If you want to study abroad, consider the following topics that international students should not overlook.
Annual Immigrant Count
Canada
Approximately 80,000 Indians have been granted permanent residency in Canada until November 2019. In 2016, this figure was 40,000. This data shows that Indian students and skilled workers are flocking to Canada in large numbers.
UK
According to the report, the number of Indian students studying in the UK has increased significantly. Nearly 15,000 Indian students were granted Tier 4 student visas in 2018, with the number increasing to 21,000 in 2019.
Best Universities
Some of the world’s best universities are located in both Canada and the United Kingdom. Some of their top universities can be found here.
Canada
| QS World University Rankings 2021 – Top 10 Universities in Canada | ||
| Canada Rank | Global Rank | University |
| 1 | 25 | University of Toronto |
| 2 | 31 | McGill University |
| 3 | 45 | University of British Columbia |
| 4 | 118 | Université de Montréal |
| 5 | 119 | University of Alberta |
| 6 | 144 | McMaster University |
| 7 | 166 | University of Waterloo |
| 8 | 203 | Western University |
| 9 | 246 | Queen’s University |
| 9 | 246 | University of Calgary |
| QS World University Rankings 2021 – Top 10 Universities in the UK | ||
| UK Rank | Global Rank | Institution |
| 1 | 5 | University of Oxford |
| 2 | 7 | University of Cambridge |
| 3 | 8 | Imperial College London |
| 4 | 10 | UCL (University College London) |
| 5 | 20 | University of Edinburgh |
| 6 | 27 | The University of Manchester |
| 7 | 31 | King’s College London (KCL) |
| 8 | 49 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) |
| 9 | 58 | University of Bristol |
| 10 | 62 | The University of Warwick |
Criteria for Eligibility
Canada
- To be admitted to an undergraduate course (UG), you must have completed 12 years of schooling. International students must take the SAT Exam.
- Degree programmersin Canada typically last four years. In Canada, diploma courses last between two and three years.
- Along with regular courses, the Canadian education system allows for various types of vocational courses. It also includes many regular classes at the Master’s or postgraduate (PG) level. Admission to vocational courses is much easier to obtain than admission to traditional courses.
- You must take the GMAT exam to be admitted to a management degree programme. GRE Exam scores are required for admission to engineering programmersin Canada.
- There is no cut-off concept in Canadian education. Colleges publish the average scores needed for various courses. Aspiring students can look at their websites for average scores to get a sense of what is acceptable.
- To apply for a Canadian course, you must first pass language exams to demonstrate your proficiency in the language. Regardless of the course, TOEFL or IELTS scores are accepted. A few Canadian colleges admit Indian students without requiring a language test.
- We recommend that you take the TOEFL or IELTS test, as these are also required to obtain a visa. If the visa interviewer is unsure about your spoken language ability, you may be denied a Canadian student visa.
UK
- Unlike in Canada, undergraduate courses in the United Kingdom used to require 13 years of pre-university education. This rule was recently changed. For admission to UG courses, UK universities now consider 10+2 CBSE certificate holders.
- To apply for a postgraduate course at a UK university, you must first complete a three-year undergraduate degree programme.
- To be admitted to management programmes, you must take the GMAT. Admission to science courses requires a GRE score.
- A high GMAT or GRE score can increase one’s chances of admission to prestigious UK colleges and universities.
- Students with work experience are also preferred by UK universities. Work experience is extremely beneficial in gaining admission to UK management courses.
- Universities in the United Kingdom no longer require the TOEFL or IELTS exams for admission. However, these language test exams are critical in obtaining a UK study permit.
Scholarships
Many Indian students seek scholarships in Canada and the United Kingdom. Obtaining a scholarship alleviates financial stress. Examine the scholarships available in these countries.
| Canada Scholarships | UK Scholarships |
| International Research Linkages offered by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada | British Council GREAT scholarships for Indian Students |
| Canada Asia-Pacific Awards (CAPA) | Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships granted by Government of Canada | Sir Ratan Tata Fellowships for South Asian Students at LSE |
| Sauvé Scholars Program by the Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation | Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship supported by the Government of Canada | Cardiff Business School India Scholarships |
Grading Systems
United Kingdom
- The United Kingdom has a distinct higher education grading system. It describes a student’s academic performance far better than the traditional grading system.
