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Canada vs India: Which is Better for Indian Students?

Canada vs India: Which is Better for Indian Students?

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Oct 10, 2024 10:41 AM IST

Where to study between Canada vs India for Indian students? Students always wonder whether to pursue higher education abroad in Canada or complete a degree in India. Several aspects include exploring and researching different pros and cons to consider while deciding which is better for higher education between Canada vs India. The major difference between Canada and India is in terms of the educational system, popular courses, tuition fees, financial aid, entry requirements, and many more.

Another aspect to consider is the popularity of Canada vs India for Indian students. The majority of Indian students are inclined toward studying abroad in popular destinations such as the UK, USA, and Canada. Canada has an edge over India in this aspect. Generally, the choice between Canada vs India for international students is always subjective as per the preferences and choices.

Canada vs India, which is better for studies? There are three intakes in Canada: September, January and December for international students; however, India offers only one intake for students in September. It is a major reason for choosing Canada over India. Both the countries Canada and India hub some of the top universities in the world for higher education as per QS World University Ranking. Here, we have provided a brief detail about Canada vs India for international students in the article below.

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Canada vs India for Indian Students

Particulars

Canada

India

Cost of Living

CAD 1,650 to 3,050/month

Rs 25,000 to 35,000

Top Universities

  • University of Toronto

  • McGill University

  • University of Waterloo

  • Western University

  • University of Ottawa

  • IIT, Bombay

  • IIT, Delhi

  • Indian Institute of Science

  • IIT, Kharagpur

Language of Instruction

English

English/Hindi

Currency

CAD

Rs (INR)

Average Tuition Fees

CAD 13,000 to 40,000

Rs 50,000 to Rs 10,00,000

Popular Courses

  • Computer science

  • Business

  • Engineering

  • Information technology

  • Health Sciences

  • Engineering

  • Medicine

  • Accountancy

  • Commerce

  • CA/CFA/CMA

Course Duration

  • 4 years for Bachelor

  • 1-2 years for Master

  • 3 years for Bachelor

  • 2 year for Master

Average Salaries

CAD 40,000 to 60,000

Rs 5,00,000 to 9,00,000

Best student cities

  • Toronto

  • British Columbia

  • Vancouver

  • Montreal

  • Ottawa

  • Ontario

  • Mumbai

  • Delhi

  • Bangalore

  • Kolkata

  • Chennai

  • Ahmedabad

Also Read:

Canada vs India Intakes Requirements

Students must be familiar with the intakes in Canada or the admission cycle in India to apply prior to the application deadlines with proper documentation and forms. Canada vs India for international students in terms of admission cycle varies as there is only one intake in India whereas Canada impressively offered three intakes for Indian students to secure admission to Canadian universities.

There are application deadlines to comply with to be a part of a particular intake. Here, we have mentioned the required details about the admission intake in Canada vs India for international students:

Admission Intakes in Canada for Indian students

Intakes

Admission duration

Application deadlines

Fall

September to February

December - March

Winter

January to May

September - November

Spring

May to August

January - February

Admission Intakes in India

Intakes

Admission duration

Application deadlines

Fall

September to December

June to August End

Canada vs India Top Universities

One of the important things to consider for choosing between Canada vs India education systems is the university's rankings and its reputation among its peers. To have a clear understanding, we have presented some of the best universities in India and the top 10 universities in Canada as per QS World University Rankings 2025.

Top Universities in India

Students can consider the below-mentioned best global universities in India to pursue higher education at different levels of study such as undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral.

Top 10 Universities in India

Top 10 Universities in Canada

Some of the best universities in Canada for Indian students as per QS 2025 are mentioned below. Students can shortlist the universities from the list below as per their preferences and choices and apply accordingly.

Best Universities in Canada:

Popular Courses in Canada vs India for Indian Students

Deciding the course of study to opt for higher studies in Canada or India is an important aspect. To make an informed decision, one must be aware of the popular courses in top universities in Canada or India that can yield higher salaries in the future.

