Studying abroad can be the opportunity of a lifetime. It offers a chance to grow and explore new cultures, new people, and new opportunities. But how do you choose where to go? The UK, USA, and Canada are all extremely different countries with their own unique selling points and culture. Anyone who is considering studying in one of these three destinations should consider which will best suit them – the UK’s culture of fun or the US’ high-tech lifestyle? Or Canada’s offerings of bilingualism and respect for diversity? To help you decide which country is your perfect study destination, here are three helpful comparisons.
Quality of Education and Tuition fee
Five of the top ten universities in the world, such as MIT, Harvard, and Stanford, are located in the United States, according to historical global ranking statistics. There are 170 universities in the United States that are regarded among the top in the world Grading in the United States is based on regular evaluations and submissions throughout the year. The average annual tuition rate in USA is US$ 28000; however, it can easily reach US$ 50000 depending on whether you attend a public or private university.
The United Kingdom is well-known for its educational system, with four of most elite institutions, such as Oxbridge, ranked among the top 20 in the world. Classes are lecture-based, and unlike in the United States, your final grade is entirely determined by your end-of-term finals. The average tuition fee in the UK is lower at about US$20000.
The University of Toronto, British Columbia, and McGill University are the best Canadian universities to study business management and STEM. In terms of flexibility, Canada falls somewhere between the United Kingdom and the United States. In Canada, tuition fee structure is more diverse, offering both lower and more expensive alternatives than the UK. Fees in Canada range from US$7500 to US$26000, depending on the subject and university.
Employment Opportunities
To attract more international students there has been an increase in the number of job possibilities available to students both throughout their studies and after graduation. Through a program called the Post-Graduation Work Permit, international students can work in Canada for up to three years after graduation (PGWP). This not only assists students in finding job in Canada, but it also opens the door to permanent residency, which can lead to full citizenship in the future.
Looking at the opportunities provided by competitors, UK also introduced post study work visa for 2 years. However, finding work after studies in the UK can be challenging.
However, after Trump’s election, the United States has become a less friendly environment for international students. Foreign students in the United States are granted a one-year OPT (Optional Practical Training), with STEM graduates receiving three-year OPTs. The student must be sponsored by a corporation or organization to convert this work permit into a work visa or H1B, and even then, the lottery procedure is unpredictable and time-consuming.
Living Costs
Rent and living expenditures in the United Kingdom are projected to be between $16,000 and $22,000 per year. If you opt to study in one of the more costly cities, such as London, this cost is likely to rise.
While the average cost of living in the United States is $16,000 per year, it varies greatly based on the location of your university (rural or metropolitan) and whether you live on or off campus.
However, if you really want to save money while living overseas, Canada is the best bet. The average cost of living for students in Canada is $10,000 per year, but it can be as low as $8,550 or as high as $13,000.