USA, UK and Canada are three popular study destinations for students looking to study internationally. They are home to a number of the world’s best universities and offer an enormous range of choices, from small liberal arts colleges to the hallowed halls of the Ivy League. Of course, when you consider studying abroad, there are a number of factors like cost, work opportunity, etc. that you worry about. It can be overwhelming and many students have no idea where to begin with this life-changing decision. As we explore the pros and cons of the undergraduate level study in USA, UK, and Canada, this article will help you select a country that is right for you and your budget.
TUITION FEE AND LIVING COSTS
The cost of tuition and living is one of the important deciding factors for students aspiring to study abroad.
- Although a university degree from the USA is highly sought after, it comes with very steep tuition fees. Tuition fee averages US$ 28000 a year, but it can easily go up to US$ 50000 per year, depending on whether you go to a public or private university.
- In the UK, the average tuition is lower at about US$20000.
- But the best deal is in Canada as the fee structure has a wider spectrum; it offers both cheaper and more expensive options than the UK. Depending on the course and university, fees in Canada can be as low as US$7500 and as high as US$26000, bringing the average tuition to US$12000.
In addition to tuition fees, other costs need to be considered when thinking about studying abroad. The average cost of living that includes the cost of rent and living expenses for the duration of the course is important. It varies from city to city within the country itself.
- In the UK, rent and living costs are estimated at between US$16,000 and US$22,000 per year. Most undergraduate degrees (except for languages and medicine related programs) tend to last for three years in the UK. That makes a total cost of living of $48,000 – $66,000 for the duration of a UK undergraduate degree program. This price is likely to increase if you choose to study in one of the more expensive cities, such as London.
- While in the US the average cost of living is $16000 per year, it can really vary depending on the location of your university (rural or urban) and whether you choose to live on campus or off campus.
- But if you really want to save your cash while living abroad, you'll get the most bang for your buck in Canada. The cost of living in Canada for students averages $10,000 per year, although it can be as low as $8,550 or go up to over $13,000.
However, it is important to note that degree programs in the USA and Canada are four years long which ends up making the overall cost of living only slightly less expensive than the UK (barring Scotland, as it follows the 4 year system too).
SCHOLARSHIPS
- There is a broad range of scholarships and financial aid options available for international students in Canadian universities. You can refer to our article, Undergraduate Scholarships In Canada for detailed information.
- Unfortunately, this does not apply for international students in British universities. A scholarship or financial aid in good British institutions is unheard of, with very rare exceptions.
- In the US, while the merit scholarship opportunities are lesser as compared to the cost of study, there are many universities that offer upto 100% need-based aid to students who demonstrate exceptional qualities along with financial need.
QUALITY OF EDUCATION
- There is no denying that America hosts some of the world’s best universities. As per historical world ranking statistics, five out of the top 10 institutions in the world are in the USA, such as MIT, Harvard and Stanford. In total, there are 170 USA universities ranked among the world’s best. Students have the opportunity to explore a multitude of subjects and pursue highly specialized areas of study amidst world’s best professors and research facilities. The US system believes in grading through continuous assessments and submissions throughout the year. A major highlight of the US education system is the flexible or 'liberal art' system, that allows students to explore various interests before finalising a major.
- The UK is world renowned for its education system and has four of its prestigious institutions like the Oxbridge in top 20 of the world rankings. Classes are lecture-based and unlike the US, your entire final grade is based on your end-of-term finals. The UK particularly attracts undergraduate law aspirants from India as the legal systems of both countries are very similar. The UK follows a rigid system, where is the final degree choice is made during applications itself.
- While Canadian universities have three entries in the top 100, The University of Toronto, British Columbia and McGill University are top-class universities to pursue business management and STEM courses. Canada, in terms of flexibility, is somewhere in between UK and USA. It allows for exploration and/or modifications in course choices but within a defined curriculum.
ADMISSION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURE
- USA has the most extensive application process as it bases a student’s assessment on various aspects such as leadership, community service, analytical abilities, etc. apart from academics. ACT or SAT I and SAT II are standardized tests, the scores of which almost every American university looks for. Besides this, multiple essays, teacher recommendations, interviews and various other medium of demonstrated interest are sought for in order to make a competitive application to a top US college.
- In comparison, UK has a much simpler application procedure. Applicants have to submit just one Statement of Purpose and a teacher recommendation and can apply only up to five UK universities through the UCAS portal.
- Canadian applicants have to apply to each university individually. (Universities of the Ontario region have a common form, OUAC). Each university requires few essays and/or video answers along with transcripta and LORs.
- Both Canada and UK send their final admission decisions, with conditions related to the final Board marks, unlike the USA which can admit the student unconditionally, even before the Board exams are over.
- Both Canada and USA look at 9-12th Grade transcripts, including predicteds where as UK requires only Grade 10 finals along with the Grade 12 predicted scores.
SECURING THE VISA
- It is well known around the world that the visa process and requirements for the USA are time-consuming, complex and all-around complicated. Unfortunately, obtaining, and retaining, a student visa is no different.
- UK follows a point based system to obtain a visa which is a fairly lengthy process too.
- In contrast, the process of applying for a Canadian visa is much shorter and simpler.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Canada is very welcoming to international students and has been looking to increase the population of international students in its institutions. One way to achieve this has been to provide more opportunities for students to seek employment while studying and after graduation.Canada allows international students to work there for a maximum period of three years after graduation through a program called the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This not only helps the students to find work in Canada but opens a pathway to permanent residency, which can later lead to full citizenship.
- Fetching a part-time job while studying in the UK is difficult for international students, the UK government recently changed its visa rules to attract more students from abroad. As per the new rules, international students who start their studies in the UK in 2020 or after will benefit from the new post-study work visa, which will allow graduates to stay in the UK for up to 2 years to find a job after graduation.
- The USA, however, particularly since Trump stepped into the office, has made a less welcoming opportunity for international students. Foreign students in the USA get a 1 year OPT (Optional Practical Training), with only STEM graduates getting OPTs valid for 3 years. To covert this work permit into a work visa or the H1B, the student has to be sponsorsed by a company or organisation- even then the lottery process is extremely uncertain and time-taking.
- Finally, you shouldn't overlook the average salary you can expect when you start your career after graduation. While UK and Canada’s average annual salary for fresh graduates is approximately $40,000, USA compensates for its high tuition costs by offering a much higher average salary of approximately $60,000.
In order to make a wise choice on overseas education, you need to take care of these aspects and have a general idea about the distinctive factors of education in various countries to help you make the right decision.
By Rohan Ganeriwala7 min read