When it comes to pursuing higher education like a postgraduate course abroad, many of us tend to look towards options in western countries. And among the plethora of western countries, two are quite popular with Indian students – Canada and the USA. That said, which one is better among the two? If you’re trying to make a choice between these two countries and can’t seem to decide which one is the better option for you, here’s something that can help you out.
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Canada vs USA: A detailed comparison
Let’s take up a few of the most important factors that help you determine which of the two countries is better.
1. Choice of universities
The USA is home to over 4,000 universities, with quite a lot of them appearing in the list of the world’s best educational institutions. That’s not all. The United States of America houses the famed Ivy League schools as well. With so many alternatives to choose from, you’re undoubtedly spoilt for choice.
That said, Canada is not too far behind either. As a matter of fact, the country is home to over 8 universities appearing in the list of the top 200 universities in the world. Institutions such as the McGill University, University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia are all quite well-known for their high standards of education.
2. Eligibility Criteria
When it comes to the eligibility criteria, the standards set by the universities in the United States of America tend to be a little strict. And, you’re also required to pass entrance exams such as GRE or GMAT to be able to apply to the universities.
In comparison, the eligibility criteria set by Canadian universities are relatively more flexible and relaxed. A large section of the educational institutions in Canada don’t require you to pass any entrance exams, thereby making the process of getting into one much easier.
3. Cost of education
Since the cost of education plays a major role when it comes to deciding which country to choose for your higher education, it is imperative to look into the same. And, knowing the approximate cost that you’re likely to incur will also help you plan for your education loan or a personal loan in a better way.
On that note, the cost of studying in the USA tends to be slightly on the higher side when compared with other countries. For instance, a typical postgraduate degree in a university in the United States is likely to set you back by around Rs. 8 lakhs to around Rs. 1 crore depending on the type of course that you choose.
On the other hand, the cost of studying in Canada is a little more cost effective. A typical postgraduate degree will set you back by around Rs. 5 lakhs to around Rs. 60 lakhs, depending on the type of course that you choose. Also, the costs associated with living in Canada tend to be much lower when compared with that of the USA.
Conclusion
With both the USA and Canada offering very similar advantages, with only slight differences, the ultimate choice of the one that’s better for higher education rests with you. If you like having a wide range of universities to choose from, then the United States would suit you better. But if you find yourself a little concerned about the costs of education and standard of living, then Canada might just be the right choice for you.
Now, irrespective of the country that you choose for your higher education, a personal loan or an educational loan can help you take care of all the costs associated with it. But before applying for a loan, always check the personal loan interest rates and the personal loan eligibility criteria to make sure that you get the best deal.