plan to work in Canada after graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PWPP) allows you to gain work experience. If you are admitted to the PWPP, you will be issued a work visa that will allow you to work in any profession and change employers freely for the duration of your initial study program (up to three years).

The cost of studying in the UK vs Canada

The cost of studying in the UK or Canada varies depending on the field of study and the university you choose. Here is a breakdown of the estimated annual tuition fees in each destination. (indicative)

Study program level	Average annual costs in the UK	Average Annual Cost in Canada
Undergraduate Program	13,000 to 32,000 £	15,000 to CA$50,000
Postgraduate master’s degree	13,000 to 32,000 £	20,000 to CA$30,000
doctorate	£15,000 to £24,000	12,000 to CA$20,000
MBA	13,000 to 32,000 £	24,000 to CA$40,000

The cost of living in the UK vs Canada

The cost of living in the UK or Canada depends on your lifestyle and the city in which you study. Use the IDP Cost of Living Calculator or contact your certified advisor for a more accurate estimate of how much money you will need in each destination.

Type of expenses	UK (cost per month in GBP)	Canada (cost per month in Canadian dollars)
Hostels and guest houses	–	$300 – $600 ($10 – $20 per night)
Shared rental	£610 to £1,255	$250 to $700
On campus (Accommodation)	£664 to £850	$500 to $1500
Host family (Accommodation)	£600 to £800	$400 to $800
Private apartment	£600 to £1000	$400 to $1500
Internet/telephone	£12 to £30	$50 to $76
Food	£100 to £300	$1200 to $1500
Electricity/gas	£80	$200
Transport	£44	$100 to $150

Best Cities for International Students in UK vs Canada

According to the QS Best Student Cities Ranking, 3 of the ten most student-friendly cities in the world are in the UK and Canada. And here are some of the best cities for international students in each country:

If you’ve come this far, this is your sign to take the first step towards your journey abroad. Contact your certified IDP advisor, who will help you choose the best study abroad destination and course and guide you through your application process for FREE.