UK vs Canada: Which Is Better for Pakistani Students?
The decision of the Pakistani students between the UK and Canada may be difficult. The two nations are characterized by the best education systems, international-level universities, and their multicultural markets. Be it undergraduate, masters or doctoral studies, taking a course in the UK or in Canada, it is best to know the differences between the two so that you can make the best decision in your academic and professional future.
Study Advisers is a company that assists Pakistani students with expert advice and honest feedback to make the best choice between the UK and Canada as well as providing individual career planning.
Education System Overview
UK:
The education system in the United Kingdom is noble with a shorter time of degree programs. Bachelors normally last 3 years, with master programs lasting 1 year. This system enables the students to graduate more quickly, reduce the tuition costs, and get into the job market sooner.
Canada:
Canada on the other hand has a flexible education system where a great variety of programs are available usually including co-op (internship) opportunities. Bachelors normally take 4 years and master degrees are 2 years. The long period is, nevertheless, helpful in working experience as a student.
Opportunities for Post-Study Work - UK vs Canada for Pakistani Students
UK:
Graduate Route Visa gives foreign students an opportunity to remain and work in the UK 2 years following their degree (3 years in case of PhD holders). The policy is favorable to the UK as a study destination because students of the country can have a fast-tracked career advancement in global sectors like finance, health, and engineering.
Canada:
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada is even more accommodating as it is possible to get work authorization of up to 3 years based on the amount of time you spend in the program. The immigration policies in Canada are also student-friendly meaning that one can easily move into permanent residency and that is one of the greatest pluses to many Pakistani students.
Cost of Education – UK vs Canada for Pakistani Students
Country | Average Tuition Fees per Year (for International Students) | Living Costs (per month) |
UK | £12,000 – £22,000 | £1,000 – £1,500 |
Canada | CAD 15,000 – CAD 25,000 | CAD 800 – CAD 1,200 |
The UK may seem slightly more expensive, but since degrees are shorter, the overall cost often becomes comparable to studying in Canada.
Scholarships, Financial Aid- UK vs Canada for Pakistani Students
Pakistani students have a great opportunity of getting a scholarship both in the two countries.
Top UK Scholarships:
- Chevening Scholarship Full-Funded Masters students.
- Commonwealth Scholarship- It pays tuition and accommodation fees of post graduate programs.
- University of Birmingham Global Masters Scholarship -Scholarship is a reduction of tuition fees by £2,000.
Top Canadian Scholarships:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – PhD students can receive up to CAD 50,000 each year.
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Fully funded undergraduate study at University of Toronto.
- University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award.
Quick Comparison: UK vs Canada for Pakistani Students
Category | United Kingdom (UK) | Canada |
Study Duration | 1-year master’s, 3-year bachelor’s | 2-year master’s, 4-year bachelor’s |
Tuition Fees (Per Year) | £12,000 – £22,000 | CAD 20,000 – CAD 35,000 |
Living Costs (Per Year) | £10,000 – £14,000 | CAD 12,000 – CAD 18,000 |
Post-Study Work Visa | 2 years (Graduate Route) | 3 years (PGWP) |
Scholarships | Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT | Vanier, Pearson, OGS |
Permanent Residency (PR) | Limited, job-based | Easier through Express Entry |
Climate | Mild, rainy | Cold winters, mild summers |
Top Universities | Oxford, Cambridge, UCL | Toronto, UBC, McGill |
Lifestyle and Cultural Experience.
UK:
The UK is a very culturally diverse country with historical attractions in London and the beautiful landscapes of Scotland. Learners are exposed to a globally linked learning pace. The Pakistani community has been highly established in places such as Birmingham, Manchester and London and hence, finding cultural comfort is easy.
Canada:
Canada is characterized as being inclusive, safe and really beautiful. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are cities which have dissimilar communities where thousands of Pakistani students reside. Canada stands out as a good destination as an international learner due to a favorable environment, as well as student-friendly policies.
Workplace and Employment Opportunity.
UK:
UK graduates have a tendency of securing jobs in the fields of finance, technology, medicine, and law. The international reputation of the country improves the employability, yet the international students might encounter difficulties with the long-term visa extensions on top of the Graduate Route.
Canada:
The job market in Canada is highly competitive in engineering, IT, business and healthcare and skilled workers have an easy immigration route. Pakistani students greatly like Canada due to its work-life balance and permanent residency offer.
Climate and Environment
UK:
The climate in the UK is rainy but mild. Students who are fond of cool and historic environment in Europe will find it attractive.
Canada:
The climate in Canada is colder and most parts are characterized by snowy winters. But adventure loving students are drawn by its natural beauty and outdoor way of life.
Final Thoughts
When deciding between UK vs Canada as Pakistani students, where you are headed is a matter of choice. In case you need a quicker, internationally discovered degree and exposure to the best industries in Europe, the UK is the right place. But in case you want work experience and may settle in some other country, then Canada has more relaxed immigration laws and an extended option of work after studies.
Study Advisers assists Pakistani students to analyze their academic experience, career aspirations and finances to make the decision to study in the UK or Canada. Our skilled counsellors can guarantee hassle-free application, scholarship and visa procedures whether you are preparing undergraduate, master degree or PhD wherever you are in the world and we will help you create your global future.
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About SAUK
Study Advisers UK (SAUK) is a trusted international education consultancy helping students across Pakistan achieve their dreams of studying abroad. With expert guidance, personalized counselling, and strong partnerships with top universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, and Europe, SAUK supports students through every step
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