Students can find it challenging to decide between Canada vs. the United States when it comes to choosing where to study. A variety of cultural experiences, education opportunities, and career prospects can be found in both countries. It is important to remember that each country has its own unique features, such as different tuition fees, student life, and post-graduation opportunities.
A total of 1.57 million international students are estimated to be studying in Canada and the U.S. annually, and thousands more are expected to immigrate each year.
Many of these students will find it challenging to choose a place to study. Canada is a popular choice among international students because it offers a competitive price, financial aid, and post-graduate immigration chances that are different from those in other countries.
Canada vs. the United States- Education Quality
Although the quality of education differs from academic institutions to academic programs, there are numerous analogies between higher education in Canada and the United States.
A highly respected higher education analytics firm, QS, ranked the top student cities worldwide in 2023. A Canadian city (Montreal), an American city (New York City), and a Canadian city (Toronto) ranked in the top 20. In general, this suggests that at least in the postsecondary education concentrated areas, education levels are comparable in both nations.
This is useful, but what happens if we examine the data by individual nations?
Among international students, Canada is by far the most popular study destination, with 27% of respondents choosing it as their top choice, according to a recent study conducted by the International Development Project (IDP). This global education organization focuses on placing students in Canada, Australia, and the US. The United States ranked fourth out of all countries with 15% of respondents, behind only Australia and the United Kingdom (UK).
When comparing the quality of education in Canada with that of the U.S, are there any other factors that may have influenced international students’ preference for Canada?
Cost of study
Academic costs heavily influence where students choose to study abroad. Education in the US typically costs between $20,000 and $60,000 USD, depending on where one attends college and the degree one pursues.
Postsecondary education in Canada typically costs between $20,000 and $40,000 CAD, depending on the institution and level of study. Nonetheless, be cautious and pay close attention to the currency rate. Canadian tuition is lower on average than that of the U.S., making it more appealing to international students.
Financial help
Scholarships and bursaries may consider international students as well. National funding is not available to provide financial assistance for overseas students, but they can access state-sponsored and institution-specific scholarships. A co-signer with good credit who is an American citizen or lawful permanent resident can also apply for student loans for foreign students studying in the United States.
Scholarships and bursaries offered by Canadian universities, provinces, and federal governments are typically more accessible to international students than similar programs offered in the United States. If international students are ineligible for the previous financial aid options, they may decide to borrow from a Canadian bank instead. Frequently, lenders need to adapt loan rates to meet the demands of international students. They could find it simpler to repay the debts as a result.
Canada vs. the United States – International students’ employment opportunities
Canada and the U.S. mainly produced similar work outcomes for international students.
World Education News + Review (WENR) surveyed 1,095 international alumni and found that 62% found full-time employment after graduation. Master’s degree recipients in the state are employed in the state they studied in, representing 23% of them.
Compared to graduates with overseas education, Statistics Canada’s research from 2022 showed a 73% full-time employment rate for all graduates. Despite a far greater proportion of international graduates entering the jobs market in Canada, job results are substantially the same.
Available migration options for foreign students
Many people, however, see employment as more than merely a means of maintaining financial stability. It gives them the opportunity to settle down permanently in the nation where they educate themselves.
Although obtaining a green card for permanent residence (PR) in the United States can be challenging, international students in Canada are often able to obtain PR more easily because of well-defined pathways.
Typically, an international student can obtain a green card in one of three ways:
- You can apply under one of five “preference” categories as an immigrant worker (economic immigrant) or as an individual with extraordinary abilities.
- You may apply as an investor immigrant.
- You can apply as a spouse/fiancé of a U.S. citizen.
For international students who want to temporarily extend their stay in the United States as foreign workers, there are several options, but fewer ways to obtain permanent residency. In addition, spouses and children of accepted immigrants are included in the total of 140,000 economic immigrants that qualify for a green card each year (across all three “preference” streams). The maximum number of admissions to this stream of immigration is usually lower than the actual number.
Compared to foreign students, immigrants to Canada typically have much easier immigration processes. PGWP permits are available to students who have completed at least one year of work at a Designated Learning Institute (DLI). It is possible for graduates to find employment in virtually any sector of the economy and for any company with an open work permit.
If an international student accumulates at least one year of Canadian work experience,
They can apply for permanent residence in Canada using any of the following routes:
- It is possible for newcomers with Canadian work experience to become permanent residents through Express Entry, specifically via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Some provinces offer Provincial Nominee Programs to attract immigrants and often have specific streams for foreign graduates.
- Quebec is attracting newcomers with Quebec-specific work and education experience through this program.
- Spouse sponsorship is available for immigrants who marry Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
In addition to its international recognition, affordable costs, abundant financial aid options, and long-term employment prospects, Canada is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations. Canadian immigration options allow overseas students to take advantage of this opportunity, which many people view as a way to a better life.