- The UK grading system places a greater emphasis on students’ specific skills and academic strengths. It provides employers with a better understanding of a candidate’s true potential.
- A ‘Letter Grade Scale’ is used in UK universities. It is numbered from A to F. The letter ‘A’ stands for exceptional knowledge. The letter ‘F’ denotes failure with a low grade.
The following table explains the UK grading system:
| Letter Grade | Score in Percentage | Grade Meaning | Degree Class | ||
| Honours Degree | Foundation Degree | ||||
| A | 70% – 100% | Excellent to Outstanding | PASS | First | Distinction |
| B | 60% – 69% | Good to Very Good | Upper Second 2:1 | Merit | |
| C | 50% – 59% | Satisfying | Lower Second 2:2 |
Pass |
|
| D | 40% – 49% | Sufficient | Third 3 | ||
| E | 30% – 39% | Unsatisfactory |
FAIL |
FAIL |
FAIL |
| F | 0 – 29% | Unsatisfactory/Very Poor | |||
Canada
- When applying to Canadian universities, international students must meet the Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements.
- The Canadian GPA system determines students’ academic ability and eligibility. This system was created to determine whether or not a student is suitable for a particular course. As a result, before applying to Canadian universities, international students must understand their GPA.
- GPA is unique among Canadian universities. It differs significantly from other countries’ standard GPA system.
The tables below show the basic percentage equivalency between Letter Grade and GPA:
Scale-I
| Letter Grade | Score in Percentage | GPA Grade |
| A+ | 92-100 | 4.33 |
| A | 88-91 | 4 |
| A- | 85-87 | 3.67 |
| B+ | 82-84 | 3.33 |
| B | 78-81 | 3 |
| B- | 75-77 | 2.67 |
| C+ | 72-74 | 2.33 |
| C | 68-71 | 2 |
| C- | 65-67 | 1.67 |
| D | 55-64 | 1 |
| F | 0-54 | 0 |
Scale-II
| Letter Grade | Score in Percentage | GPA Grade |
| A+ | 90-100 | 9.0 |
| A | 80-89 | 8 |
| B+ | 75-79 | 7< |
| B< | 70-74 | 6 |
| B- | 65-69 | 5 |
| C+ | 60-64 | 4 |
| C | 55-59 | 3 |
| C- | 50-54 | 2 |
| D | 40-49 | 1 |
| F | 0-39 | 0 |
Most Desired Fields
Canada
- Sales Associates make an average of $50,255 per year.
- Registered Nurse, $76,362 on average
- Driver, with an annual salary of $44,836
- Receptionist, $31,304 on average
- Welder, with an annual salary of $40,927
- Business Development Manager, $85,000 on average
- Project Manager, $90,000 annual salary
- Average salary for a web developer is $62,522.
- General Laborer, $29,250 on average
- Heavy-duty Mechanic, $70,000 on average
- Electrical Engineer, $77,400 on average
UK
- Average starting salary for a data scientist is £46,665.
- Project Manager, average starting salary of £41,808
- Project Manager, average starting salary of £41,808
- Software Engineer, average starting salary of £41,100
- Business Analyst, average starting salary of £39,127
- Accountant, average starting salary of £36,171
- Mechanical Engineer, average starting salary of £33,765
- Graphic Designer, average starting salary of £25,543.
- Software Developer, average base salary £35,247 Data Analyst, average base salary £30,323 Executive Assistant, average base salary £39,163
Working while studying
Canada
- Prospective international students pursuing a full-time course at DLLs in Canada are permitted to work.
- Such students are permitted to work off-campus with any work permit.
- During a regular session, the maximum number of off-campus working hours is 20 per week.
- During their vacation, they are permitted to work full-time.
- They can begin working immediately after arriving in Canada, with no waiting period.
UK
- While studying, international students can easily find part-time work in the UK.
- Some universities prohibit students from working off-campus.
- Only Tier 4 visa holders are permitted to work in the United Kingdom.
- To work in the UK, you must be at least 16 years old.
- You can work if your residence permit letter includes any of the following information.
- Work must be approved.
