US vs Canada: Which is Better for Studying Abroad 

International students are naturally drawn to the USA for higher education. However, Canada is also equally inviting and has far more relaxed immigration policies. This creates a challenging decision for international students choosing between the USA and Canada.

Both countries offer world-class education, diverse cultures, and unique opportunities. However, the post-graduation career prospects, quality of life, standards, and cost of living in Canada as compared to the USA are quite different.

This article will provide a comprehensive comparison between the two countries. We will cover popular courses, university rankings, admission requirements, visa processes, job opportunities and much more.  Let us start by looking at an overview of international student life in each country.

The USA vs. Canada for higher education: An overview

The USA for International Students

When it comes to higher education, the United States is the most popular choice for international students, especially Indians. 

The country has more than 5,000 institutes of higher education and offers thousands of degree programs.

That said, the cost of living in the USA is high, and the country has some of the tuition fees for international students worldwide. Financial aid and scholarships are available, but these tend to have a high degree of competition. 

Furthermore, students must also navigate the visa process, which can be complex and demanding. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation, with an additional 24 months for STEM programs, providing valuable work experience.

Also note that of the top 100 universities in the world in 2025, 26 are in the USA. Overall, the USA is still an excellent choice for international students, especially those who do not seek to emigrate there permanently.

Pros

• Thousands of higher education institutions to choose from.
• The USA offers more opportunities for funding, including scholarships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships, than most other countries.
• The OPT program allows STEM graduates to work and earn high salaries in the USA for up to 36 months after graduation.

Cons

• The tuition fees are expensive, and the cost of living can be very high.
• Funding opportunities are extremely competitive, and receive a high number of applications each year.
• For Indian students, the wait time for permanent residency is currently 11 years and 2 months. As a result, settlement prospects are heavily dependent on H1-B visa extensions.

Canada for International Students

Pros

• A high quality of education, and strong prospects after graduating.
• Welcoming to immigrants, and is comparatively more affordable as compared to the USA.
• Undergraduate degrees can be completed in three years instead of four.
• Canada’s national healthcare system is available for use to international students (most provinces).

Cons

• Funding opportunities are much rarer than in the United States, and far more competitive.
• Levels of racism towards Indians are on the rise, especially in recent years.
• The job market and equivalent salaries are smaller and lower in Canada than in the USA.

Canada has always been a top destination for international students but has long been overshadowed by the USA. In recent years, while the USA still leads in terms of student numbers, Canada is steadily gaining market share. Additionally, the cost of living in Canada is significantly lower compared to the USA.

Then, consider that the education system in Canada is similar to that of the USA, offering a broad-based curriculum at the undergraduate level. However, undergraduate programs in Canada typically take three years to complete, compared to four years in the USA.

One of the most attractive aspects of studying in Canada is the pathway to permanent residency it offers to international students. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. And unlike the UK and the USA, your time spent as a student can be counted towards residency applications. This alone is a major reason for international students to pick Canada vs. the USA.

Now that you have a basic idea of the pros and cons of studying in Canada vs. the USA for international students, we’ll talk about areas of study.

Popular courses in the USA & Canada

In this section, we’ll explain the demand for the most popular courses in these countries, among international students specifically. Here are the most popular courses in the USA, sourced from Statista:

1. Math and Computer Science – 240,230 students
2. Engineering – 202,801 students
3. Business and Management – 157,281 students
4. Social Sciences – 85,998 students
5. Physical and Life Sciences – 84,830 students
6. Fine and Applied Arts – 51,689 students
7. Health Professions – 34,856 students

The data below is also sourced from Statista. This one is to give you an idea of how the demand for the most popular courses in Canada, while the list above was for the USA. 

1. Business and Management – 126,918 students
2. Architecture and Engineering – 61,002 students
3. Math and Computer Science – 47,619 students
4. Social Sciences – 46,326 students
5. Physical and Life Sciences – 30,501 students
6. Health Professions – 21,333 students
7. Fine and Applied Arts – 25,824 students

Please note that in both datasets above, we’ve standardised the naming of the programs. With that covered, we’ll now look at the rankings of the best universities in these two countries.

Also Read: A complete guide to studying Masters in Finance in Canada

Top ranking universities: USA vs Canada

These are the top 10 universities in the USA, as per the 2025 QS World University Rankings:

These are the top 10 Canadian universities:

While the QS World University Rankings provide a decent proxy for the quality of education at a university, relying solely on these rankings for selecting a university may not be the most reliable approach.

Rankings are important, but they often overlook critical factors like the return on investment (ROI), fundability (how easy it is to get an education loan for that program), and your specific chances of admission.

This is where SelectRight (by GradRight) steps in. Unlike rankings that are based on general metrics, SelectRight considers several factors like your academic profile, budget, and potential for financial aid. It then creates a tailored shortlist of universities where you are most likely to succeed.

