UK vs. Canada for International Students - Which Is Better?

The UK and Canada are two great nations of the world and have a global reputation for offering the best in class education. Both countries are known to be excellent hosts for international students and are becoming more and more popular with students thinking of studying abroad. Several factors make these countries great destinations for studying, working and settling. However, there are times when students are confused by the question of which is best, Canada or the UK? Students still view the UK and Canada in contrasting terms, but we will present a holistic picture of studying in these two equally good countries. 

Highlights

Top Universities in Canada VS UK

Both the countries are well known for their prestigious universities that offer them academic excellence. Some of the top universities in both the countries with QS World Ranking 2023 are tabulated below. 

UK vs Canada for International Student: Admission Requirements

Most of the study abroad destinations for international students focus on similar admission requirements. However, there are certain criterias that may vary as per the country. A brief of the same for students planning to study in Canada and study in UK is mentioned below. 

United Kingdom

• For UG courses in the UK, the best universities require 13 years of pre-university training. 
• This rule has recently been changed and UK universities now recognize the CBSE Plus Two certificate for admission to UG courses.
• You can be admitted to PG courses after completing a three-year UG course. Some universities require a GMAT score for admission to management courses.
• Universities also allow admission to management degree programs without GMAT scores. Science courses may not require the GRE test, so check with the university first.
• As in the US, management courses in the UK may require a few years of work experience. The university can waive TOEFL or IELTS, but they are important for obtaining a visa.

Canada

• For undergraduate (UG) courses, you must have completed 12 school years.
• To be admitted you must pass the SAT exam. 
• The duration of the diploma is four years, the diploma from two to three years.

• In graduate (PG) programs, admission to professional programs is easier because the admission criteria are much more flexible. 
• Admission to management degrees requires completion of the GMAT, and engineering degrees require passing the GRE exam.

• The threshold concept does not apply to Canadian universities. Universities provide accepted grade averages for various courses on their websites. This gives an idea of ​​what is considered a good score. 
• Regardless of your degree, you must also take language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Some universities may not require a language proficiency test for Indian students, but it is advisable to pass the TOEFL or IELTS as they are important for obtaining a visa.
•  If the visa interviewer is unsure of your language skills, they may not be able to grant you the visa. 

Student Visa for UK and Canada

For any country out of India, a student is required to apply for a student visa. A student visa is granted only when the student fulfils all the mandatory requirements. Hence, the student visa is a must and students must follow below mentioned pointers. 

United Kingdom

Students wishing to study at a university in the UK must apply for a UK student visa (former UK level 4 visa). Recently, the UK government eased post-study work visa regulations for international students. To apply for a UK student visa, these rules apply:

• It is awarded for full-time study only.
• Applying for a UK student visa costs £ 363.
• You can work part-time during your studies. However, some rules apply, e.g. B. up to 20 hours per week part time (on campus or off campus) and full time during holidays (on campus only).

Canada

The Canadian student visa has the following provisions:

• You must apply for a postgraduate work permit within 90 days of graduation.
• The Canada visa application process requires a mandatory medical test for Indian applicants.
• Spouses can also work full-time if their stay lasts for a year or more.
• Applying for this visa costs $ 150.
• You can't work more than 20 hours a week. During the holidays, vacations and summer semesters, the student can work up to 40 hours per week.

Postgraduate Work Visa for UK and Canada

After a student completes the education, he or she is required to get a post graduate work visa. Every country has its own set of rules for PR. A brief of the same is mentioned below. 

United Kingdom

Recently, the UK Home Office officially launched its new Graduate Route visa for international students. The Graduate Route allows international students who have graduated from a recognized UK university to stay and seek work for a minimum of two years. If you want to work there after your studies, you will need to apply for a postgraduate visa (PSW UK).

Canada

The Canadian Postgraduate Work Visa allows students who have graduated from a post-secondary institution to work after their studies for a period of availability that depends on the length of their studies, up to a maximum of three years. With this work permit, the student can work in any field or sector.

Costs for Undergraduate Courses in UK and Canada

The cost of attendance for UG courses in the UK and Canada are tabulated below. 

Costs for Postgraduate Courses in UK and Canada

The cost of attendance for PG courses in the UK and Canada are tabulated below. 

Scholarships to Study in UK

Choosing the UK as a higher education destination may be the best option for international students to gain global recognition with quality education. However, studying in the UK is expensive, up to £ 40,000 per year, including tuition and living expenses. This is where UK scholarships come in handy in easing the financial burden on students.

Depending on the funding source, scholarships to study in the UK can be divided into three categories:

• UK Government Funded Scholarships
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Other grants

UK Government Funded Scholarships

Government Funded Scholarships are among the most sought after UK scholarships for Indian students. These Government Scholarships should be your best options when looking for UK Masters Scholarships:

1. Saltire Scotland Scholarship:

The Scottish Government, in partnership with Scottish universities, offers Masters Scholarships in the UK. This scholarship is offered to citizens of India, Japan, Canada, the United States, China and Pakistan.

2. Scholarships to chew:

For Indian students, this is one of the UK's best Masters Scholarships. The UK government offers these fully funded scholarships to outstanding students from Chevening eligible countries around the world.

3. Commonwealth Scholarships and Grants:

The scholarship is funded by the UK's Department of International Development. The Commonwealth offers scholarships and scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries.

4. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships:

Multi-year scholarships, scholarships for short research and professional stays, scholarships for guests in certain subjects and doctoral scholarships. Two-year courses are not supported.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Here are some of the best university scholarships in the UK:

1. Edinburgh Global Scholarship:

There are only 30 scholarships available for international students interested in pursuing a PhD. at the University of Edinburgh. This scholarship only covers part of the tuition.

2. Kingston University London Scholarship:

The scholarship is open to all international undergraduate and postgraduate students of Kingston University. This £ 5,000 scholarship is available to students starting their first year in September or January.

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship:

The Gates-Cambridge Scholarship is for international students from any country who wish to pursue full-time postgraduate studies in a subject offered by the university. It covers the full cost of the study and provides additional flexible funding.

Other Grants

Independent agencies offer various other scholarships for international students. These scholarships for American students studying in the UK are:

1. Castle Smart Scholarship:

This is an undergraduate scholarship provided by Castle Smart Estate to international students in the UK. It offers tuition fees of a