Why is Canada better than the UK for International students?
For Nepalese students, studying in the UK and Canada have been popular study destinations since many years. Each nation has a long history of providing outstanding education and has consistently received higher rankings for their respective universities and colleges!
However, for an international student, choosing between two countries can be confusing at times due to wide range of course offerings and their future potential.
Let’s take a look at some of the important considerations you could have, from the quality and cost of further education to the bucket-list-worthy travelling activities you can look forward to before you get overwhelmed by all of your options.
To make sure that you do not miss any important information regarding your study abroad decision, the Goreto Educational Consultancy have compiled some crucial information. In this blog article, we’ll compare and contrast the two nations based on some of the most important factors students evaluate while making their abroad study decisions. By the end of this blog post, you will be well-equipped with all the reasons to choose Canada over the United Kingdom as your ideal overseas study destination from Nepal.
- The Quality of Education:
Whether you want to study in the United Kingdom or Canada, the quality of universities should be a top priority. One of the most important factors to consider while choosing a college is the environment in which you can pursue your passions and develop new interests.
Both the Canadian and British educational systems foster an environment that prepares students for a bright future. The following are some of the distinctions between the two educational systems which will definitely make you clear that Canada has more flexible and practical educational system than that of UK:
CANADA | THE UNITED KINGDOM |
· Rather of focusing on grades, aims to deliver a more holistic education. This nation’s educational system is not as stratified as that of UK.
· According to studies, students are generally stress-free in Canada. · In this type of educational system, parents and the community are more involved. · Although Canadian universities and colleges are not as old as British institutions, they have great facilities and teaching faculty that is gradually acquiring international respect. · Every student receives a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, which leads to holistic development. |
· Educational structure Is highly stratified on the basis of class system and pays a lot of attention to grades.
· In this type of educational system, students are under pressure to perform. · Education system is a highly bureaucratic. · The United Kingdom’s education system is home to some of the world’s best universities, which provide world-class higher education with the best infrastructure. · Extracurricular activities and sports are only for pupils who excel at the activity or sport. |
- Higher Education Institutions Type:
Colleges offer diplomas and post-graduation certificates, whereas universities grant degrees, according to the Canadian educational system. The definition of college in the United Kingdom, on the other hand, is rather different. Students can enroll in UK colleges to pursue two-year degrees after finishing their school levels. After that they may pursue a three-year bachelor’s degree at a UK university.
Hence, the UK and Canada have different definitions of “colleges” and “universities.”
Canada
- Public and private universities:Have the authority to award bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degrees.
- Colleges and institutes:Provides instruction in practical domains of work. Institutes of technology, community colleges, and colleges of applied arts are all names for these institutions. Such colleges provide students with one/two-year post graduate and diplomas certifications. Students will have plethora of options for their desired courses in any field.
UK
- Independent institutions:Publicly funded, privately run, or government-run institutions.
- Degree-awarding institutions: Such institutions own and govern many degrees (foundation degrees, teaching degrees, and research degrees).
- Universities: Private or government-run institutions.
- Institutional Groups: Many institutions have formed ‘mission groups,’ such as the Russell Group and the Cathedrals Group.
When comparing the UK and Canada, you can see how distinct educational institutions operate in each country. Now is the time to learn about the finest universities in these two highly regarded study abroad destinations.
- Top Universities:
We must say, both Canada and the United Kingdom are home to some of the top-notch global universities. Below you can find some of the top ones:
Canada
QS World University Rankings 2022 – Top 10 Universities in Canada | ||
Canada Rank | Global Rank | University |
1 | 26 | University of Toronto |
2 | 27 | McGill University |
3 | 46 | University of British Columbia |
4 | 111 | University of Montreal |
5 | 126 | University of Alberta |
6 | 140 | McMaster University |
7 | 149 | University of Waterloo |
8 | 170 | Western University |
9 | 230 | University of Ottawa |
9 | 235 | University of Calgary |
There are also some of the top public colleges in Canada providing the best quality education with practical approach in an affordable cost. Due to studying in these colleges large number of Nepali students are even success in landing the job in their respective fields. The colleges are:
Rank | Colleges | City, Province |
1 | Seneca College | Toronto (GTA), ON |
2 | George Brown College | Toronto (GTA), ON |
3 | Douglas College | Vancouver, BC |
4 | Conestoga College | Kitchener, ON |
5 | Humber College | Toronto (GTA), ON |
6 | Centennial College | Toronto (GTA), ON |
7 | Fanshawe College | London, ON |
8 | Lambton College | Toronto (GTA), ON |
9 | Langara College | Vancouver, BC |
10 | Vancouver Community College | Vancouver, BC |
UK
QS World University Rankings 2022 – Top 10 Universities in the UK | ||
UK Rank | Global Rank | Institution |
1 | 2 | University of Oxford |
2 | 3 | University of Cambridge |
3 | 7 | Imperial College London |
4 | 8 | UCL (University College London) |
5 | 16 | University of Edinburgh |
6 | 27 | The University of Manchester |
7 | 35 | King’s College London (KCL) |
8 | 49 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) |
9 | 61 | The University of Warwick |
10 | 62 | University of Bristol |
Even though the United Kingdom boasts some of the world’s most known universities, the exceptional level of education and range of courses available in Canadian universities and colleges will astound you for sure.
