Canada vs New Zealand: Country Comparison for Indian Students
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Canada vs New Zealand: Country Comparison for Indian Students

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Raj
Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Nov 20, 2024 14:53 IST

Which country is best for Indian students, Canada or New Zealand (NZ)? Well, both countries are developed and known for offering top-notch higher education. The number of international students in Canada is more than NZ. Recently, the ranking of universities in New Zealand has improved. Get a detailed country comparison of Canada vs New Zealand for higher education.

Canada vs New Zealand

Is it better to live in Canada or New Zealand for higher study? How do we compare these two top study destinations? As an Indian student, studying in Canada may be a good option for you. Here, you can get top reputed Canadian universities that offer various study programs. On the other hand, studying in New Zealand can be slightly affordable despite its 3% universities ranking at the top positions globally.

Apart from university ranking, the acceptance rate, student visa process, and cost of study in Canada vs New Zealand are important factors to be compared. Canadian universities are selective in offering admission while the acceptance rates at New Zealand universities cross the 60% mark. Let us look in detail at each of these aspects in this guide curated for those double-minded about choosing Canada or New Zealand as their study abroad destination.

Canada vs New Zealand Country Highlights

Check out the country comparison highlights between Canada vs New Zealand below till the year 2024. This table will help you understand New Zealand vs Canada, which is better for you.

Parameters Canada New Zealand
Total International Students 1,028,850 120,000
Intakes Fall & Spring  July & February
Total Indian Students as of 2024 3,70,000  2,664
Average 1st Year Tuition Fee INR 26.45 L INR 19.85 L
Top Universities
Average Cost of Living Per Year INR 12.33 Lakhs to INR 18.50 Lakhs INR 25.33 to INR 30.39 Lakhs
Student Visa Processing Time 6 weeks 30 weekdays
Part-Time Working Hours 20 hours a week 20 hours a week
Popular Companies Headquarters
  • Tim Hortons
  • Royal Bank of Canada
  • Scotiabank
  • Magna International Inc.
  • Manulife Financial
  • Pacific Edge
  • McDonald's New Zealand
  • Pumpkin Patch
  • Sky Network Television
  • State Insurance

Popular Courses in Canada vs New Zealand

Universities located in Canada and New Zealand offer a wide range of study programs related to different fields. Business, Law,  Engineering, Medical and IT are some of the most popular fields of study. Below, we have mentioned details about the popular courses taken up by international students in Canada and New Zealand. 

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Top Courses in Canada

Popular courses in Canada include Business Management, Media, Engineering, Nursing, Computer Science, and Hospitality among others. Candidates get jobs with lucrative salaries after completing these courses from Canadian universities








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Top Courses in New Zealand

No matter in which field you want to study, universities in NZ have something for you. Popular courses in New Zealand include Engineering, Business Studies, IT/Computing, Tourism & Hotel Management, and Visual Communications among others. These courses will not only push you to learn more but also assure you to get a good paying job after your study.







Read: Courses in New Zealand

Education System in Canada vs New Zealand

Education systems vary across various countries abroad. The education systems of Canada and New Zealand is among the best in the world. Let us check out which is the closest to the Indian education system:

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Canadian Education System

The concept of cutoffs doesn’t apply to Canadian colleges. Colleges provide average scores accepted to different courses on their websites. That will give some idea about what’s considered a good score. You will also need to appear for language exams like TOEFL or IELTS, irrespective of the degree.

  • 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.
  • For postgraduate (PG) courses- Getting admission to vocational courses is easier as the admission criteria are a lot more relaxed. To get admission for management degrees you will have to appear for GMAT, and for engineering degrees, you need to appear in GRE exam.

Some colleges may not require language tests for Indian students, but it is advisable you still take either TOEFL or IELTS as they are important for the purpose of getting a 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

New Zealand Education System

It is easier to get into diploma courses than degree courses in New Zealand, as the level of competitiveness is different for both these qualifications. Higher education in New Zealand has 10 levels of study. Level 1 is for a certificate and level 10 is for a Ph.D.

Here are the levels and their corresponding qualifications -

  • Certificates - Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • Diplomas - Levels 5 and 6
  • Bachelors Degrees/Graduate Diplomas - Level 7
  • PG Diploma - Level 8
  • Masters Degree - Level 9
  • Doctoral Degree - Level 10

For each course, Indian students will have to meet a minimum English language requirement. As a general rule, getting admission to degrees is more difficult as compared to diplomas. Foundations and Diploma programs are available to students who have secured below 60% score in higher secondary education. Along with TOEFL and IELTS, PTE scores are also acceptable for admission to New Zealand Universities.

