UK vs Canada: Which is the Best Destination to Study Abroad?

9 min read

Education & Career Trends: May 19, 2023
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS



  • Excerpts are taken from an article published on coachingsquare.in.

The two most popular study-abroad destinations among Indian students are the UK and Canada. Both Canada and the UK are renowned for the excellence of their educational systems. Therefore, choosing between studying in Canada and studying in the UK as a student becomes challenging.

If you are having the same dilemma, our study abroad experts for Canada and the UK can guide you in resolving it. Additionally, ICS is a great place to start if you want to understand the Canada Study Visa and UK Study Visa processes.

Let’s look at some information that could be helpful in determining between studying in Canada and the UK. 

Globally Recognised Universities

Many top-notch universities are located in both the UK and Canada.

Top Universities in Canada

UniversityGlobal RankCanada Rank
University of Toronto251
McGill University312
University of British Columbia453
University of Montreal1184
University of Alberta1195
McMaster University1446
University of Waterloo1667
Western University2038
Queen’s University2469
University of Calgary2469

For those who aspire to study in Canada in the near future, the option of choosing from a large number of renowned colleges there is exciting. However, applying for admission and getting a Canada study visa to attend one of these universities is not as straightforward.

Our study abroad experts have all the right knowledge and extensive expertise required to successfully complete the Canada study visa process and enable students to successfully apply for admission to Canadian universities.

Top Universities in UK

UniversityGlobal RankUK Rank
University of Oxford51
University of Cambridge72
Imperial College London83
UCL (University College London)104
University of Edinburgh205
The University of Manchester276
King’s College London (KCL)317
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)498
University of Bristol589
The University of Warwick6210

Eligibility Criteria

Similar to Canada, the UK is an ideal choice for leveraging a perfect combination of excellent education and an excellent social environment. The application process for study visas in the UK might, however, be a little more difficult than in Canada. Getting the right assistance is the best method to simplify the application procedure for a UK study visa and achieve your dream of studying in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in Canada

  • In order to be eligible for enrolling in undergraduate programmes in Canada, students need to complete at least 12 years of formal schooling.
  • Universities in Canada typically provide four-year degree programmes. Diploma courses take two to three years.
  • Numerous vocational courses are available to study in Canada along with regular academic programmes. Additionally, the students can also pursue post-graduate or master’s degrees in Canada. Obtaining a student visa is simpler for students who want to study vocational courses in Canada.
  • Students who want to enrol in management courses must take the GMAT test. For engineering programmes, the applicants clear the GRE test. 
  • There is no cut-off system in the Canadian educational system. For international students to study in Canada, different universities have different requirements for test scores.
  • Proof of English language proficiency is required to study in Canada. Aspirants can do this by clearing well-known language proficiency tests, such as the IELTS and TOEFL. A few Canadian institutions also accept international students without requiring them to take a language test, but the students must demonstrate that they are able to communicate effectively in English in order to obtain a student visa for Canada. This can be done by achieving a high score on the above-said exams.

Our expert counsellors are here to assist you if you’re confused about which language test is appropriate for you. You may speak with us to find out the best ways to ace your next exam.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in the UK

  • Earlier, it was mandatory to complete 13 years of schooling to perform undergraduate study in UK. Recently, alterations have been introduced making it possible for 10+2 certificate holders to study in UK.
  • Students who wish to pursue a post-graduate program in the UK must finish an undergraduate degree as a precondition.
  • Undergraduate degrees are a prerequisite for students who want to enrol in a post-graduate programme in the UK.
  • The GMAT test should be taken in order to enrol in a management programme. The GRE test is necessary for those who are interested in science courses. One’s chances of being accepted into top UK colleges and universities can be boosted by high GMAT or GRE score.
  • To get admission in a UK University, a language proficiency test is not mandatory. However, test scores from tests like the IELTS and TOEFL are still required to get a UK student visa.

Cost of Study

The cost of studying abroad is one of the most crucial variables you must take into account when considering a campus. Let’s compare the costs of attending college in the UK and Canada.

Cost to Study in Canada

A huge number of international students are drawn to Canada because of its affordability. Canada is known to offer more affordable education than many of its counterparts (such as the USA and the UK). A huge number of international students are drawn to Canada because of its affordability. Compared to several of its competitors (including the USA and the UK), Canada is regarded for providing more cheap education. Your preferred university and your preferred course are the two main determinants of how much it will cost you to study in Canada. Canadian institutions have varying tuition fees. Depending on the level of education you wish to pursue in Canada, the cost of your education may also change.

