7 Differences Between Studying in Canada or the USA

Are you one of the students who intend to pursue your education in Canada or the USA? Before applying for admission, learn everything you can about Canadian and American universities. You may have aspired to study at one of the world’s top universities. However, before enrolling in a university, you should be fully aware of the rules and regulations that you must follow during your academic years.

The United States and Canada are two of the most popular study abroad destinations. In 2019, Canada welcomed approximately 642,000 international students, while the United States welcomed over one million.

Both countries have excellent universities with similar entry requirements, so if you are simply looking for a world-class education abroad, you can choose either and be assured of a world-class learning experience.

However, many international students are faced with the ultimate dilemma: studying in Canada or the USA: Which is better?. If you are one of these prospective students, don’t worry; we have you covered. Continuing reading to know the difference between studying in Canada or the USA.

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Differences Between Studying in Canada or the USA

Faster processing times for study permits, high-quality educational institutions, and an open and welcoming society are just a few of the factors that influence international students’ decisions to study in Canada or the United States. Here are the 7 differences between studying in Canada or the USA.

1.    Tuition and Living Expenses

Studying abroad is an expensive pursuit, which is why the cost is a major consideration in students’ study abroad plans. Not only is studying in the US more expensive than studying in Canada, but financial aid is much more difficult to obtain as an international student in the US. International students are more likely to receive financial aid or scholarships from Canadian universities, which is uncommon in the United States.

Furthermore, tuition fees at Canadian universities are on average 27% lower than tuition fees at US universities. Tuition fees, however, are not the only factor to consider. The cost of living in Canada is also significantly lower. International students may choose to study in Canada because it is less expensive.

The average expenses breakdown is as follows:

Expenses                                                                The United States (US Dollars)                                                   Canada (US Dollars)

UG tuition fees                                                         $6,000-$40,000                                                                           $5,000-$25,000

PG tuition fees                                                         $11,700-$45,000                                                                          $8,000-$35,000

Doctorate tuition fees                                               $28,000-$55,000                                                                          $5,300-$7,500

Accommodation                                                       $3,000-$8,000                                                                               $6,000-$7,500

Food/Other expenses                                              $10,000-$25,000                                                                            $11,300

Please keep in mind that the figures listed above are only estimates. Tuition fees can vary significantly depending on the university and course. The cost of living and housing can also vary greatly depending on the city in which your university is located.

2.    Healthcare

When you consider the most significant differences between studying in Canada or the USA, universal healthcare in Canada may come to mind. Because Canadian healthcare is managed by individual provinces, the coverage that they provide varies. Temporary residents, such as international students, are not always covered by all provinces.

However, students in provinces where international students are not permitted can usually enroll in their school’s insurance plan or use one of the many affordable private insurance providers. Many schools in the United States require international students to apply for health insurance. As a result, these students frequently have to pay exorbitant private healthcare premiums.

3.    Post-study Work Opportunities

Some of the world’s most recognizable brands are headquartered in the United States and Canada. Both study destinations have excellent job opportunities for international students; the only difference is the type of post-study work visas available in each country.

All international students in Canada are eligible for a post-study work permit (PSWP). If your course lasts more than 8 months but less than two years, your PSWP will be the same length as your course. If your course lasts two years or more, your PSWP will last three years.

For international students who wish to stay and work in the United States of America, the country offers optional practical training (OPT). You can only apply if you have an F1 student visa, and the OPT period is one year. If you have a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree, you can apply to extend your OPT for another 24 months.

4.    Welcoming Society

According to Gallup’s Migrant Acceptance Index (MAI), Canada is the world’s most welcoming country to migrants. According to a recent study, Canadians are more welcoming to newcomers than they have ever been since the COVID-19 pandemic. In stark contrast to what some perceive as hostile US foreign policy, Canada seeks to welcome international students.

The data also confirms Canada’s openness to international students. In Canada, the number of international students increased from 122,700 in 2000 to 642,500 in 2019. According to a recent Statistics Canada report, six out of ten international students who were employed after finishing their studies became landed immigrants within ten years of receiving their study permit.

In comparison, the number of international students in the United States increased at the slowest rate since 2009. These figures show that international students are increasingly choosing Canada over the United States, which could be attributed to policies implemented by the Canadian government to attract international students.

5.    Permanent Residency or Citizenship

The United States currently has approximately 40 million immigrants, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the total population, and Canada plans to welcome 1 million new migrants between 2020 and 2023.

Many international students intend to return to their home country after completing their studies. If you are one of these people, this is an important factor to consider before deciding whether to study in Canada or the USA.

To become a permanent resident in the United States, you must first obtain a green card. To be eligible to apply, you must also have lived in the United States for at least five years on the basis of employment, and the process is often slow and lengthy.

For international students who want to become permanent residents of Canada, there are numerous simple pathways available. You can even begin the application process for permanent residency before your PSWP expires.

6.    Climate Change

Is climate a significant factor? It most emphatically is! It is best to select a location with an overall climate you enjoy or where you know you will be comfortable. When we think of Canada, we think of bitterly cold winds and beautiful white snow, whereas when we think of the United States, we think of pleasant temperate climates and a day at the beach.

However, both the United States and Canada are massive countries with vast landmasses and diverse climates. Though the United States is generally warmer than Canada, different areas within each country have varying climatic conditions. Certain parts of Canada have extremely hot summers, while others in the United States have extremely cold winters. If you are considering studying in either Canada or the USA prepare yourself very well.

7.    Food and language

Although English is the most widely spoken language in the United States and Canada, Canada also has a sizable French-speaking population. Many universities in provinces such as Quebec require international students to be fluent in French. But if you understand and speak English very well you will be able to study in Canada or the USA.

In terms of food, both the United States and Canada celebrate cuisines from around the world. So you can go out with your friends and eat whatever you want. In Canada, you don’t even have to worry about splitting the bill because most restaurants offer individual bills for groups of friends eating together.

And did you know that Canadians purchase milk in packets while Americans purchase it in cartons? Why you might ask? Because packets are better for the environment than cartons.

ALSO READ: Study in Canada: 12 Checklist for International Students

So, which is the superior study location? Canada or the USA? Consider your options carefully and select the country that best meets your needs. You can’t go wrong with this! but if you need our assistance contact us by visiting our website, www.silvercloudtravelsng.com today. We’ll take it from there.