USA VS Canada: Where to Study?

When looking for higher education, it's important to take into account a number of factors. What do you hope to discover? What does it cost? Which courses are offered? The most crucial decision is which university you should choose.

Before you decide on anything else, the first step is to decide where in the world you want to study. In this blog post, we'll go over the main distinctions between the USA and Canada that will aid you in making your choice.

The United States and Canada are now two of the most well-known and prominent higher education locations worldwide, as more and more students choose to study abroad. Studying in one of the two nations has a number of significant advantages and disadvantages.

One of the most well-liked study abroad locations for international students is and always will be the United States. However, Canada has emerged as one of the top destinations for foreign students in recent years.

Popular programs

US

Engineering, computer science, business management, data science, business analytics, medicine, finance, and biotechnology are a few of the popular courses to take in the US. One year MBA are also available in USA.

Canada

Some of the most well-liked courses in Canada include those in computer science and information technology, media and journalism, applied and pure sciences, engineering, health and medicine, and hospitality and tourism. There is also 1 year MBA in Canada present to suit your needs.

Eligibility criteria

The majority of American and Canadian colleges typically require that applicants for undergraduate programmes have completed 12 years of study and taken the SAT examinations. However, each nation has different requirements for earning a postgraduate degree. It greatly depends on the programme you decide to enrol in. Universities in the USA demand that you submit your GPA and the results of entrance examinations like the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, and IELTS. The GRE and GMAT scores are less important to Canadian institutions than your GPA and IELTS/TOEFL results. As a result, it is often simpler to be accepted into Canadian universities.

The universities' quality

The United States is not only home to the Ivy League Schools but also some of the greatest universities in the world, with more than 4000 universities spread out over the nation. According to QS rankings for 2019, 12 American colleges are among the top 20 universities worldwide. These universities provide a variety of internationally renowned and respected degrees and courses. More than 8 Canadian colleges are included in the Top 200 World Rankings 2019 list, showing that they are not being left behind. Numerous universities are well known for their research possibilities and top-notch professors, including the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University.

Education Cost

Without a question, one of the most expensive endeavors is studying abroad. And before deciding to study abroad, one of the very first inquiries each student has is how much the entire trip would cost. The average annual tuition for undergraduate students at American colleges is about US$33,215, which is on the upper end of the scale. On the other hand, studying in Canada costs about US$23,300 per year, which is much less than other countries. Even so, there are a number of financial assistance alternatives available to foreign students to help make their study abroad more reasonable.

Financial Aid

There are a number of financial assistance alternatives available to overseas students to help make their education affordable despite the high prices of tuition and living expenses. In contrast to the United States, Canadian colleges are more likely to provide financial help to international students. Among the scholarships available to Indian students studying in the US are a few of the following: Tata Scholarship for Cornell University: Indian UG students may apply for need-based financial aid at Cornell University. The trust is giving away about $25 million to chosen pupils. Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships: The organization provides UG and PG students with 7.5 million USD in support annually. Fulbright-Nehru Research Fellowships: Students seeking master's degrees and research courses in the USA may apply for merit-based scholarships. Both tuition costs and the cost of living are covered by the grant. Inlaks Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are available to attend various US universities. SN Bose Scholarships International students seeking to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees in Canada have access to a variety of scholarships, grants, and bursaries.

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program: Vanier scholarships are available at more than 20 Canadian colleges, and recipients may receive up to 37,000 USD in rewards (50,000 CAD).
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: Offers prize winners a sum of money greater than USD 52,000. (70,000 CAD).
• Canada Graduate Scholarships- Master’s Program: offered at universities in Canada to masters candidates.
• IDRC Research Awards

Opportunities for employment

The variety of professional options that earning an international degree offers up makes it appealing in part. And on the map of work opportunities, both the USA and Canada are quite intriguing places. The United States comes in third, and Canada comes in fifth. According to statistics, some of the top-paying occupations in the US include management executives, doctors, dentists, and software engineers. While some of the top careers in Canada include nurse practitioner, programme analyst, teacher, pharmacist, financial manager, and construction manager. In 2018, the average first income for American grads was 48,127 US dollars. While the average first income for graduates from Canadian universities was 36,895 US dollars.

Student Visa

US

An F1 visa is used to study in the US full-time. The restrictions for this visa are as follows:

• An F1 visa is required for applicants to programmes that call for more than 18 hours of study. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are covered under this.
• You must have important documents showcasing your personal information, work experience, academic credentials, and financial situation in order to apply for an F1 student visa.
• The application for this visa costs $160 in addition to the $350 SEVIS fee.
• You are limited to 20 hours of labour each week. During breaks, holidays, and summer classes, the student is allowed to work up to 40 hours per week. The only businesses that are allowed to employ students on campus are those that provide services to the college, such restaurants and book stores.

Canada

The Canadian student visa is subject to the following regulations:

• A study permit is necessary for students who want to enrol in academic, professional, or vocational programs at Canadian universities, colleges, or other educational institutions. When students arrive in Canada, they receive it. Without a current study permission, foreign students are not permitted to enrol in classes in Canada.
• In addition, you can only apply for a Canadian student visa if your application has been approved by a recognised educational institution. You must demonstrate that you have the money to cover both your living expenses and tuition. Additionally, provide a police certification as proof that you have a spotless history and no felony offenses.
• A student visa for Canada costs 150 CAD.
• For Indian candidates seeking visas to Canada, a medical examination is required.
• On a student visa for Canada, you are only permitted to work 20 hours a week.

