Canada is becoming increasingly popular as an international study destination, and it’s easy to see why. With its welcoming culture, diverse student population, excellent education system and safe environment, Canada has a lot to offer to students looking for a great place to study. In this article, we’ll compare studying in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand vs Canada so that you can decide which one is right for you.
The UK: The United Kingdom offers world-class universities with strong reputations for research excellence and teaching quality. Costs of tuition and living expenses are typically higher than other countries but there are scholarships available from most institutions. Academic standards are also very high in the UK and many courses offer opportunities for work placement or internship.
The USA: The United States offers a wide range of higher education institutions, many of them renowned globally for their research and teaching quality. Costs are usually higher than in other countries but financial aid is available to help reduce the cost burden. There are also a host of other benefits, such as an extensive library system and access to cutting-edge technology, making the US an attractive choice for international students.
Australia: Australia has one of the best education systems in the world, with several highly ranked universities offering excellent study opportunities. Tuition fees and living expenses tend to be lower than in some other countries, although scholarship options are more limited. In addition, there are plenty of job opportunities for students who wish to gain work experience while they study.
New Zealand: New Zealand is known for its excellent education system and welcoming culture, making it a great destination for international students. It also offers lower tuition fees than many other countries, although living expenses can be quite high. In addition, there are plenty of job opportunities for those who wish to gain work experience while studying in the country.
Canada: Canada has become increasingly popular as an international study destination in recent years due to its welcoming culture and diverse student population. Costs of tuition and living expenses tend to be lower than in some other countries. Academic standards are not too high and there are ample job opportunities for those looking to gain work experience while studying in the country.
Additionally, chances of Permanent Residence are HIGH.
To apply for PR, employment support is often not even necessary.

When it comes to studying abroad, there are many factors to consider in order to choose the best option for you. Here we take a look at five countries and compare the average tuition fees, test scores, post-study work permits, permanent residence opportunities, and ability to work while studying.
Factors | UK | Canada |
Eligibility Criteria for Admissions | TOEFL or IELTS are not required at universities although it can help fetch points | TOEFL or IELTS are required for admissions while few universities have exempted |
Tuition Fees | Undergrad and Postgrad – 11,300 USD to 22,600 USD/year P.hD.- 17,000 USD to 27,200 USD/year | Undergrad- 8,800 USD to 21,800 USD/year Postgrad- 13,100 USD to 41,500 USD/year P.hD.- 3,000 USD to 20,500 USD/year |
Post-Study Work Permit | International students can stay in the UK for up to 2 years in order to find work | International students will get an Open Work Permit to work in Canada up to 3 years and eventually apply for Permanent Residence |
Permanent Residence Opportunity | Chances of Permanent Residence are very LOW. To apply for PR employment support is usually necessary. | Chances of Permanent Residence are HIGH. To apply for PR employment support may not be necessary. |
Test scores | GRE – 310 – 315 GMAT – 650 + IELTS – 6.5 – 7.0 TOEFL – 90 + DET – 105 – 120 | GRE – 300 + GMAT – 600 + IELTS – 6.0 + TOEFL – 90 + DET – 105 + |
Ability to work while study | You can work part-time up to 20 hours a week, during term time, and an unlimited number of hours outside term time, as an international student in the UK | You can work part-time up to 20 hours a week, except during semester breaks when you can work 40 hours or more a week |
Factors | US | Canada |
Eligibility Criteria for Admissions | TOEFL or IELTS are accepted by American universities. | TOEFL or IELTS are required for admissions while few universities have exempted |
Tuition Fees | Undergrad- USD $25,000-$35,000 /year Postgrad- 21,100 USD to 44,500 USD/year P.hD.- 28,000 USD to 55,000 USD/year | Undergrad- 8,800 USD to 21,800 USD/year Postgrad- 13,100 USD to 41,500 USD/year P.hD.- 3,000 USD to 20,500 USD/year |
Post-Study Work Permit | The post-completion OPT allows recent graduates to work in the US for 12 months. | International students will get an Open Work Permit to work in Canada up to 3 years and eventually apply for Permanent Residence |
Permanent Residence Opportunity | If you came to the United States with an F-1 student visa, you have 3 way to stay in the United States: 1. OPT – Optional Practical Training Certain science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, qualify for a two-year extension of OPT Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an option for F-1 Visa students who have recently graduated. … 2. Apply for a Non-Immigrant Work Visa H-1B visa are required to have specialized knowledge of H-1B Specialty Occupations … 3. Apply for a Green Card | Chances of Permanent Residence are HIGH. To apply for PR, employment support is often not even necessary. |
