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Canada vs New Zealand: Which is Better for Indian Students?
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Dec 10, 2024 04:47 PM IST
How to decide between Canada vs New Zealand for international students to study? There are several aspects to consider while settling for one of the countries among the two for higher education. International students must explore and research thoroughly the major difference between Canada and New Zealand in terms of the educational system, popular courses, tuition fees, financial aid, entry requirements, and many more. Both Canada and New Zealand provide world-class education with surreal experiences for international students.
Latest: Canada Country Guide
This Story also Contains
- Canada vs New Zealand for International Students: Highlights
- Latest Updates on Immigration Policies of Canada and New Zealand
- Canada vs New Zealand Intakes
- Canada vs New Zealand Top Universities
- Popular Courses in Canada vs New Zealand for Indian Students
- Admission Requirements to Study in Canada vs New Zealand
- Cost of Studying in Canada vs New Zealand
- Cost of Living in Canada vs New Zealand
- Student Visa Requirements for Canada vs New Zealand
- Jobs in Demand in Canada and New Zealand for Indian Students
Another component where Canada and New Zealand can be distinguished is the admission cycle. Admission in Canada is open 3 times a year: September, January and December. On the other hand, there are only 2 main intakes in New Zealand that are open in January and June. Moreover, some of the universities in Canada and New Zealand are among the top 100 universities in the world as per QS WUR 2025.
Moreover, the highest paying jobs in both countries are mostly in the fields of business, engineering, computer science, medicine, etc. So, Canada vs New Zealand, which is better to live and study? It solely depends on the candidate’s requirements and life choices. Here, we have provided a brief detail about Canada vs New Zealand for international students in the article below.
Canada vs New Zealand for International Students: Highlights
Particulars | Canada | New Zealand |
Cost of Living | CAD 1,650 to 3,050/month | EUR 1,750 to 3,100/month |
Top Universities |
|
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Language of Instruction | English | English |
Average Tuition Fees | CAD 13,000 to 40,000 | EUR 6,000 to 20,000 |
Courses Offered |
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|
Latest Updates on Immigration Policies of Canada and New Zealand
New Zealand has revised its post study work visa policies offering more opportunities for international students. Now, students who have completed a 30-week postgraduate diploma (PGDip) and transitioned immediately to a Master’s degree can now apply for a PSWV.
On the other hand, Canada has imposed restrictive immigration policies on international students intending to reduce the number of student visas in the country. It was around 35% in 2024 and is estimated to be further reduced by 10% due to major changes in the PR options after study in the country.
These cons of Canada's restrictive policies towards immigrants and cap on international students has made it a less attractive destination for international students. Whereas, New Zealand has made it easier for international students to apply for a PSW visa. It will make it a favourable destination among international students and especially for those looking for alternative to Canada.
Also Read:
Canada vs New Zealand Intakes
To be considered for admission to universities in Canada or New Zealand, students are required to apply before the application deadlines and during the admission cycle. The difference between Canada and New Zealand is that Canada offers three main intakes whereas New Zealand offers two main intakes.
Intakes in Canada
Intakes | Duration | Deadlines |
Winter | January to May | September - November |
Spring | May to August | January - February |
Fall | September to February | December - March |
Intakes in New Zealand
Type of Semester | Admission Timeline | Application Deadlines |
Semester 1 | February to June | January to February |
Semester 2 | July to November | June to July |
Rolling Intakes | Any time of the year | No such deadlines |
Canada vs New Zealand Top Universities
Majorly, Canada vs New Zealand education differs based on universities and their overall rankings in the world. Both countries are renowned for offering the best universities for international students. Here, the top universities in both countries along with their QS rankings for 2025 are mentioned for analysis.