Read: Best Education System in the World

Cost of Studying UG Courses in Canada vs New Zealand

The following are the average costs for pursuing an undergraduate course in Canada and New Zealand along with the costs of living are mentioned in below given table for international students:

Particulars

Undergraduate courses in Canada

Undergraduate courses in New Zealand

Average Tuition Fee

BSc: INR 20.00 Lakhs

BTech: INR 28.91 Lakhs

BBA: INR 19.00 Lakhs

BSc: INR 12.37 Lakhs

BTech: INR 20.48 Lakhs

BBA: INR 9.11 Lakhs

Average Living Expense Per Year

INR 12.33 Lakhs to INR 18.50 Lakhs

INR 25.33 to INR 30.39 Lakhs

Duration

3-4 Years

3-4 Years

Exams Accepted

IELTS, TOEFL

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, DET

Cost of Studying PG Courses in Canada vs New Zealand

For international students looking for postgraduate admissions in Canada or New Zealand, they can consider the following cost of studying and decide accordingly:

Particulars

Postgraduate courses in Canada

Postgraduate courses in New Zealand

Average Tuition Fee

MA: INR 9.50 Lakhs

MS: INR 11.28 Lakhs

MBA: INR 25.89 Lakhs

MA: INR 15.81 Lakhs

MS: INR 12.56 Lakhs

MBA: INR 27.07 Lakhs

Average Living Expense Per Year

INR 12.33 Lakhs to INR 18.50 Lakhs

INR 25.33 to INR 30.39 Lakhs

Duration

1.5-2 Years

1-2 Years

Exams Accepted

IELTS, TOEFL

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, DET

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Student Visa in Canada vs New Zealand

One of the most important aspects of studying in Canada or New Zealand is the student visa being granted to international students, look at the section below for all major details:

Student Visa in Canada

Recently, Canada has changed the policy for student visas and closed the SDS program with immediate effect. Now. students can get their study visa within just 8 weeks if they fulfil eligibility. The Canada student visa has the following regulations -

  • You will have to apply for a post-graduation work permit within 90 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 if his/her stay is for a year or more.
  • It costs CAD 150 to apply for this visa.
  • You cannot work more than 20 hours per week. During holidays, breaks, and summer sessions, the student may work up to 40 hours per week. 

Student Visa in New Zealand

For NZ student visas, these rules apply -

  • A student visa will cost you Rs 16,000 (approximately). 
  • The average time taken by the New Zealand High Commission for the visa procedure is anywhere between 8 to 12 weeks depending on the individual’s background. So the students need to apply for their visas at least three months before their course commencement.
  • As an international student, you must complete your course within the minimum course duration listed on your acceptance letter. If you do not yet have a job offer, you may apply for a Post-study work visa. Visas granted are valid for up to 12 months and allow you to work in a temporary job while you look for a job in your field.
  • In most cases, the spouse and dependent children of a student will be granted a visitor visa for the same duration as their partner or parents' stay. Spouses of the student on a Work Visa can work full-time in NZ. However, the dependents of students on visitor visas have no work rights.

Post-Study Work Visas in Canada & New Zealand

After the applicants finish their courses in Canada and New Zealand they look forward to taking up a full-time job. The following details have been elaborated below for post-study work options and stay-back time period in these two countries:

Post-Study Work Visa in Canada

The Canadian Post Graduation Work Visa allows students who are graduating from any post-secondary institute to work post-studying for up to the 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. 

New Zealand Post Study Work Visa

All international students who have graduated from New Zealand with a valid qualification can apply for a post-study work visa (PSW). It is a visa of varying lengths that lets international students work for any employer in New Zealand. If you manage to find a job that is relevant to your stream of course then you can have your work visa extended for two years. Read on to learn more about the number of years you qualify for. 

Jobs in Canada vs New Zealand

Check out the popular jobs for international students in Canada and New Zealand in this section below:

  • Part-Time Jobs in Canada- Jobs like nurse practitioners, program analysts, teachers, pharmacists, financial managers, construction managers, etc. are some of the most popular jobs in Canada.
  • Part Time Jobs in New Zealand- The most popular Job Sectors in New Zealand are Education, Engineering, Finance/business, ICT and electronics, Recreation, hospitality & tourism.

PR in Canada & New Zealand

Check out the PR options available for international students after completing their education in Canada and New Zealand:

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 very easy. 

Read:

Express Entry Canada What is SPP Program?
Indians see a 200% increase in Canadian PR invites Provincial Nominee Program and its Benefits

New Zealand

Because of the limited population in New Zealand, some skills are in chronically short supply. Immigration New Zealand has lists of industries where there is a serious skill shortage. Once you finish your chosen course in New Zealand and are offered a job which is marked under the skill shortage category and you have the relevant qualifications plus experience, getting the work visa and permanent residency will be easier. That is because of the New Zealand govt. has realized that companies and organizations need to employ people from outside NZ to help meet demands for the skill. Because of this reason, New Zealand is considered one of the popular destinations for immigration purposes.

Read: How to Get a Work Permit in New Zealand?

Canada vs New Zealand: Scholarships

Getting a scholarship while studying abroad is very helpful for an Indian student. It is not an easy task to manage the expenses of study in New Zealand vs Canada. Check out the country-wise information about available scholarships and financial aid for international students.