In the tables below, we have mentioned a few of the most demanding courses in Canada and some of the popular courses in India. Students can use the information while weighing the pros and cons between Canada vs India for Indian students

Popular courses in Canada

Here, we have given the top courses in Canada for international students along with their average cost of attendance/tuition fees per year.

  • Business Management: It costs around CAD 30,000 to 50,000

  • Health Sciences: This course tuition in Canada is CAD 50,000 to 1,60,000

  • Engineering: This STEM course in Canada costs approximately CAD 40,000 to 60,000.

  • MBA: It is the most popular and demanding course in Canada and tuition is between CAD 30,000 to 50,000. Many Indian students prefer MBA in Canada over other courses.

  • Information Technology: This field has diverse course options and costs around CAD 45,000 to CAD 65,000.

High demanding courses in India

A few of the top courses in India for students along with their average cost of attendance/tuition fees per year are mentioned below for reference.

  • Business Administration: The majority of students opt for this course in India and its tuition is approximately Rs 3,00,000 to 5,00,000.

  • Medicine: MBBS courses in India costs Rs 15,00,000 to 30,00,000

  • Data Science: This course tuition is between Rs 4,00,000 to 8,00,000

  • Law: This course is among the most expensive courses in India and costs around Rs 10,00,000 to 20,00,000 on average and can go above this.

  • Architecture: This course cost is within Rs 4,00,000 to 8,00,000 in India

Admission Requirements to Study in Canada vs India

Wherever one is planning their higher education, meeting the requirements of universities in Canada or India is important to be considered for the courses. Although the eligibility criterion varies as per the location, course, and university, a list of common requirements to study in Canada vs India is provided.

Eligibility for Top Universities in Canada

To secure admission to Canadian universities, international students are required to comply with the following requirements:

University requirements in Canada for international students:

Study Level

Entry Requirements

Eligibility for Bachelors in Canada

  • At least 70% in 12th grade

  • English proficiency

  • SAT/ACT (may/may not required)

Masters in Canada requirements

  • Bachelor's degree of 4 years with a minimum of 70%.

  • GMAT with 580-600

  • 1 to 3 years of work experience

  • English proficiency (equivalent to IELTS 6.5)

  • Portfolios, written samples, theses, and previous copies of published work (If required)

  • LORs, admission essays, SOPs, resume,

MBA requirements in Canada

  • 3 to 4 year bachelor in the relevant field

  • English proficiency

  • Good GMAT score (500 to 700 out of 800)

  • 3-5 years of work experience in the related field

  • Study gaps with reasons are acceptable

Eligibility for Top Indian Universities

To be a part of prestigious and highly ranked Indian educational institutions, students are required to follow the following common entry requirements.

University requirements in India for prospects:

Study Level

Entry Requirements

Eligibility for Bachelors in India

  • Average percentage of scores for their 10th and 12th grade

  • Pass 12th with a specific stream like PCM, Commerce, or PCB to pursue courses such as engineering, business, or medicine in India.

  • Relevant entrance exams such as CUET, NEET, CET, CLAT, and DUET.

Masters in India requirements

  • Bachelor in the relevant field with a minimum aggregate of 50%.

  • Relevant entrance exams such as CAT/GRE/GMAT

Popular Entrance Exams in India

There are n numbers of entrance exams for students seeking higher studies in India. Students can attempt the relevant entrance exams as per their course structures. Some of the popular entrance exams for specific courses in India are mentioned below:

Entrance exams in India for higher education:

Entrance Exam

Entry requirement for courses in India

JEE main

B.E/B.Tech /B.Arch for NIT and IIT

JEE ADVANCE

B.E/B.Tech in IIT

NEET UG/PG

MBBS and BDS

NCHMCT

B.Sc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration

NDA and NA

Written Exam Conducted by UPSC 3 Years Training for Entry into ARMY/NAVY/AIRFORCE

CAT

MBA/management courses in IIMs and other management institutes

GATE

MTech programs

CLAT, LSAT India, AILET

Law programs across Indian Law Schools

AIIMS UG/PG

For medical courses at AIIMS

CET

State-specific entrance exam

Also Read:

Cost of Studying in Canada vs India

Here, we have provided an overview of cost of studying in Canada and India for reference.

