US vs Canada: Which Is Better For Indian Students in 2024?

Both US and Canada are the top education destinations for Indian students planning to study abroad. Both countries are known for their high-quality education systems, numerous career opportunities, and diverse student experiences. However, a few differences might help students choose one country over another, depending on their academic goals, tuition costs, and interests.

This Story also Contains

1. US VS Canada for International Students: Highlights
2. US vs Canada: Which is better for Education?
3. Popular courses to study in USA vs Canada
4. Admission Requirements in USA vs Canada
5. USA vs Canada Which is Better for Indian Students for Masters
6. USA vs Canada Tuition Fees and Cost of Living For Indian Students
7. USA vs Canada Scholarships and Financial Aid
8. USA vs Canada: Which has Better Universities Ranking
9. Canada vs USA: Which has Better Career Opportunities?
10. Conclusion: USA or Canada Which is Better for Indian Students?

When choosing between the United States and Canada for study abroad, students must consider everything from programme duration to campus life and cultural environment to make the right decision. Academically, both the USA and Canada offer the best universities in the world for international students. Education in both the USA and Canada provides strong work opportunities in business, engineering, computer science, and other significant job prospects.

The USA provides a wide range of specialised courses, however, the cost of education in the USA is generally higher, and obtaining long-term residency visas can be complex and competitive. Canada, on the other hand, is known for its low fees and welcoming environment with great immigration regulations, making it simpler for graduates to secure work permits and permanent residency.

Many worldwide ranking bodies, such as QS and THE have ranked the top universities in US and Canada among the best in the world. However, determining which country is best for you to study abroad is a difficult decision for international students. Read the complete article to understand the major difference between study in USA vs study in Canada. Students wishing to study in the US or Canada in 2024 must read the entire article to discover more about the admission standards, cost of living, ranking, and other major differences between the United States and Canada.

US VS Canada for International Students: Highlights

US vs Canada: Which is better for Education?

Both the USA and Canada share many similarities in their education systems and provide provide excellent education to international students that are renowned across the world. A detailed overview of the courses offered in both countries is mentioned below.

Education System in USA

Degrees obtained in the United States have been acknowledged across the world. The following are various types of degrees provided to international students in the United States:

• Undergraduate: This academic programme ultimately results in a Bachelor's degree and typically lasts four years. Students seek a combination of core curriculum courses (general education) and electives in their major field of study.

• Master's degree (1–2 years): These courses usually focus on a specific component of a larger field of study. Coursework might include lectures, seminars, research assignments, and a final thesis or project.

• Doctoral Degree (PhD, 4-7 Years): PhD programmes prepare students for advanced studies and research. They generally consist of advanced coursework, qualifying exams, a dissertation based on original research, and a dissertation presentation.

Educational System in Canada

Canada is one of the top popular study-abroad destinations for Indian students. The following degree programmes are offered by Canadian universities to international students:

• Bachelor’s Degree (3-4 years): The undergraduate degree programmes in Canada are 3 to 4 years of full-time study. Some of the popular bachelor programmes include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng).

• Master’s Degree (1-2 years): An advanced degree that typically requires 1 to 2 years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree. Some of the common master’s degrees include Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Business Administration (MBA).

• Doctoral Degree (PhD, 3-6 years): The course duration for PhD programmes is approximately 3 to 6 years, and PhD is the highest academic degree, which requires several years of research and study beyond the master’s degree. It involves original research and the completion of a dissertation.

Popular courses to study in USA vs Canada

Admission Requirements in USA vs Canada

Both the United States and Canada have similar admission procedures, however, all prospective students must research the particular details and requirements of each country's system before planning their study abroad.

US Admission Requirements

Admission standards for universities in the United States vary depending on the institution, degree (undergraduate or graduate), and even the state where the university is located. However, below is an overview of the general requirements.

Academic Prerequisites

• High school diploma or equivalent: This is the minimal requirement for undergraduate students.

• Standardised exams (optional for some institutions): Many colleges and universities require standardised exams for undergraduate applicants, such as the SAT or ACT, and the GRE or GMAT for graduate admissions.

