Canada Vs USA - Eligibility, Process, and Cost of Studying

published on 21 January 2023
Canada Vs USA - Eligibility, Process, and Cost of Studying
Canada Vs USA - Eligibility, Process, and Cost of Studying

This article, we are discussing Canada Vs USA- Eligibility, Process, and Cost of Studying.

The USA and Canada are among the most popular study destinations. Both Canada and the United States can offer great opportunities for international students. Regarding the quality of the education and the courses on offer, both the USA and Canada have plenty to offer and there is no drastic difference in the education system. They offer a plethora of options for all the streams.

Many students struggle to choose between the USA and Canada as both countries have their own unique attractions and opportunities. When you compare, It is important to keep in mind the long-term implications of factors like affordability, quality of life, professional growth, and how you can make the best of the country’s benefits.

In this article, we will cover Canada Vs the USA- Eligibility, Process, and Cost Of Studying, So, keep on reading this article!

Top 5 Universities in Canada and the USA

Top 5 Universities in Canada

  • University of Toronto
  • McGill University
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Alberta
  • McMaster University

Top 5 Universities in the USA

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Stanford University
  • Harvard University
  • California Institute of Technology
  • University of Chicago

Canada Vs USA - Eligibility 

Study in Canada - Eligibility Criteria

Those who want to study at the undergraduate level in Canada must have completed at least 12 years of schooling and passed the entrance exam.

For admission to postgraduate courses, applicants must have excelled in their graduation as well as international entrance exams such as the GMAT or GRE.

Important Note: Most universities in Canada place a greater emphasis on the student's merit and IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo scores than on their GMAT/GRE scores.

Study in the USA - Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must complete 12 years of schooling and take the entrance exam, as well as IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo.

To be admitted to a master's program in the United States, an aspirant must have completed 16 years of education (10+2+4), implying that the majority of universities accept a 4-year bachelor's degree, as well as the GMAT or GRE for management or science programs, respectively.

Canada Vs USA: Cost of Studying

Cost of Studying in Canada

Undergraduate Degree - $5,000 – $25,000 (INR 3.76 lakhs – INR 18.82 lakhs)

Postgraduate Degree - $8,000 – $35,000 (INR 6.02 lakhs – INR 26.35 lakhs)

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) - $5,300 – $7,500 (INR 3.99 lakhs – INR 5.64 lakhs)

Cost of Studying in the USA 

Undergraduate Degree - $6,000 – $40,000 (INR 4.5 lakhs – INR 30.11 lakhs)

Postgraduate Degree - $11,700 – $45,000 (INR 8.80 lakhs – INR 33.88 lakhs)

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) - $28,000 – $55,000 (INR 21.08 lakhs – INR 41.41 lakhs)

Canada Vs USA - Scholarship offered

Scholarship to study in Canada 

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships funded by the Government of Canada

Sauvé Scholars Program by the Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto

Ontario Graduate Scholarship

Scholarship to study in the USA

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation scholarships

Fulbright-Nehru Research Fellowships

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowships Program

Asian Women in Business Scholarship Fund

Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian students

Canada Vs USA - Safety

In regards to safety,  Canada is good for international students. In comparison to the US, it has a much, much lower crime rate. Plus, the people are multicultural, polite, and welcoming, which makes the entire society extremely tolerant.

Canada Vs USA: Popular Job Sectors

Popular Job Sectors in Canada

Web Developer

Registered Nurse

Marketing Manager

Engineer

HR Manager

IT Project Manager

Pharmacist

Popular Job Sectors in the USA

Information Technology

Real Estate

Healthcare

Education

E-commerce

Tourism

Canada Vs USA: Best Cities to Live

Best Cities to live in Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia

Calgary, Alberta

Toronto, Ontario

Best Cities to live in the USA 

Boulder, Colorado

Denver, Colorado

Austin, Texas

Canada Vs USA - Student Visa 

Canada - Student Visa 

The post-graduation employment visa must be applied for within 90 days of your studies being completed.

For Indian candidates seeking visas to Canada, a medical examination is required.