Study in Canada tuition fees

The most important aspect to consider while deciding between Canada vs India for Indian students is comparing and analysing the average tuition fees for various courses. Hence, we have mentioned below the estimated cost of studying in Canada vs India for different degree options.

Cost of studying in Canada

Particulars

Expenses (CAD)

Bachelors

13,000 to 20,000

Masters

17,000 to 25,000

Doctoral

7,000 to 15,000

MBA

30,000 to 40,000

Study in India: tuition fees

Depending on the location, course type, and study level, tuition fees in India also vary. It also varies whether the institute is privately owned or by the state/central government. Students can refer to the below-average tuition fees for different levels of study in India.

Cost of Studying in India

Particulars

Tuition Fees (per annum)

Bachelors

Rs 1,00,000 to 5,00,000

Masters

Rs 2,00,000 to. 4,00,000

Doctoral

Rs 80,000 to 3,00,000

Diploma

Rs 20,000 to 60,000

Cost of Living in Canada vs India

For proper budgeting of finances, it is crucial to calculate the expected living costs between India and Canada for students. Hence, we have provided below Canada vs India living costs that include the average expenses of accommodation, utilities, transportation, and much more.

Living expenses in Canada vs India for international students:

Expenses list

Living costs in Canada (CAD)

Living costs in India (Rs)

Accommodation

CAD 1,500 to 2,000

Rs. 10,000 to 40,000

Food and Groceries

CAD 150 to 250

Rs. 1,500 to 2,000

Transportation

CAD 100 to 150

Rs. 500 to 2,000

Utilities and Internet

CAD 200

Rs. 2,000 to 4,000

Personal Expenses

CAD 200 to 300

Rs. 2,000 to 5,000

Student Visa Requirements for Canada vs India

A mandatory entry requirement for admission to Canadian universities is a Canadian student visa. On the other hand, there are no visa requirements for Indian students seeking higher education in India. So, students making study decisions between Canada vs India must keep in mind visa requirements. Here, we have mentioned the essential study in Canada requirements for Indian students below for reference.

Student Visa Requirements for Canada

Particulars

Details

Who it’s for

Prospective students of a Canadian University (DLIs) require a student visa. They must be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their finances and genuine intent to enter Canada.

The ideal time to apply

3 months prior intended date of travel to Canada

Validity

The entire duration of studies in Canada is in addition to 90 days.

Visa fees

CAD 150

Processing time

Veries as per the location and the volume of Canadian student visa applications. Generally, it takes 4-6 weeks in India

Is part-time work allowed

Yes, it is restricted to 20 hours per week

Also Read:

Demanding Jobs in Canada vs India for Indian Students

While making an informed decision regarding selecting higher education countries between India and Canada, one must be aware of the career opportunities after completing their respective courses. Here, we have listed the top job options for students seeking admission in Canada and India.

Highest paying jobs in Canada

Some of the most demanding careers in Canada after graduating from Canadian-designated learning institutions are mentioned below:

Highest-paying careers in Canada for Indian students:

Professions

Average Salary per Annum (CAD)

Registered Nurse

70,975

Electrical Engineer

91,832

Veterinarian

95,804

Accountant

56,257

Web Developers

72,627

Pharmacist

89,314

Highest Paying jobs in India

Some of the best careers and their average salaries per year in India are mentioned below for reference

Highest-paying careers in India for Indian students:

Professions

Average Salary per Annum (Rs per year)

Software Developer

8,00,000 to 15,00,000

Engineer

6,00,000 to 18,00,000

Product Manager

12,00,000 to 16,00,000

Digital Marketing Specialist

5,00,000 to 10,00,000

Project Manager

9,00,000 to 15,00,000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why choose Canada over India for higher studies?

Indians often prefer Canada over India for higher studies due to aspects such as better quality of education, more career opportunities, better standards of life, new culture, and low crime rates.

2. Is India a better country than Canada?

Both countries are equally good but the decision is subjective to personal choices. India is renowned for its rich cultural history, affordable living costs, and rapidly growing economy. On the other hand, Canada is known for its high standard of living, top universities, low crime rates, and diversity.

