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Canada vs United States

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 States.

Factor
Canada
United States
Bachelor's Tuition Fee
CAD 18,000 - CAD 35,000 / Year
USD 18,000 - USD 35,000 / Year
Master's Tuition Fee
CAD 15,000 - CAD 30,000 / Year
USD 20,000 - USD 45,000 / Year
Cost of Living
CAD 1,500 - CAD 2,200 per month (approx. CAD 20,635 per year mandatory deposit via GIC).
Overall living costs vary significantly by state and city; large metro areas like New York or San Francisco can run considerably higher, while college towns in the Midwest or South are generally more affordable, averaging roughly USD 10,000-18,000 per year.
IELTS Requirement
6.5 Overall (no band less than 6.0)
6.0 - 7.0 overall (varies by university and program level)
Part-Time Work Rights
20 hours per week (often extended during semesters)
Up to 20 hours/week on-campus during academic sessions; full-time during scheduled breaks
Post-Study Work Visa
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — 1 to 3 Years depending on program length
Optional Practical Training (OPT) under F-1 status — 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), extendable by 24 months (36 months total) for STEM-designated degrees
Permanent Residency Pathway
High PR compatibility through established Express Entry system.
The US has no points-based permanent residency system comparable to Canada or Australia; residency (a Green Card) is obtained mainly through employer sponsorship or family ties, and is not guaranteed after study
Student Visa Processing Time
6 - 12 Weeks
Interview appointment wait times vary; visa issuance itself is typically decided at the interview or within a few weeks if administrative processing is required
Notable Scholarship
Lester B. Pearson Scholarships (University of Toronto)
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP))

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 States

Northeastern University — Boston, Massachusetts (MENTISGO Official Partner University)
Drexel University — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (MENTISGO Official Partner University)
Illinois Institute of Technology — Chicago, Illinois (MENTISGO Official Partner University)
Full United States Study Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 States typically runs Overall living costs vary significantly by state and city; large metro areas like New York or San Francisco can run considerably higher, while college towns in the Midwest or South are generally more affordable, averaging roughly USD 10,000-18,000 per year.. Compare the exact tuition ranges above for your specific program level before deciding.

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

Canada offers the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for 1 to 3 Years depending on program length, while United States offers the Optional Practical Training (OPT) under F-1 status for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), extendable by 24 months (36 months total) for STEM-designated degrees. 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 States?

Canada: High PR compatibility through established Express Entry system. United States: The US has no points-based permanent residency system comparable to Canada or Australia; residency (a Green Card) is obtained mainly through employer sponsorship or family ties, and is not guaranteed after study 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 States as a Pakistani student?

Yes. Notable options include Lester B. Pearson Scholarships for Canada and Fulbright Foreign Student Program for United States. See each country's full destination guide for the complete scholarship list.

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

Canada generally requires an IELTS score of 6.5 Overall (no band less than 6.0), while United States generally requires 6.0 - 7.0 overall (varies by university and 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 States?

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