UK or Canada which is Better for Higher Studies
Though it is quite tough to measure what country is the ultimate best for higher education. It always depends on your personal goals and determination. But in the general sense, we can discuss the pros and cons from different aspects.
In this article, we will discuss depending on these topics:
- Top universities in UK and Canada
- Cost of Studying
- Cost of Living
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Job opportunities
- Opportunities for PR
- Living standard
Top Universities
Both the United Kingdom and Canada are home to some of the world’s most prestigious and leading universities. In the UK, some of the top universities include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics. These universities are known for their rigorous academic programs, world-class facilities, and highly-regarded research facilities.
In Canada, some of the top universities include the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, and Simon Fraser University. These universities offer a wide range of academic programs and are known for their strong research facilities, innovative curriculums, and excellent student support services.
Ranking of UK’s Leading Universities
| Universities | Global Ranking | UK Ranking |
| University of Oxford | 2 | 1 |
| University of Cambridge | 3 | 2 |
| Imperial College London | 7 | 3 |
| UCL | 8 | 4 |
| The University of Edinburgh | 16 | 5 |
| The University of Manchester | 38 | 6 |
| King’s College London | 27 | 6 |
| The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 35 | 7 |
| The University of Warwick | 49 | 8 |
| University of Bristol | 61 | 9 |
Ranking of Canada’s Leading Universities
| Universities | Global Ranking | Canada Ranking |
| University of Toronto | 26 | 1 |
| McGill University | 27 | 2 |
| University of British Columbia | 46 | 3 |
| University of Montreal | 111 | 4 |
| University of Alberta | 126 | 5 |
| McMaster University | 140 | 6 |
| University of Waterloo | 149 | 7 |
| Western University | 170 | 8 |
| University of Ottawa | 230 | 9 |
| University of Calgary | 235 | 10 |
*Source-QS World University Ranking.
It’s important to note that there are numerous more top institutions in the UK and Canada, and your specific needs and objectives will determine which institution is best for you. When selecting a university, you should think about things like the academic programs it offers, its research facilities, campus culture, and location.
When comparing the situation of higher studies in the UK versus Canada on the QS world university ranking, the UK clearly comes out on top.
Cost of Studying
Depending on the institution and programme, tuition costs for undergraduate degrees in the UK can range from $12,000 to $50,000 per year. Some graduate programs might cost over $26,000 a year, making them considerably pricier. Additionally, the cost of attending college or university in the UK can be greatly raised by the fact that many students are responsible for covering their own living expenditures such as rent and other living costs.
Depending on the institution and program, undergraduate tuition in Canada can cost anywhere from $5500 and $25000 per year. The price of graduate degrees can also differ, with some programs costing more than $8000 annually. Similar to the UK, students in Canada are responsible for financing their own living expenses, which can dramatically increase the overall cost of attending a university or institution.
Tuition Fees in the UK vs Canada
The cost of tuition in the UK and Canada can vary greatly depending on the institution and program of study. In general, universities in the UK tend to be slightly less expensive than those in Canada. For example;
| Program | Annual tuition costs in the UK (in GBP) | Annual tuition costs in Canada (in CAD) |
| Bachelors | £7,500 to £15,000 | 5,000 CAD to 20,000 CAD |
| Postgraduate | £10,000 to £20,000 | 8,000 CAD to 25,000 CAD |
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the United Kingdom and Canada varies depending on location and individual lifestyle. However, the cost of living in Canada is typically lower than that of the United Kingdom. The cost of living in major cities such as London and Toronto can be quite high, with the average cost of living for a single person in London estimated to be around £1,500 to £2,000 per month, and CAD 2,000 to $3,000 per month in Toronto.
Housing, food, transportation, and entertainment can all be significantly more expensive in cities like London and Toronto than in other parts of the UK and Canada.
However, these costs can vary greatly depending on individual preferences and lifestyles, so it is critical to plan ahead of time.
Scholarships and other Grands Opportunities
Numerous governments, academic, and private scholarship opportunities are available in the UK. The Marshall Scholarship, the Rhodes Scholarship, and the Commonwealth Scholarship are a few of the most well-known awards. These grants can cover the cost of tuition in full or in part, as well as a living allowance for the duration of the program.
There are numerous scholarships offered in Canada by the public sector, academic institutions, and commercial businesses. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, and the Canada Graduate Scholarships-Program Masters are a few of the most well-known awards. These grants can cover the cost of tuition in full or in part, as well as a living allowance for the duration of the program.
Overall, both the UK and Canada offer a range of scholarship opportunities to help make higher education more affordable for students. But the UK has more prestigious and affordable scholarships than Canada.
Job Opportunities Comparison
After completing higher education, both the United Kingdom and Canada offer a range of job opportunities. The job market in the UK is known for being diverse and well-developed, with several industries offering promising career prospects. Some of the most in-demand fields in the UK include technology, finance, healthcare, and creative arts.
In Canada, the job market is similarly diverse, with opportunities available in industries such as technology, natural resources, finance, and healthcare. The Canadian job market is also known for being stable and offering competitive salaries.
Overall, both the UK and Canada offer a range of job opportunities for individuals with higher education. However, the job market in the UK is considered to be more developed and diverse, making it a more attractive destination for job seekers. It’s important to note that both countries offer different benefits and challenges, and the best choice will depend on an individual’s personal preferences, skills, and career goals.
Current Scenario of PR Opportunities in both Countries
Many international students are interested in permanent residency (PR) opportunities in the United Kingdom and Canada after completing higher education. Both countries offer appealing PR opportunities and have unique benefits, but the UK is thought to be a better option for PR after higher education.
International students who have completed their higher education can apply for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa or a Tier 2 General Visa in the United Kingdom. The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa is intended for individuals who have a business idea and want to start a business in the United Kingdom. The Tier 2 General Visa is intended for individuals who have a job offer in the United Kingdom. Both visas provide a fast track to permanent residency, with the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa granting PR in three years and the Tier 2 General Visa granting PR in five years.
International students who have completed their higher education can apply for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program in Canada. Individuals with at least one year of work experience in Canada are eligible for the CEC program. The CEC program can take several years to obtain PR, making it a slower and less convenient option when compared to the UK.
In terms of quality of life, both the United Kingdom and Canada provide high living standards, excellent healthcare and educational systems, and a welcoming and diverse society. The UK, on the other hand, has a more developed and mature economy with a wide range of job opportunities. This, combined with the quick path to PR, makes it an ideal destination for international students looking to settle permanently after finishing their higher education.
In conclusion, the United Kingdom is a better option for PR after completing higher education than Canada. With its fast track to PR via the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa or the Tier 2 General Visa, as well as its mature economy offering a plethora of job opportunities, the United Kingdom is an ideal destination for international students.
Living Standard Comparison
The United Kingdom and Canada are two of the world’s most developed countries, with high living standards for their citizens. When comparing the two, it could be argued that the United Kingdom provides a higher standard of living.
To begin, the United Kingdom has a strong and stable economy, with low unemployment and a high GDP per capita. This means that citizens have access to well-paying jobs, high-quality healthcare and education, and a variety of other advantages that come with a healthy economy.
In terms of healthcare, the United Kingdom (UK) has a National Health Service (NHS) that provides free care to all citizens. The NHS is widely regarded as one of the best healthcare systems in the world, boasting world-class facilities and highly trained personnel.
Furthermore, the UK has a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage, making it a vibrant and exciting place to live. The United Kingdom has a rich history and an impressive array of museums, galleries, and historical sites, so there is always something to see and do.
We may conclude from the discussion above that attending a UK university, if you can afford it, will be the best decision for both your education and future career.