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Canada vs United Kingdom

A side-by-side comparison of tuition, cost of living, work rights, and post-study pathways to help Pakistani students choose between Canada and United Kingdom.

Factor
Canada
United Kingdom
Bachelor's Tuition Fee
CAD 18,000 - CAD 35,000 / Year
GBP 12,000 - 25,000 / Year
Master's Tuition Fee
CAD 15,000 - CAD 30,000 / Year
GBP 15,000 - 32,000 / Year
Cost of Living
CAD 1,500 - CAD 2,200 per month (approx. CAD 20,635 per year mandatory deposit via GIC).
For visa purposes, students must show maintenance funds of GBP 1,334/month for up to 9 months if studying in London, or GBP 1,023/month outside London, in addition to tuition fees.
IELTS Requirement
6.5 Overall (no band less than 6.0)
Overall 6.0-7.0 (Academic), with no band typically below 5.5-6.0, depending on program level
Part-Time Work Rights
20 hours per week (often extended during semesters)
Up to 20 hours per week during term time for most degree-level students
Post-Study Work Visa
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — 1 to 3 Years depending on program length
Graduate Route Visa — 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates; 3 years for PhD graduates
Permanent Residency Pathway
High PR compatibility through established Express Entry system.
The UK does not offer a direct permanent residency pathway like Canada or Australia; settlement is achieved through continuous lawful residence, typically via employment
Student Visa Processing Time
6 - 12 Weeks
Typically 3-8 weeks from the visa application center in Pakistan, though priority services can expedite this
Notable Scholarship
Lester B. Pearson Scholarships (University of Toronto)
Chevening Scholarship (UK Government (FCDO))

Top Universities in Canada

University of Waterloo — Waterloo, Ontario (MENTISGO Official Partner University)
University of Ottawa — Ottawa, Ontario (MENTISGO Official Partner University)
Dalhousie University — Halifax, Nova Scotia (MENTISGO Official Partner University)
Full Canada Study Guide →

Top Universities in United Kingdom

University of Southampton — Southampton (MENTISGO Official Partner — Russell Group University)
University of Bath — Bath (MENTISGO Official Partner — Top-Ranked UK University)
University of Exeter — Exeter (MENTISGO Official Partner — Russell Group University)
Full United Kingdom Study Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which is cheaper for a Pakistani student: Canada or United Kingdom?

Tuition and living costs differ by city and program in both countries. Canada typically runs CAD 1,500 - CAD 2,200 per month (approx. CAD 20,635 per year mandatory deposit via GIC). while United Kingdom typically runs For visa purposes, students must show maintenance funds of GBP 1,334/month for up to 9 months if studying in London, or GBP 1,023/month outside London, in addition to tuition fees.. Compare the exact tuition ranges above for your specific program level before deciding.

Q. Which offers better post-study work rights, Canada or United Kingdom?

Canada offers the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for 1 to 3 Years depending on program length, while United Kingdom offers the Graduate Route Visa for 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates; 3 years for PhD graduates. The better fit depends on your qualification level and long-term career plans — our advisors can map this against your specific profile.

Q. Is it easier to get permanent residency in Canada or United Kingdom?

Canada: High PR compatibility through established Express Entry system. United Kingdom: The UK does not offer a direct permanent residency pathway like Canada or Australia; settlement is achieved through continuous lawful residence, typically via employment Neither guarantees automatic residency after graduation — both require qualifying work experience and, in most cases, a separate application process.

Q. Can I get a scholarship to study in Canada or United Kingdom as a Pakistani student?

Yes. Notable options include Lester B. Pearson Scholarships for Canada and Chevening Scholarship for United Kingdom. See each country's full destination guide for the complete scholarship list.

Q. What IELTS score do I need for Canada compared to United Kingdom?

Canada generally requires an IELTS score of 6.5 Overall (no band less than 6.0), while United Kingdom generally requires Overall 6.0-7.0 (Academic), with no band typically below 5.5-6.0, depending on program level. Many universities in both countries also accept PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, or an MOI letter as alternatives — check the specific country guide for details.

Still deciding between Canada and United Kingdom?

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