Canada vs India: Which is Better Country for Higher Education?

Which is a Better country for Indian students to study or work? Canada is one of the selected study destinations in the world among Indian students for higher education and work opportunities. In order to answer the question, “Canada vs India which is better?”, it is important for students to consider factors such as personal choices, job opportunities, individual circumstances, choice of lifestyle, etc.

Which is Better Canada or India? Canada is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for Indian students. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, the major portion of International students studying in Canada are Indian. However, students often seek an answer to the question, “Is Canada a better study destination than India?” It is not difficult to understand that the reputation of the Canadian Education System is better than ours.

Universities of Canada are on the list of the top 100 universities in the world, while the best ranking of an Indian institute is 118. In this article, we have covered various aspects of life in Canada vs India from the perspective of international students. All these information will help you to compare both countries and choose the best one for you.

Life in Canada vs India

When we talk of life in Canada vs India, we can see that both are very different in many ways. For its high level of living, robust social safety system, and multicultural society, Canada is renowned. Canada offers its citizens a well-developed infrastructure, an effective healthcare system, and the availability of great education.

India, on the other hand, is a dynamic and culturally rich country with beautiful cities, rich history, and tight-knit communities. In addition, India too has excellent universities and colleges that offer high-quality education. Despite these distinctions, each nation has its unique beauty and opportunity. Let us now delve deeper into various aspects of life in India vs Canada from the perspective of international students:

Benefits of Living in Canada

Living and studying in Canada has numerous benefits for international students. Here are some worth-noting points:

• High-quality Academics: Canada has an excellent education system and top-ranked universities that provide high-quality education. Pursuing the most demanding courses in Canada can help you to get high paying jobs.
• Post-study Work Permit: International students, who pursue full-time courses in Canada, can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP Canada) after completing their studies. It gives an opportunity to students to stay and work in Canada for up to 3 years and then apply for a Canada PR later on.
• Job Opportunities: Canada has a thriving economy with excellent employment opportunities across its various job sectors. According to World Bank data, the GDP per capita for Canada for the year 2022 was $55,522 (Most Recent Year). These figures represent a positive picture when it comes to earnings in Canada.
• Healthcare System: Known as Medicare, the publicly funded healthcare system of Canada, offers affordable medical services.
• Safety: Canada is a safe and peaceful country and has been ranked 11th spot on the Global Peace Index rankings for 2023. Canadian government invests in public safety and security.
• Multiculturalism: The multicultural society in Canada is renowned for welcoming people from different backgrounds and promoting a spirit of inclusion and acceptance. The country's cultural fabric is enhanced by its diversity. International students do not feel out of place when they study in Canada.
• Affordability: The cost of studying and the cost of living in Canada for international students is lower compared to other countries such as the UK, the USA, etc.
• Natural Beauty: Mountains, woods, lakes, and beaches are just a few of Canada's breathtaking natural features. There are many options for outdoor recreation and discovery there. The tourism industry in Canada provides great job opportunities for international students once they complete their tourism and hospitality courses.

Benefits of Living in India

Students, who wish to study in India, have access to several benefits as well. Here are some benefits of living and studying in India:

• High-quality Academics: Indian universities and colleges such as the IITs, IIMs, IISc, NITs, FMS, etc. offer excellent academics along with brilliant placement opportunities with a dedicated placement cell. However, admission to these institutes is highly competitive and clearing these exams requires dedication and hard work.
• Low Cost of Living: Whether it is for Indian students or international students coming to study in India, education, housing, food, travel, etc. are available at affordable costs.
• Cultural Richness: Indian culture is renowned for being dynamic and diversified. Living in India offers the chance to immerse oneself in a culturally rich environment thanks to its historic landmarks, vibrant festivals, and traditions.
• Food Paradise: Renowned for its flavours and varieties, Indian cuisine provides access to delicious and varied food options.
• Healthcare: The tertiary healthcare in India is well-developed and of high quality. Medical research in India is constantly reaching new heights and is continuously providing affordable medical care to residents and international patients. Moreover, the insurance sector in India is growing with many private companies providing quick medical claim settlements.
• Nature: India is fortunate to have a wide variety of natural scenery, including the Himalayan highlands, sandy beaches, and dense forests. Living in India gives nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts the chance to discover and enjoy its natural splendour.

 

Canada vs India: Education System

Let us consider the differences between the education system in Canada and the education system in India with the help of the information given below.

