Canada or UK | Which Is Better For Study Visa

Last Updated On : May 20 , 2024

The choice between Canada and the UK will depend on factors such as tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, quality of education, and post-graduation work options. Both countries have reputable institutions, but Canada is known for its more lenient post-study work permits, making it an attractive choice.

Study Visa Requirement : Canada vs UK

To apply for a Canadian study visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Canada

A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a designated learning institution (DLI) is needed.
Generally considered slightly less expensive than the UK
Canadian Universities Offer more Practical approaches and group projects.
Offers a pathway to permanent residency through programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).
Focus in specific areas like artificial intelligence or clean technology

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK ENIC organization.
Tuition fee is more expensive.
Universities often have a more traditional and theoretical approach, with a focus on lectures
Obtaining permanent residency after graduation can be more challenging.
The UK might excel in areas like pharmaceuticals or aerospace.

Cost of Studying in UK vs Canada

Programs	UK	Canada
Graduation Programs	£9,250 to £38,000 annually	$5,500 to $50,000 annually
Postgrads Programs	£15,000 to £20,000 annually	$8,350 to $27,820 annually

How Many Students are Studying in Canada vs UK

Both Canada and the UK are excellent destinations for international students, offering world-class education, vibrant cities, and diverse cultures. The best place for you to study will depend on your individual priorities and preferences.

Source: Canada International Student Statistics

Canada offers international students to earn while studying in Canada, and there are different programs to work in Canada on a study permit, including work on campus, Off-campus, and work as a co-op student or intern.

Canada has become a major destination for international students, with over 1 million currently enrolled and attracted by quality education and a welcoming environment.

Source: International Student Statistics in UK

The UK boasts a large international student population as well, reaching around 0.68 million.

Finding An Immigration Expert: IRCC vs UKVI

Becoming more knowledgeable about the PR process can give you the confidence to apply independently, but do you still need to consult an immigration expert?

In obtaining permanent residency (PR) in Canada or the UK, consulting with the respective immigration authorities is crucial.

For Canada, you can consult an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), while in the UK you have to consult with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Which Country is Better For Short Term Courses: Canada or UK

Both countries provide short term courses for international students that address industry skill gaps and complete labor market demands. The government often partners with industry associations and employers to develop curriculum and ensure training programs

Canada	UK
Canada offers many short-term courses, including certificate programs, workshops, and professional development courses.	The UK offers many courses, including intensive language programs, vocational courses, and specialized training.
Cannabis Production and Cultivation (6 months to 1 year) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) (4 months to 1 year) Sustainable Building Design and Construction (3 months to 1 year)	Cybersecurity (4 months to 1 year) Creative Industries - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (3 months to 1 year) Brewing Science and Technology (6 months to 1 year)

UK Vs Canadian Education System

The education systems in the UK and Canada differ in their approach. The UK system focuses on a traditional and structured curriculum with national exams like GCSEs and A-Levels, while Canada offers more flexibility and allows for provincial variations. Canada also emphasizes a broader range of electives and aims to develop well-rounded individuals.

Top 5 Universities UK vs Canada

UK	Canada
University of Oxford	University of Toronto
University of Cambridge	McGill University
Imperial College London	University of British Columbia (UBC)
University College London (UCL)	University of Alberta
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	McMaster University

Dual Degree Program: UK vs Canada

Both Canada and the UK allow international students to participate in dual degree programs, which can make them more competitive candidates in the job market.

Certain Canadian universities permit international students to pursue multiple educational programs simultaneously through partnerships with different universities.

University of Toronto (UofT) offers some programs with various partner universities in Europe and Asia.
McGill University offers (MBA)/Master of Science (MSc) in Finance with Fudan University in China.

Like Canada, the UK universities offer several programs with partner universities in the US and Australia.

Pursuing a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Economics from the University of Oxford supports a parallel program from Columbia University in the US.
Pursuing Master of Science (MSc) in Neuroscience from University College London (UCL) with the University of Melbourne in Australia.

Conclusion:

Based on the data provided, it cannot be concluded whether Canada is better than the UK or vice versa, as each country has its strengths. Factors such as tuition fees, career opportunities, university scope, student population, and educational fields of interest have been considered to help you make a well-informed decision.

If you need assistance with applying for a Canada study visa, our immigration consultant can offer guidance.