UK vs. Canada – Which is Better for Indian Students?

For Indian students, the decision to study in the UK or Canada is a significant one, with both countries offering distinct advantages. Each destination provides a unique pathway to a global career , a high-quality education , and a chance to experience a new culture. The choice often comes down to balancing your personal priorities, whether it’s cost, career goals, or long-term settlement plans.

The United Kingdom is often favored for its expedited academic timeline. With most master’s  programs lasting just one year,  students can earn a globally recognized degree and enter the workforce much faster. UK universities, known for their prestige and rich history,  hold a strong reputation among international employers. However, this academic speed comes at a higher  price point. Tuition fees and the cost of living, particularly in cities like London, are generally more expensive than in Canada. This option is ideal for those who prioritize a quicker path to a  prestigious degree and a demanding path or the best job market and are less concerned with long-term immigration.

Conversely, Canada appeals to students looking for a long-term future abroad. The country is well-regarded for its more affordable tuition and a clearly defined, student-friendly immigration policy .  The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) offers a direct route to gaining valuable work experience, and from there, a solid pathway to permanent residency. While academic programs may take longer than their UK counterparts, Canada’s  emphasis on practical education and co-op opportunities provides a seamless transition from student to professional. This makes Canada an attractive choice for those who view their education as the first step toward a new life and career in a new country.

The UK vs. Canada – Quality of Education

Both the Canadian and UK education systems create an atmosphere that provides a good future to their students. There are several differences between the education systems that have been tabulated below:

The Best Courses to Study in the United Kingdom & Canada

Scholarships to Study in the UK

The UK scholarships can be classified into three categories:

• Government-funded UK Scholarships
• UK University Scholarships
• Other Scholarships

Government-funded UK Scholarships

Listed below are the government scholarships, which should be the first choice if you seek master’s scholarships in the UK:

1. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarship
2. Chevening Scholarships
3. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
4. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
5. GREAT Scholarship

UK University Scholarships

Below are some of the best university scholarships in the UK:

1. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship.
2. Kingston University London Scholarship.
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

Scholarships to Study in Canada

Scholarships in Canada can be categorised into:

• Government scholarships.
• Non-Government scholarships.
• Institutional scholarships.

Government Scholarships

Below listed are scholarships for Canada which cover travel costs and other expenses. Featuring some Canadian government scholarships for  interested students:

1. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
2. Vanier Graduate Scholarships
3. IDRC Research Awards
4. Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
5. Canada – ASEAN SEED

Non-Government Scholarships

The non-government scholarships for Canada are as follows:

1. Canada Memorial Scholarship.
2. Anne Vallee Ecological Fund.
3. Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships.  

Institutional Scholarships

Institutional scholarships include the following:

1. York University International Student Scholarship.
2. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships.
3. University of British Columbia Scholarship.
4. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship.

Top Universities in the UK

Below are the top universities in the UK:

Top Universities in Canada

UK vs. Canada: A Student’s Guide

Post-Study Work Opportunities –  The UK vs Canada

UK

• Graduate Visa:
  • The duration of the visa for undergraduate and master’s graduates is proposed to be reduced from 2 years to 18 months, with the change expected to apply to students starting courses from January 2026.   (Source: https://immigrationuk.org/news/graduate-visa-cut-18-months-2025)

• PhD students will continue to be eligible for a 3-year visa.

• Skilled Worker Visa:
  • The general minimum salary for the Skilled Worker visa has increased to £41,700 a year.

Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

• Students enrolled in a program through a public-private college partnership after May 15, 2024, are no longer eligible for a PGWP.
• PG graduates can now receive upto 3-year PGWP, regardless of their program’s length.
• New language proficiency requirements (CLB 7 in all four areas) now apply to most PGWP applicants.

The UK: The Cost of a Master’s Degree

For international students, a one-year master’s program in the UK typically costs £13,000 to over £35,000. 

Canada: A More Affordable Option

The annual tuition for a PG programs in Canada usually falls between 18,000 CAD to 35,000 CAD.

The UK vs Canada – Cost of Living

Conclusion

To wrap up, both the UK and Canada remain top destinations for Indian students, each offering distinct strengths. The UK stands out for its shorter programs, globally prestigious universities, and faster entry into the job market, though students must prepare for higher costs and recent visa changes, including the graduate visa being reduced to 18 months from 2026. Canada, by contrast, is valued for its affordability, practical learning opportunities, and clear pathway to permanent residency through the 3-year PGWP, even as it introduces stricter rules on public-private partnerships and language requirements.

Ultimately, the choice depends on what matters most to you: speed and prestige in the UK, or affordability and long-term settlement in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions:

a) Which is better for Indians, the UK or Canada?

Students, if you’re looking for affordable education, easier immigration, and longer stay options Canada has the edge. But if shorter courses and world-class universities are what you want, the UK is still a fantastic choice.

b) Which country is better for Indian students?

More than a million Indian students choose to study abroad each year, and destinations like Canada, Australia, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom remain the most popular choices. All of these countries are known for their high-quality education, cultural diversity, and strong post-study work opportunities. Canada attracts many students because of its immigration-friendly policies and generous post-graduation work permits, while Germany is highly regarded for its low-cost or tuition-free education combined with excellent academic standards.

c) Which country is best for students’ future?

Since it depends on personal objectives and priorities, there is no one “best” country for a student’s future; however, nations like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany are frequently ranked highly because of their top-notch universities, wide range of program options, robust post-study employment prospects, and dynamic multicultural environments. 

d) Which country is best for Indian students to earn money?

Countries such as the UAE, USA, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and Australia provide excellent opportunities for Indian students to earn money after they graduate, with options for high salaries and tax-free income (UAE), strong job markets in high-demand sectors such as IT, science and technology, and healthcare, and post-study work visas that allow graduates to gain work experience and income. 

e) Are salaries higher in Canada than the UK?

Yes, incomes are often higher in Canada than in the United Kingdom.