Studying in Canada vs India - Which country is best for you?

Archana S Image Archana S

Mar 4, 2024 | 13 min read

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Wondering about study in Canada vs India? Both countries offer excellent opportunities for study and have some of the best education institutes in the world.

Studying in Canada vs India - Which country is best for you?

Confused about study in Canada vs India? While a majority of the Indian institutes have been gaining value over the years by offering high placements and quality education, Indian students planning to study abroad in Canada are always in two minds about studying in India vs Canada.

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students willing to study abroad. It is home to 1.8 million Canadians with Indian heritage and is welcoming to people of various cultures. The difference in life in Canada vs India is that even though Canada is a costlier country as compared to India in terms of cost of living, it offers a higher standard of living for its residents. Canada also has better healthcare and education system in comparison to India.

India, on the other hand, has its own benefits in terms of living and education. The cost of living in India is considerably lower than in Canada. In fact, the cost of education as well is much more affordable in India compared to Canada. A private school education costs an average of $1,500 a year in India and in Canada, it costs anywhere between CAD$6,000 and CAD$12,000 a year.

Table of Contents

Is Canada Better than India for Studies?

Life in Canada vs India can be quite a culture shock for Indian students who chose to study in Canadian institutions. Now let us look at the comparison of study in Canada vs India:

Study in India

India has a strict, theoretical and comprehensive education system that has made Indian students disciplined, multi-taskers, knowledgeable and able to handle pressure. Additionally, educational institutions in India have a robust infrastructure that enables students to gain practical experience in their chosen career fields which will help them later in their professional development. Find below a list of top universities in India for higher education:

Top Universities in India

Study in Canada

The average salary for freshers in Canada is $54,368 or INR 32,22,324 per year and the average cost of education is Rs. 15-30 lakhs/year. Indian students take approximately 5 years to earn back the amount invested in a college education. In the comparison of study in Canada vs India, Canada certainly has an upper hand. It is home to several top-ranking universities, student-friendly cities and a flexible education system which makes it an ideal country for education. Listed below are the top universities in Canada for Indian students:

Top Universities in Canada

Benefits in India vs Canada

Pursuing an education in India or Canada has its own set of pros and cons. Both countries have similar forms of government, a shared commitment to diversity and democracy and a belief that education is key to success.

Benefits in India

Indian citizens enjoy various personal benefits from being a part of the country but not as wide-ranging as those available in Canada. In the public education system, schooling is free as a fundamental right for students between 6-14 years of age. Government healthcare is also free for all citizens with just 18% and 44% of outpatient and inpatient care.

Other important benefits for Indian citizens include EPFO, health insurance, and PPF in addition to schemes such as Atal Pension Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for Housing, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, etc.

Benefits in Canada

The benefits offered by the Canadian government include the benefits and pensions for housing, employment insurance, benefits for people with disabilities, training, education, and families. Free education is offered till grade 12 for students who are permanent residents. The university-level education is also lower for permanent residents.

Immigrants in Canada also enjoy social security advantages once they complete 10 years in the country. Attractive job opportunities and rebates on taxes can enable a higher quality of life. The Canadian government and health authorities also offer Universal Healthcare which is free for all holders of permanent resident visas and also facilitates financial coverage for prescription medicines.

Hassle-Free Visa

The Canadian Government has shortened and eased the application process for a Canadian Student Visa due to the increasing popularity of Canadian universities among Indian students. Students need to fulfil the basic eligibility criteria to apply for a student visa and should also be enrolled at a registered DLI (Designated Learning Institute). The candidate should also be able to prove that they have enough funds to pay for their tuition fee and stay in Canada.

Student Culture in India vs Canada

Diverse demography, world-class higher educational institutions, a high standard of living, a promising job market, and a welcoming society are some aspects that make Canada a popular destination for student life in Canada. The Indian student culture regards education highly in every socio-economic stratum.

Student Culture in India

The student culture in India largely depends on the city one studies in. Students studying in the same city as they live often find it easier to adjust. Easy accessibility to any college is an added advantage.

The startup culture in India is also seeing a rise in Indian colleges. Several startups are being born on-campus where groups of like-minded students come together to create an idea that can eventually become one of the best. To sum up, Indian student culture is built around innovation and entrpreneurship.

Student Culture in Canada

Studying in Canada is an exciting opportunity for Indian students. Its vibrant community with expert faculty help students in taking up initiatives. Networking skills are developed while interacting with students from various cultures and walks of life. Canada is home to Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver which are ranked among the top 20 student-friendly cities in the world.

Top Courses in India vs Canada

Both Canada and India offer excellent opportunities for study. The choice to study in either of the two countries has both pros and cons that need to be considered. The Canadian higher education system is one of the best in the world across diverse fields of study that guarantee employment.

