Canada is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education abroad. It offers many advantages over the UK, such as lower tuition fees, higher quality of life, more post-study work opportunities, and a diverse and multicultural society. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast the main aspects of studying in Canada vs the UK, and help you decide which country is better for you.
Tuition Fees: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a study destination is the cost of education. Tuition fees for international students in Canada are much cheaper than the UK at around £5,855 a year. In contrast, in the UK, you can expect to pay around £11,000 to £25,000 per year for undergraduate degrees and up to £35,000 for postgraduate degrees. This means that you can save a lot of money by studying in Canada, especially if you are planning to pursue a longer or more specialized degree.
Cost of Living: Another aspect to consider is the cost of living in both countries. The UK is known to be an expensive place to live, with students typically spending an average of £12,000 to £15,000 per year on living expenses2. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses. However, the exact amount can vary depending on the location and lifestyle of the student. For example, living in London can be much more costly than living in other cities or towns.
Canada, on the other hand, has a lower cost of living compared to the UK. According to Numbeo, a website that compares consumer prices across countries, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Canada is £620, while in the UK it is £8233. Similarly, the average monthly cost of groceries in Canada is £191, while in the UK it is £2223. Therefore, you can save more money by living in Canada and enjoy a higher standard of living.
Post-Study Work Opportunities: One of the main benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to gain work experience and enhance your career prospects. Both Canada and the UK offer post-study work visas for international students who want to stay and work after their studies. However, there are some differences between the two countries in terms of the duration and eligibility of these visas.
In Canada, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing your degree. This allows you to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your program. You do not need a job offer or an employer sponsorship to apply for this visa. You can also use this work experience to apply for permanent residency in Canada through various immigration programs.
In the UK, you can apply for a Graduate Route visa after completing your degree. This allows you to work in the UK for up to two years if you have an undergraduate or master’s degree, or up to three years if you have a PhD. You do not need a job offer or an employer sponsorship to apply for this visa either. However, this visa does not count towards permanent residency or citizenship in the UK.
Therefore, if you want to have more flexibility and options for your post-study work and immigration plans, Canada might be a better choice than the UK.
Culture and Diversity: Both Canada and the UK are culturally diverse and welcoming countries that offer international students a rich and varied experience. However, there are some differences between them that might appeal to different types of students.
Canada is a bilingual country with English and French as its official languages. It is also home to many immigrants from different parts of the world who bring their own languages and cultures. As a result, Canada has a multicultural society that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. You can learn from different perspectives and backgrounds and make friends from different countries. You can also enjoy various festivals, cuisines, arts, and entertainment that reflect Canada’s diversity.
The UK is also a diverse country with many ethnic groups and languages spoken. It has a long history and tradition that influence its culture and values. You can explore its heritage and landmarks and learn about its history and politics. You can also enjoy its vibrant lifestyle and entertainment options that range from pubs and clubs to theatres and museums. You can experience its humour and eccentricity and make friends with its friendly and polite people.
Therefore, if you want to experience a more multicultural and bilingual environment, Canada might be more suitable for you. If you want to experience a more historical and traditional environment, the UK might be more suitable for you.
Conclusion: To sum up, both Canada and the UK are excellent study destinations that offer international students many benefits and opportunities. However, depending on your preferences and goals, one country might be better than the other for you. Here are some key points to remember when deciding between Canada vs the UK:
• Canada has lower tuition fees and cost of living than the UK.
• Canada has more post-study work and immigration options than the UK.
• Canada has a more multicultural and bilingual society than the UK.
• The UK has more prestigious and world-renowned universities than Canada.
• The UK has a more historical and traditional culture than Canada.
We hope this blog post has helped you compare and contrast the main aspects of studying in Canada vs the UK. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on your personal and academic interests. Whichever country you choose, we wish you all the best for your study abroad journey!
Contact Japafora Consulting on Whatsapp (+234 810 366 8908) for your bespoke admission and visa solutions.