Canada

There is a limited number of 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, visit: scholarships to study in Canada

New Zealand

Students going to New Zealand to take up further studies are eligible for a wide range of scholarships through the New Zealand government, educational institutions, foreign governments, and private funding sources. These scholarship programs aim to share and reveal New Zealand's excellent education system with the rest of the world and bring the best academics from elsewhere to share their knowledge. For a list of scholarships in New Zealand. Check out the scholarships to Study in New Zealand

Canada vs New Zealand: Climate

The climate of both countries is different due to their geographical condition. Canada is well known for its chilled winters and hot summers while the weather of New Zealand is slightly pleasant. Check out the country-wise climatic conditions below.

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 most Canadian cities, yet still cold and snowy. Montreal Weather in winter is cold and snowy. Usually, the country experiences pleasantly cool summers. 

New Zealand

Both the North and South Islands of New Zealand enjoy moderate, maritime climate and temperatures. The country is located in the southern hemisphere. This means summer starts in December and winter begins in June. New Zealand has moderately high rainfall and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country.

Now, you have a lot of information to compare Canada vs New Zealand for your higher study. There is no doubt that there are some pros and cons to choose a country for higher studies. Whether you choose Canada or New Zealand to study any course, it is important that you have a rough idea about both countries.

 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.

Countries Comparison Blogs

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Germany vs Canada UK vs Germany Canada vs New Zealand

Q:   Is New Zealand good for Indian students?

A:

With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.

Q:   How is studying at Mount Allison University in Canada?

A:

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?

A:

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:   Can I get a scholarship in the University of Canada West as a freshman?

A:

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:   How much time is required for an offer letter by St. Clair College, Canada?

A:

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:   What are the admission requirements for a Diploma in dental technology at NAIT College Alberta, Canada for international students?

A:

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

Q:   What are the MITT Manitoba admission requirements for Indian students?

A:

Manitoba Institute of Technology accepts country-specific qualifications from their international students. Listed below are MITT College Manitoba admission requirements for Indian students:

  • High School/Secondary Academic Documents: CBSE 12th Year Marks Sheet along with roll number, school number, center number and admit Card ID (or copy of admit card);
  • Bachelor's/undergraduate degree in relevant field;
  • Proof of English language proficiency;
  • Passport identification/bio-data/picture and address pages;
  • Copy of your Study Permit, Study Permit approval letter (IRCC Letter of Introduction), Work Permit, Co-op Work Permit or Visitor Visa document (s);
  • Statement of Purpose  (SOP);
  • Academic Resume/CV.

Q:   What IELTS score is required at Prince Edward Island University?

A:

International students must meet the Prince Edward Island University IELTS requirements to get admission to UG and PG programs. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit the IELTS score to meet the English language requirements. Mentioned below are the minimum IELTS score required for undergraduate and graduate admissions:

English Language Exam

Arts, Science, Business, Engineering and Bachelor of Education

Nursing, Radiography, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & Education

IELTS (Academic)

Overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6

Overall score of 7 with 7 in writing and speaking; 6.5 in reading and listening

 

English Language Exam

Regular Offer

(All Programs Except Those Noted In Next Column)

Regular Offer

(Nursing, Education, Doctor Of

Philosophy, Doctor Of Applied Health)

IELTS (Academic)

7 in writing and no band lower than 6.5

7 in writing and speaking; 6.5 in reading and listening

About the Author
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Written by
Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert

Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio

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Reviewed by
Prayas
UG & PG expert

Armed with a decade of professional experience, Prayas is a connoisseur of the overseas education industry. He holds a post-graduate diploma in marketing and has the knack for finding ideal study options for student... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(4)

R

Rakibul Islam

a year ago

I think you should write an article about Bangladeshi students who are interested in studying abroad.

Reply to Rakibul Islam

N

Neha Mishra

2 years ago

Hi, I have received LOA for MBA from VIU, UCW, NYIT & TWU in Canada but meanwhile I got to know about better options in New Zealand. Please suggest.

Reply to Neha Mishra

R

Rahul Singha

2 years ago

You can also get in touch with our counsellors for assistance with your university application here:https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply

R

Rahul Singha

2 years ago

Hello Neha. It would entirely depend on your future plans to understand whether opting for Canada or New Zealand would be beneficial in the long run.

T

Tithi Chopada

3 years ago

I want to do MSc.Microbiology and I'm confused between this two countries. Which country is best for microbiology and also for easy citizenship?

Reply to Tithi Chopada

R

Rahul Singha

3 years ago

Hello Tithi. We have present a very neutral comparison between the two countries. Would request you get in touch with counselors for more assistance on the some, here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply

A

Ahmed

4 years ago

The PSW for New Zealand requires you to already have an employment .. but I thought it was 2-3 years open visa. I am confused now.

Reply to Ahmed

R

Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Hello Ahmed. If you have acceptable qualifications(s) that you completed in New Zealand, you can apply for a visa to work in New Zealand. Depending on your qualification and where you studied, you can work for any employer for between 1 and 3 years, and do almost any work.