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Introduction
For international students who have plans to study in foreign universities, the final decision of the perfect destination is an important consideration. International students consider several factors, including tuition, living expenses, safety, and graduate study opportunities when deciding. The top-ranked countries for international education are Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. These education models are all very distinct in their own manner and quality. This blog of Radsam Education Agency will explore the top 4 education destinations in the world while discussing the necessary factors to check before students can make a decision on their study abroad destinations. Note: Any currency amounts are given in Canadian dollars (CAD) for convenience.
Tuition Fees
Canada
In both terms of quality and affordability, Canadian institutions are highly regarded for the teaching they provide as can be seen in this comparison of tuition fees:
High School: In high school, a semester of tuition costs approximately 15,000 Canadian dollars.
Bachelor’s Degree: The average undergraduate tuition fee is CAD 24.000 per semester for bachelor’s degrees.
Masters Degree: One semester of a master's degree course costs about CAD 28,000.
Ph.D: Ph.D. courses generally run at about CAD 20,000 per semester.
Top universities like the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, or McGill can not only get you an education, but a very cheap education. Canada has become a popular destination for foreign students.
USA
the USA has the most prestigious universities by pay but at higher prices of tuition:
High School: The tuition fee per semester for students at high school is 24000 CAD on average.
Bachelor’s Degree: Undergraduate programs cost around CAD 43,000 per semester on average.
Master’s Degree: Master’s programs can cost up to CAD 48,000 per semester.
Ph.D.: Ph.D. programs average around CAD 35,000 per semester.
Universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford have a reputation for good education around the world. This can be seen through the high tuition that they charge.
UK
The UK offers a balance between tuition fees and quality of education:
High School: High school tuition averages CAD 20,000 per semester.
Bachelor’s Degree: Undergraduate programs cost about CAD 33,000 per semester.
Master’s Degree: Master’s programs are around CAD 37,000 per semester.
Ph.D.: Ph.D. programs typically cost CAD 34,000 per semester.
Some of the best universities in the world such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London have moderately-priced tuition.
Australia
Australia presents a balanced option with affordable tuition fees and high-quality education:
High School: High school tuition is about CAD 17,000 per semester.
Bachelor’s Degree: Undergraduate programs average CAD 29,000 per semester.
Master’s Degree: Master’s programs cost around CAD 33,000 per semester.
Ph.D.: Ph.D. programs typically cost CAD 27,000 per semester.
High-fliers like the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and the Australian National University have popular courses and competitive (to attract lucrative international student fees) tuition fees.
Living Expenses
One important problem for international students is their living expenses. Here is a chart showing the average monthly costs.
Canada
Single Students: CAD 2,000
Married Students: CAD 3,400
Canada is popular because life in centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa is very pleasant and with comparatively low living costs.
USA
Single Students: CAD 3,200
Married Students: CAD 4,800
Life here in the USA is more expensive than in Thailand in metropolitan areas, i.e., LA, Washington, and New York.
UK
Single Students: CAD 2,700
Married Students: CAD 4,200
This will probably not be a deal-breaker. Living in the UK is no cheaper than in Australia, but London is probably more expensive.
Australia
Single Students: CAD 2,700
Married Students: CAD 4,200
Just like in the UK, in Australia, you can have a great life surprisingly cheaply - particularly in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, or Canberra, which have a similar cost of living to the UK.
Post-Graduate Work Permit and Permanent Residency Opportunities
Canada
Canada welcomes international students as there are simple post-graduate work permits (PGWP) and PR programs. A student who is from abroad may apply for a PGWP for three years after completion of a program, which will give them work experience. A number of avenues to PR also make Canada the most popular destination for students looking to settle after their learnings. The transition rate to PR is also 60%.
USA
OPT is available for a maximum of three years in the USA, and pathways to PR are relatively restricted, making the chances of moving to PR just 15%, which is less attractive than the options available in other destinations.
UK
Grads from the UK can stay for 2-3 years after graduation through a graduate visa that is available to students, but PR transitions from the graduate visa to PR are complicated, a little over 30% of Grads staying on the transition to PR. One of the most popular countries with international students is the UK, in part because of its historic and well-respected higher education institutions.
Australia
This is a major draw for the countries listed below: Student visa holders in Australia are also eligible for a post-study work (PSW) visa lasting up to 4 years. The ‘step up’ rate to permanent residency is high (40%).
Student Work Hours and Earnings
Canada
International students can work 20 hours a week in Canada, provided that they study full-time. This will likely be extended to 24 hours by November 2024.
USA
In the US, to bracket the comparison, students can earn up to 20 hours a week — about CAD3,200 a month if based in Washington state, which has the minimum wage.
UK
Students can get 20 hours of work per week here in the UK, which would put them at CAD 2,700 a month in London.
Australia
For example, in Canberra Australia, students can work 20 hours per week and earn about CAD 3,000 a month.
Safety and Satisfaction
Safety and student satisfaction are paramount for international students. Here’s how each destination ranks:
Canada
Canada boasts a safety rate of 9/10 and an international student satisfaction rate of 87%. These high ratings reflect the country’s welcoming environment and supportive infrastructure for students.
USA
The USA has a safety rate of 7/10 and an international student satisfaction rate of 85%. While safety can vary by region, the USA remains a popular choice due to its prestigious institutions.
UK
The UK offers a safety rate of 8/10 and an international student satisfaction rate of 82%. The country’s rich cultural heritage and academic reputation contribute to its appeal.
Australia
Australia has a safety rate of 8/10 and an international student satisfaction rate of 86%. The country’s high standard of living and favorable PR opportunities make it an attractive destination.
Conclusion
Choosing the right destination for higher education involves weighing various factors. Canada stands out with its affordable tuition, high safety, and excellent PR opportunities. The USA, though expensive, offers prestigious institutions and a strong academic reputation. The UK provides a balanced approach with moderate tuition and living expenses but a complex PR process. Australia offers favorable PR pathways and a high satisfaction rate, making it a strong contender.
Radsam Education Agency: Realizing Academic Dreams, Securing Aspiration Milestones
Our team at Radsam Education Agency is experienced in bringing international students to Canada with a desire to study. Our blog is where you’ll find all the current, relevant information on studying in Canada. Consider it the Wikipedia of Canadian education, designed to provide you with all the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. So let us make your Canadian education experience stress-free and effortless.
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