• GPA: Most universities are going to consider your GPA (Grade Point Average) to evaluate your academic performance in high school.

English Language Proficiency

If you are applying from outside of the United States and your education was not primarily in English, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency through a standardised exam such as the TOEFL or IELTS. Some colleges may accept alternative techniques, such as the Duolingo English Test.

Application Process:

The application process typically includes the following steps:

• Research and Choose Universities

• Check deadlines.

• Complete the application form.

• Submit standardised tests (where applicable).

• Attach your English language proficiency scores.

• provide your official transcripts.

• Attach a letter of recommendation (optional for some universities).

• Finally, pay the application fees.

Deadlines:

Application dates vary by university, programme, and semester (fall, spring, summer). Application types for US universities are listed below:

• Early Decision/Action

• Regular Decision

• Admissions are taken on a rolling basis.

Canada Admission Requirements

To gain admission to a Canadian university, you need to meet academic prerequisites, demonstrate English language proficiency, complete the application process, and adhere to deadlines. Requirements and deadlines can vary significantly by institution and program, so it is crucial to check the specific details on the university's official website.

Admission Prerequisites

• Undergraduate Programmes: Indian candidates must have a completion certification of secondary education equivalent to Canadian high school with an average score of 75% or more and meet the specific courses required depending on the chosen programme.

• Graduate Programmes: All applicants must have an undergraduate degree from a recognised institution. Some degree programmes may require professional experience or specific undergraduate courses in the related field. For admission to graduate courses, a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.

English Language Proficiency

Students whose first language is not English, must submit a proof of English language proficiency. Accepted tests and minimum scores generally include:

• IELTS: Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0.

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum TOEFL scores ranging from 80-100.

• PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58-65.

• Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL): Minimum score of 60.

Note: Some universities in Canada offer English language preparation programmes for students who do not meet the English language requirements.

Application Process

• According to your programme of interest, review the admission requirements on the university's website.

• Prepare required documents such as academic transcripts, English language proficiency, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and resume.

• Complete the online application form for the university you are applying to.

• Pay the non-refundable application fee

• Submit the completed application along with all required documents before the deadline.

Deadlines

Application deadlines in Canada can vary depending on the programme and university. There are typically three types of admission deadlines:

• Fall Intake (September): Admission deadlines range from January to March.

• Winter Intake (January): Application deadlines range from June to September.

• Spring/Summer Intake (May): Deadlines range from October to February.

Note: Indian students are recommended to apply at least 8-12 months before the start of the program to allow time for visa processing and other preparations.

USA vs Canada Which is Better for Indian Students for Masters

According to the media reports, there has been a significant rise of 35% in Indian students going to USA, whereas due to visa and some diplomatic issues, a decline has been seen in the candidates planning to study in Canada. In USA, the master’s programme duration is 2-3 years. High GMAT scores or GRE scores are required for admission to US universities, whereas in Canada must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered eligible for master’s programmes.

All Indian students must submit proof of English language proficiency, as English is not their first language. Canada provides high-quality education at a low cost when compared to the education in USA. applicants might need work experience if they are applying for management programmes in both countries. A detailed overview of master programmes in both the US and Canada is mentioned below.

US vs Canada Which is Better for Masters?

USA vs Canada Tuition Fees and Cost of Living For Indian Students

Canada is known to provide all international learners with a high-quality education that is recognised across the world. Similarly, the United States is known for providing excellent educational opportunities for foreign students. The cost of higher education in the United States and Canada varies depending on the institution, program, and location. In general, tuition fees in the United States tend to be higher than in Canada, with private universities and out-of-state public universities being the most expensive.

The cost of living in Canada including the rent is 14.2% lower than that of the USA. The average undergraduate course fee in the USA for 2024 is between USD 10,000 and USD 38,000 per year and USD 25,000 to USD 60,000 per year for master's programmes. Canada undergraduate tuition fee for international students ranges between CAD 15,700 to CAD 53,538A, and CAD 13,742 to CAD 45,800 for master’s programmes. A detailed course fee for Indian students is mentioned below.