- Work permitted as approved by the Secretary of State
- Work in accordance with Tier 4 regulations.
- Restricted in the same way that Tier 4 Rules are.
- Work restrictions – Part-time during the school year, full-time during vacations
- Time constraints at work
- During the school year, you may work up to 20 hours per week.
- During the school year, you can work up to ten hours per week.
Canada Post-Study Work Opportunity
Canada
In Canada, you can obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This post-study work permit is granted based on two factors:
- duration of your course
- the stream you studied
- International students can stay in Canada for up to three years under the PGWP. With this work permit, you can also study and work in Canada.
- Students who have completed their studies at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are only eligible for a work permit. You will have 180 days after graduating from a DLI to apply for PGWP.
- PGWP enables you to:
- Gain work experience in Canada
- Obtain a Permanent Resident Visa in Canada via Express Entry
To be eligible for PGWP, you must meet the following requirements:
- must complete a full-time course in Canada for a minimum of 8 months apply within 180 days of finishing the course
- possess a current Canadian study permit or student visa
UK
- The post-study work (PSW) visa enables international students to work in the UK. You can stay and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation with this visa.
- PSW visa holders are free to work in any job they find. The primary goal of this work visa is to assist immigrant students in obtaining a General Work Visa.
- Eligibility requirements for a UK Post-study Work Visa include:
- Holding a Tier 4 visa
- Admission to a UK institution on or after September 20, 2020
- D. holders (as per the new extension of PSW visa rules)
Studying Costs
Tuition costs are an important consideration when deciding where to study abroad. The difference in tuition fees between public and private institutions can be enormous. Consider the tuition costs in the United Kingdom and Canada.
Canada
In Canada, the average tuition fee is higher. As a result, it provides both more expensive and less expensive options than the UK.
The cost of a Canadian course is primarily determined by two factors:
- Field of study
- Institution of choice
Postgraduate course costs in Canada are roughly comparable to those in the United Kingdom. It ranges between $25,000 and $47,000 per year.
To calculate the cost of studying in Canada, use the chart below.
| Categories | Undergraduate Course | Postgraduate Course |
| Tuition Fee | $10,000 – $30,000 per year | $15,000 – $35,000 per year |
| Room and Living Cost | $10,000–$12,000 per year | $10,000–$12,000 per year |
| Course Duration | 4 years | 1- 2 years |
| Total Expense | $20,000-$42,000 per year | $25,000-$47,000 per year |
UK
Undergraduate degree courses in the United Kingdom cost between GBP8,000 and GBP15,000 per year in tuition. On average, PG courses cost between GBP10,000 and GBP20,000 per year. In the United Kingdom, tuition does not include room and board. These are extra expenses that you must bear on your own.
Here is a table that shows the necessary expenses for UK courses:
| Categories | Undergraduate Course | Postgraduate Course |
| Tuition Fee | £8,000-£15,000 per year | £10,000-£20,000 per year |
| Room and Living Cost | £12,000-£15,000 per year | £12,000-£15,000 per year |
| Course Duration | Three years | 1- 2 years |
| Total Expense | £20,000-£30,000 per year | £20,000-£35,000 per year |
Visa Processing
Canada
It is easier to obtain a Canadian student visa than a UK student visa. A Canadian student visa is also subject to a number of restrictions. They are as follows:
- Within 90 days of finishing your course, you must apply for a post-study work permit.
- For Indian applicants, a medical examination is required as part of the visa application process.
- Spouses are permitted to work full-time. Their stay in Canada must be for at least one year.
- The processing fee is $150.
- During the course term, no more than 20 hours per week are permitted.
- You may work up to 40 hours per week in the during the holidays.
UK
It is difficult to obtain a UK Student Visa due to stricter visa rules. The following are some general facts about student visas in the United Kingdom:
- only for a full-time education programme
- For a diploma course, the visa could be valid for up to three years.
- The visa would be valid for a maximum of four years for a university degree. The application fee is £310.
- an extra fee of £310 for each dependent visa
- You may be required to attend a personal interview.
- Permission to work part-time while studying is granted on an individual basis.
