Which is better for studying abroad? The USA vs Canada for international students

Many students are wondering whether the USA or Canada is the better option for studying abroad. Both study destinations are excellent choices due to their good quality of life, public services, and educational opportunities, making it difficult to pick just one. The purpose of this comprehensive guide is to help you decide whether the USA or Canada is the ideal study abroad destination for your ambitions.

 

The American vs The Canadian Educational Systems

The Education System in the USA	The Education System in Canada
Among other study destinations, the USA has a notable educational system. Many of the best American universities and research centres allow international students to enroll in their undergraduate and graduate degree programs.	Canadian higher education institutions are committed to fostering student success throughout their academic, professional, and personal endeavors. The Canadian universities’ classrooms are a mix of lectures and tutorials, in addition to being committed to research and high-quality teaching.
There are 3 types of higher education institutions in the USA: 1. Junior or Community Colleges: These institutions provide two-year associate degrees at reasonable tuition rates, and after graduation, you can earn your bachelor’s degree in just 2 years. 2. Vocational Schools: There are many in-demand professions that do not require a university degree but do necessitate training, and these schools provide short, career-focused programs to prepare students for these positions. 3. Universities: They are classified as either public (run by the government) or private (a mix of profit and not-for-profit). They offer programs for students at all academic levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate degrees.	There are 4 types of higher education institutions in Canada: 1. Universities: They offer a wide range of associate degree programs, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate. 2. University Colleges: University colleges offer diploma and university transfer programs. 3. Community Colleges: Students have the option of pursuing a variety of credentials, including certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. 4. Career and Technical Colleges: Technical training programs typically culminate in certificates or degrees.

One important thing to know is that many colleges and universities in both destinations offer transfer credit for courses completed there.

List of the Top 10 universities in the USA vs Canada

Looking at university rankings can help you decide between the USA and Canada by giving you an idea of the relative quality of higher education in the two destinations. You can check out the top 10 universities in each destination according to the QS World University Rankings 2023:

American Universities	QS Ranking (2022)	Canadian Universities	QS Ranking (2022)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	1	McGill University	31
Stanford University	3	University of Toronto	=34
Harvard University	5	University of British Columbia	47
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	=6	University of Alberta	110
University of Chicago	10	Université de Montréal	116
University of Pennsylvania	13	McMaster University	152
Princeton University	=16	University of Waterloo	154
Yale University	18	Western University	172
Cornell University	20	University of Ottawa	=237
Columbia University	22	University of Calgary	242

Dual Degrees in the USA vs Canada

Have you ever considered combining your two passions—business and design—into one career? Having two degrees gives you an advantage in the job market, whether they be undergraduate or graduate degrees.

Let’s check out some of the best dual degrees in both the USA and Canada:

Dual Undergraduate Degrees in USA & Canada	Dual Master’s Degrees in USA & Canada
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Business	Master of Cyber Security Analysis and Master of International Relations
Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Information Technology	Master of Professional Accounting and Master of Business Law
Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts	Master of Creative Industries and Master of Management
Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Media Communication	Master of Planning and Master of Architecture
Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Music	Master of Business Analytics and Master of Management

Types of Postgraduate Degrees in the USA vs Canada

Postgraduate degrees in the USA are classified into master’s (professional or academic) and PhD programs. On the other hand, Postgraduate degrees in Canada are classified into diplomas, courses, and programs.

Postgraduate Degrees in the USA	Postgraduate Degrees in Canada	Duration
Master’s degree (Professional)	–	2 years
Master’s degree (Academic)	–	2 years
Doctorate or PhD	–	5 to 8 years
–	Postgraduate Diplomas	1 year
–	Master’s Programs	Up to 2 years
–	Doctorate Courses	Up to 6 years

List of the Best 5 Scholarships for International Students | the USA vs Canada

Universities and colleges in the USA and Canada have long been recognised among the best in the world, and each year, many of them offer a wide range of scholarships for international students.

Check out the following list of the best 5 scholarships for international students in each destination.