Top Courses in India

India is home to one of the oldest universities in the world and is known to offer a wide range of courses globally. Academic programs are offered in disciplines such as Sanskrit, Religion and History, unlike in any other country. Technology and sciences are the popular study areas among students with some of the IITs ranking higher than universities in Canada. The top courses in India are as follows:

  • Business Administration
  • Computer Application
  • Engineering
  • Fashion, Web and Interior Designing
  • Mass Communication or Journalism
  • Medicine
  • Pharmacy
  • Education
  • Commerce

Top Courses in Canada

Canada is home to some of the globally ranked universities known for the quality of courses they offer. Most of the courses in Canada are co-op courses which means that the student can study and work at the same time in the industry related to his/her course. Listed below are some of the top courses in Canada for Indian students:

  • Business and Finance
  • Information Technology
  • Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Media
  • Journalism
  • Actuarial Science
  • Data Analytics
  • Agricultural Studies

Education System in India vs Canada

Public education is free in India for kids between 6-14 years of age. Compulsory education is free in Canada and it goes up to Grade 12 or 16-18 years of age (depending on the province). Both countries have private schools, with just 5% of students attending private schools in Canada.

Education System in India

The Indian education system comprises primary (Kindergarten-5th Grade), secondary (6th-10th Grade), and senior secondary (11th and 12th Grades) levels. The higher education framework consists of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree levels. Elementary education is a total of 8 years, with secondary and senior secondary levels taking up 2 years each.

Undergraduate degree programs require 3-4 years in most cases and postgraduate courses take up to 2-3 years for completion. Popular fields of study in India include engineering, medicine, IT, law, architecture, and MBA programs.

Education System in Canada

The quality of education is excellent at Canadian public schools. Leading private schools in Canada charge around CAD 6,000-12,000 per year (around INR 3.55- 7.10 lakhs). Canada also has the highest number of graduates at the post-secondary level amongst the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development) nations.

The Canadian higher education system is one of the best in the world across various fields. It is home to some of the globally ranked top universities and colleges. Popular study areas include finance, management, business administration, software engineering, and more.

Research Opportunities

Canada is one of the best study abroad destinations for those looking forward to a career in research. It is way ahead of facilities and funding as compared to India. The Canadian Government promotes admission in doctoral and other research-based programs that attract students from all over the world to pursue research in Canada. Various government scholarships are offered exclusively to research students.

Research students mostly complete their studies and stay on as faculty members and some students return to India and take up teaching assignments or other relevant jobs in their respective fields. Over the years, the number of international students enrolled in Canadian institutions has almost doubled, from 66,000 to 124,000. The number of Indian students going abroad has also increased by 256%.

Eligibility Criteria in India vs Canada

Education from a recognized university and good grades are the basic eligibility requirements for any university in both Canada and India. A few private universities also require applicants to write an entrance exam followed by an interview.

Eligibility Criteria in India

Students applying for any undergraduate course in India should have attended a minimum of 10+2 years of schooling. Applicants are required to meet the eligibility criteria set by each institute to begin their learning journey. Additionally, one should also fulfil certain course-specific requirements as a part of the application process.

Eligibility for Bachelor’s Degree in India

  • Completion of class 12 from a recognised educational institution with at least 50%
  • Passing the minimum cutoff for the entrance exam (depending on the university)

Eligibility for Master’s Degree in India

  • A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
  • Entrance exams like CAT, AMUEE, JNUEE, etc
  • Personal Interview or Group Discussions (depending upon university)

Eligibility Criteria in Canada

Indian students who have completed their high school education in India can choose to pursue their undergraduate and graduate education in Canada. However, students should be eligible for a lot of criteria before applying for the course of choice. Indian students need to demonstrate English language proficiency to be able to apply for any academic program in Canada.

Eligibility for Bachelor’s Degree in Canada

  • Completion of class 12 with a minimum of 65%
  • Proof of English language proficiency- IELTS (6.5 or more)
  • English and PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) in 12th for certain courses
  • Proof of financial support
  • Eligible for the Canadian student permit

Eligibility for Master’s Degree in Canada

  • Minimum 16 years of education with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in bachelor’s degree
  • Proof of English language proficiency- IELTS (6.5 or more)
  • GMAT/ GRE scores (minimum score depends upon university)
  • Proof of financial support
  • Eligible for the Canadian student permit

Cost of Living in India vs Canada

Cost of living can be defined as the amount of money required to cover necessary expenses to maintain a certain lifestyle standard in a particular place and time. Basic expenses can include housing, food, taxes, health care, clothing, education, entertainment and transportation. Canada is much more expensive if we compare study in Canada vs India as the value of one Canadian dollar is INR 59.14.