- Admission Requirements:
Between these two nations, the better option to choose from also depends on your ability to meet the eligibility criteria. Students must meet the special standards of the respective universities and colleges in each of these nations.
Canada
If you’re a Nepali student going to study in Canada, keep the following crucial points in mind:
- An original copy of the previous qualifications.
- Scores of the GRE or GMAT (for MBA and masters courses).
- Statement of Purpose and Letter of Recommendation (SOP).
- Scores on either the (C1 Advanced, IELTS, or TOEFL) English proficiency tests. If you want to take a French language course, you’ll need to take one of the following French proficiency tests: DALF, TEF, TCF, or DELF.
- Legal documentation showing you have the enough financial resources to study and live in Canada.
- Well-updated CV.
- You must provide two academic references and two employment letters if you plan to pursue a Masters or PhD program. If you’re a new employee, you’ll also need to have your educational credentials assessed (ECA).
UK
- Students must have a 10+2 diploma from a recognized board or institution. Minimum qualifying marks and study programs differ depending on the requested study program and university.
- For some courses, applicants may be asked to submit GMAT or GRE scores. Interview rounds and university-specific entrance examinations are also held at several universities.
- You should have a few years of prior job experience for management courses.
- IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL are the English proficiency examinations recognized by UK universities. Most universities in the United Kingdom accept an IELTS score of 6.5, with 6 in each band.
- Cost of Overall Study:
When deciding which nation is better between the United Kingdom and Canada, the cost of living and education in both countries must be considered. We’ll go over the key costs that foreign students have to bear when studying and living abroad in the sections below.
Comparing UK and Canadian tuition fees
We’ve compared the tuition fees in both countries in the table below so that students will themselves be able to decide which country is the better one:
Study program | Tuition fees in the UK yearly (in GBP) | Tuition fees in Canada yearly (in CAD) |
Bachelor’s degree | £8,000 to £14,000 | 5,000 CAD to 20,000 CAD |
Postgraduate/ Master’s degree | £10,000 to £20,000 | 8,000 CAD to 25,000 CAD |
When it comes to choosing between Canada and the United Kingdom for abroad study, Canadian universities and colleges have way lower tuition fees.
Cost of Living Comparison:
Major expenses | Cost of living per year (£) | Cost of living per year
(CAD) |
On-campus accommodation | £3,600 to £4,000 | 2,500 CAD to 8,000 CAD |
Private accommodation | £5,000 to £9,000 | 4,000 CAD to 8,000 CAD |
Transportation (public) | £1,500 to £1,800 | 900 CAD to 1,200 CAD |
Entertainment | £100 and above (depends on personal preferences) | Entertainment 200 CAD and above (depends on personal preferences) |
Household and other bills | £300 to £700 | 500 CAD to 900 CAD |
Internet charges | £100 to £150 | 400 CAD to 500 CAD |
Stationary | £500 to £1,500 | 500 CAD to 1000 CAD |
Note: All of the figures in the table are estimates based on one’s lifestyle and other criteria such as city, course duration, and so on.
For international students, the United Kingdom is slightly more expensive than Canada in terms of living and study costs. Therefore, Nepalese students would be better off choosing Canada as their ideal study destination if they wish to pursue high-quality education while staying within their budget.
- Visa Process:
Canada
Acquiring a Canadian student visa is easier than obtaining a student visa in the United Kingdom. A Canadian student visa is also subject to a number of restrictions. These are they:
- Within 90 days of finishing your course, you must apply for a post-study work visa.
- For Nepali students, a medical examination is required as part of the visa application process.
- Both partners can work full-time. Their stay in Canada must be for a minimum of one year.
- The processing fee is $150.
- During the course term, no more than 20 hours per week are permitted.
- You can work up to 40 hours per week throughout the holidays.
UK
Obtaining a UK Student Visa is difficult due to stricter visa restrictions. The following is general information about student visas in the United Kingdom:
- For a diploma course, the visa could last up to three years.
- For a university degree, the visa would be valid for a maximum of four years.
- The application price is £310 (with an additional £310 for each dependent visa).
- You may be required to attend a personal interview.