Scholarships (USA)	Level of Study	Value	Scholarships (Canada)	Level of Study	Value
You Are Welcome Here Scholarship	Undergraduate	50% of Fees	International Award At Mount Allison University	Undergraduate	Up to 5000 CAD
Plater International Scholars Program	Undergraduate	Up to 27,000 USD	Kristie Charitable Foundation Award	Undergraduate	Up to 1500 CAD
Boundaries of Life Scholarship	Postgraduate	Up to 7000 USD	Douglass Family Bursary	Undergraduate	Up to 1500 CAD
Graduate Scholar Award	Postgraduate	Fee Waiver/Discount	Stollery Family Educational Scholarships	Undergraduate	Discount up to 1000 CAD
Merit Scholarships for Incoming First Year Students	Undergraduate	Fee Waiver/Discount	CSC Tuition Scholarship	PhD	Fee waiver/discount

Admission University Requirements | the USA vs Canada

The requirements for university admission differ depending on the university, the field, and the degree of study. However, in general, the following are required if you wish to apply to a top university in either the USA or Canada:

• Accredited basic education degree
• Transcripts for your school degree or courses
• Application form
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• GMAT or GRE scores
• Recommendation letters
• English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL

Student Visa Requirements | the USA vs Canada

Student Visa Requirements in the USA

There are three main categories of student visas in the USA:

• F1 Student Visa: For the purpose of studying at a college or university in the USA or studying English in an English-language institute.
• J Exchange Visa: For the purpose of participating in a high school and university exchange program.
• M Student Visa: For non-academic or vocational study or training in the USA.

It is necessary to apply to and be accepted by a university in the USA that is part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program in order to study there. If you are accepted, the international student office will provide you with a Form I-20, which is a paper version of your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Student Visa Requirements in Canada

The Canadian Student Visa is commonly referred to as a “study permit.”

Because study permit requirements might change quickly, you must ensure that you follow the most recent information. The website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the best source to get this information.

You can always come to us for a free counselling session where we can advise you on the complete visa application procedure.

Employment Opportunities for Students| the USA vs Canada

As an F-1 student in the United States, you can choose from a wide range of employment opportunities. Working off campus usually necessitates a degree in an area related to the student’s major and requires approval from a designated school official. Generally speaking, it is easier for students to find jobs on campus.

A Social Security number is required for any job in the United States (SSN). Even if you don’t have a social security number, you can still apply for a job and then use that offer to apply for one when you’re hired.

Through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PWPP), you can gain valuable work experience in Canada if you intend to remain in the country after graduation. Work permits under the PWPP are valid for the duration of your initial study program (up to three years) and allow you to work in any occupation and change employers at any time.

Cost of Studying | the USA vs Canada

Cost of studying in the USA

Tuition fees in the USA will vary depending on the type of degree you pursue and the university you attend. Your total tuition fees are expected to be between $10,000 and $55,000. (indicative).

Study Program Level	Average Annual Fees in American Dollar (USD)
English Language Studies	$8,400 to $24,000
Community Colleges	$6,000 to $20,000
Undergraduate/ Bachelor’s Degree	$20,000 to $40,000
Graduate Programs	$20,000 to $45,000
Doctoral Degree	$28,000 to $55,000

Cost of studying in Canada

The total tuition fees in Canada will vary based on your chosen field of study and institution. This costs between $13,000 and $40,000 a year in Canadian dollars.

Study Program Level	Average Annual Fees in Canadian Dollar ($)
Undergraduate Program	$13,000 to $20,000
Postgraduate Master’s Degree	$17,000 to $25,000
Doctoral Degree	$7,000 to $15,000
MBA	$30,000 to $40,000

*Source: Canadian Government website, please note that all figures are indicative.

Cost of Living | the USA vs Canada

The cost of living in the USA or Canada is affected by a variety of factors, including your lifestyle and the city you choose to study in

Expense Type	The USA (Cost per month in American Dollar)	Canada (Cost per month in Canadian Dollar)
Hostels and Guesthouses	$1,350 to $3,000	$300 – $600 ($10 – $20 per night)
Shared Rental	$470 to $3,600	$250 to $700
On campus (Accommodation)	$800 to $900	–
Homestay (Accommodation)	$600 to $3,000	$400 to $800
Private Apartment	$450	$400 to $1500
Internet/phone	$35 to $60	$50 to $76
Food	$17 to $42	$1200 to $1500
Electricity/gas	$50 to $100	$200
Transport	$36	$100 to $150

 

Best Cities for International Students | the USA vs Canada

According to the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023, four of the five most student-friendly cities in the world are located in the USA and Canada.

American City	QS Cities Ranking	Canadian City	QS Cities Ranking
Boston	11	Montreal	14
New York	18	Toronto	15
San Francisco	27	Vancouver	20
Los Angeles	30	Ottawa	55
Chicago	40	Quebec	106