Cost of Living in India

The average cost of living in India is INR 27,265 ($2,620) a month inclusive of rent. The living costs in India are steadily increasing but are still much lower compared to Canada. Also, the costs are higher in the capital and other large cities. Shown below is the cost of living in India for students:

Particulars

Cost (in INR)

Tuition Fee (varies from course to course)

INR 2-5 Lakhs per year

Accommodation

INR 1.38-2.5 Lakhs per annum

Food

INR 1,500-5,000 per week

Travel

INR 300-1,000 per week

Utilities

INR 300-1,000 per week

Study Material

INR 700-3,000 per annum

Sports and Leisure

INR 500-2,000 per week

Cost of Living in Canada

The cost of living in Canada for Indian students includes the costs of accommodation, food, travel, and other expenses. Accommodation costs anywhere between CAD 5,000 (INR 2,67,000) to CAD 10,000 (INR 5,39,000) per annum. The accommodation cost in big cities like Toronto and Montreal are higher compared to other cities in Canada. Find below the cost of living in Canada for international students:

Particulars

Cost (in INR)

Tuition Fee (varies from course to course)

INR 15-30 Lakhs per annum

Student Permit

INR 8,886

Accommodation Fees

INR 2.67-5.39 Lakhs per year

Food

INR 17,000-20,000 per month

Travel Charges

INR 4,300-6,000 per month

Study Material

INR 35,493 per annum

Sports and Leisure

INR 4,000 per month

Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

International students are mainly concerned about funding options while pursuing studies abroad. Scholarships, awards, and bursaries are preferred over student loans. Students pursuing education in Canada can avail of scholarships from the Government of Canada, public universities and external organizations. Some popular scholarship options for international students are:

  • Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
  • Canada Graduate Scholarships- Master’s Program
  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program
  • IDRC Research Awards

University scholarships can be availed in the form of tuition waivers and teaching for a research assistantship that is provided on the basis of the academic merit of the student. Some of the prominent university scholarships in Canada are the University of Alberta India Centenary Scholarship, Humber International Entrance Scholarships, York University International Entrance Scholarships, Carleton University Scholarships for International Students, etc.

Working Part-time While Study- India vs Canada

Students can work part-time while pursuing studies both in India and Canada. All students above 18 years of age can work while studying in India. A part-time job is a great way to cover the study and other expenses for the academic year.

Working Part-time While Studying in India

Indian students require no permit from the university to do an internship or work during university hours. One can easily juggle work and college together without the work affecting their grades. Most part-time jobs are student-friendly and assure flexibility of timings so as to not interfere with the student's academics.

Working Part-time While Studying in Canada

International students are allowed to work both on-campus and off-campus in Canada on a Canadian student permit. However, students who are on a scholarship are required to have scored a minimum grade every semester and should ensure that they are good at managing both before starting work. The average salary for part-time jobs in Canada is $42,565 per year or $22 per hour.

Return on Investment in India vs Canada

Return on Investment is a financial metric that is used to measure the probability of gaining a return from an investment. In the case of education, a return on investment means the salary/ stipend the student earns after the investment in their education.

Return on Investment in India

In India, the average cost of education ranges from INR 2-5 lakhs/ year. A fresher’s average salary is INR 20,000/ month or INR 2,40,000/ year. This way, a student can earn back the money invested in their college education in less than 2 years.

Return on Investment in Canada

In Canada, the average cost of education is CAD 24,000- CAD 50,000 per year. The national average salary for freshers is $54,368 or Rs.32,22,324 per annum. Indian students in Canada will take about 5 years to earn back the amount invested in their college education. In this aspect, India can be the preferred option for studying in India vs Canada because the average starting salary, even though lower than in Canada, is more than the cost of education.

Employability in India vs Canada

Employability can be defined as the probability by which a graduate is employed based on his skills and education. Employability skills are the transferable skills required by an individual to make them 'employable'. In addition to good technical understanding and subject knowledge, employers generally look for a set of skills that they want from an employee.

Employability in India

As per the latest statistics, the employability rate of men after studying in Indian universities is 38.91% and for women, it is 41.25%. India has seen a decline in job opportunities during the pandemic. Less than half of the Indian graduates are employable as per the 8th edition of the India Skills Report (ISR).

Employability in Canada

According to Canadian employment statistics, around 89% of the students find a job right after their graduation. This is owing to the strong education system that makes them work-ready while they are studying. Around 18.87 million people were employed in Canada in 2021.

Job Opportunities in India vs Canada

Getting a qualifying job after studies is what any student looks forward to. Another factor to be considered while comparing studying in India vs Canada is that international students in Canada get a direct chance to apply for permanent residency after completing graduation which makes getting a job easier. Find below the comparison of study in Canada vs India based on job opportunities:

Job Opportunities in India

India produces over 85 lakh graduates every year. Being the world’s largest youth population, students often find themselves without a suitable job as per their qualifications. Hence, students often settle for an underpaying job or do a small business instead. Job opportunities for youth are one of the areas in which Canada is better than India.

Job Opportunities in Canada

International students who have graduated from Canadian universities are not allowed to apply for government jobs in Canada. There are ample job opportunities in the private sector for which Indian students who have graduated from any Canadian university are eligible to apply.

Salary Comparison

The average monthly salary in Canada after deductions is CAD 2,773.50 (approx INR 1.63 lakhs), which is six times higher than in India. The monthly salary in India is only CAD 452.11 (INR 26,627).

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