Canada vs Ireland: A Comparative Guide for Indian Students
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Selecting a country for studying abroad is a relatively tough call. In this article, we will inform you about Ireland vs Canada. You will be able to compare both countries and decide which one is suitable for pursuing higher studies. We will also discuss Ireland or Canada which is better for living. We will talk about the different aspects that an international student considers before moving abroad for higher education like the cost of studying, popular courses, exams to take admission abroad, and work visa, etc.
Ireland or Canada which is better? Canada and Ireland are two popular study destinations for Indian students. Top-ranked universities, a reputed education system and the vast job market of both countries attract international students. Ireland has one of the best education systems in Europe. Their education system is divided into different categories like primary, secondary, third level, and further education.
On the other hand, after the US and the UK, Canada has some of the highest-ranking universities in the world. Canada offers higher education through publicly funded institutions, and privately funded colleges and vocational institutions. To understand Canada or Ireland which is better for Indian students, Let us now delve deeper into the "Canada vs Ireland" debate while considering different aspects of the same.
Canada vs Ireland: Popular Courses
Universities located in Canada and Ireland offer a wide range of demanding courses for international students. Universities of Ireland are famous for business, biotechnology and pharmaceutical-related studies. On the other hand, Canadian universities offer courses related to business administration, engineering, computer science, and healthcare. Jobs related to these sectors are in the list of high paying jobs in Canada. Check out the popular courses in Ireland and Canada below:
Canada
Popular courses in Canada include Business Management, Economics, Agriculture and Forestry, Human Resources, Media, Engineering, Nursing, Computer Science, and Hospitality among others. Canada is also popular for its vocational courses.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
| Stream |
Popular Courses in Canada |
Popular Courses in Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering |
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| Hospitality |
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| Medical |
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| Management |
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Also Read:
- Top 5 UG courses in Canada
- Top 5 Post Graduate courses in Canada
- Popular Vocational Courses in Canada
Ireland vs Canada: Admission Requirements
Check out the admission requirements of Canada and Ireland below:
Canada
- For undergraduate (UG) courses: you need to have completed 12 years of schooling. To get admission, you need to appear for the SAT exam. The duration for degree courses is four years, and that of a diploma is two to three years.
- In postgraduate (PG) courses: getting admission to vocational courses is easier as the admission criteria are a lot more relaxed. To get admission in management courses you will have to appear for GMAT, and for engineering degrees, you need to take the GRE exam.
The concept of cutoffs does not apply to Canadian colleges. Colleges provide average scores accepted to different courses on their websites. That will give some idea about what is considered a good score. You will also need to appear for language exams like TOEFL or IELTS, irrespective of the degree. There are some colleges that may not require language tests for Indian students, but it is advisable you still give either TOEFL or IELTS as they are important for the purpose of getting a Canada student visa. If the visa interviewer is not sure of your spoken skills, they may not grant you the visa.
Read: Eligibility Requirements for Studying in Canada
Ireland
For each course, a minimum academic score of 60% and above in Standard XII is required. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured around 50%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program. It is important to remember that even though the entry requirement is lower at Irish universities, the education standard is not. Hence, you should carefully enhance your ability to cope with the high standard of education over the course of the next few years.
For Undergraduate Courses, Irish universities accept applications through the Central Applications Office (CAO) an online enrolment system. You will have to create an account on the CAO website to provide your basic information, submit the scanned version of your documents, a score of TOEFL/IELTS, and pay application fees. You will be informed about the application process and its stages through this account.
For a postgraduate course: You need to have a relevant bachelor’s degree or diploma. Your undergraduate course must be consistent and relevant to the course in which you wish to pursue your master’s. Candidates would also be required to appear for an English proficiency test to prove their command of the English language.
Cost of Studying in Canada vs Ireland
Compare the cost of studying UG and PG courses in the universities of Ireland and Canada.
Cost of Studying an Undergraduate Program in Canada vs Ireland
| Particulars |
Undergraduate Courses in Canada |
Undergraduate Courses in Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Fee |
BSc: 20 Lakhs BTech: 22.80 Lakhs BBA: 17.80 Lakhs |
BSc: 13.33 Lakhs BTech: 11.70 Lakhs BBA: 10.71 Lakhs |
| Average Living Expense |
6 Lakhs |
4.75 Lakhs |
| Duration |
3-4 Years |
3-4 Years |
| Exams Accepted |
IELTS, TOEFL |
IELTS, TOEFL |
Language School Cost in Canada
Read below to determine how much the language schools in Canada’s major metropolitan regions cost:
- Vancouver: CAD 4,083 (INR 2,50,526) (as per current conversion rate) for a 12-week English language school.
- Toronto: CAD 3,515 (INR 2,15,675) for a 12-week English language school.
