Canadian education comprises all the qualities to fetch the top rank among other countries. Potential candidates seeking to study abroad often confuse themselves between Canada and the USA. However, Canada undoubtedly bears the tag of offering the best education system to aspiring students. On the other hand, the USA remains a popular choice when we talk of students moving abroad for studies.
Canadian education VS education in the USA
Currently, Canada ranks at the top in education for international students. Contrarily, the USA’s rank fell rapidly due to an increased number of foreign students choosing Canada over the USA for studying.
The main question arises here why do more and more people prefer Canada to acquire education?
Challenges faced by individuals in acquiring study permits
Talking about the USA has a strict policy as the Homeland security department states that international students must apply again for their visa each year to prove that they’re studying in the USA school. Contrarily, the Canadian government motivates students to prolong their stay in the country for as long as possible.
Besides this, the USA comprises a lengthy and tedious process, and the candidates require to wait for an unusually long time, with detailed questioning and extreme scrutiny. Comparatively, the Canadian process is simple and concise, offering an easier process for international students to obtain study permits.
A Canadian study permit consists of a maximum of three weeks processing period. Conversely, the USA study permit takes a longer time to process applications.
Education cost
The cost of education in Canada is far less expensive compared to the USA. International students can’t get adequate financial assistance in the USA. However, Canadian institutes or universities tend to provide better financial help in the form of scholarships to international students.
Apart from this, Canadian education is better because the tuition fee is 27 percent more feasible compared to universities in the USA.
Besides the tuition fee, another chief factor influencing students to choose Canadian education is the reduced cost of living in this country.
International students would undoubtedly prefer a country where they can afford to complete their studies. Hence, Canada is a feasible option.
Healthcare system
A country’s healthcare system largely influences the decision to choose where to pursue education, Canada or the USA. The Canadian healthcare system is universal and separate provinces manage the system, providing different coverage to international students. Additionally, since international students fall under the temporary resident category, they might not receive provincial coverage. Such international students without coverage can access the school’s insurance plan or could even consult private health insurance providers at cheaper costs.
Schools in the USA also require international students to apply for health insurance separately. Consequently, these students end up paying increased premium rates while using the private healthcare system.
Accepting and tolerant culture
Recently, Statistics Canada revealed through a study that Canada ranks at the top for being the most tolerant and accepting country in the world for immigrants. This study also revealed that Canada has become more welcoming toward new immigrants’ post-pandemic phase. Canadian attitude toward newcomers is strikingly different from the USA’s because the USA has stricter policies toward new immigrants.
According to official data, the number of international students prominently increased from 122,700 in 2000 to 642,500 in 2019. Another report by Statistics Canada stated at least 6 out of 10 international students turned out to be landed immigrants once they became employed after their studies. They managed to achieve landed immigrant status in the country within ten years of obtaining a study permit.
On the other hand, the growth of international students in the USA has continued at a slower pace since 2009. The statistics reveal that international students clearly prefer Canada probably because of its simplified policies compared to the USA.
Endless career opportunities after completing Canadian education
Once international students complete their education under the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, they can gain work experience in Canada for up to three years. They have the opportunity to explore more career options, move toward a permanent residency path, and become Canadian citizens. Contrarily, the USA doesn’t provide any such work opportunities to students unless they have a sponsorship for the same, even after graduation.
Canada aims to increase the stay of international students
Those students who seek to shift to permanently settle abroad by becoming permanent residents must look nowhere else except Canada. Canada’s perception of international students remains perfect as immigrants. Reports claim that the growth of international students in Canada has been immense; hence, the country is working more toward retaining them. International students have access to various options to shift to permanent residency through the provincial and federal governments. Canada even introduced a temporary public policy in April 2021 to make it simpler for international students to apply for PR. The then-immigration minister, Marco Mendicino, stated before the international students that their status might be temporary, but their contributions are everlasting.
On the other hand, the USA provides limited options to foreign students and doesn’t provide specific immigration programs to apply for PR status in the country. Obtaining a Green Card could prove challenging if an international student has no family ties or an employer to sponsor them.
Conclusion
A few prominent factors influencing a student’s decision to study in Canada, or the USA include a faster processing time for study permits, a modernized and excellent education system, and an extremely welcoming culture for newcomers.