Here’s how it works:

1. You begin by creating a free profile and entering details about your academic history, test scores, and preferences.
2. The platform analyzes over 8 million data points from 40,000 programs and universities to match you with the ones that best fit your needs.
3. You can compare shortlisted programs based on detailed insights like alumni network strength, placement records, and faculty quality.
4. You also have access to unbiased expert guidance that helps you make informed decisions.
5. Finally, connect with alumni, faculty, and peers from the shortlisted universities to get deeper insights before you apply.

Don’t leave your university selection to chance! Sign up on SelectRight today to make the best choice for your academic and career goals.

With the top universities covered, let’s understand the eligibility criteria for admissions.

Also Read: Spring Intake in USA 2025: Best Universities, Deadlines, Scholarships

Admission requirements to study in the USA & Canada

When deciding between the USA vs. Canada for international students, the admission criteria might be playing on your mind. In 99% of cases, if you are eligible for admission in one country, you can also apply to the other. 

Now, each university will tailor their admissions criteria, but here are the bare minimums:

1. For undergraduate studies, you need to have a CGPA of at least 7. 
2. Also for undergraduate studies, you’d need a standardised test score like the SAT or ACT. Many students also apply with AP (Advanced Placement) exam scores.

Those were the only two special undergraduate requirements. In addition to those two, prospective undergraduate international students also need to meet the criteria outlined below.

1. For postgraduate studies, you’d first and foremost need an undergraduate degree from a recognized university.
2. If your undergraduate degree or high school transcripts are not in English, you’d need an official translation.
3. Depending on the course you are applying to, you’d need competitive exam scores like the GMAT, GRE, LSAT, or MCAT. This is not needed for undergraduate admissions.
4. All international students usually have to provide an English proficiency score, like the IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL.
5. Some universities require you to submit a personal essay, statement of purpose, or sometimes both.
6. Lastly, you’d need two letters of reference, undergraduates usually provide these letters from their teachers, and graduates from their workplace or undergraduate college.

With the admissions criteria for admission in the USA vs. Canada for international students done, let’s compare the cost of living in either country.

Cost of studying and living comparison: the USA vs. Canada

Below is a detailed table comparing the cost of studying and living in the USA vs Canada:

While the USA has a wider range of tuition fees depending on the university, Canada tends to have slightly lower tuition fees and living expenses. Students should also factor in location, lifestyle, and available financial aid when making decisions.

The next sections will give you more detailed information about the cost of studying in the USA vs. Canada for international students.

Undergraduate course costs: Canada versus The USA

Undergraduate tuition fees vary significantly between the USA and Canada, with American institutions generally being more expensive. In the USA, annual tuition fees would be around $50,000 per year, even for public universities. Canadian universities typically charge international students between CAD 20,000 to CAD 35,000 per year 

Here is a table with five popular undergraduate courses and their current average annual tuition fees:

Note: The currency conversion was calculated at USD 1 = 85.5 INR, and at CAD 1= INR. This might have changed at the time of reading.

Remember, that private universities are the most expensive, followed by Public universities, and then State universities tend to be the most affordable.

The next section will help you estimate costs for postgraduate degrees.

Postgraduate course costs: Canada versus The USA

If you choose to do your Master’s in Canada vs. the USA, expect tuition fees between 15,000 and 60,000 CAD. In the USA, $20,000 to $60,000 is the average tuition fee per year for postgraduate programs.

Here is a table with five popular postgraduate courses and their current average annual tuition fees:

Note that these are only the tuition fees, which are in addition to the cost of living expenses in the previous section.

In the next section, we’ll compare the visa processes for the USA vs. Canada for international students.

Student visa processes in the USA & Canada

For the USA, you would be applying for an F-1 visa. Below is the process you would need to follow to obtain it:

1. Get accepted to a SEVP-approved school
2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
3. Complete the online visa application (Form DS-160)
4. Schedule a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
5. Gather required documents (passport, DS-160 confirmation, I-20 form, financial evidence)
6. Attend the visa interview
7. Pay the visa application fee
8. Wait for visa processing

For Canada, you’d be applying for:

1. Get accepted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
2. Check your eligibility for a study permit
3. Create an account on the IRCC website
4. Gather required documents (acceptance letter, proof of financial support, passport)
5. Complete the online application
6. Pay the application fee
7. Submit your application
8. Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
9. Attend an interview if required (not always)
10. Wait for the decision

With the visa processes done, the next section will cover post-graduation work opportunities in either country.

Post-graduate work visas: USA versus Canada

USA post-graduate work visa opportunities

In the USA, international students on an F-1 visa can apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows them to work in their field of study after graduation. OPT is typically granted for up to 12 months, but STEM graduates may be eligible for a 24-month extension, bringing the total to 36 months. While they are on their STEM extension, students may get their visa converted to an H-1B visa. Out of all the above options, only time spent under an H-1B visa would count towards your permanent residency in the USA. H-1B visas are subject to an annual cap and a lottery system, making it a competitive process.