- Calgary: CAD 3,446 (INR 2,11,441) for a 12-week French language school.
- Quebec City: CAD 3,570 (INR 2,19,049) for a 12-week French language school.
(Source: educanada)
Language School Costs in Ireland
Almost all the major cities in Ireland such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast, etc. have an existing English language school. If we include the program and accommodation costs, one may have to shell out anything between Euro 490 - 700 weekly.
Cost of Studying a Postgraduate Program in Canada vs Ireland
| Particulars |
Postgraduate courses in Canada |
Postgraduate courses in Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Fee |
MA: 9.43 Lakhs MS: 11.22 Lakhs MBA: 25.96 Lakhs |
MA: 13.70 Lakhs MS: 15.16 Lakhs MBA: 14.09 Lakhs |
| Average Living Expense |
5.97 Lakhs |
4.75 Lakhs |
| Duration |
1.5-2 Years |
1-2 Years |
| Exams Accepted |
IELTS, TOEFL |
IELTS, TOEFL |
(Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)
Also Read:
- Cost of Study in Canada
- Cost of Studying in Ireland
- Cost of Living for International Students in Ireland
Canada vs Ireland: Student Visa
Compare the student visa rules of Ireland vs Canada for international students.
Canada
The Canadian student visa has the following regulations -
- You will have to apply for a post-graduation work permit within 180 days of finishing your studies.
- The visa application process to Canada requires a compulsory medical test for Indian applicants.
- Spouses can also work full-time his/her stay is for a year or more.
- It costs CAD$ 150 to apply for this visa.
- You cannot work more than 24 hours per week. During holidays, breaks, and summer sessions, the student may work full-time.
Ireland
- International students are required to apply for an Ireland Study Visa if they are planning to come to Ireland to undertake a course of study for more than 3 months.
- Applicants would be required to show funds of at least €7,000 in their bank account at the time of applying for the study visa. This amount equals the cost of living in Ireland for an international student for one academic year.
- Also, you need to be able to prove that you or your parents/sponsor will be able to provide at least €7000 for each year of your studies, in addition to the course fee.
- Holding a valid stamp 2 means you will be permitted to work for 20 hours per week during the academic session, and 40 hours per week during the months of May, June, July, and August, and from 15th December to 15th January. These are the vacation times in Ireland so the time allowed to work increases during the vacations.
Post Graduate Work Visa in Canada vs Ireland
- Canada: The Canadian Post Graduation Work Visa allows students who are graduating from any post-secondary institute to work post-studying for up to a time period depending on the duration of their course to a maximum of three years. Under this work permit, the student can work in any field or industry.
- Ireland: Once you have finished your studies in Ireland, you may wish to stay back a little longer and consider taking up a job to gain invaluable work experience. If you are enrolled as a full-time student, with an Irish accredited degree, and have the Visa Stamp 2 you may qualify for the Third Level Graduate Scheme. The steps to the process are as follows –
- Students can apply for a non-renewable extension of up to 2 years after course completion. This extension is granted for the purpose of finding suitable employment.
- Later on, you can apply for a green card (renamed Critical Skills Employment Permit) or work permit (renamed General Employment Permit).
A new visa stamp – Stamp 1G – is now granted to foreign graduates who are authorized to work under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. Therefore, if you are granted Stamp 1G you don’t need to separately apply for a visa extension.
Popular Jobs in Canada and Ireland
Having a great job opportunity is the top reason to attract foreign students to study. Students choose to study abroad to get a job with a good salary. Compare the jobs in Canada and Ireland to understand, which one is better for you.
Canada
Jobs like nurse practitioners, program analysts, teachers, pharmacists, financial managers, construction managers, etc. are some of the most sought-after positions in Canada. Some of the highest-paying jobs in Canada are for mid-senior level positions. According to the official data from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), the average salary in Canada per month is nearly CAD 5404 (INR 3,31,612) and CAD 64,850 (INR 39,79,467) in October 2023.
Read: Popular Job Sectors in Canada
Ireland
Jobs in fields like agriculture, mining, forestry & fishing, pharmaceutical, and medical technology industries, software and ICT industries, financial service industry, and export and trade industry are some of the top job industries in Ireland.
Read: Popular Job Sectors in Ireland
Work Permit in Canada and Ireland
Canada
During this period of Post Graduation Work permit, you can apply for Permanent Residency under the Canadian Experience Class. Since the country is sparsely populated, there is a shortage of highly skilled employees. Compared to most other countries, getting PR in Canada is relatively easy. Students can take up employment in Canada while completing their studies provided their study permit states that they are allowed to work on or off campus.
Also Read:
Ireland
If you have been living in Ireland with a work permit for five years you become eligible for the Ireland Permanent Residence Permit. Foreign applicants who receive Irish permanent residency will get a Stamp 4 on their passport, which is valid for 5 years and is renewable. Additionally, after eight years of legal residence, the foreign national can apply for a “Without Condition As To Time” endorsement, which as the name suggests, does not have a pre-specified validity.