Canadian Education System

Education in Canada is compulsory until the age of 16 to 18, depending on the province. The education system in Canada consists of the following aspects:

• Pre-primary / Kindergarten
• Primary/Elementary education: It lasts from 1st to 6th year.
• Intermediate / Junior High/Secondary / Middle School: It lasts from the 7th to the 10th year.
• Senior Secondary / Senior Years / Graduation Programme: It lasts from 11th to 12th years.
• In the case of Quebec, students will have to go through the Pre-University or Technical level that lasts for 2-3 years. Students from other provinces can move on to High School Graduation Diploma.
• High School Graduation Diploma / Diploma of College Studies Quebec
• Higher Education Institutions / Colleges / Institutes of Technology: These offer certificates, associate degrees, diplomas, and bachelor’s degrees.
• Higher Education Institutions: They offer Graduate Diplomas.
• Universities: They offer Master’s degrees and Doctoral degrees.

Universities in Canada are known for their high-quality academics and rankings. 9 Canadian universities are ranked within the first 200 spots on the QS World University Rankings 2024 with the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia taking the under-50 rankings.

Indian Education System

Indian education system makes education compulsory for the age group of 6 to 14 years (Classes 1st to 8th). Here are the complete details of the Indian education system:

• Pre-School Education
• Lower Elementary Education: It lasts from the 1st to 5th year.
• Upper Elementary Education: It lasts from the 6th to 8th year.
• Secondary Education: It lasts from the 9th to the 10th year. After the 10th School Certificate, students have the option to opt for Upper-Secondary Education (11th & 12th) or Polytechnic. In case students decide to opt for a Polytechnic, they need to pursue a Diploma.
• University & College: Students may then pursue their Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and Doctoral degree. In addition, students may also pursue a Post-Graduate Diploma (e.g. PGDM).

The Indian education system provides access to some of the top institutes that are ranked well on the QS World University Rankings 2024. Some of these include IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IISc, etc.

Canada vs India: Top Universities

In this section of the article, we will compare the top 10 universities in Canada and India. It must be noted that the top universities in Canada have a better ranking as compared to the top institutions in India.

Top Universities in Canada

The table given below provides the top universities in Canada and their QS World University Rankings 2025.

Top Universities in Canada	QS World University Rankings 2025
University of Toronto	25
McGill University	29
The University of British Columbia	38
University of Alberta	96
University of Waterloo	115
Western University	120
University of Montreal	159
University of Calgary	198
McMaster University	176
University of Ottawa	189

Top Universities in India

The table given below provides the top universities and colleges in India and their QS World University Rankings 2025.

Top Universities in India	QS World University Rankings 2025
IIT Bombay	118
IIT Delhi	150
Indian Institute of Science	211
IIT Kharagpur	222
IIT Kanpur	263
IIT Madras	227
IIT Guwahati	344
IIT Roorkee	335
University of Delhi	328
Anna University	383

The idea behind comparing the rankings of the top universities in Canada and the top universities in India is to provide the students with an idea of the global standing of their choice of institutions. These rankings are decided on the basis of various parameters, hence, it is important for students to consider all the parameters before making a final decision. Getting into the top universities in Canada and India can be highly competitive as the best minds compete against each other for very few seats. Under such circumstances, it is critical for the students to take their studies and application process very seriously.

Canada vs India: Cost of Studying

When we talk of Canada vs India which is better, it is extremely important to consider the cost of studying in both countries. It is known to all that studying in India is less expensive than studying in Canada. The following details will allow you to understand how much a student needs to spend, on average, to study in Canada and India.

Cost of Studying in Canada

According to Statistics Canada, the following points can be noted when it comes to the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students:

• The average cost of pursuing an undergraduate degree in Canada for an international student is CAD 36,123 for 2024-25. For Indian students, this amount translates to Rs. 22,21,444 (nearly Rs. 22.2 lakhs per year).
• The average cost of pursuing a graduate degree in Canada for an international student is CAD 21,111 for 2024-25. For Indian students, this amount translates to Rs. 12,98,256 (nearly Rs. 13 lakhs per year).
• It is important to note that the above-given data represents an average cost. Certain courses such as an MBA will cost more as compared to MSc.

Cost of Studying in India

The following data (sourced from ET Online Research and published in the Economic Times) will help students gauge the cost of studying in India for the year 2024:

• The average cost of pursuing an LLB course is Rs. 7.5 lakhs.
• The average cost of pursuing an MBA is Rs. 25 lakhs.
• The average cost of pursuing B.Tech is Rs. 12 lakhs.
• The average cost of pursuing an MBBS is Rs. 45 lakhs.

These costs are average and will vary on the basis of university and course. Based on the above data, it can be said that students can complete their degree by spending somewhere between Rs. 7 lakhs to Rs. 45 lakhs.

