UK vs Canada: Which is better for international students?
Choosing between the UK and Canada is one of the biggest decisions an international student makes. Both offer world ranked universities, English language teaching and a route to work after graduation, but tuition, visa rules and living costs differ. If you are a UK resident thinking about whether to study in Canada from the UK, or an international student deciding between the two, this guide compares them side by side for 2026.
| 155,000 Canada study permit arrivals cap for 2026 |
24 hours weekly off campus work in Canada |
20 hours weekly term time work on a UK Student visa |
from £180 one suitcase by sea |
Checked October 2026. Visa fees, caps and work rules below were checked against GOV.UK and IRCC in October 2026. Immigration policy is changing quickly in both countries, so confirm the latest position before you apply.
UK vs Canada at a glance
| Factor | UK | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree length | 3 years (4 in Scotland) | 4 years |
| Master’s degree length | Often 1 year | Usually 1 to 2 years |
| International tuition per year | Around £12,000 to £40,000 | Around CAD 25,000 to 60,000 (£13,500 to £32,500) |
| Main study visa | Student visa (UKVI) | Study permit (IRCC) |
| Work during term | Up to 20 hours a week at degree level | Up to 24 hours a week off campus |
| Post study work | Graduate route | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) |
| Climate | Mild and wet | Cold winters, warm summers |
Tuition fees compared
UK courses are shorter, which often makes the total cost of a degree lower even when the yearly fee is similar. A one year UK master’s can save you a full year of fees and living costs compared with a two year Canadian programme.
| Course | UK (international) | Canada (international) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, humanities | £12,000 to £22,000 a year | CAD 25,000 to 45,000 a year |
| Undergraduate, science or engineering | £18,000 to £32,000 a year | CAD 35,000 to 60,000 a year |
| Medicine | £35,000 to £60,000+ a year | Very limited places for international students |
| Taught master’s | £15,000 to £35,000 total | CAD 20,000 to 50,000 a year |
If you already live in the UK, you will normally pay home fees at a UK university, which are capped at £9,535 a year in England for 2026/27. Studying in Canada means paying international fees, so budget carefully.
Student visa vs study permit
The UK Student visa is managed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and the Canadian study permit by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The biggest difference in 2026 is Canada’s cap on new study permits.
| Requirement | UK Student visa | Canada study permit |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance document | Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) | Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution |
| Application fee | £524 (outside the UK) | CAD 150 plus CAD 85 biometrics |
| Health cost | Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 a year | Provincial or university health plan |
| Proof of funds | Course fees plus £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere, up to 9 months | First year tuition plus living costs (around CAD 22,895 for a single applicant) |
| Cap or quota | No numerical cap | National cap on new arrivals |
| Extra letter needed | No | Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL) for most undergraduate and college students |
Canada set a cap of around 155,000 new study permit arrivals for 2026. Most undergraduate and college applicants need a PAL or TAL from the province where they will study. From January 2026, master’s and PhD students at public institutions are exempt from the cap and do not need a PAL. Check IRCC and GOV.UK for the current fees and forms before you apply. This is general guidance and not legal advice.
Work rights while you study
Both countries let you work part time to support yourself, but the limits are different.
- UK: up to 20 hours a week during term time for degree level study, and full time during official vacations. You cannot be self employed.
- Canada: up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic sessions, with unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer. On campus work is not capped in the same way.
Canadian minimum wages are set by each province and are generally higher than the UK rate once converted, but living costs in Toronto and Vancouver absorb much of the difference.
Post study work routes
| Route | UK Graduate route | Canada PGWP |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2 years (3 for PhD); falling to 18 months for applications from January 2027 | Up to 3 years depending on programme length |
| Job offer needed | No | No |
| Field of study rules | None | Some college graduates must study in eligible fields |
| Path to settlement | Switch to Skilled Worker visa | Canadian work experience counts towards Express Entry |
Canada’s PGWP remains attractive because Canadian work experience helps you build points for permanent residence through Express Entry. The UK Graduate route is simpler and has no field restrictions, but settlement normally requires switching to a sponsored work visa.