Scholarships to Study in Canada and Ireland
Canada
There is a limited number of popular scholarships in Canada that are available for international students as compared to other countries. The reason behind this is already low tuition fees at colleges. Since most of the students going to Canada have to pay the lowest tuition fees, colleges and organizations don’t have many scholarships open for the students. For a list of scholarships in Canada
Check out: Scholarships to Study in Canada
Ireland
Ireland has over time become one of the preferred study-abroad destinations for international students and for the right reasons. To encourage the flow of foreign nationals for education, the country along with Irish universities has announced several scholarships for the benefit of international students.
Check Out: Scholarships to Study in Ireland
Ireland vs Canada: Climate
Canada
Weather in Canada varies widely depending on where you are. Canada stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, covering five time zones. In Toronto, winter is milder than in most Canadian cities, yet still cold and snowy. Montreal Weather in winter is cold and snowy. Usually, the country experiences pleasantly cool summers.
Ireland
Ireland's climate is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, so the warm ocean currents keep temperatures mild. In the spring and summer (May to July) the average temperature is between 64°F and 68°F (17°C and 20°C). During the autumn season (August to October), the temperature varies from 57°F and 64°F (13°C and 17°C), with September being a mild month with a sunny and warm atmosphere. In winter (November to March beginning), the temperature reaches 46°F (7.78°C) with January and February as the coldest months. Apart from a few cold weeks, snow is scarce in Ireland.
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.
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Canada vs Ireland FAQs
Q. What are the top universities in Canada and Ireland?
A. Both Canada and Ireland have a number of universities that rank among the top in the world.
Here are some of Canada's finest institutions.
- The University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
Here are top universities in Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Dublin
- The National University of Ireland, Galway
Both nations also provide a wide range of other top-notch colleges, so it's crucial to compare your alternatives in order to select the one that best meets your demands.
Q. Which one, between Canada and Ireland, is more affordable for an undergraduate degree?
A. When it comes to undergraduate tuition fees, Ireland is more affordable as compared to Canada. The cost of pursuing B.Tech/ Engineering in Canada is INR 22.8 lakhs per year, whereas, in Ireland, it is INR 11.70 lakhs per year. In the case of BSc courses, Canada costs around INR 20 lakhs per year, whereas, Ireland costs around INR 13.33 lakhs per year.
Q. Which one, between Canada and Ireland, is more affordable for a postgraduate degree?
A. When it comes to postgraduate courses, Canada is more affordable as compared to Ireland. The cost of pursuing MS in Ireland is nearly INR 15.16 lakhs per year, whereas, in Canada, it is INR 11.22 lakhs per year.
However, in the case of MBA programmes, Canada is more expensive as they cost INR 26 lakhs per year; whereas, in Ireland, MBA programmes cost INR 14.09 lakhs per year.
Q. What is the cost of a student visa for Canada and Ireland?
A. The cost of a Canada student visa (including extensions) is $CAN 150 per person. The cost of an Ireland student visa is €60 for single entry and €100 for multi-entry. Students can pay the visa fees online through a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card in the case of Canada, and through a demand draft or directly to VFS in the case of Ireland.
Q. What is the duration of post graduate work permit in Canada and Ireland?
A. The following points provide the duration of post study work permit in Canada and Ireland:
- Canada: The duration of PGWP depends on the duration of your programme. If the duration of your course is between 8 months and 2 years, then the PGWP duration will be equal to the duration of your course. If your course is of 2 years or more, you may get a PGWP of 3 years.
- Ireland: Students can receive a non-renewable extension of up to 2 years after the completion of their course.
Q. Which one, between Canada and Ireland, has a lower cost of living?
A. In terms of average living expenses, Ireland is more affordable as it costs nearly INR 4.75 lakhs per year to stay there. On the other hand, annual average living expenses in Canada are nearly INR 6 lakhs. However, a lot depends on the location and lifestyle of a student, and these are average costs intended to provide you with an estimate.
Q. What is the job opportunities in Canada and Ireland?
A. Excellent career opportunities are available in both Canada and Ireland for students seeking to work overseas. The work market in Canada is flourishing, offering a wide range of employment prospects in a number of industries, including supply chain and operations, finance, administration, and software engineering. Nevertheless, Ireland has a thriving economy and is especially appealing to job seekers in the technology industry. For individuals seeking temporary employment, Ireland also provides a variety of working holiday and internship programmes.