Top Universities in New Zealand
These are the best universities in New Zealand as per the QS World University Rankings 2025:
Top Universities in New Zealand for International Students
University | QS Rankings 2025 |
65 | |
University of Otago | 214 |
235 | |
239 | |
Victoria University of Wellington | 244 |
261 | |
Lincoln University | 371 |
412 |
Top 10 Universities in Canada
Here are the top 10 universities in Canada according to the rankings given by THE 2024 and QS 2025:
Best Universities in Canada
University | QS World 2025 Rank | THE World 2024 Rank |
21 | 21 | |
30 | 49 | |
34 | 41 | |
111 | 109 | |
112 | 158 | |
114 | 201-250 | |
141 | 111 | |
182 | 201-250 | |
189 | 103 | |
203 | 177 |
Popular Courses in Canada vs New Zealand for Indian Students
Demanding courses in Canada vs New Zealand for international students differs based on their popularity and economic needs. Some of the most enrolled courses in Canada and New Zealand are given below for international students to choose the academic field as per their career aspirations.
Popular courses in Canada
Students looking for studies in Canada can explore some of the below given study options to pursue their higher education.
Computer science
Engineering
Business
Health Sciences
Physiotherapy
Information technology
Animation and gaming courses in Canada
High demanding courses in New Zealand
A few of the popular fields are Business, Engineering, Science, and Technology in New Zealand. Aspirants looking for studies in New Zealand can explore the options below for world-class yet affordable education.
Accounting
Health Care
Information Technology
MBA
Education
Artificial Intelligence
MS
Admission Requirements to Study in Canada vs New Zealand
Meeting the requirements of universities in Canada or New Zealand is important to be considered for the courses there. Although the eligibility criterion varies as per the location, course, and university, a list of common requirements to study in Canada vs New Zealand is provided.
Eligibility for New Zealand Universities from India
Eligibility For Bachelor in New Zealand
Students must be at least 13 years of age to apply
They must be graduated from high school and hold a high school passing certificate.
High school GPA must be equivalent to or above 50 to 60%.
They must demonstrate English command via IELTS/TOEFL//DET/PTE
Eligibility For Masters in New Zealand
Students must hold a 3-4 years bachelors with a minimum of 50 to 60% score.
There may be a requirement for GMAT/GRE for management courses.
English proficiency is a must for admission to courses.
UCAT ANZ is required for medical studies.
There may be a requirement for work experience or internships.
Eligibility for courses in Canada for international students
To secure admission in Canadian universities, international students are required to comply with the following requirements:
Eligibility For Bachelors in Canada
Students must ideally have at least 70% in 12th grade.
They must have English proficiency at a certain level varying by university.
There may be a need for the SAT or ACT as per the course selected.
Eligibility For Masters in Canada
Students must have a bachelor's degree of at least 4 years with an average 70% GPA.
GMAT with a minimum score of 580-600 is required
Requirement of 1 to 3 years of work experience as per the university.
English proficiency in IELTS or TOEFL is required. They must also achieve at least an overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum band of 6 in each section in IELTS or its equivalent.
Some Canadian universities ask for portfolios, written samples, theses, previous copies of published work, etc.
They may be required to submit some additional documents such as admission essays, LORs, resumes, SOPs, etc.
Eligibility For MBA in Canada:
Students must have a 3-4 years bachelors in any discipline from a recognised university.
Minimum IELTS or TOEFL scores vary as per the university.
To be a part of a top business school in Canada, students must ideally score among 500 to 700 out of 800 in GMAT.
They must have relevant work experience of 3-5 years in the related field with a minimum of 12 months experience.
The study gap is also acceptable under some circumstances.
Cost of Studying in Canada vs New Zealand
International students must be aware of studying costs in either of the countries Canada vs New Zealand to budget accordingly. Tuition fees are considered to be an influential decision in choosing between Canada vs New Zealand education. Canada is more costlier than New Zealand; however, around 30 universities in Canada are among the top worldwide. On the contrary, New Zealand universities are renowned for top education with pocket-friendly tuition fees. Here, we have listed the cost of studying in Canada vs New Zealand for Indian students.
Study in Canada Tuition Fees
The cost of studying in Canada varies as to the location, university, and course level. However, these are the average course fees as per the study levels:
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 New Zealand Tuition Fees
Depending on the location, course type, and study level, tuition fees in New Zealand also vary. Students require EUR 6,000 to EUR 15,000 and EUR 8,000 to EUR 20,000 on average to cover tuition fees for bachelor's and masters respectively.