- International students are permitted to do the following:
- Part-time up to 20 hours per week during the school year
- Part-time up to 20 hours per week during the school year
- full-time job placements as part of a’sandwich course’
Canada Permanent Residence Opportunity
Canada
Canada is welcoming an increasing number of immigrant students to stay and work. When students are on PGWP, they can apply for PR in this country. This country also permits PR visa holders to bring their families. As a result, obtaining a permanent residence visa in Canada is more profitable and simple.
UK
Brexit caused a number of policy changes in the United Kingdom. It is extremely difficult for international students to stay and look for work in the UK after graduation. As a result, the chances of obtaining permanent residency in the UK are slim.
Living Expenses
The average annual cost of living in the United Kingdom is $19,500. The average annual cost of living in Canada is $7,500 – $11,000 per person. As a result, living in Canada is less expensive than in the United Kingdom.
Health Care
Canada
- In Canada, healthcare is provided through the provincial and territorial systems.
- Medicare is a publicly funded healthcare system.
- The average annual cost of healthcare is $900.
- The average annual cost of private health insurance is $750.
UK
- The National Health Service, which is funded by the government, is available in the United Kingdom.
- This programme ensures that everyone receives free medical care.
- The average annual cost of health insurance in the United Kingdom is £1,435
Current developments: Immigration laws will be updated in 2020. (important updates with date)
Before travelling to the United Kingdom or Canada to study, it is critical to be aware of the most recent immigration rules. It will protect international students from unnecessary harassment upon entry. Here is a list of such updates for Canada and the United Kingdom.
Updates on Canadian Immigration for 2020
- 30th July 2020: The Open Work Permit pilot programme in Canada is extended to spouses or common-law partners.
- Exemption from biometrics collection for temporary residence visa applicants within Canada on July 15, 2020.
- 14th July 2020: Application extension for temporary residents seeking to regain their status 5th June 2020: Temporary public policy exempting essential workers from submitting biometrics overseas
- 14th of May 2020: Increased flexibility in post-graduate work permits for international students
- Increase in permanent residence fees on April 30, 2020
- Changes in Canadian visa processing due to COVID-19 on April 10, 2020
- The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Program will begin on March 30, 2020.
- 7th February 2020: Special initiative to assist temporary and permanent residents, as well as applicants, who are affected by the COVID-19 situation.
Updates on UK Immigration for 2020
- Changes to EU and EU Immigration Rules on August 24, 2020 (Family Permit)
- Changes to Immigration Rules Part 6A (the points-based system), Immigration Rules Part 5 (working in the UK), and Immigration Rules Appendix W on June 4, 2020. (Immigration Rules for Workers)
- Part 3 (students), Part 5 (working in the UK), and Part 9 of the Immigration Rules will be amended on April 6, 2020. (grounds for refusal)
- 20th February 2020: Immigration Rule Changes Part 1 (Leave to enter or stay in the UK)
- Appendix G: Youth Mobility Scheme, 2nd January 2020: Updated Immigration Rules
Common difficulties encountered by Indian immigrants in Canada
Here is a list of common difficulties you may encounter in Canada:
- the difficulty of assimilating into a different culture
- Discrimination in the workplace
- Isolation due to origin Difficulty in finding a home
- dietary habits
- Various family structures
- Child rearing
- Winter months are bitterly cold.
- Six different time zones in one country
Common difficulties encountered by Indian immigrants in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Indian immigrants face a number of challenges. Here are some of the most common issues that Indians face in the UK:
- Learning a new language with an unusual accent
- Getting to Know a Different Culture
- Making new friends
- Obtaining a place to live
- Discrimination in the workplace
- Child rearing
- Being subjected to prejudice
- Access to local services is limited.
- Extreme weather patterns (during winter months)
How can Prominent assist?
Prominent has extensive experience dealing with immigration issues for Canada and the United Kingdom. Our immigration lawyers and registered migration agents will assist you in smoothly settling abroad.
Conclusion
The content contains a wealth of useful information about studying in the United Kingdom and Canada. The immigration process in Canada is straightforward, and obtaining PR and Canadian citizenship is simpler. The United Kingdom has somewhat strict immigration policies. However, it is still a fantastic place to study and live. You can weigh the benefits and drawbacks to determine which country to visit.