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP)

The PGWP allows you to work for any employer in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program. The PGWP is a great pathway to gaining Canadian work experience and can also lead to permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).  There’s no requirement for the job to be in your field of study. And crucially, unlike the USA, no employer sponsorship is required to apply for the PGWP.

In the next section, we will cover popular jobs in either country.

Post-graduation jobs: Canada vs. the USA

Below is a comparison of the top 5 in-demand jobs in the USA and Canada, based on data from Prodigy Finance (USA) and Indeed (Canada):

With the popular jobs covered, let’s look at PR (permanent residency) options in the USA vs. Canada for international students.

Permanent residency (PR) options: The USA vs. Canada

Both the USA and Canada offer distinct pathways toward residency, but they differ in complexity and timelines.

USA:

1. Employment-based Green Card:

• Requires employer sponsorship
• Various categories based on skill level and achievements
• Subject to annual quotas and country caps

2. Family-sponsored Green Card:

• For immediate relatives of US citizens or permanent residents
• Wait times vary depending on relationship and country of origin

3. Diversity Visa Program:
   

• Annual lottery for countries with low immigration rates to the USA
• Limited number of visas available

4. EB-5 Investor Visa:

• Requires significant capital investment in a US business
• Must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers

Those were the main pathways for permanent residence in the USA. 

For Canada, you have the following pathways:

1. Express Entry:

• This is a points-based system for skilled workers.
• Factors include age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
• This has much faster processing times compared to many US options.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

• This allows provinces to nominate candidates based on local labour needs.
• Each province has its criteria and streams.

3. Canadian Experience Class:

• This is meant for those with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
• It is often used by international graduates who have worked in Canada.

4. Family Sponsorship:

• For spouses, partners, children, parents, and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

5. Start-up Visa Program:

• For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas and support from designated organisations.

Those were the main pathways for PR in the USA versus those in Canada for international students. We will cover financial aid in the next section.

Scholarships for international students: The USA vs. Canada

Both the USA and Canada have a range of funding options that are open to international students. 

Here are some examples from the USA:

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• Covers tuition, living expenses, and health insurance
• Available for graduate-level studies

2. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

• One-year non-degree program for professional development
• Includes living stipend and tuition waiver

3. Dartmouth College Scholarship

• Full tuition coverage for international undergraduate students
• Need-based financial aid

4. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

• Full tuition, room, and board for one international student
• Focuses on social justice and public service

5. Stanford University Scholarships

• Need-based aid for undergraduate and graduate students
• Can cover full tuition and living expenses

Here are some examples from Canada:

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

• $50,000 per year for three years for doctoral studies
• Open to both domestic and international students

2. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

• Up to $60,000 per year for three years for doctoral students
• Focuses on social sciences and humanities

3. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

• Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support
• For outstanding international undergraduate students

4. York University International Student Scholarship

• $60,000 to $100,000 for undergraduate studies
• Based on academic excellence and community leadership

5. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships

• $2,000 to full tuition coverage
• For international students entering diploma or degree programs

In our last section, we will cover the climatic conditions in Canada vs. the USA for international students, many of whom may not know what to expect.

Also Read: Best Scholarships for Indian Students in USA in 2024

Climate conditions in the USA and Canada

Both the USA and Canada experience diverse climates, but the specific weather patterns vary widely depending on the region.

Climate in the USA:

• Southern USA (Texas, Florida, California): Warm and temperate climates, with hot summers and mild winters. Ideal for those who enjoy year-round sunshine.

• Northern USA (New York, Chicago, Boston): Four distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot summers. Snowfall is common in the winter, particularly in northern states.

• Western USA (Seattle, Portland): Mild and wet climates. Winters are cool with heavy rain, while summers are warm and relatively dry.

• Midwest USA (Minnesota, Michigan): Known for harsh winters with heavy snow and cold winds, alongside warm and humid summers.

Climate in Canada:

• Western Canada (British Columbia): Coastal regions like Vancouver experience mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. It’s known for its moderate climate compared to the rest of Canada.

• Central Canada (Ontario, Quebec): Cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers are typical. Cities like Toronto and Montreal see long winters with significant snowfall.

• Eastern Canada (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland): This region has cooler, wetter summers and milder winters compared to inland areas.

• Northern Canada (Yukon, Nunavut): Extremely cold winters with snow year-round, but the region sees beautiful, long summer days with mild temperatures.

And with the climate covered, we come to the end of this guide on choosing between the USA vs. Canada as an international student. 

Also Read: MS Marketing in USA: 2024 Top Universities, Rankings, Fees & More

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