US vs Canada Tuition Fees for Indian Students

US vs Canada for Living Expenses 2024

USA vs Canada Scholarships and Financial Aid

Indian students planning to study in the USA or Canada can choose from a wide range of scholarships and financial assistance opportunities provided by both countries. Applicants can get further information from the official websites of the colleges they are interested in applying to, as well as the websites of both the USA and Canada.

Scholarships in USA vs Canada

Also read:

• Scholarships in USA for international students

• Scholarships in Canada

USA vs Canada: Which has Better Universities Ranking

International students can pursue high-quality education and research opportunities in both the United States and Canada. USA and Canadian universities are ranked among the top universities in the world 2024. However, it becomes difficult for Indian students to choose a better university between the two countries is quite challenging for international students. Here is a list of a few top-ranked universities in the USA and Canada for Indian students based on the QS and THE World University Ranking 2024.

Top Universities in USA

Some of the top universities in USA are ranked by QS Ranking Report 2024 on a variety of criteria such as infrastructure, education, student life, and more. These universities offer a high-quality education with good career opportunities. A list of top 10 universities in USA is mentioned below.

Best Universities in USA 2024

Top Universities in Canada

Some of the top universities in Canada are ranked by QS and THE 2024 on a variety of criteria such as infrastructure, quality of education, student life, and more. These universities provide a high-quality education with good career opportunities. A list of top colleges in Canada is mentioned below.

Best Universities in Canada 2024

Canada vs USA: Which has Better Career Opportunities?

Both the United States and Canada provide exciting career and work after study opportunities to international students. Below is an overview of possible career prospects and post-study work alternatives for international students in the USA and Canada:

Employment Sectors in USA

The most popular employment sectors in the USA are:

• Healthcare

• Finance

• Information technology

• Construction

• Hospitality industry

Post-Study Work in USA

F1 Visa, M1 Visa, and J1 Visa are three types of student visas in USA that allow students to stay in the country for a limited period after completing their studies. Students are allowed to work off-campus for an entire semester during their study term, known as Curriculum Practical Training (CPT). Students are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work off campus, usually after the completion of studies. Students in STEM fields can be granted for an additional 24 months. Students can apply for a STEM OPT Extension by requesting an I-20 as early as 90 days before their current 12-month OPT expires. An H-1B Visa is valid for three years and can be extended for up to six years.

Employment Sectors in Canada

The most common employment sectors in Canada are:

• Engineering

• Information Technology

• Finance

• Healthcare

• Transportation

Post-Study Work in Canada

To work in Canada after you graduate, you need a work permit. Graduates of certain designated learning institutions are eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). If you're not eligible for a PGWP, you may still be able to work in Canada after you graduate. The work experience you gain while working may help you qualify for permanent residence. You have up to 180 days after you graduate to apply for a PGWP. A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) may be valid anywhere between 8 months and up to 3 years.

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Conclusion: USA or Canada Which is Better for Indian Students?

US and Canada both are the among top study abroad destinations for Indian students. Every year, thousands of students migrate to USA and Canada to pursue their higher studies in various fields such as Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Finance, Hospitality and more. Career opportunities are similar in both countries, and with the post-study work visa, they can stay up to 1-3 years in both USA and Canada.

Both USA and Canada are home to various top ranked universities in the world, these include Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, University of Waterloo, University of Montreal, University of Toronto, and more. Both countries provide large and diverse job opportunities in technology, finance, healthcare, and other sectors.

However, the cost of living in Canada is less than the cost of sudying in USA, making it an affordable alternative for Indian students. Candidates can choose Canada if they prefer a clearer and straightforward pathway to work after graduation. Applicants can choose USA if they are aiming for a degree from a top-ranked university with extensive research opportunities and scholarships. Both the USA and Canada offer excellent opportunities for Indian students, and ultimately, the decision depends on an individual’s personal preferences, financial situation, career goals, and other factors.