Canada vs India: Cost of Living for Students

The table provided below will help you gauge the cost of living in Canada vs India for a single student. Data for Canada has been sourced from the University of Toronto website; whereas, data for India has been sourced from Numbeo and Mint.

Head	Cost in Canada (in CAD)	Cost in India (in Rs.)
Accommodation / Housing	CAD 1,100 -  CAD 2,700 per month	Rs. 15,552 per month (1 bedroom apartment)
Food & Grocery	CAD 340+	Rs. 3,500 per month
Internet	CAD 60 – CAD 115 per month	Rs. 699 per month
Phone	CAD 50 – CAD 100 per month	Rs. 304 per month
Transport	CAD 0 – CAD 128.15 per month	Rs. 900 per month
Clothing & Shoes	CAD 30 – CAD 100	Rs. 2,305 for a summer dress
Entertainment	CAD 150 per month	Rs. 2,369 per month

Certain important points given below will provide further insights (data has been sourced from Numbeo):

• Rent in Canada exceeds the rent in India by 525.6%.
• The cost of groceries in Canada exceeds the cost of groceries in India by 182.4%.
• Consumer prices in Canada exceed the consumer prices in India by 194%.
• Restaurants cost 316.5% more in Canada as compared to those in India.

From the above data, it is evident that the cost of living in Canada is considerably higher than the cost of living in India. Living costs make up a large part of study-abroad expenses. Students must try applying for scholarships and/or find part-time work in order to reduce their cost of studying and living in Canada.

Canada vs India: Job Opportunities

When it comes to employment and job opportunities, the answer to the question, “Is Canada better than India?” is evident from the data that Canada offers better job opportunities. Let us look at the following points:

• Job Opportunities: Job opportunities in Canada are offered across diverse sectors that offer high remuneration. Some of the most remunerative sectors in Canada include Commercial Banking, Oil & Gas, Automobile, Real Estate, Construction, Mining, etc. India too has a growing economy with the agricultural and IT sectors dominating the scene when it comes to employment. The government sector and Manufacturing are important sectors of the Indian economy. Some of the top-paying jobs in Canada include those of Bankers, Data Scientists, Data Analysts, Healthcare Professionals, Project Managers, Software developers, etc. Some of the top-paying jobs in India include Chartered Accountant, Marketing Manager, Management Consultant, Software Architect, etc.
• Salary Comparison: Average salaries in Canada are higher compared to the average salaries in India. The average annual salary range in Canada can range from CAD 50,000 to CAD 110,000 depending on one’s education, location, industry, etc. The average annual salary for skilled employees in India can range from Rs. 3.6 lakhs to Rs. 12 lakhs per annum. However, these are only the average figures drawn from various sources. Annual salaries vary based on one’s education, skills, industry, location, etc. Overall, it is easy to say that average salaries in Canada are higher as compared to those in India. 

Canada vs India: Living Standard

When it comes to life in Canada vs India with respect to living standards, we can say that Canada has a higher standard of living as it offers better healthcare facilities, quality education, a safer environment, and better incomes. Here are some facts that may help in comparing both countries vis-à-vis living standards.

Canada’s score on the Human Development Index (HDI 2022-23) is 0.935 and it falls under the Very High HDI tier. India’s score on the HDI is 0.644 and it falls under the Medium HDI tier. It is important for students to know that HDI rankings consider the following parameters:

• Life expectancy
• Expected years of schooling
• Gross National Income per capita

From the above points, it may be inferred that Canada has a higher standard of living. However, it is essential for students to consider other factors such as personal choices, family situations, cultural ties, career opportunities, ease of living, etc. before making a final decision.

Canada vs India: Student Safety

The U.S. News & World Report has ranked Canada at 7th position on the Safety Ranking and at 3rd position on the Best Countries Overall Ranking. In addition to this, on the Global Peace Index 2024 (published by the Institute for Economics & Peace), Canada is ranked at 11th position, whereas, India is ranked at 126th position. Concisely, it can be said that Canada is a safer country.

Canada vs India Which is Better?

In order to answer the question, “Canada vs India which is better?”, it is important for students to consider factors such as personal choices, job opportunities, individual circumstances, choice of lifestyle, etc. If a student values a high-quality lifestyle, a high cost of living, a robust social system, quality education, etc. he/she may opt for Canada. Whereas, if a student values cultural ties, a lower cost of living, family ties, etc. he/she may decide to stay back in India.

Overall speaking, Canada is a great study-abroad destination with excellent job opportunities and high living standards. It is important for students to try seriously for the top-ranked universities in Canada in order to improve their employability and job prospects. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.