Choosing a university is a tough decision. It can be especially difficult if you are considering colleges in two different countries. Many international students wonder how to decide between US vs Canadian universities.
This guide will help you understand important points that might affect your decision of where to study. Consider admissions requirements, costs, and student life to help you decide which education system is right for you.
2025 update: Canada continues restrictions on international student visa availability with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) planning to issue a total of 437,000 study permits, which represents a 10% decrease from the 2024 cap. Learn more about Canada visa restrictions >
The US also has implemented new student visa regulations. Check out our FAQs guide to studying in the US in 2025 as an international student >
US vs Canada: University Rankings 2025 Compared
The number of international students attending Canadian colleges has been rising over the last 10 years. In 2022-23, international students made up nearly 21.2% of the student population in Canada.
University rankings are an important factor when students choose to pursue their higher education abroad. According to U.S. News & World Report, in 2025, top American universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Princeton consistently rank among the best in the world for their academic reputation, research opportunities, career development programs, and more.
In Canada, universities such as the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia (UBC), and McGill University are also highly ranked. Based on Times Higher Education (THE) and QS World University Rankings 2025, these institutions place in the top 50 globally, offering strong research programs and a welcoming international student environment.
Whether you choose to apply in Canada, in the US, or both, look for colleges and universities that are accredited. These institutions have been evaluated by outside organizations and meet academic guidelines for their home country.
In the United States, private educational associations recognized by the US government set standards and award accreditations. Most accreditations are university-wide, but special programs sometimes have their own accreditations as well. Getting a student visa — and the most valuable education — depends on going to an accredited college.
In Canada, look for a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). DLIs are recognized as trustworthy degree-granting institutions by their provincial governments. Canadian universities are accredited by the province in which they are located, not by the Canadian federal government. You can only get a study permit if you are enrolled at a DLI.
Most Popular Courses in the US
In the United States, international students often choose degree programs that align with strong job opportunities and innovation. Computer science is one of the most popular fields, driven by the country’s leadership in tech and AI. Business administration, economics, engineering, health sciences, and psychology also attract many students, with degree programs featuring hands-on learning experiences, in-person academic support, and state-of-the-art campus facilities to prepare students for career growth upon graduation.
Popular Courses in Canada
An increasing number of international students are choosing programs in mathematics, computer science, and IT when pursuing their higher education in Canada. With a growing demand for professionals in software development, AI, and cyber security, international student enrollment in these areas grew by 16.1% in the 2022–2023 academic year. Similarly, students also choose to enroll in programs in engineering, nursing, business management, and environmental studies at Canadian universities.
Canadian vs American Education Systems
Universities in the US and Canada share similar structures. Both countries have public and private universities. The majority of Canadian universities are public and governed by the provinces. They tend to be very large. Canada’s top-ranked university, the University of Toronto in Ontario, had 74,000 full-time students in 2025.
Private universities (those operating primarily without governmental funding) are much less common in Canada. While Canadian universities are known for their affordability, international students pay tuition rates that are significantly higher than what Canadian citizens pay.
Public universities in the United States are almost always funded by the state government, with some help from federal funds. Public universities in the US can be large as well: the University of Central Florida has a total enrollment of 68,442. However, smaller public colleges like Louisiana State University average about 37,000 students.
Private universities in the US typically get financial support from donations, foundations, and research grants. Additionally, some private universities and colleges in the US are affiliated with churches or other religious groups.
Academic Schedules
In Canada, the academic schedule varies by province. Most universities use a semester schedule with a fall term from September to December and a winter term from January to April. Summer break stretches from May to August. Some students choose to take spring or summer classes.
Quebec is an exception to this schedule. Many universities in Quebec use a trimester system with three 15-week terms.
In the United States, most colleges use a semester system with two terms each lasting about 16 to 18 weeks. Some US colleges use a trimester system or even a quarter system. Check the academic calendar of the colleges that interest you to find specific dates.
Class Structures
Both US and Canadian universities offer a wide-ranging education. Classes may include lectures, labs, small groups, or workshops. You will be expected to participate in class and share your thoughts and opinions. Do not be afraid to approach professors or instructors if you have questions. They care about your progress.
