Comparison Between: United States of America and Canada

USA or Canada for your studies? Both nations have excellent education systems and promising job prospects. The US is home to world renowned universities whereas Canada boasts great low-cost tuition, and very friendly immigration policies. To help you make the decision on whether to study in the USA or Canada, we present some of the main differences between these destinations designed for life and studying. Discover the right path for you!

Canada

Higher Education Systems in the USA & Canada

Although both countries have various academic routes, their systems differ in ways that may play a role in your decision.

Category	USA	Canada
State College/University	Funded by local or state governments, offering degrees and diplomas.	Public and private universities offering degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and certificates
Private Universities	Privately operated and often supported by donations or research grants.	Less common, but offer similar degree programs to public institutions.
Community College	Two-year institutions that offer associate degrees and certifications	Colleges focus on applied fields and technical training.
Institute of Technology	Offers both four-year programs and short-term courses in science and technology.	Specialized colleges in fields like applied arts, technology, and vocational training.

Pro Tip: The USA community college systems specialize in lower cost education that functions as a pathway to transferring into a four-year university while Canadian colleges are targeted towards specific career-ready skills that are applied in very-world situations.

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Top Universities in the USA & Canada (2024 Rankings)

Both countries have universities that consistently rank among the world's best. Let’s see the top five universities from each country:

Top Universities in the USA	QS World University Rankings 2024	Top Universities in Canada	QS World University Rankings 2024
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	University of Toronto	21
Stanford University	5	McGill University	30
Harvard University	4	University of British Columbia	34
California Institute of Technology	11	University of Alberta	111
University of Chicago	11	Université de Montréal	141

Question: Do you picture yourself at a tech hub like MIT or surrounded by nature at UBC in Canada?

Top Courses to Study in the USA & Canada

Both countries offer a range of highly regarded programs. Here’s a look at some of the most popular fields of study:

Popular Courses in the USA	Popular Courses in Canada
Engineering	Business Management
Biotechnology	Computer Science
IT & Allied Fields	Engineering
Medical Science	Nursing
Fashion Design	Media and Hospitality

Pro Tip: For tech and innovation, the USA is unrivaled, but business and health science students should consider traveling north of the border to Canada!

Admission Requirements in the USA & Canada

Admission criteria can vary widely between institutions, but here are some common requirements:

Program Level	USA Requirements	Canada Requirements
Associate Degree	Lower TOEFL scores, English as a Second Language programs available.	Higher second class in intermediate, IELTS score of 6.0 minimum.
Bachelor’s Degree	Minimum GPA 2.50 - 3.60, TOEFL 61-100, SAT scores.	First-class in Intermediate, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 88-100.
Master’s Degree	Bachelor’s degree with GPA 2.50 - 3.50, TOEFL 78-100.	1st class Bachelor’s degree, IELTS 6.5 - 7.5, TOEFL 88-100.
MBA Program	GMAT 550-730, 2-3 years of work experience.	IELTS 6.5-7.5, work experience, 16 years of education.

Question: Do you prefer a straightforward entry process or are you ready to tackle standardized tests like the GMAT and TOEFL?

Cost of Studying in the USA & Canada

Studying abroad is an investment. Here’s a comparison of tuition fees for both countries:

Study Program	USA (USD/year)	Canada (CAD/year)
Bachelor’s Degree	10,000 - 40,000 USD	5,000 - 25,000 CAD
Graduate Degree	20,000 - 45,000 USD	10,000 - 35,000 CAD
Doctoral Program	28,000 - 55,000 USD	6,000 - 16,000 CAD

Living Expenses	USA (USD/year	Canada (CAD/year)
On-Campus Accommodation	5,304 - 8,161 USD	3,000 - 7,500 CAD
Private Accommodation	6,000 - 14,000 USD	8,000 - 9,000 CAD
Public Transport	1,200 USD	960 - 1,320 CAD

Pro Tip: Canada is generally more affordable in terms of living costs and offers excellent healthcare benefits to students.

Scholarships for Studying in the USA & Canada

Financing your education can be easier with scholarships. Here are some popular options:

USA Scholarships	Canada Scholarships
Fulbright Scholarships	Trudeau Scholarships
Yale University Scholarships	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Stanford University Scholarships	UdeM Exemption Scholarship

Question: Will a scholarship be a deciding factor in your choice of study destination?

Student Visa Requirements in the USA & Canada

Understanding visa requirements is essential for smooth entry into your chosen country:

Visa Type	USA	Canada
F1 Visa	Requires a personal interview and biometric data. Costs $160 + SEVIS fee of $350.	Post-graduation work permit required within 90 days of graduation. Fees: 150 CAD + 80 CAD (biometric).

Pro Tip: Canada’s visa process is simpler with a clearer path to Permanent Residency, making it an attractive option for long-term career plans.

Documents Required: To apply for a student visa in USA and Canada , you'll need to prepare the following documents -

A valid passport
A printed copy of the DS-160 application form
SEVIS fee receipt (visa fee receipt)
An original and a copy of the interview appointment letter.
Students will need to submit an original and a copy of the Form I-20 sent by the university/college in which they are enrolled.
A copy of their previous qualifications.
Visa fee payment confirmation receipt.
Results from their chosen English language proficiency test.
Evidence of sufficient funds to reside in the USA.

Job Opportunities in the USA & Canada

Both countries provide excellent job prospects for international graduates:

Popular Jobs in the USA	Average Annual Salary (USD)	Popular Jobs in Canada	Average Annual Salary (CAD)
Medical Director	271,525 - 325,673 USD	Financial Manager	95,600 CAD
Software Engineer	93,817 USD	Nurse Practitioner	105,078 CAD
Pharmacist	143,147 USD	Pharmacist	103,737 CAD

Question: Would you prefer the high-paying tech jobs in the USA or the work-life balance in Canada’s healthcare sector?

Conclusion: USA or Canada—Which One Is Your Ideal Study Destination?

So, the decision between the USA and Canada comes to your career plans, budget, and lifestyle choices. There is great freedom and innovation in the US that cannot be matched, so this would be best for career-focused tech/research people. Canada is a value for money destination to study in, with good living facilities and some of the most open and welcoming immigration laws after you complete your studies.

Final Pro Tip: Look beyond the college rankings and weigh your overall career goals, financial aid options or campus culture to make the right choice for building a promising future!