Studying in USA vs Canada for International Students: Which One is Better?

USA vs Canada: Choosing the right destination for higher education

The United States and Canada are both popular study abroad destinations for international students. They share a border and have world-class universities, but students should consider some key differences when deciding where to study. 

Cost of Studying: USA vs Canada

Studying internationally comes with a significant price tag. On average, international students pay higher tuition fees compared to domestic students. However, Canadian universities tend to be more affordable for international students compared to the US. Average annual tuition fees are around:

▶ USA – $20,000 to $40,000 

▶ Canada – $13,000 to $30,000

The lower Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar gives students more purchasing power to cover living expenses. Both countries offer scholarships to help offset costs, but they tend to be quite competitive.

Also read; Total Cost to Study in Canada From Nepal in 2024

When budgeting, international students need to factor in other costs like health insurance, books, transportation, housing, food and entertainment. Studying abroad is a large investment for most students and their families.

Scholarships: USA vs Canada

When it comes to scholarships, universities in the USA and Canada each offer their own unique opportunities and challenges. In USA, you’ll find a wide array of scholarships based on academic achievements, talents, and even sports abilities. There are also many private scholarships from various organizations.

Also read; USA Scholarships For Nepalese Students in 2024

However, these scholarships can be quite competitive. In Canada, universities tend to offer fewer scholarships, but they often have lower tuition fees for international students. Scholarships in Canada are typically awarded for academic excellence, leadership skills, and community involvement.

Also read; How to Get a Scholarship in the USA From Nepal

Post Study Work Opportunities: USA vs Canada

A major consideration is whether students can work during and after their studies. International students are eligible for on-campus employment at universities in both countries. However, the post-study work rights differ significantly.

In the US, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international graduates to work anywhere in the US up to one year. Those in STEM fields can apply for a 2-year extension. But staying and working long-term requires finding an employer to sponsor an H-1B work visa or green card for permanent residency – both have intense competition.  

Also read; Post Study Work Visa in Australia (PSW Visa)

Meanwhile, Canada offers more generous and flexible post-study work rights. Graduates of any field can apply for open Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain valuable Canadian work experience and begin their residency.

The length of the PGWP depends on the length of the study program completed, with a minimum of eight months and a maximum of three years. Express Entry also provides a straightforward path to permanent residence. About 30% of international students become permanent residents after graduation in Canada – a huge incentive.

Dreaming of Studying in Canada? Take the First Step with a FREE Consultation!

Culture and Lifestyle: USA vs Canada

Of course, culture and lifestyle preferences also contribute to deciding between the two North American neighbors.

Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver offer very multicultural cities with vibrant food, arts and entertainment scenes. Students can practice English or French in Canada. The US also provides diverse and world famous city options like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston Chicago etc.

Both countries provide breath-taking natural landscapes from coasts to mountains to forests. Canada’s nationalized health care lowers costs for students compared to the US private system. Gun violence and crime rates tend to run higher as an issue in the US.

Canadians are known to be friendly, welcoming and peaceful neighbors. For many internationals students, Canada provides the best of North America with fewer concerns over discrimination or violence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions for international students weighing studying in the US compared to Canada:

Which country has higher-ranked universities?

The US edges out Canada when it comes to top globally-ranked schools. Many of the Ivy League schools and other elite US research universities lead global rankings. But Canada also hosts several respected universities regarded among the best globally like University of Toronto and McGill University.

Also read; How To Apply USA Student Visa From Nepal?

Where is it easier to immigrate after studying? 

Canada has much more generous and welcoming immigration policies for international student graduates.

There are flexible 3-year post-study work permits with no employer sponsorship required as well as clear pathways for permanent residency. Gaining a work visa or green card in the US has intense competition with no straightforward transition from student to resident.

Which country is more affordable for international students?

Both Canada and USA have a range of colleges and universities, each with its own tuition fees and living costs. Scholarships and financial aid are also available in both countries to help offset these expenses. Additionally, the cost of living can vary depending on the city or region you choose to study in.

It’s important for international students to research and compare costs carefully to find the best option for their budget.

Do I need to know French in Canada?

French fluency is only essential if you plan to study or settle in Quebec, as Montreal and Quebec City are predominantly Francophone.

Canada is an officially bilingual country, but every province apart from Quebec is English-speaking. So if you study and stay in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia or Alberta after graduating, you can use English. But learning some conversational French can still be beneficial.

Also read; Study in the USA From Nepal – List of Requirements

More About Studying in USA vs Studying in Canada

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✔ Generally, both the U.S. universities and Canadian universities require students to submit SAT (for Undergraduate) and GRE/GMAT (for Graduate) besides the English Proficiency Tests (TOEFL/IELTS/SAT); however, Canadian universities put more stock into your GPA and TOEFL/IELS than SAT/GRE/GMAT. The number of Canadian universities requiring the standardized tests (SAT, GRE, GMAT) is much lower than the U.S. universities.

✔ As an undergraduate student, the average annual tuition cost in the US is approximately US $33,000 whereas it costs approximately US $ 23,000 annually in Canada. A major attraction in the US is international students can compete for financial support in the form of scholarships and grants. 

✔ The average graduate tuition cost in the U.S. is $ 25,000 where the graduate education in Canada is $13,000.00. Students can apply for out-of-state waivers, assistantships and fellowships in the U.S. Universities. Based on what we have seen; it is very difficult for students to secure financial positions in Canadian universities.

✔ International students can work for 20 hours a week off-campus in Canada, but they can work only on-campus in the United States.

✔ The INTERVIEW is the key at the US Consulate whereas Canadian High Commission emphasizes proper paper works.

✔ It is easier to get a Permanent Residence in Canada than in the US. Some of the Canadian degrees have an option to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit which allows you to work in Canada after graduation. It will also qualify you to apply for permanent residency in Canada through different programs. However, the Green Card in the U.S. is more complicated in terms of duration and the process.

Also read; Can F1 Students Apply For a Green Card?

Should you study in Canada or in the USA? – Take the First Step with a FREE Consultation!