Undergraduate degrees require a basic understanding of a range of subjects. Canadian universities require you to pick a major when you apply, so your classes will likely focus around this major. Changing majors is possible, but it might put you behind schedule.
In the United States, most colleges allow students to wait until the end of their second year before they declare a major. This gives you more flexibility to explore classes and subjects to decide which ones you like best. US colleges tend to focus on soft skills like communication and teamwork as well as job skills through internships and other work opportunities.
In Canada, many schools offer three-year bachelor’s degree programs. Some students choose these because they are faster and therefore less expensive. But be aware that if you intend to pursue a postgraduate degree, many universities will not accept a three-year bachelor’s degree. In the US, most bachelor’s degree programs are designed to take four years to complete.
Grading Systems
Grading systems in Canada can be complicated. Each province follows its own grading system, and universities within the province may adjust the system to meet their needs. Some use a simple GPA, others use a letter grade, and a few use a number system that ranges from 0 to 10.
Students in New Brunswick are graded on a GPA range from 0 (an F) to 4.33 (an A). Manitoba’s GPA scale goes up to 4.5. In British Columbia, you need a grade of 86-100% to get an A. In Saskatchewan, 80-89% is an A and 90-100% is an A+. The best way to know how you will be graded is to ask your professor at the beginning of the semester.
The United States uses a simpler system. With a few exceptions, most colleges grade on a 4-point scale with a GPA ranging from 0.0 to 4.0. A grade of 93-96% is an A and 97-100% is an A+.
Admission Requirements: Study in the US vs Canada
In both the US and Canada, students typically apply to individual universities. The big difference between the two countries is the amount of information you will need to apply. Canadian universities focus mostly on your grades. Colleges in the US may require essays, recommendations, or other supplementary material in your application. Here’s a closer look at the eligibility requirements for both countries:
Eligibility Criteria for US Universities
While every US university has its own eligibility criteria for admission, most universities in the US require the following from international student applicants:
Transcript (Academic transcripts from your bachelor’s degree for graduate applicants)
Standardized test scores: SAT or ACT and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, PTE Academic)
Copy of your valid passport
Information about extracurricular activities
Proof of finances
Here is what the application process looks like for international students in the United States:
Choose a college you would like to attend
Submit an application (Most will require an essay. Some may ask for recommendations or other supplementary materials.)
Repeat the application process for each institution
Get a response
Accept and start the visa application
In the US, some universities and colleges offer a Common Application, with more than 1,000 US institutions accepting them. On average, a student will apply to between four and 15 colleges.
Review each school’s application to understand their required materials and fees. US colleges often ask for supplementary materials like essays, recommendations from former teachers, and information about sports or other extracurricular activities. If you are undecided about which program to pursue, remember that you can still apply to a US school without choosing a major.
Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Universities
When applying to Canadian universities, here is a list of documents that may be needed to prepare for your application:
Transcripts from completion of secondary school equivalent to Canadian Grade 12
Standardized test scores: SAT or ACT
Proof of English language skills (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English Assessment, CAEL)
Proof of French language skills
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement or statement of purpose
Proof of financing
Resume/portfolio
Requirements for Canadian universities may vary based on the university you have chosen and the province where it is located. Consider checking the specific university’s website to make sure your application is complete.
Here is what the application process looks like for international students in Canada:
Choose a major you would like to study
Find the university you would like to attend
Complete a unique application
Repeat the application process for each institution
Get a response
Accept and begin the application for a study permit
Admission decisions at Canadian universities may differ from US institutions. Canadian universities base admissions decisions almost entirely on grade point average (GPA). If you have a GPA of 70% or higher, you have a good chance of being accepted at a Canadian university. Some may also require an admissions essay, but you can usually use the same essay for every application. Acceptance rates to Canadian universities are high. You have a good chance of being admitted as long as your grades are strong.
Meanwhile, US universities and colleges use non-academic factors like extracurricular activities or recommendations from teachers and employers to make admissions decisions. Volunteer work, clubs, sports, awards, and other nonacademic factors help US colleges decide if you will fit in with their campus culture. As we will discuss later, campus culture is much more important in the US than in Canada.
