Is UK or Canada expensive for international students?
Asked by: Carmella Runte | Last update: September 30, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (31 votes)
Generally speaking, undergraduate tuition costs in the UK can be lower than those in Canada and can vary from £11,400 - £38,000 per year. In comparison, tuition fees in Canada for undergraduate programs can range from approximately $15,700 to $53,538 CAD per year.
Is the UK or Canada more expensive for international students?
Canada vs UK: Tuition and Lifestyle Expenses
Let's look at the expense differences between Canada and the UK. In Canada, tuition fees are generally lower than in the UK, making it more affordable for Indian students. It is generally higher in the UK, making it a more expensive option for Indian students.
Which is better for international students UK or Canada?
The choice between Canada and the UK will depend on factors such as tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, quality of education, and post-graduation work options. Both countries have reputable institutions, but Canada is known for its more lenient post-study work permits, making it an attractive choice.
Is Canada or UK cheaper?
Generally, when comparing cost of living in Canada vs UK, the cost in Canada is higher than in the UK. But Canada is so large that the cost of living specifically depends on which city you choose to move to.
Is the UK too expensive for international students?
Living as an international student in the United Kingdom isn't exactly cheap. But how much you end up spending largely depends on where you will live. In popular cities like London, monthly living costs can easily jump over 1,500 EUR (1,360 GBP).
Why I Moved to Canada (Was it worth it?)
Is it cheaper to study in UK or USA?
Tuition Fees & Expenses. When it comes to educational and personal expenses, the USA, Canada, and Australia are more expensive than the UK. Here are some crucial insights from the expert team at BWBS: The UK is cheaper for education and living expenses than the USA, Canada, and Australia.
Why do international students pay more in Canada?
“If you're a domestic student — an Ontario student or a Canadian student — the government gives us funding to help with your education and they subsidize it effectively. And for international students, that number is zero. So the international tuition is definitely going to be higher,” Shepard says.
Is life better in UK or Canada?
Canada vs the UK: Cost of Living
Certain elements of life in the UK can be cheaper than in Canada, such as accommodation and food. However, transport, petrol and entertainment are more expensive. On average, Canada taxes its residents more than the UK, with a total tax wedge per person of almost 40%.
What is more expensive, Toronto or London?
That being said, London is consistently ranked more expensive than Toronto.
What are the living expenses in the UK for international students?
Living costs
As an international student coming to the UK without dependants, you can expect to pay around £1300-£1400 per month in London or £900-£1300 in the rest of the UK to cover your accommodation, bills, groceries, and a range of other living expenses during your studies.
Why do people choose the UK over Canada?
The UK is better for one-year postgraduate degrees in science, business, economics, humanities, and art. Cost of living is more affordable in the UK compared to Canada. In Canada, the living costs can be lower as you move to less urbanized areas. Look into the acceptance rate at the time of application.
Are salaries better in the UK or Canada?
In comparison, the average hourly wage in the UK in 2021 was £15.28, over 11% lower than in Canada. In 2021. the average salary in the UK was 20% lower than in Canada. StatCan's most recent census data shows the average salary in Canada in 2021 was $68,400, though that varied significantly from province to province.
Is studying in UK worth it for international students?
What are the advantages of studying in the UK? The advantages of studying in the UK include access to world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a vibrant cultural experience. UK universities are also highly-recognised around the world which boosts employability and earnings for graduates.
Should I study in Canada or the UK?
Which of the UK and Canada has better universities? Both the UK and Canada are excellent places to study. The UK has an advantage when it comes to university rankings because four of its institutions are among the top 10 according to the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Which country in UK is cheapest for international students?
Which city in the UK has the lowest cost of living? A1. Cardiff is considered to have the lowest cost of living for international students.
Is living in Canada expensive for international students?
The living cost in Canada for international students is around CAD 18,000 to CAD 20,000 per annum on average. When it comes to the cost of living in Canada for Indian students, it translates to nearly INR 12 to 15 lakhs per annum on average based on the current exchange rate as of July 2024.
Are groceries cheaper in the UK than Canada?
What is the cost of living in the UK vs Canada? United Kingdom consumer prices not including rent are 8.6% lower than in Canada. With rent included consumer prices in the UK are 9.1% lower than in Canada. The price of groceries is 26.9% lower in the UK compared to Canada.
Is Vancouver or Toronto better?
It ultimately comes down to your lifestyle preferences and financial considerations. Toronto offers a buzzing urban environment that's full of jobs and full of culture, while Vancouver boasts impressive natural surroundings that offer an equal balance of city living and outdoor activities.
Is London colder than Toronto?
London's weather mostly stays within a range of -10–30 degrees year round. On the other hand Toronto's weather stays within a range of -40–40. It is obviously clear that winters in Canada will be significantly colder than England, but surprisingly summers in Toronto can reach much higher temperatures than London.
What is safer Canada or UK?
According to the U.S. News Best Countries 2021 report, Canada scored 96.7 out of 100 for safety, placing it significantly above the United States (10.8) and the United Kingdom (55.4). In fact, Canada shares the top position in the index along with Switzerland, Denmark and Norway.
Does Canada have free healthcare?
2, 3 These taxation-based, publicly funded, universal programmes cover core medical and hospital services for all eligible Canadians, and are free at the point of care (figure 1 ).
Is Canada more like the US or the UK?
Mostly the US, but there are some definite UK-isms, like British and Irish pubs , highland games, rugby, and whatnot. Per capita, we have many more British and Irish born residents. There are almost as many British people in Canada as in the USA, about 7 in 100 in Canada, vs 7 in 1000 in the USA.
Is UK or Canada more expensive for international students?
UK and Canada cost more or less the same; however, in general, living expenses in the UK are cheaper than those in Canada. Canada's average cost of living is around 8.2% more than the UK's average cost of living. While food and utilities are less expensive in the UK, rent is often more expensive in Canada.
Why is Canada not taking international students?
Canada has suspended its popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme, which expedited study permit processing for international students, especially from India. The move, effective from November 8, 2024, comes amid growing concerns about housing and resource strains.
Can international students save money in Canada?
Saving money as an international student in Canada requires careful planning and a willingness to make small changes in your daily habits. By budgeting wisely, taking advantage of discounts, and making informed choices, you can manage your expenses and enjoy your time in Canada without financial stress.