Cost of studying in New Zealand
Particulars | Expenses (GBP) |
Bachelors | EUR 6,000 to EUR 15,000 |
Masters | EUR 8,000 to EUR 20,000 |
Living costs in New Zealand | NZD 20,000 to NZD 25,000 per year |
Cost of Living in Canada vs New Zealand
The living expenses incurred in both countries differ as per the life choices and amenities choices of individuals. However, international students can look at the below-mentioned average living expenses in Canada and New Zealand.
Living Expenses in Canada vs New Zealand for International Students
Expenses list | Living costs in Canada (CAD) | Living costs in New Zealand (EUR) |
Accommodation | 1,000 to 2,000 | 1,000 to 2,000 |
Food and Groceries | 300 - 500 | 400 to 600 |
Transportation | 100 - 150 | 100 to 150 |
Utilities and Internet | 150 - 200 | 150 to 200 |
Personal Expenses | 100 - 200 | 100 to 150 |
Student Visa Requirements for Canada vs New Zealand
One of the mandatory requirements to study in Canada or New Zealand is a student visa. Aspirants must comply with the student visa requirements of the selected country between two to pursue their higher education. Here, we have provided the basic differences between Canada vs New Zealand for international students as per visa requirements.
Student Visa Requirements for New Zealand
Particulars | Details |
Who it’s for | The type of visa varies; however, it is required by all full-time and part-time students admitted into New Zealand universities |
The ideal time to apply | At least 3 months before you intend to travel to New Zealand |
Visa fees | NZD 280 - NZD 480 |
Processing time | 8 to 10 weeks on average |
Is part-time work allowed | Yes |
Student Visa Requirements for Canada
Particulars | Details |
Who it’s for | Any candidate with good health applying for admission to designated learning institutions in Canada by demonstrating sufficient funds to cover their finances is required to obtain a Canadian student visa. |
The ideal time to apply | three months before your intended date of travel to Canada |
Visa fees | CAD 150 |
Processing time | Varies 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:
Jobs in Demand in Canada and New Zealand for Indian Students
One must be aware of the career opportunities after completing their respective courses in both countries to make an informed study decision now. So, these are a few of the top job options for international students seeking admission in Canada and New Zealand.
Highest Paying Jobs in Canada
Here, we have presented the top and in-demand jobs in Canada for international students:
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 |
Popular Jobs in New Zealand
Some of the professional options after graduating from universities in New Zealand are mentioned below:
Highest-Paying Careers in New Zealand for Indian Students
Professions | Average Salary per Annum (NZD) |
Software Engineer | 98,000 |
Physician | 1,20,000 |
Information Technology Manager | 1,25,000 |
Surgeon | 1,80,000 |
Anaesthesiologist | 2,00,000 |
Marketing Specialist | 70,000 |
Registered Nurse | 73,000 |
Civil Engineer | 75,000 |
Accountant | 80,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is life better in Canada or New Zealand?
Both the countries, Canada and New Zealand offer high standards of life for international students. However, the educational system in Canada is generally considered to be slightly better than New Zealand's. Both countries are affordable with low crime rates as compared to other study destinations.
2. Is New Zealand good for Indian students?
Yes, New Zealand is good for Indian students as it hubs some of the prestigious universities in the world offers affordability to students, pocket-friendly tuition fees for courses, and many more.
3. Which country is better for Indian student?
Students must note that it depends on personal choices and preferences while selecting which country is the best for their studies. Students need to consider factors such as cost of living, budget, safety, standards of life, and many other factors before deciding. Some of the better options for students include New Zealand, US, UK, Canada, and many more.
4. Is New Zealand or Canada cheaper?
Both countries are quite affordable for international students. However, Canada is more cheaper than New Zealand.
5. Which PR is easy, Canada or New Zealand?
New Zealand PR is quite flexible and simple for international students in comparison with Canada. This is due to the latest updates on immigration policies of Canada and New Zealand.
Articles
Dec 19, 2024
Dec 19, 2024
Questions related to
Get answers from students and experts
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:
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
kumardurgesh1802 12 October,2024
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.
Ishita 20 July,2024
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!
Nitin Kumar 08 June,2024
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.
Sajal Trivedi 08 March,2024
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 !!
Shivanshu 26 February,2024
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