Depending on which US college you choose, admissions may be competitive. Top universities like MIT and Stanford have very low acceptance rates. However, state schools like Cleveland State University accept a higher percentage of applicants.
What's the difference between public and private universities in the US? >
Scholarships to Study in the US vs Canada: How Does It Work?
Both the US and Canada offer scholarships for international students. In the US, universities may consider need-based or merit scholarships based on academic and extracurricular performance, directly as part of your application for admission, to cover full or partial tuition, living expenses, and more.
In Canada, international students benefit from structured scholarships that focus on academic excellence, leadership, and defined eligibility criteria. For example, the Vanier Graduate Scholarship supports students specifically enrolled in STEM and social sciences. In Canada, most scholarships are merit-based and also require a separate application.
Cost of Studying in the US vs Canada
The US and Canada both offer well-rounded higher education opportunities, but the overall costs of earning your degree will vary. You may have heard that attending university in Canada is less expensive than going to college in the US. This is true for residents of those countries, but international students pay different rates in Canada. In fact, international students pay about five times as much as domestic students to attend college in Canada!
While tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance are costly in the US, students also have access to multiple financial aid programs and paid part-time and full-time jobs. This enables students to be able to focus on completing their degree program with ease and also gain hands-on learning experiences during their studies.
Tuition Fees for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
As of the 2022 school year, average university tuition fees for international students studying in Canada were $36,100. The final cost depends on your major. Tuition fees at private Canadian universities can be between $15,000 and $30,000 a year.
Average tuition and fees for a public university in the United States is $11,011, according to U.S. News & World Report. Any non-resident will pay the out-of-state tuition price, whether they are an international student or just live in a different state in the US. The average tuition for a private university in the US is about $43,505.
Average Living Costs in the US vs Canada
The cost of living tends to be low in Canada compared to major cities in the United States. Rent, food, and other essentials are usually affordable. The most expensive city in Canada is Toronto, ranked #92 in the world in 2024, according to the Mercer Cost of Living Rankings. Students at the University of Toronto can expect to pay about $2,478 per month (the average cost of an off-campus apartment). Other cities in Canada are less expensive — students at the University of Ottawa may pay around $2,115 for off-campus housing.
Some parts of the US are much more expensive. In the same Mercer report, the most expensive city in the United States is New York City, ranked seventh in the world overall. However, the US is a diverse country with towns and cities of all sizes. Baton Rouge, the home of Louisiana State University, is not included on Mercer’s list of the world’s 200+ most-expensive cities. By comparison, renting an apartment in NYC averages $4,550 per month, while rent for an apartment in Baton Rouge will cost about $1,153 per month.
US International Students Visa Requirements
The US offers three main types of student visas: F-1, J-1, and M-1. While these visas share several similarities, they apply to different types of programs and have unique requirements and documentation.
Once you are accepted into a US institution accredited by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), you will receive an I-20 form for F-1 and M-1 type visas, and the DS-2019 form for J-1 students. These forms list important information about your program including start and end dates, cost breakdowns, and options for financial support.
The F-1 visa is the most common form of student visa for international students, enabling you to leverage part-time or full-time work opportunities during or after you graduate.
Student Visa Requirements: US vs Canada
The visa requirements, processing times, and documentation for US and Canadian visas vary. Conducting thorough research on eligibility criteria when preparing for the application is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free process. Here’s a quick comparison to help you prepare.
How to Get a US Student F-1 Visa
To apply for the F-1 student visa, students need to be accepted by a SEVP-certified institution before submitting your visa application. Upon acceptance, you will receive your I-20 form that will enable you to continue with your application.
The second requirement is your SEVIS fee payment. The total cost for your F-1 student visa will be approximately $535, which includes the cost of the visa itself, plus SEVIS processing and maintenance fees. Make sure to save the I-901 SEVIS fee receipt. You will need it for your visa interview.
All prospective international students must also complete a DS-160 to receive an F-1 visa. After you successfully submit your DS-160, you will receive a printed confirmation with a barcode on it which you will need for your visa interview.
