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Studying in Canada vs United Kingdom

How the two compare on the things that matter most to international students — cost, student visas, work rights and the path to staying on after you graduate.

Canada
Canada
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Tuition (per year)
C$15,000–35,000 / year
£11,000–30,000 / year
Living costs
C$13,000–16,000 / year
£12,000–18,000 / year (London higher)
Student visa
Study permit (plus a Provincial Attestation Letter)
Student route
Work while studying
Up to 24 hours per week off-campus during term (as of late 2024 — confirm current rule)
Up to 20 hours per week during term
Post-study work
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — up to 3 years
Graduate Route — 2 years (3 for PhD)
Proof of funds
Tuition + C$22,895/yr living (outside Quebec)
Tuition + maintenance held 28 days (£1,171–1,529/mo)
Path to residency
Express Entry (CRS) and Provincial Nominee Programs — one of the clearest study-to-PR routes
Skilled Worker route to settlement after 5 years (no points-based PR like AU/CA)
Health cover
Provincial cover varies; some provinces need private insurance
IHS £776/yr grants NHS access
Main intakes
September (main), January, May
September (main) and January

Canada — often chosen for

  • Clear study-to-PR pathways
  • PGWP up to 3 years
  • French-language advantages
Study in CanadaMigration experts →

United Kingdom — often chosen for

  • One-year master’s degrees
  • Globally ranked universities
  • Graduate Route work visa
Study in United KingdomMigration experts →

Figures are typical estimates; visa fees and minimum-funds thresholds change regularly. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration authority before deciding. Use the study cost calculator to estimate your own budget.

Canada vs United Kingdom — common questions

Is it cheaper to study in Canada or United Kingdom?+

Tuition in Canada is typically C$15,000–35,000 / year and living costs C$13,000–16,000 / year, while United Kingdom is around £11,000–30,000 / year for tuition and £12,000–18,000 / year (London higher) for living. The cheaper option depends on your course, city and lifestyle — use the study cost calculator to compare your own situation, and remember each country sets a minimum you must prove for the visa.

Which is better for working after graduation, Canada or United Kingdom?+

Canada offers Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — up to 3 years. United Kingdom offers Graduate Route — 2 years (3 for PhD). If staying on to work is a priority, weigh the length of the post-study visa against how it leads into longer-term residency in each country.

Which has an easier path to permanent residency, Canada or United Kingdom?+

Canada: Express Entry (CRS) and Provincial Nominee Programs — one of the clearest study-to-PR routes. United Kingdom: Skilled Worker route to settlement after 5 years (no points-based PR like AU/CA). Immigration rules change often, so confirm current pathways with a licensed migration adviser before choosing a country for PR reasons.

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