Canadian and US higher education systems are same in many ways. They are technologically advanced, and being the neighbouring countries, the curriculums and Entrance criteria often are same. Both the countries are highly adaptive to students from other country, and same goes with the streams. On the surface, you can say they are almost academically same when it comes to courses. Now let us dive into differences.
Canadian colleges and Universities have a percentage system. The Average percentage and academic performance is taken into account while granting an admission to the students.
US Universities have GPA (Grade Point Average) system. That is a cumulative average of students’ performances over the course of the studies. The GPA scores are scaled from 0 to 4.
US Universities also have a stronger sports and extracurricular influence on both studies and further education. The admission committees across US count the advancement in sports as a leadership trait and it is encouraged. Canadian Admission system is very academic, as it considers only the scores for the selection.
Talking about admission process, here are the Top Universities in both the countries, where you can consider applying:
|
Top US Universities |
World Ranking |
Top Universities in Canada for MS |
World Ranking |
|
1 |
28 |
||
|
2 |
33 |
||
|
3 |
47 |
||
|
4 |
109 |
||
|
9 |
146 |
||
|
13 |
149 |
||
|
14 |
163 |
||
|
15 |
214 |
||
|
16 |
229 |
||
|
19 |
239 |
Apart from the ones that are mentioned above, there are many Universities in Canada and USA, and the number of courses that are available to students, are innumerable. Here is the list of top courses available in Canada vs USA:
Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Information Technology, Healthcare and Biotechnology.
Computer Science, Biotechnology, Engineering, Life Sciences and Electronics.
It is worth mentioning here that the entry requirements for masters change for every course and University, let alone countries. There is no fixed criteria to enrolment in the Universities and colleges in Canada vs USA.
For Canada, the common test requirements will be IELTS / TOEFL and GMAT / GRE. Statement of Purpose is asked by many Universities if you want to study masters in Canada. Some Universities offer the option to Study in Canada without IELTS, too.
You can check out here: Admission Requirements to study in Canada
In USA, almost every University will ask for the English language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL. The entrance requirement to study Masters in USA might also include SAT, GRE and GMAT tests. Application Essays are another requirement that is very common at US Universities.
If there is a clear line separating the Masters in Canada vs USA, this is it. Canada is one of the cheapest education provider among the English speaking countries, whereas USA is infamous for the higher education costs.
|
Average Tuition Fees for Studying MS in Canada |
USD 19100 |
|
Average Tuition Fees for Studying MS in USA |
USD 25620 |
The lines get blur when it comes to cost of living in Canada vs USA. The Canadian metropolitans can be as heavy on your pockets as cities in USA. For more details on living costs and expenses in both the countries, click on the links below.
Canada: Cost of Living in Canada, Fees and Affordability
USA: Cost of Living in USA, Fees and Affordability
In terms of student life, both the countries are quite similar. People love their sports, be it baseball and NBA for USA or ice hockey for Canada. Both countries are high on immigration, and the diversity is apparent wherever you go. With different cultures, comes cultural diversity. There is a lot to learn from the people from different countries and nationalities. Your life on campus, food and nightlife, you have everything covered for both the countries.
Both the countries have a straightforward visa Process, and here is the comparison between student visas for Masters in Canada vs USA:
|
Student Visa |
USA |
Canada |
|
Video Interview |
Required |
Not Required |
|
Validity after the Program |
60 Days |
90 Days |
|
Application Fees |
$160 |
$150 |
|
Study and Work |
20 hours / week with the firms affiliated with University |
20 hours / week, no criteria on workplace |
In USA, you can opt for OPT, optional practical training, in a company related to the field of your study. OPT is a temporary process. To get a permanent permit, you either need to find a study program to study in USA, or a permanent job to get a work visa. For permanent residence, you need to reside in USA for at least 5 years with employment. PR in USA is a slow, lengthy process.
Depending on your course, the stay back option in Canada maybe as long as three years. You can stay in Canada for three years after the completion of your program, and look for a job. Getting a Canada PR is very easy compared to US. You can apply for the PR when the post study work permit is in continuation. To know more click on:
There is no answer to the question. It completely depends on what someone wants from his or her study abroad. If you are looking to study in top universities in the world, USA is your choice. If you are looking to staying back in the country and work after study, Canada is your safest bet. Canada also triumphs in the affordability, whereas USA degrees hold credibility worldwide. As we said, no definite choice. It will change from individual to individual, based on their needs.
Dhruv is Content Creator at 扒哥黑料.com. He is fond of words and everything related to them. Writing about different things from around the world gives him immense pleasure, and a very healthy by-product is sharing the information and helping others in the process.
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Categories: Study Abroad