Before you attend your visa interview, make sure to have the following documents ready for evaluation by the consular officer:
A valid passport
A copy of the photo you will use for your visa
Printed copies of your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmations
I-20 form
School transcript and official test scores cited on your university application
Diploma and other certificates (if applicable)
Bank statements or other proof of finances
How to Get a Canadian Study Permit
Students applying for Canadian study permits must first receive a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) — a school officially approved by a provincial or territorial government. You will also require a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or a territorial attestation letter (TAL) which confirms that you have been assigned to one of the available spaces to study in that province or territory. Other required documents include:
A valid passport
Passport-sized photographs
Proof of financial capacity
Letter of intent
Medical certificate
Canadian study permit applications are only accepted online. However, paper-based applications are accepted if you have a disability that prevents you from applying online or if you hold a travel document that defines you as a non-national resident, refuge, or stateless person.
Job Prospects After Graduation: US vs Canada
Finding work after graduation is a key goal for many international students. Both the US and Canada offer opportunities to gain valuable experience for students during your education and after graduation, but their pathways and visa rules differ. Here’s what you need to know about job prospects after graduation in both countries.
Employment Opportunities for International Students in the US
Students graduating with F-1 visas can apply for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), directly related to your degree program and major, with a 24-month extension for STEM degree students.
In just 2023-24, more than 242,700 international students leveraged OPT work opportunities, reflecting a 22% increase from the previous year. As universities and advisors in the US offer expert guidance on career development opportunities, students are exposed to hands-on learning during their degree program, preparing them with a wide range of skills for work opportunities post-graduation.
Employment Opportunities for International Students in Canada
In Canada, 88.6% of international students who graduated in 2020 were employed within three years of earning their degree.
International students also have access to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. The program allows international students who graduate from eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. It is an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer and switch jobs freely. Historically, only 50% of international students secure PGWP within five years of their study permit expiring. It can also be a pathway for students to gain permanent residency in the country.
Permanent Residency: Canada vs US Pathways
While both the US and Canada offer routes to stay after graduation and obtain permanent residency status, their systems differ in structure, speed, and accessibility.
In Canada, students can apply for PGWP employment opportunities, allowing international graduates to gain Canadian work experience and apply for permanent residency through systems like Express Entry or provincial programs. Around six in 10 PGWP holders may obtain permanent residency within 10 years of first entering Canada.
International students in the US can obtain permanent residency by transitioning from OPT to a H‑1B visa status and then work toward obtaining a green card. Green card holders are permanent residents authorized to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. The H‑1B to green card pathway is usually employer-sponsored; however, you can also obtain a green card by being sponsored by a family member in the US, among other avenues.
Comparing Weather in the US and Canada
The US and Canada both experience four distinct seasons, but the conditions can vary widely by region. Canada generally has colder winters, especially in central and northern areas, with heavy snowfall and low temperatures. Weather in America, however, has a broader range of climates, from snowy winters in the Midwest and Northeast to warm, sunny weather year-round in states like California, Florida, and Texas.
Which Is Better for International Students – US or Canada?
Overall, there are fewer universities to choose from in Canada than in the US. Canada only has 94 universities compared with the more than 4,000 colleges offering associates, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and technical degrees in the US.
In the United States, most students live on campus. Life revolves around the college with special places for students to eat, socialize, exercise, and study. Campus culture includes sporting events, fine arts performances, and Greek life. Many students belong to fraternities or sororities. Most students consider living in a dorm and participating in campus life as an important part of the US college experience. With so many clubs, events, sports, academic organizations, and social spaces, US college campuses make it easy to meet new friends.
While the US offers more options, the final decision depends on your values and goals. Do you want a connected, cultural experience with a focus on community, or would you rather focus on classes at university and explore on your own?
Students looking for connection and the full “college experience” might be more comfortable at US colleges. For students who prefer independent explorations, Canadian universities may be a good choice.
Apply to Top US Universities with Shorelight’s Guidance
Choosing where to pursue your university degree, specifically Canada vs USA, requires research, planning, and identifying your academic and professional goals. Shorelight advisors can help you navigate the full process with in-person support, resources, and tools to compare how higher education in the US differs compared to other parts of the world. Counselors conduct one-on-one discussions to help you align your interests, goals, and values to decide which university and degree program is right for you. Begin your higher education journey with Shorelight’s support, from enrollment all the way to graduation!
Ask a Shorelight advisor about research and resources for international students >