Q. Can you compare MBA options available in Canada and Ireland?
A. Both Canada and Ireland offer excellent opportunities if you are thinking about getting an MBA. While Ireland provides a more affordable choice with many of its colleges providing an MBA for a fraction of the cost of a Canadian school, Canada is recognised for its premier business schools, including the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia. Also, as opposed to the two-year degree given by Canadian colleges, several Irish universities offer shorter, one-year MBAs. To identify the best choice for you, it is crucial to research the programmes provided by both nations.
Q. What is the scenario for research students in Canada and Ireland?
A. In Canada and Ireland, there are a wide variety of research courses offered, including post-doctoral research scholarships in addition to undergraduate and graduate studies. Several universities in Canada provide research courses in a range of subject areas, such as engineering, computer science, medicine, and the natural sciences. In Ireland, research courses are offered in the biological sciences, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Likewise, institutions like the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Science Foundation Ireland provide research opportunities in both Canada and Ireland.
Q. Is it cheaper to live in Ireland or Canada for international students?
A. The cost of living in Ireland is estimated to be around €1,000 (approximately INR 88,000) per month. It is less than the living expenses of Canada that is CAD 1,945 to CAD 3,713 (Nearly INR 1.18 Lakhs to 2.25 Lakhs). This amount includes the house rent, groceries and other required expenses.
Q: What is the acceptance rate for NCI Ireland?
National College of Ireland is one of the best public research universities in the Ireland. The National College of Ireland is among the colleges that do not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources including EduRank, the National College of Ireland acceptance rate is 52%. This shows that NCI is moderately selective for admissions and international students may find it comparatively tougher to get into. Please note that, the data on the acceptance rate is taken from unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: What are the requirements for admission to Griffith College (Ireland)?
International students can apply for Griffith College admission through the official website. We have mentioned below the Griffith College requirements for international undergraduate and graduate admissions:
Griffith College requirements for undergraduate admission:
- Completion of secondary school comparable to Australian Year 12 or equivalent academic achievement
- Meet the English language requirements
- Submit the additional test score for ACT/SAT (if required)
Griffith College requirements for undergraduate admission:
Q: How is an MS in Data Science from Maynooth University, Ireland?
Maynooth University provides 1-year master's in Data Science and asks for an INR 15.14L tuition fee. The goal of the MSc in Data Science and Analytics is to provide students with the information and abilities needed to gather, process, analyze, and visualize data to find trends, assess models, and extract valuable information.
The National Centre for Geocomputation, the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics, and Computer Science collaborated to create the course. Programming, statistics, and databases are covered, along with advanced issues in contemporary statistical machine learning. The course covers topics such as the implications for business and government, as well as the ethical and societal ramifications of data use.
Q: How is studying at Mount Allison University in Canada?
Mount Allison University is one of the reputed universities in Canada that provides excellent programs and follows a brilliant academic culture. It ranked #1 for reputation and library expenses and second for student awards and faculty awards. Mt A is primarily an undergraduate Liberal Arts and Sciences university with over 2,300 students. Students from all over the globe are attracted to the university for its high-quality academic experience, hands-on learning opportunities, rankings, and small class size. The average class size at the university is 41 with student to faculty ratio of 16:1.
Q: Is Bishops University Canada good?
Bishop's University is a well-known and highly reputed university located in Canada. The university provides over 106 programs offered under the multiple faculties and 25 departments at the university. Furthermore, the university also offers scholarship opportunities to students pursuing their Master's, Doctorate, Postdoctoral, and Short-term research at the university. The university also offers multiple placement opportunities to the graduates of the university across multiple organizations and industries such as Deloitte, CGI, and RBC. Bishop's University also offers accommodation facilities to ensure that the students enjoy a safe and comfortable time while at the university. Additionally, the university also offers multiple clubs, culture, sports, and other events, and multiple events to ensure active participation of students outside classrooms as well.
Q: How much time is required for an offer letter by St. Clair College, Canada?
International students can apply for St. Clair College admission through the college official portal and submit the required application material before the equal consideration deadline. As application received after the deadline are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The admission decision on acceptance to the college can take anywhere between 2-6 weeks. However, there is no special mention about admission decision timeline, it is recommended to reach out to the college for further clarity.
Q: Can I get a scholarship in the University of Canada West as a freshman?
Yes, University Canada West (UCW) provides a variety of scholarships and awards to prospective freshman. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic performance, community involvement, leadership abilities, and other criteria. These scholarships are competitive, and the eligibility requirements and amounts may change year over year. The most current information on available scholarships and eligibility conditions can be found on UCW scholarship.
Q: What are the admission requirements for a Diploma in dental technology at NAIT College Alberta, Canada for international students?
The admission requirements for a Diploma in dental technology at NAIT College are mentioned below:
63% in each of:
Grade 12 Language Arts (English 30-2)
Grade 11 Mathematics (Math 20-2)
Grade 12 Biology or Science (Biology 30 or Science 30)
Proof of English Language Proficiency
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