Picking out a college or university is about much more than just the academics. Location plays a huge role in the decision-making, and if you’re considering studying in North America, you might be torn between two top countries: Canada and the USA.

Studying in Canada is better than in the USA because of its multiculturalism, higher quality of education, and many job opportunities.  Additionally, the cost of education in Canada is generally lower than in the United States. 

Public universities in Canada are often subsidized by the government, which helps to keep tuition fees lower. They also offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help offset the cost of tuition.

Furthermore, Canadian universities tend to focus more on research, with many universities being affiliated with research organizations. This emphasis on research can provide opportunities for students to gain valuable experience.

Canada vs USA: Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements for studying in Canada or the United States will depend on the individual university or college and the program of study. However, there are some general requirements that students should be aware of:

Canada vs USA: Cost and Expenses

When comparing the cost and expenses for students when studying in Canada vs. in the USA, there are some important things to consider. These include tuition fees, cost of living, and other expenses such as healthcare. 

1. Cost of tuition fees

Nevertheless, it is important for students to research the costs associated with each institution and program before making a decision.

Generally, the average undergraduate tuition fee for international students in Canada was CAD 29,714 (approx. USD 23,840) in 2020, compared to an average of USD 26,820 at public four-year institutions in the US.

Private institutions in the US can have much higher tuition fees than public institutions or those in Canada, with some charging over USD 50,000 per year.

2. Cost of living

The Mercer 2020 Cost of Living Survey lists cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary as some of the most affordable places for international students to live. 

Comparatively, cities like Boston, New York City and San Francisco have much higher costs of living. So students considering a move to either country should factor in both tuition and living expenses prior to making their decision.

3. Healthcare

In Canada, international students are typically required to have health insurance, which can cost between CAD 600-1000 (approx. USD 480-800) per year. 

In addition, most post-secondary students are eligible for coverage under their province’s public healthcare plan. This means that students can receive basic medical care and treatments at no cost or low cost, including doctor visits,  and hospitalization. 

Meanwhile in the US, international students are also required to have health insurance, but the cost can be much higher. Some universities offer their own health insurance plans, which can cost between USD 1,500-2,500 per year.

Some students may be covered under their parents’ insurance until they reach a certain age. However, many students in the USA may be uninsured or underinsured, and may struggle to afford medical care and treatments.

Canada vs USA: Education System

The U.S. is known as one of the most advanced countries in terms of education, but Canada is not far behind. In fact, in many ways, Canada is actually better than the U.S. especially in terms of higher education system.

Canada has a reputation for being very progressive when it comes to education. This reputation stems from the fact that Canadians have access to free post-secondary education (college/university). 

In contrast, Americans have to pay for their own college tuition (unless they are lucky enough to receive scholarships or grants). They also have different approaches to teaching students. 

For example, while both countries encourage their students to learn by solving problems and asking questions, Canada’s approach focuses on helping students understand the processes involved in problem-solving instead of just memorizing answers. 

In addition, students in Canada are being encouraged to participate more actively in class activities such as debate and discussion.

Canada vs USA: Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you’re looking to study abroad, you might be wondering which country has the better financial aid options. The good news is that Canada and the USA both offer a range of scholarships and financial aid for international students.

In Canada, the federal government offers financial aid programs such as the Canada’s Grant for full-time as well as part-time students. Additionally, each province and territory has its own financial aid program for students. 

These programs provide loans, grants, and bursaries based on financial need, academic merit, and other criteria. Canadian universities and colleges also offer their own scholarships and awards to students based on academic achievement.

In the USA, private organizations and foundations also offer scholarships and grants to students based on various criteria such as academic merit, financial need, and community involvement. 

However, most of these grants are only for citizens or permanent residents who have attended U.S. high schools for at least three years before graduating from a U.S. high school.

Canada vs USA: Employment Opportunities

Canada has many advantages over the USA when it comes to employment opportunities. In addition to offering high-quality education and plenty of opportunities for practical experience, Canada also offers greater job security than the USA. 

Canada is known for its welcoming attitude towards immigrants, who often find well-paying jobs quickly.  In fact, Canada has a great reputation for producing high-quality graduates that are sought after by employers across the country and around the world. 

Canadian universities emphasize practical experience and hands-on learning, which gives students an edge in the job market. 

Lastly, Canadian law provides even more protection for employees than US law does. Which means that employers are more likely to treat their employees fairly and with respect. 

Canada vs USA: Pros and Cons for Local and Immigrant Students

For local students from a country other than Canada or the US, there are some pros and cons to consider when deciding where to study. The table below will highlight some of these factors:

Overall, both Canada and the USA have their own unique pros and cons for local and immigrant students. It’s important for students to research and consider their individual needs and goals before making a decision on where to study and work.

Canada vs USA: Global Ranking

When it comes to global ranking of countries in terms of education, both Canada and the USA are highly regarded and recognized for their educational systems.

According to the 2020 edition of the World University Rankings by Times Higher Education, the United States has the largest number of universities in the top 200, with 59 institutions, while Canada has 30 institutions in the top 200.

In the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject, both Canada and the USA have a number of subjects in which their universities are ranked among the best in the world. 

For instance, in the subject of Engineering and Technology, the University of Toronto in Canada and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the USA are both ranked among the top 10 globally. 

It’s important to note that rankings can vary depending on the methodology used and the specific criteria being evaluated. 

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