Canada or USA? Which is a better study destination for international students?

Studying abroad is almost every student’s dream and Canada and the US always appear at the top of the most study destinations for international students worldwide.

Both countries offer quality education and are listed in the best universities around the globe list.

Canada or the USA? This question is most student’s dilemma as both countries have a considerable amount of international students which makes it harder for students to choose which country is better for them.

The best criteria for choosing your ideal destination is to keep in mind what you want to study, your budget, your favorite environment, and what you want to do after studying.

Below are some facts about study conditions for international students in the USA vs Canada so after thorough deliberation, you can choose which one suits your needs and tastes.

Canada or USA? Which is a better study destination for international students?

1. Many institutions

The USA has over 4000 tertiary institutions scattered all over the country giving students many options to choose from. The United States is not only home to Ivy League schools but also, some of the top universities around the world. 12 American universities appeared in the Top 20 universities around the globe based on QS rankings for 2019. These institutions offer a wide range of degrees and courses that are globally recognized.

Some of the most popular universities in the US are Harvard University, Princeton University, and Massachusetts Institution of Technology. Canada on the other hand has more than 8  universities that are listed among the Top 200 World rankings 2019 list.

 The University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University are some of the Canadian universities that are popular for their research opportunities and excellent faculties. 

In this case, the USA seems to be leading in the number of tertiary institutions so if you want a place where there are a variety of choices to choose from, then the USA is your best shot.

2. Education quality

The USA has always been at the top for offering quality education that can be unmatched. Canada has also seen some improvements in the quality of education offered that made it to the top list of study destinations for international students. However, America is still considered the best as far as education quality is concerned so most people prefer the USA when looking for quality education.

Also, employers always prefer American qualifications over Canadian so if you are looking for quality education, the USA is still the best choice.

3. Educational Costs

Educational costs in American universities range from approximately US$33,215 per year for undergraduate students. On the other hand, the cost of studying in Canada is lower and approximately US$23,300 per annum.

This shows that American universities cost more than Canadian ones so if your pocket is not that strong, Canada should be your best option as a study destination.

4. Eligibility Requirements

Admission to USA universities requires you to submit scores of entrance exams such as GRE/GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS along with your GPA. While the Canadian universities are more concerned with your GPA and IELTS/TOEFL scores than your GRE/GMAT scores.  This means that getting admitted into a Canadian university is relatively easier than a USA university. So if you are not fond of hassles, it’s better to enroll with Canada since it’s easier.

5. Employment Opportunities

The USA has always offered better employment opportunities after graduating since there are many companies in the USA than in Canada.

The USA is home to most of the world’s top companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook and all these are ready to employ new workers every day so it’s easier to get a job in the USA than in Canada because the USA has more job opportunities.

According to statistics, professions such as management executives, medicine, dentist, and software engineer provide some of the highest salaries in the US. Jobs like nurse practitioner, program analyst, teacher, pharmacist, financial manager, construction manager, etc. are some of the top jobs in Canada.

The average salary of an American graduate was approximately $48,127  in 2018. While the average salary earned by university graduates in Canada was $36,895.

This also suggests America as the best option if you wish to work thereafter studying.

6. Immigration Policies

Permanent Residence in Canada is easier to acquire than that in the USA. If you wish to apply for permanent residence after studying then Canada should be your best choice.

 Canada offers graduates of certain degrees the option to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This work permit allows you to work in Canada after graduation. It also qualifies you to apply for permanent residency in Canada. You can obtain permanent residence status within four years in Canada.

However, this is not the same case with the US. Applying for permanent residence in the US is quite a hassle and can take more than 10 years. That is why most people opt for Green cards instead as they are a better alternative than working on getting sponsored by an employer or applying independently for a working visa.

So in terms of immigration Policies, Canada offers better options than America and it is easier to stay and work in Canada after graduating but in the USA you are expected to leave the country as soon as your study period is over.

Thus, if you are willing to work abroad after studying then try Canada.

7. General Lifestyle

Studying away from home can be overwhelming and if you are someone who is not fond of drama then Canada is a better place for international students than America.

Records show that America has a higher crime rate than Canada. Though most US universities offer great security to all their international students, Canada seems safer than America due to a higher crime rate and drug abuse in America.

Which one is it? Canada or America?

After all the factors above you can get a clear picture of which destination to choose depending on your needs, tastes, and budget.

Both destinations are great and strive for excellence but US universities have always been at the top as the most preferred study destinations due to their quality education, variety of study institutions, and prestigious reasons among others.

Canada has also seen a growing number of international students in recent years due to its affordable education, easy admission processes, and favorable immigration policies for those who seek to stay there permanently after their studies.

Therefore, the choice is yours to choose which destination suits your needs and which one has most of the things you are looking for.