Spouses can also work full-time if his/her stay is for a year or more.

This visa application is $150 (12k-13k)plus an additional $80 (6k-7k) (for biometrics).

You are only permitted to work 20 hours each week. The student is permitted to work up to 40 hours a week during breaks, vacations, and summer classes. (As per a newly added benefit by the Canadian Government students can now work for more than 20 hours)

USA- Student Visa 

You must come for an appointment to produce biometrics, and a personal interview is necessary.

Unless you have been granted permission to stay and work for a while under the OPT Program, you are only permitted to stay in the US for up to 90 days after your academic program is finished (Optional Practical Training)

Along with the $350 SEVIS charge (28k-30k), the application for this visa costs $160 (12k-13k). The dependent visa will cost an extra $160 (28k-30k)from you (per dependant)

You are only permitted to work 20 hours each week. The student is permitted to work up to 40 hours a week during breaks, vacations, and summer classes. The student is only permitted to work on campus for a business that offers services to the college, such as a restaurant or bookshop.

Canada Vs USA: Post-Study Work Permit

Canada - Post-Study Work Permit

According to Canadian standards, students graduating from any post-secondary institute will be issued a postgraduation work permit of a maximum of 3 years or depending on the duration of the course.

Additionally, during the period of work permit in Canada, the student can also apply for Permanent Residency (PR) under the Canadian Experience Class if they wish to settle down in the country itself. Unlike in the USA, getting a PR permit in Canada is very easy.

USA - Post-Study Work Permit

For students who would like to stay back and gain practical knowledge in the same field they have pursued in the USA, they can opt for a temporary work permit called OPT (Optional Practical Training) for a period of not more than 12 months.

In most cases, the graduate from any of the recognized American universities will have to apply for a post-study work visa upon getting a permanent job there. Whereas, if you think of settling there permanently, be ready for a long-drawn process as you need to work in the USA for at least 5 years to get PR, and this process is quite long.

Conclusion

Both Canada and the United States have been popular destinations for Indian immigrants over the past several years. However, current trends show that Canada is accepting more and more Indian immigrants each year, while that number is declining in the United States.

In this article, we have tried to cover everything related to Canada Vs the USA- Eligibility, Process, and Cost of Studying. We hope you like this article! So, which is the better study destination? the USA or Canada? Think wisely and choose the country that best fits your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key differences in the eligibility criteria for studying in Canada and the USA?

Eligibility criteria for studying in Canada and the USA can vary. While both countries generally require academic transcripts and language proficiency tests, the specific requirements may differ. Canadian universities often focus on holistic admissions, considering extracurricular activities, while US universities may emphasize standardized test scores like SAT or ACT.

2. How does the application process differ between Canada and the USA for international students?

The application process for both countries involves submitting academic records, language proficiency test scores, and a statement of purpose. However, Canadian universities may have a simpler application process, and some may not require standardized test scores. In the USA, the application process is more competitive, involving standardized tests, recommendation letters, and a thorough review of extracurricular achievements.

3. What is the cost difference between studying in Canada and the USA for international students?

The cost of studying in Canada is generally lower than in the USA. Tuition fees in Canada are often more affordable, and there are various scholarship opportunities available. In the USA, tuition fees can vary widely, and scholarships may be more competitive. Additionally, the cost of living in certain cities in the USA can be higher than in many Canadian cities.

4. How do work opportunities for international students compare between Canada and the USA?

Both Canada and the USA offer work opportunities for international students, but the regulations differ. In Canada, international students can work part-time during studies and full-time during scheduled breaks. After graduation, Canada provides favorable post-graduate work permit options. In the USA, students on an F-1 visa can work part-time on-campus during the academic term and may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their degree.

5. Are there any notable cultural differences that international students should consider when choosing between Canada and the USA?

Cultural differences can influence the overall experience for international students. Canada is known for its multicultural and inclusive society, providing a welcoming environment. In the USA, the cultural experience can vary widely depending on the region, but it often involves a diverse and dynamic social scene. Prospective students should consider factors like cultural diversity, lifestyle, and overall atmosphere when making their decision.

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