Education abroad? Which is better option for higher studies-Canada or USA?
Studying abroad is the most sought after dream of students and in the due course, even the prospective countries are privileged enough to educate them. Canada and USA are the two most favorite destinations for education where an aspiring student wishes to shape up his/her career.
The choice as well as the decision depends on the individual’s education and career goals – for some highest quality matters but budget is a concern however for some – neither quality, nor money matters. If you are one among these but are confused about which country to choose, we are here to solve your perplexity.
Here we have tried to bring out what both countries have to offer in the education sector for the prospective students:
Studying in Canada
“Canada” is a well known country for high quality education with the aid of their practical and advances learning technologies and pedagogies.
Eligibility – For undergraduate courses, one is expected to have a class 12th pass certificate in their respective stream and must have completed 12 years of education whereas for postgraduate courses this stretches up to 16 years.
Fees – Tuition fees for undergraduate courses varies from 6000 to 25000 CAD annually whereas for postgraduate courses it ranges from 6500 to 32000 CAD per annum.
Course duration – An undergraduate program is planned for 3 to 4 years and a post graduate is expected to complete within 1 or 2 years depending upon the course.
Study permits for Canada – The most important concern to move abroad is VISA. Obtaining a visa is quite a daunting task and a lot of aspects need to be taken care of like:
- You must first get a green signal on the entire application and eligibility test that demands for an acceptance, approval from a renowned Institution of Canada in your name
- You must have enough money for fees, lodging and other expenses
- You should not have any criminal record
- You should be in sound health
One can apply online for the study permit. You must have a copy scanner that can scan your documents and credit card for the payment. You can also apply offline through an application package followed by depositing the application fees along with submission of application.
Visa processing time – The Visa processing time varies from 15 days to 6 months on certain criteria like from which country you are applying and which course you are applying for?
Career prospects – Construction manager, transport manager, lawyer and petroleum engineer are some of the many highly paid and in-demand jobs in Canada
Studying in USA
USA permits for the most flexible type of education in the entire world and thus attracts almost 30% of the students from across the world every year.
Eligibility – Eligibility criteria for entry is same as that in Canada
Fees – Tuition fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses ranges from USD $ 10,000 to USD $ 55,000 annually that excludes books, meals and other expenses
Course duration – Undergraduate courses take 4 years to complete whereas post graduate takes 1 to 2 years
Study permits for USA – You can apply only in those Institutions that have required permits from US citizenship and immigration services (USCIS)
- Your Institution is supposed to give you an application for the non-immigrant visa permit
- Once you receive it, you can apply online along with form DS-160
- Complete your visa application and take a copy of it for your visa interview
- Visa interview is generally not required under 13 years of age and for 80 and above years
- Visa application fees varies on the basis of your nationality
Visa processing time – F-1 and M-1 visa is issued 120 days before your course start date or within 120 days of I-20 and you can travel within 30 days of start date
Career prospects – Top jobs in USA are software engineering, management, finance, advertising and dentistry and so on
Why?
Both the countries offer highest quality education although the process for Canada is a bit more simpler than USA. But do you really want to move ahead to Canada just because the process is simple. No!!! Be practical, explore, compare, consult – do what best you can do to make your big decision.
Conclusion
To conclude, the final call is all yours. It should be based on following factors-
- In which country you are able to get better university
- Which college offers better placement opportunities, the one in Canada or USA
- In Canada, the immigration program can offer subsequent immigration, would studies in US help you in immigration, i.e if you are interested in immigrating?
- Does the University offer scholarships?
- Which course, whether from Canada or from USA is more accepted in your home country?
- And finally the affordability and the campus placement options, if you need them to finance your studies
An easy process and low fees undoubtedly attracts the students more however one should ideally take all the factors into consideration since it is a matter of your whole life.