Cost of living for students
| Monthly cost | UK (outside London) | London | Toronto or Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared or halls) | £550 to £850 | £900 to £1,500 | CAD 1,200 to 1,800 | CAD 800 to 1,200 |
| Food | £200 to £300 | £250 to £350 | CAD 400 to 550 | CAD 350 to 450 |
| Transport | £30 to £60 | £100 to £120 with student discount | CAD 80 to 130 | CAD 55 student pass |
| Phone | £10 to £20 | £10 to £20 | CAD 40 to 70 | CAD 40 to 70 |
For a full comparison of everyday costs, read our guide to the cost of moving from the UK to Canada.
Climate and lifestyle
The UK has mild, damp weather with rarely more than a few days of snow. Canada’s winters are long and cold: Montreal and Ottawa often drop below minus 15°C, while Vancouver stays milder but wetter. You will need proper winter clothing, which adds to your first year budget. In return, Canadian summers are warm and the outdoor lifestyle is a big draw.
Pick the country that fits your course, your budget and your long term plans, then plan the move around term dates.
Pros and cons of each country
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Shorter degrees, no study permit cap, simple Graduate route | Graduate route shortening to 18 months, high London costs |
| Canada | Strong path from PGWP to permanent residence, higher part time hours | Study permit cap and PAL rules, colder climate, longer degrees |
Shipping your belongings for your studies
Airline allowances rarely cover a full academic year, especially when you need winter gear. Shipping ahead is usually cheaper than paying excess fees.
| Route | Sea freight | Air freight | Book sea freight |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK to Canada | Around 5 to 9 weeks | Around 5 to 10 days | 4 to 8 weeks before you fly |
| Overseas to UK | Varies by origin, from around 2 weeks from Europe | Around 3 to 10 days | Ask at quoting |
One 23kg suitcase by sea starts from around £180 and three to five boxes from around £290. Collection is available from any UK address, including halls and student flats, with delivery to your new accommodation. See our student shipping service and our guide to excess baggage for students.
Ten tips for choosing where to study
- Compare the total cost of the full degree, not the yearly fee.
- Check whether your Canadian programme needs a PAL or is exempt.
- Apply early, because Canadian PAL allocations can run out.
- Confirm PGWP eligibility for your exact programme before you accept.
- Check the UK Graduate route length that will apply on your graduation date.
- Budget for winter clothing if you choose Canada.
- Look at part time job markets in your university city.
- Book accommodation before you book shipping.
- Ship the bulk of your belongings by sea and fly with essentials.
- Keep copies of your CAS or acceptance letter for customs and border checks.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is it cheaper to study in the UK or Canada?
UK degrees are often cheaper overall because they are shorter. Yearly tuition can be similar, but a three year UK degree or one year master’s saves a year of fees and living costs.
2. Can I study in Canada from the UK?
Yes. You need an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution, proof of funds and, for most undergraduate courses, a Provincial Attestation Letter before applying to IRCC.
3. What is the Canada study permit cap for 2026?
IRCC set a cap of around 155,000 new study permit arrivals for 2026. Master’s and PhD students at public institutions are exempt.
4. Do I need a PAL to study in Canada?
Most undergraduate and college students need a PAL or TAL. Graduate students at public institutions no longer need one from January 2026.
5. How many hours can international students work in Canada?
Up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, and full time during scheduled breaks.
6. How many hours can I work on a UK Student visa?
Up to 20 hours a week during term for degree level study, and full time during official vacations.
7. Which country is better for staying after graduation?
Canada’s PGWP links more directly to permanent residence through Express Entry. The UK Graduate route is simpler but requires a switch to a sponsored work visa to settle.
8. How long is the UK Graduate route?
Currently 2 years, or 3 for PhD graduates. Applications from January 2027 are expected to receive 18 months, so check GOV.UK.
9. How do I ship my belongings to Canada for university?
Sea freight takes around 5 to 9 weeks and air freight around 5 to 10 days. Book sea freight 4 to 8 weeks ahead of your flight.
10. Where can I check the official rules?
Use GOV.UK and UKVI for the UK Student visa, and IRCC for Canadian study permits and PGWP rules.
Ready to plan your study move?
Read our guide to Canadian visa routes and our complete guide to moving to Canada from the UK. When you know your start date, book baggage shipping to Canada or shipping boxes to Canada, and get a free quote the same working day.
