Overseas Education in USA or Canada, choose your pick!
The US and Canada are the two most preferred countries for students to pursue their MS in abroad. However, the conflict between the United States and Canada for masters education is a long-standing issue. Well, master’s programmes in both of these countries are quite well recognised, so discussed below are some points to help you with your decision.
Study in USA vs Study in Canada
Canada is also considered one of the best MS destinations for students. The number of international students in Canada has been increasing over the years owing to its academic excellence and internationally acclaimed education system. Affordability and extensive research are two very important factors that make Canada a favourable option to pursue MS. Apart from this, top universities in Canada for masters and a welcoming immigration policy all contribute to the country’s attractiveness – while some countries are raising barriers, Canada is rolling out the red carpet to international students, demonstrating its commitment to education and an openness to immigration.
Course Structure
The first factor to consider in deciding Canada vs USA for masters is comparing the quality of education.
Admission Requirements for International Students

- Academic transcripts
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
You should have a bachelor’s degree of 3-4 years with a minimum GPA of 2.50 to 3.50 to be able to apply for masters in USA. Your TOEFL score should be between 78 and 100, and you have to take a GMAT or GRE exam too. You will have to apply for a F-1 student visa after you get your acceptance letter. The documents required to be submitted with the application letter are:
- Academic transcripts
- Application Essays / Statement of Purpose
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Extracurricular activities
These admission requirements for master’s degrees vary for every course and university in Canada and the US.
Application Process
Tuition Fees for International Students
Cost of Living
Studying abroad includes various other costs apart from tuition fees. These add a substantial amount to the overall expenses. Here is a tentative look at these costs:

Top Universities
Some of the best universities for MS in the world are located in the US and Canada. Here’s an overview of the top colleges in both countries:
Top Universities in the US for MS

Top University in Canada for Masters

Course Specializations
Both countries offer a varied range of courses to students. Following is a list of popular STEM-related courses provided by the top colleges.

LET'S SUMMARIZE:
- Although the US has the best quality education for Masters programs, Canada is slowly catching up.
- Study in Canada requires a better education profile, while US Universities focus on an overall student profile including academic and extracurricular aspects.
- The admission process is simpler in Canada when compared to the US.
- Colleges in Canada for masters are much more affordable compared to US universities for MS and other graduate-level programs. The US is known for its infamous student loan problem.
- The average cost of living in Canada is lower compared to the US.
- For masters level programs and MS courses, engineering universities in USA have much better worldwide ranks than Canadian universities.
- Both the US and Canada provide a range of MS programs. However, they differ when compared to which ones are the top MS fields.
- The job opportunities in Canada are lower and average salaries for MS graduates is higher in the US. However, in Canada getting a post study work permit is easier.
- In the US, citizenship can be obtained after 5 years of residence through employment. In Canada, one of the PR options called Canadian Experience Class allows international graduates to become permanent residents after 1 year of skilled occupation.
- Both the US and Canada provide immense opportunities for students to grow and learn from their university experiences.
We hope this article answers all your doubts regarding the best country to study abroad for Indian students but if you are still confused, sign up for a free counselling session with Orient Spectra, the best study abroad consultants in India. Our expert counsellors will guide you throughout the process and you will be all ready to embark on your study overseas journey.