Our team has years of experience dealing with all aspects of visa applications. We specialize in visas for students, graduates, skilled workers, as well as their families and dependents. Contact us right away for practical advice and assistance from experts.
Other Important Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What are some useful things to remember?
We have presented you with an accurate picture of studying abroad in the United Kingdom and Canada. There are numerous other variables to consider. We have listed them here with brief descriptions.
- On the Average Life Satisfaction Ranking scale, Canada scored 7.6, while the United Kingdom scored 7.2. This means that people consider Canada to be a better place to live than the United Kingdom.
- According to the World Happiness Index, Canada ranks ninth, while the United Kingdom ranks fifteenth. As a result, Canadians live happier lives.
- Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa are among the best places to live in Canada. Sunderland, Leeds, Liverpool, Derby, Aberdeen, and other lesser-known cities are among the best places to live in the UK.
- In the United Kingdom, the population density is 281 people per square kilometer. According to the survey, the population density in Canada is about 3.0 people per square kilometer.
- According to the Global Economic Competitiveness report, Canada received 79.59 points out of a possible 100, while the United Kingdom received 81.20 points.
- Because of Canada’s strong economic policy, the unemployment rate in 2019 was around 5.67 percent. In May 2020, the UK had a 3.9 percent unemployment rate. This means that the job market in the United Kingdom is more secure.
- Wages, Racial Discrimination, and Safety: Canada has a much higher crime rate than the United Kingdom. In Canada, incidents of racial discrimination and hatred are more common. The United Kingdom is unquestionably safer than Canada. However, under Canadian law, everyone is treated equally.
- Weather Changes for Indians is a major issue in both countries. Summers are extremely brief. During the winter months, both countries experience extremely cold temperatures.
What is it like for Indian students to study in Canada?
After completing their full-time course, Indian students can apply for permanent resident status in Canada. Canada also has a number of immigration programmers in place to attract skilled workers.
Can I move to the United Kingdom without a job offer?
Yes, you can relocate to the United Kingdom without a job. There are several ways to accomplish this. Consult an immigration attorney for assistance.
Is it easy to find work in the UK?
It is difficult to find work in the UK following Brexit and changes in government policies.
Is it safe for Indian students to study in the United Kingdom?
Yes, Indian students can study in the UK safely. The crime rate in the United Kingdom is extremely low.
How can I obtain PR in the UK after graduating in 2022?
To obtain PR in the UK, you must have a steady income as well as a full-time job. Get a full-time job after you finish your course. After 5 years of work, you can apply for the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Visa, which grants you permanent resident status in the UK. You must pass the Knowledge of Life in the United Kingdom test as well as the English Language Proficiency test.
Is UK education better than Indian education?
It is, indeed. According to global surveys, the United Kingdom’s international education system is among the best in the world.
Can UK law graduates practice in India?
Yes. They are also permitted to practice in India.
What precisely is the Student Mobility Program?
The Student Mobility Program enables students to work or study abroad while still pursuing their degree. Student Mobility programmes include both bilateral exchange and one-way study abroad opportunities.
Why is the United Kingdom not a country?
The term “United Kingdom” refers to the political union of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is a fully independent sovereign state, but the other four nations are also sovereign states.
How much money can a student make in the United Kingdom?
The average weekly part-time wage in the UK is £112.20. However, the top 15% of students earn more than £200 per week.
Is a UK degree recognized in Canada?
No foreign degrees, including those from the United Kingdom, are automatically accepted in Canada. You must have it evaluated before applying for immigration to Canada.
Is Canada more expensive than the United Kingdom?
No. It is less expensive to study and live in Canada than in the United Kingdom. It is even possible to obtain a PR or become a Canadian citizen.
Is it simple to obtain PR in the United Kingdom?
No, obtaining PR in the UK is difficult.
Should I study in the United Kingdom or Canada?
Choose the United Kingdom. Even though the cost of living and tuition are relatively high in the UK, the average starting salary is also higher.
What are the best universities in Australia for international students?
Here is a list of the top three Australian universities:
The Melbourne University
Monash University, University of Queensland
What are the top five countries for Indian students to study in?
They are as follows:
- USA
- UK
- Canada
- Germany
- New Zealand’s
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