Test scores | GRE – 310 + DET – 105 + | GRE – 300 + GMAT – 600 + IELTS – 6.0 + TOEFL – 90 + DET – 105 + |
Ability to work while study | You can work in the USA while studying but there are some restrictions. International students who have an F-1 and M-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus and in specified training programs. | You can work part-time up to 20 hours a week, except during semester breaks when you can work 40 hours or more a week |
Factors | Europe | Canada |
Eligibility Criteria for Admissions | TOEFL or IELTS are required at universities | TOEFL or IELTS are required for admissions while few universities have exempted |
Tuition Fees | Undergrad- USD $7,500-$50,000 /year Postgrad- 19,900 USD to 44,000 USD/year P.hD.- 28,500 USD to 57,600 USD/year | Undergrad- 8,800 USD to 21,800 USD/year Postgrad- 13,100 USD to 41,500 USD/year P.hD.- 3,000 USD to 20,500 USD/year |
Post-Study Work Permit | The EU Blue Card, EU Member States offer the possibility to stay within the EU for 12 consecutive months after graduation to search for a job in the host country. | International students will get an Open Work Permit to work in Canada up to 3 years and eventually apply for Permanent Residence |
Permanent Residence Opportunity | In order to remain in Europe after graduation, you must look into residence permits and long-term visa options depending on what country you are studying. | Chances of Permanent Residence are HIGH. To apply for PR employment support may not be necessary. |
Test scores | IELTS- 6.5+ TOEFL- 80+ | IELTS- 6.0+ TOEFL- 90+ |
Ability to work while study | You can work off-campus during their first academic year. | You can work part-time up to 20 hours a week, except during semester breaks when you can work 40 hours or more a week |
Factors | Australia | Canada |
Eligibility Criteria for Admissions | TOEFL or IELTS are required for admissions while few universities have exempted | TOEFL or IELTS are required for admissions while few universities have exempted |
Tuition Fees | Undergrad –20,000-45,000 AUD/year Graduate Degree: 22,000-50,000 AUD/year P.hD.- 22,000-42,000 AUD/year | Undergrad- 8,800 USD to 21,800 USD/year Postgrad- 13,100 USD to 41,500 USD/year P.hD.- 3,000 USD to 20,500 USD/year |
Post-Study Work Permit | A Skilled Graduate Temporary Visa allows you to live and work in Australia for 18 months to gain work experience if you have completed a program of 2 years or longer. | International students will get an Open Work Permit to work in Canada up to 3 years and eventually apply for Permanent Residence |
Permanent Residence Opportunity | Difficult | Easier |
Test scores | GRE – 300 + GMAT – 550 + IELTS – 5.5 + TOEFL – 115 + | GRE – 300 + GMAT – 600 + IELTS – 6.0 + TOEFL – 90 + DET – 105 + |
Ability to work while study | You can work up to 40 hrs/week | You can work part-time up to 20 hours a week, except during semester breaks when you can work 40 hours or more a week |
Factors | New Zealand | Canada |
Eligibility Criteria for Admissions | While the TOEFL test is equally popular, the IELTS exam is recommended for a New Zealand study permit. | TOEFL or IELTS are required for admissions while few universities have exempted |
Tuition Fees | Undergrad –15,000-21,700 USD/year Graduate Degree: 26,000-37,000 USD/year P.hD.- 4,500-6,100 USD/year | Undergrad- 8,800 USD to 21,800 USD/year Postgrad- 13,100 USD to 41,500 USD/year P.hD.- 3,000 USD to 20,500 USD/year |
Post-Study Work Permit | New Zealand allows international students to get a post study work permit of 1, 2 or 3 years if they satisfy the requirements of immigration. The skills which are in high demand are agriculture, business, engineering, ICT, science, trade, and transport. | International students will get an Open Work Permit to work in Canada up to 3 years and eventually apply for Permanent Residence |
Permanent Residence Opportunity | 1) Post- Study Work Visa (Open) This option is open for students who have just completed their studies and are looking for job opportunities. On this visa, you can stay in a country for a year and look for a job related to your field of study or research. … 2) Post-Study Work Visa (Employer Assisted) … 3) Business and Investment Visa | Chances of Permanent Residence are HIGH. To apply for PR employment support may not be necessary. |
Test scores | IELTS- 6.0+ TOEFL- 75-90+ | GRE- 300+ GMAT- 600+ IELTS- 6.0+ TOEFL- 90+ DET- 105+ |
Ability to work while study | You can work up to 20 hours a week if you are doing a full-time course. | You can work part-time up to 20 hours a week, except during semester breaks when you can work 40 hours or more a week. |
When it comes to deciding which country is right for you, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages and the decision should be based on your individual needs and desires.
Hopefully this article has given you some insight into studying in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand vs Canada so that you can make an informed decision.
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