3. Is Canada good for higher education?

Yes, Canada is an excellent choice for higher education. Some of the reasons influencing students to study in Canada include world renowned universities, a wide variety of courses, better employment opportunities, standards of living, and many more.

4. Which is more powerful, India or Canada?

Powerful in the context of global influence over the world, India has a reputation in South Asia and has its influence in international organisations such as UK and BRICS. For Canada, the country is known for its strong connections with US and other developed countries and diplomatic efforts.

5. Is Canada's education better than India's?

Yes, education in Canada is better in several aspects. Canadian Universities are world reputed for world class studies, modern teaching techniques, better research facilities, modern infrastructure, cultural diversity, and many more.

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Questions related to

Hello there,

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is primarily an entrance exam for medical courses in India. If you're considering studying medicine in Canada, here are some key points to consider:

NEET and Medical Studies in Canada:

  1. Not Required for Admission : NEET is not required for admission to medical schools in Canada. Canadian medical schools have their own admission criteria, which typically include undergraduate degree requirements and standardized tests like the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

  2. Eligibility for International Students : To apply to medical schools in Canada, you usually need to complete a bachelor's degree (often with a focus on science) and achieve a good score on the MCAT.

  3. Application Process : Each Canadian medical school has specific admission requirements. It's important to research individual schools to understand their criteria, including GPA requirements, volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

  4. Recognition of Indian Medical Degrees : If you complete your medical studies in Canada, your degree will be recognized, but if you study medicine in India, you’ll need to go through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) exams to practice in Canada.

    Recommendations:

  • Research Canadian Medical Schools : Look into the specific requirements for the medical schools you are interested in.

  • Prepare for MCAT : If you're aiming for medical school in Canada, focus on preparing for the MCAT and meeting the prerequisite courses for admission.

    Conclusion:

NEET is not necessary for studying medicine in Canada. Instead, focus on completing an undergraduate degree, taking the MCAT, and meeting the admission requirements of Canadian medical schools.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello Aspirant

Foreign Universities require a candidate to have a 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized University/college with enough credits. The problem that many Indian students face is that they have a degree in bachelor's but in a 3-year course. This stops them from pursuing further studies at a foreign university. Still, some universities offer bridge courses for such students. For this, they need to reach their universities 2-3 months prior and do the Bridge course. But all of this depends on the university. This is why NEP introduced the new 4-year bachelor's course.

The best course of action is to go to the Canadian Universities' websites that you wish to join and contact their admissions office via mail and talk to them about your situation, they'll help you out with it. Also, when you sit for their interviews and have a valid answer for your gap year after your Bachelor's, it would be great if you have work experience for that duration.

Hope this helps.

The eligibility criteria for MHCET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) can be based on domicile rather than place of birth.

MHCET often considers domicile, not necessarily the place of birth, for exam eligibility. Since your son has completed his entire school education in Maharashtra, this might strengthen his case for domicile in the state.

Overall, while being born in Canada might not be a direct disqualifier, having completed his schooling in Maharashtra strengthens his case for domicile in the state. By gathering documents to prove his residence and referring to the official MHCET website or helpline, your son can get a clearer picture of his eligibility for the exam.

https://www.careers360.com/exams/mht-cet

I hope it helps!


Hello aspirant,

Canada offers ample opportunities in the field of radiology. With a B.Sc in Radiology, you can explore various career paths in Canadian healthcare institutions, including hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and clinics. It's advisable to research the specific requirements and licensing procedures for radiology professionals in the province where you plan to settle, as regulations may vary. Pursuing further certifications or examinations recognized by Canadian authorities can enhance your prospects in the field of radiology in Canada.

Thank you

Hope this information helps you.

Dear aspirant !!

Hope you are doing good !!

Indian students must have an MBBS and clear USMLE tests to gain admission to post graduation after MBBS abroad in USA . It is important to understand that an MD/Doctor of Medicine (USA equivalent of MBBS in India) degree alone is not enough to practise medicine. A Medical PG in any specialisation is necessary..

Hope it helps you !!

Thanking you !!

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