Student work permits for the USA and Canada

US

Students have the opportunity to do so through OPT if they desire to remain in the US to get experience in their field. It is a brief job authorization that gives students a chance to work temporarily in their field of study for a full year. After completing at least nine months of enrollment, you can apply for OPT; however, you cannot start working until you get your Employment Authorization Document.
The Student Co-Op Program is an officially organized initiative with the goal of enlisting students while they are still in school to take permanent roles when they graduate. Colleges and universities frequently offer co-op programs. When you land full-time or permanent employment, you'll often need to submit an application for a work visa. A three-year holdback is granted to students who are enrolled in STEM courses.

Canada

Students who graduate from any post-secondary institution are eligible for the Canadian Post-Graduation Work Visa, which permits them to work after they finish school for up to three years, depending on the length of their degree. The student is allowed to work in any profession or sector with this work authorization.

Popular positions in Canada and the USA

US

Information technology, real estate, healthcare, education, e-commerce, tourism, etc. are some of the main job areas in the USA.

Canada

Web developers, registered nurses, marketing managers, engineers, HR managers, IT project managers, pharmacists, etc. are a few of the in-demand professions in Canada.

Citizenship in the USA and Canada

US

It is possible to obtain permanent residence, however the procedure is extremely drawn out and lengthy. The applicant must have lived in the US for at least five years in order to qualify, which is a difficult process. After that, you will receive a "Green Card," but the entire procedure might take many years.
A permanent resident who has been granted permission to dwell and work in the US on an ongoing basis is known as a "green card" holder. As evidence of the status, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues a permanent resident card, popularly known as the "Green Card."

Canada

During this Post-Graduation Work Permit period, you may apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class. The country has a shortage of highly skilled people because of its tiny population. Compared to most other countries, Canada makes it easier to receive PR.

Climate

US

The vast country of the United States has various climates and temperatures throughout its territory. Cities like California and Arizona are located on the East Coast, which has a warm temperatures. Cities like Chicago and Boston are located in the Midwest and New England areas, which experience cold winters. Cities like Seattle and Portland are located in the wet Pacific Northwest. Cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas are located in the Southwest, which has a scorching desert environment. The southeast, which includes cities like Houston and New Orleans, has a moderate to hot, humid climate.

Canada

Wherever you are in Canada, the weather may be very different. Canada covers five time zones as it spreads from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. Toronto experiences a milder winter than the majority of Canadian cities, although it is still chilly and snowy. Montreal Winter weather is chilly and snowy. The nation often has summers that are comfortably cool.

Quality of Life

When compared to other nations, Canada scores remarkably well on the Better Life Index produced by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

• Compared to the OECD average of $33,604 per year, the average household net adjusted disposable income per capita is lower at $30,854 per year.
• When it comes to employment, 73% of adults aged 15 to 64 are employed, which is higher than the OECD employment average of 68%. Approximately 76% of males and 71% of women are employed.
• It is necessary to have a good education and practical abilities in order to obtain employment in Canada. About 91% of persons between the ages of 25 and 64 have finished upper secondary school. These numbers much above the OECD average of 78%.
• In terms of health, Canada's 82-year life expectancy at birth is two years longer than the OECD average of 80 years. Women have an average life expectancy of 84 years, compared to men's 80 years.

Compared to the typical person in the OECD, Canadians are a lot happier with their life. Canadians evaluate their general happiness with life at a 7.4 on a scale of 0 to 10, which is higher than the OECD average of 6.5.

Healthcare

For temporary residents like international students, certain Canadian provinces provide medical insurance. You can choose the school's insurance plan or another private insurance, nevertheless, if your jurisdiction does not provide medical coverage for overseas students. The premium costs for private healthcare in Canada are incredibly affordable when compared to the US. This lessens the total cost load while also making healthcare a practical choice for overseas students.

Conclusion: Which countries should I choose?

Education in the United States offers more various career chances and educational alternatives, whereas studying in Canada has superior prices and immigration rules. The key considerations listed above might help you choose between the two nations. These elements comprise your chosen programme, your test results, institution expectations, etc. I sincerely hope that reading this site will aid in your decision between the USA and Canada.

Making the decision to study abroad and going outside of your comfort zone may be a life-changing decision. We make an effort to assist you in selecting the ideal nation, institution, and program for you based on your performance and goals. We strive to make the procedure easy and stress-free so that you may get the most out of your educational experience.

FAQs

1- Which country is preferable, Canada or the USA?

Indian students can pursue higher education in both nations. Immigration and settlement options are broad in Canada. In addition, obtaining the PGWP and permanent residency in Canada is simpler than in the US. On the other side, the US has some of the best colleges in the world and offers exciting job prospects.

2- Is Canada a better place to study than the US?

Tuition at Canadian institutions is typically 27% less expensive than that at US colleges. When deciding where to study, there are other considerations besides the cost of tuition. In Canada, living expenses are cheaper.

3- Why are the United States and Canada better for students?

A number of top-tier international institutions are located in the United States, which draws students from around the world to study there. Comparatively speaking, American institutions are ranked higher and more prestigious than Canadian universities.

4- Is studying in the United States worth it?

Due to its colleges and excellent education, the USA is a top choice for students from all over the world. 2. Studying abroad will provide you a cultural experience and a global perspective because the USA has a rich history, culture, and tradition.

5- Why should I pick Canada over the United States?

At the moment, Canada has surpassed the US in terms of higher education pursuits. Due to its quick processing of study permits, simple immigration process, and affordable education, Canada is quickly becoming the country of choice for students.

6- Is it more expensive to study in the US than in Canada?

In Canada, undergraduate courses cost between $5,000 and $20,000 per year in tuition. Tuition in the USA for undergraduate courses starts at roughly $23,000 per year, making it one of the most costly nations for overseas students to study in.