Various countries have emerged as attractive study abroad destinations among international students in recent years. Canada and the United States are two of the countries that are gaining ground in the race. Though both the United States and Canada are ideal places for students seeking higher education overseas, Canada has recently surpassed the United States. Faster processing periods for study permits, easier immigration, and lesser fees are just a few of the primary reasons why students prefer Canada to the United States.
The controversy surrounding the US F1 visa freeze during the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the number of students applying to study in the United States. Despite the fact that the ruling was overturned, changes in H1-B student visa laws had an impact on the influx of overseas students in the United States. On the other side, Canada did not see such a dramatic increase in the number of international students enrolling in higher education there.
Why Studying in Canada is better than Studying in USA
Visa Policy
As is well known, the visa application process in the United States is a lengthy and complicated process that necessitates meticulous scrutiny and a great deal of research. The calculation in connection with a Canadian visa application is often less complex and limited, reflecting the intention of international students to focus in Canada.
Furthermore, Canadian institutions allow international students to stay in Canada for job opportunities. The Post-Graduation Work Permit allows international students to work for three years after graduating from a post-optional Canadian institution, depending on the length of their study. However, as an F-1 visa holders, international students in the United States are allowed to stay in the country for up to one year to complete their studies.
Global students can acquire a one-year work and stay-back license after completing a degree in the United States through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Requirements for study in Canada are:
A renewed passport, competency in either English or French with proof of passing mandated language tests with minimal grades/bands, and proof that you can fund your studies as well as the expense of living in the nation are all common requirements for all universities and institutes. You have sufficient funds to cover your tuition payments. Living expenditures for you and any family members that go to Canada with you.
Requirements for study in the US are:
A renewed passport, competency in either English or French with proof of passing mandated language tests with minimal grades/bands, and proof that you can fund your studies as well as the expense of living in the nation are all common requirements for all universities and institutes. You have sufficient funds to cover your tuition payments. Living expenditures for you and any family members that go to Canada with you.
Costs & Expenses
When compared to the cost of education in the United States, the cost of education in Canada is moderately lower. The two major costs incurred by international students when studying abroad are educational expenses and living expenses. The following is a comparison between concentrating in Canada versus studying in the United States in terms of costs.
Cost of Studying: the USA vs. Canada
The amount of tuition fees varies from university to university. The estimated values of the cost of studying at various levels of education in the USA and Canada are given below:-
Undergraduate Degree $6,000-$40,000 /,$5,000-$25,000
Postgraduate Degree $11,700-$45,000 /$8,000-$35,000
Doctoral Degree $28,000-$55,000 /$5,300-$7,500
Student Visa Application Fees $160 $113
Tuition Fees in the USA vs. Canada for Indian Students
Level of Education/Program Level USA (INR) of Education/Pro Canada (INR) gram USA (INR) Canada (INR)
Bachelors 4-29 lakhs 3-18 lakhs / 4-29 lakhs 3-18 lakhs
Masters 8-33 lakhs 5-25 lakhs / 8-33 lakhs 5-25 lakhs
MBA up to 1 Cr. 11-59 lakhs up to 1 Cr. 11-59 lakhs
Masters in Computer Science 9-90 lakhs 9-57 lakhs / 9-90 lakhs 9-57 lakhs
Masters in Mechanical Engineering 13-73 lakhs 8-29 lakhs /13-73 lakhs 8-29 lakhs
14-58 lakhs
Cost of Living: – USA vs. Canada
Apart from tuition fees, the cost of living in Canada is also much lower than the cost of living in the US. International students can gain a fair idea of the cost of living for both countries with the table given below:
Accommodation $3,000-$8,000 -$6,000-$7,500
Living Expenses $10,000-$25,000 – $11,300
Books and Supplies $500-$1,500 – $189-$265
Health Support & Insurance $700-$1,000 – $227-$600
Transportation $45-$100 – $60-$85
Financial Aid
Despite the high costs of education and daily living, there are a variety of financial aid options available to international students to help them afford their education. However, Canadian institutions are required to provide financial assistance to international students, which is uncommon in the United States
Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA are:
- The best scholarships are available for Indian students in the United States.
AEF Scholarship
Akhtar H. Tobaccowala Fellowship
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
Asian Women in Business Scholarship Fund
Chicago Booth School of Business
Cornell University Tata Scholarship
Fullbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
Gunvant and Bharati Parekh College Scholarship Award
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
LSEF – UMass Scholarship
Matt Fong Asian Americans in Public Finance Scholarship
Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship
S.N. Bose Scholars Student Exchange Program for Indian Students
SEED Foundation Scholarship
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program
Upakar Indian Scholarship Foundation
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Wrap Up
Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada are:
Many Indian students aspire to study in the United States. Due to financial constraints, this ambition is frequently broken. Thankfully, there are currently a variety of scholarships available for Indian students in the United States, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you might be able to get one or more for yourself.
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Humber International Entrance Scholarships
Sauvé Scholars Program by the Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship by Government of Canada
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships funded by the Government of Canada
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
Employment Opportunities
HR Manager 148,000 – 135,000
Financial Analyst 126,000 -121,000
Aerospace Engineering 128,000 -116,000
Graphic Designer 61,400 -57,500
Business Analyst 125,000 – 116,000
Project Manager 124,000 – 97,000
Civil Engineer 88,000 – 81,000
Though jobs in the United States pay higher, completing an education requires a significant financial investment. Furthermore, the possibilities of receiving a PR and remaining in the United States are lower in the United States than in Canada, making Canada a favored choice, notwithstanding the income disparity.
Healthcare
Some places in Canada provide clinical inclusion for temporary residents, like international students. In any event, if you live in a location that does not provide clinical insurance to international students; you can opt for the school’s insurance plan or other private insurance. When compared to the United States, Canada’s good prices for private medical services are far lower. This makes medical care a viable option for international students while also lowering the overall financial burden.