- International students are permitted to do the following work:
- Part-time work up to 20 hours per week throughout the school year
- during vacations, full-time (only on-campus)
Even the visa application process in Canada is easier than in the United Kingdom. International students can also earn money during their breaks and vacations because they are free to work wherever they want to. As a result, some Nepali students studying in Canada are be able to pay their own tuition fees. So you may decide for yourself which country would be best for you to study in!
- Permanent Residence Opportunity:
Canada
International students are increasingly welcomed to stay and work in Canada. International students can apply for a three-year post-graduation work permit, which allows them to remain in the country and work in any area or industry.
While on PGWP, students can apply for PR in this nation. PR visa holders can also bring their families with them to this country Because the country is thinly populated, highly skilled workers are in scarce supply. As a result, obtaining a permanent resident visa in Canada is hassle-free and straightforward.
UK
As a result of Brexit, several changes in UK government policies have occurred. It is extremely difficult for international students to stay in the UK after graduation and to find work in their respective fields. As a result, the odds of obtaining permanent residency in the United Kingdom are slim.
- How much income can I expect to earn after graduation?
In the United Kingdom, the average annual salary after graduation is around £26,345. Your income, however, will be determined by your educational background. The unemployment rate for college graduates in the United Kingdom was at 4.3 percent in 2021.
In terms of earning Canada is marginally better, with many grads earning an average of $40,000 per year. Canada also has a higher rate of graduate employment, with roughly 80% of international students with a Bachelor’s degree employed in 2021.
- Climate:
Canada
The weather in Canada varies greatly depending on your location. Canada spans five time zones and runs from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. Winter in Toronto is milder than in most other Canadian cities, yet it is still cold and snowy. Montreal Winter weather is bitterly cold and snowy. Summers in the country are usually pleasant and cool.
UK
The climate in the United Kingdom varies from day to day. The weather is difficult to forecast. Summers are often hot, while winters are cold. Summers here are milder than in Nepal. Rainfall is also unpredictable, as it can fall at any time of the year.
- What is there to visit, do and see?
Canada
If you enjoy outdoor activities, Canada is the place for you. Canada is, in fact, one of the world’s most popular ski destination. The country boasts breathtaking scenery, lakes, and more than 45 national parks. The Niagara Falls State Park, one of Canada’s most recognized destinations, is ideal for a retreat to shop, attend live events, or even to take a cruise. Canadian cities, particularly Old Quebec, are full of history and art, as well as some of the world’s most famous and colorful hotels. You may also visit Toronto for some museum visits, thrift store shopping, and live theatre.
UK
Because the UK has a maritime atmosphere, there are numerous outdoor activities available throughout the year, and you’re never more than 75 miles from the sea! The UK is a diverse country, and each region has its own set of attractions, so whether you prefer the bustle of cities, the beauty of the countryside, or a visit to a castle or two, you’ll be well-served! There are also 15 national parks, seven natural wonders, and 32 World Heritage sites in the UK.
In this case, both countries have their own key attractions and locations to visit for international students. Whichever country you choose to study in, you will undoubtedly have the best time of your life. Having said that, if you love a peaceful nation close to the United states where you will be warmly welcomed and won’t have to deal with any accent adjustments then, students Canada is the best destination for you!
- Medical Care:
Canada | UK |
In Canada, healthcare is provided by the province and territorial governments. Medicare is the name of the publicly funded healthcare system. The average annual cost of healthcare is $900. The average cost of private health insurance is $750 per year. | The National Health Service in the United Kingdom is a government-funded medical system. This program ensures that everyone receives free medical treatment. The average cost of health insurance in the United Kingdom is £1,435 per year. |
As you can see, medical care insurance costs in Canada are far lower than in the United Kingdom.
Conclusion:
This content contains a wealth of information regarding why Canada is a far better alternative for international students than the United Kingdom. As you may have noticed, each country as a Study Abroad location offers its unique set of benefits.
The United Kingdom has some of the best universities in the world and is gradually improving its policies to benefit international students after course completion, whereas Canada already has lower overall study and living costs and has been providing international students with flexible post-study work opportunities. The immigration process in Canada is straightforward, making it easier to secure permanent residency and citizenship. The United Kingdom has some strict immigration laws.
We understand how difficult it is to filter through all of the information available online to select those that are suitable for you. Our Canada education counsellors have been through the same process as you and they know how to help you balance your priorities and make a solid decision.
Connect with Goreto experts at the best Canadian education consultancy, who will help you choose the ideal university, colleges, and course for you according to your specific preferences. Our team has extensive experience dealing with all aspects of visa applications. We deal with visas for students and their dependents, along with handling visa rejection cases. Get in contact with us right now for experienced advice and assistance.
Are you still unclear about anything? Well, don’t be worried anymore!
Get your queries answered today by calling Goreto Educational Consultancy at “01-4483252” or visiting our office in New Baneshwor Chowk, Kathmandu.
We wish you good luck in your desired career!