FactorUndergraduate CoursePostgraduate Course
Tuition Fees$10,000 – $30,000 per year$15,000 – $35,000 per year
Living Cost$10,000–$12,000 per year$10,000–$12,000 per year
Duration of Course4 years1- 2 years
Total Cost of Study in Canada$20,000-$42,000 per year$25,000-$47,000 per year

Cost to Study in UK

One of the most pricey destinations for international students is the UK. So studying in the UK might be rather expensive. The cost of studying in the UK has been laid out in the table below.

FactorUndergraduate CoursePostgraduate Course
Tuition Fees£8,000-£15,000 per year£10,000-£20,000 per year
Living Cost£12,000-£15,000 per year£12,000-£15,000 per year
Duration of Course3 years1-2 years
Total Cost of Study in UK£20,000-£30,000 per year£20,000-£35,000 per year

Scholarships

The expense of studying abroad is high. Excellent scholarships are offered by both Canada and the UK to international students in an effort to ease their financial burdens. Below is a list of the prestigious scholarships available to study in Canada and the UK.

Scholarships to Study in CanadaScholarships to Study in UK
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships granted by the Government of CanadaBritish Council GREAT scholarships for Indian Students
Canada Asia-Pacific Awards (CAPAOxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships granted by Government of CanadaSir Ratan Tata Fellowships for South Asian Students at LSE
Sauvé Scholars Program by the Jeanne Sauvé Youth FoundationCharles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship supported by the Government of CanadaCardiff Business School India Scholarships

Popular Subjects to Study in Canada

  • Business
  • Natural Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Social Science

You can speak with our Study Abroad Counsellors to find the course that perfectly meets your preferences and background.

Popular Subjects to Study in UK

  • Business
  • Computer Science and Information Technology
  • Engineering
  • Physical and Earth Sciences
  • Forestry and Agricultural Sciences

If you need, you can take help from our expert counsellors to choose a suitable course to study in UK.


Working While You Study

International students can work while studying in Canada and the UK in order to manage their living expenses and obtain some valuable job experience. However, in order to prevent complications and maintain the validity of their Canada study visa or UK student visa, they must adhere to the predetermined job requirements.

Studying and Working in Canada

  • Only those enrolled in full-time courses are permitted to work.
  • Regardless of the type of work permit they have, students are allowed to work off-campus.
  • Students are only allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during classes.
  • On weekends and during holidays, students are permitted to put in extra hours.
  • When students arrive in Canada, they can begin working right away.

Studying and Working in the UK

  • In the UK, it is simple to get part-time employment. However, several UK institutions restrict students from working off-campus while they are enrolled.
  • Students can only work if they have a tier-4 UK student visa.
  • For a job in the UK, the applicant must be at least 16 years old.

Post-Study Work Options in Canada

After completing their education, students are permitted to reside in Canada with the help of a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The fulfilment of the PGWP in Canada is mostly reliant on two factors:

  • Your chosen course, and
  • Field of study

PGWP enables international students to reside and work in Canada for up to three years. Additionally, PGWP applications can only be submitted by students who have enrollment at Designated Learning Institutes in Canada.

Post-Study Work Options in the UK

The UK, like Canada, allows international students to stay and explore job prospects post their studies. Students must request a post-study work visa to do so. The program enables foreign students to live and work for a maximum period of two years in the country.


Canada Student Visa Process

For overseas students to study in Canada, they must get a student visa. It is not that simple to obtain a student visa to study abroad in any country, however, the Canadian student visa application procedure is comparatively more accessible and more convenient than the UK application process. The best approach to completing your Canada student visa application correctly and obtaining your Canada student visa quickly is to get in touch with an experienced team of advisors.

UK Student Visa Process

A UK student visa is more challenging to get than a Canadian student visa. However, by seeking guidance from a knowledgeable team of experts, you can make your UK Student Visa Process seamless, smooth, and error-free.


Many international students aspire to get into an abroad university every year.  Selecting the ideal study-abroad destination is one of the most careful choices students must make when deciding to study abroad. Indian students frequently choose to study abroad in Canada and the United Kingdom. Both countries provide excellent education as well as other significant advantages.
You may talk with our study abroad experts for any form of guidance on studying in Canada or the UK!


Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?

Top Reasons to Choose New Zealand as Your Study Abroad Destination


(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)

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