Deciding between Can vs Indfor your future? Deciding whether to study, work, or settle can be a difficult decision. In 2025, more than 142,000 Indian students chose Canada for higher education, attracted by quality universities, post-study work opportunities, andpermanent residency options.
In the same year, India welcomed millions of students in its universities due to affordable tuition, growing career opportunities, and a diverse cultural environment.
When comparing Can vs Ind, Canada offers higher international exposure, better post-graduation work options, and higher average salaries, while India provides affordability, closer family support, and a strong job market.So, going forward, let us compare in detail Canada vs India in study options, Can vs Ind costs, jobs, and student lifestyle.
Life in Canada vs India
Both Canada and India have different standards of living. Canada is well known among international candidates due to its high standard of living, advanced technological development, and national safety. India is popular for its cultural dignity, long historical background, and community bonds.
Benefits of Living in Canada
Study in Canada offers amazing benefits for international candidates. From education to job to a peaceful life, Canada has a lot to offer.
High-Quality Education: Canada has many top universities that offer strong academic learning. Many career-focused courses help students to get high-paying jobs after graduation.
Post-Study Work Permit (PGWP): After finishing a full-time course, you can apply for a PGWP in Canada. It gives you a chance to work for up to 3 years, and later you can apply for Canada PR(permanent residency).
Job Opportunities: Canada’s economy is stable, and there are many jobs in different areas.
Healthcare System: The healthcare or Medicare in Canada is publicly funded. Candidates can easily seek medical assistance without spending much.
Safety: Canada is a peaceful country and very safe for students. The government gives importance to public safety and security.
Multicultural Society: People from different countries live in Canada. This diverse culture makes international students feel accepted and comfortable. You don’t feel like an outsider here.
Affordable Compared to Other Countries: When you compare with countries like the USA or UK, Canada is cheaper in terms of study fees and living costs for foreign students.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Life: Canada has beautiful places like lakes, forests, snow mountains, and beaches.
Support for New Students: New international students in Canada are offered jobs, housing, English improvement, and career guidance to help them live a better life in the country.
Now let’s look at the good side of studying in India. India is also a great place for education and cultural life.
Top-Class Academics: Institutes likeIITs, IIMs, NITs, and others offer excellent education and placements. But yes, the entrance exams are tough and need serious preparation.
Low Cost of Living: Whether it’s for study, food, travel, or accommodation, the cost is low in India. It is a good choice for students who have a tight budget.
Cultural Experience: India is known for its rich traditions, festivals, and spiritual life. You can enjoy a colorful lifestyle and learn many new things about Indian culture.
Amazing Food: Indian food is famous all over the world. From spicy street food to sweet desserts, there is a lot of variety and taste.
Good Healthcare: India has advanced hospitals and growing medical tourism. Many students and even foreigners come here for affordable treatment. Also, insurance companies are now settling claims faster.
Nature and Travel: From the Himalayan mountains to sunny beaches, India has all kinds of natural beauty. Students can travel on weekends and explore different places.
Top Universities in Can vs India
While considering the global ranking, many Canadian universities are listed among the top 100 world universities. Whereas, Indian universities have also received high rankings in the QS World University Ranking. Here, we will discuss the top universities in India and Canada, their respective global position.
Top Universities in Canada
Canada is the land of top world universities and colleges. As per the latest data, around 137,608 Indian students moved to Canada in 2024 to seek higher studies. A list oftop universities in Canada for Indian students is as follows:
India also has some of the best engineering and science colleges, like the IITs and IISc, along with other reputed universities. A list of top institutions in India is as follows:
University
QS World University Ranking 2025
IIT Bombay
118
IIT Delhi
150
Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
211
IIT Madras
227
IIT Kharagpur
222
IIT Kanpur
263
IIT Guwahati
344
University of Delhi
328
Anna University
383
Which Country Offers Better Scholarships for International Students: Canada or India?
When choosing between Canada and India for higher education, understanding the scholarship landscape is crucial. Here's a comparative overview to guide international students:
Aspect
Canada
India
Funding Amount
High (covers full tuition, living, and research costs)
Moderate to High (varies by program and institution)
Eligibility Criteria
Academic excellence, leadership, financial need
Academic merit, cultural exchange focus
Program Levels
Undergraduate, Graduate, Postdoctoral
Primarily Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Application Process
Online portals, university-specific applications
Government portals, university applications
Cultural Focus
Diverse international community
Emphasis on Indian culture and heritage
Canada: Robust Scholarship Opportunities
Canada is renowned for its diverse and generous scholarship offerings for international students. Key highlights include:
Government-Funded Scholarships: Programs like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships provide substantial financial support, covering tuition, living expenses, and research costs.
University-Specific Awards: Institutions such as the University of Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship offer comprehensive funding, including tuition, books, and residence fees.
Merit-Based and Need-Based Options: Scholarships are available based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, catering to a wide range of students.
Diversity of Programs: Opportunities span undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels across various disciplines.
India: Emerging Scholarship Landscape
India is progressively enhancing its scholarship offerings for international students, focusing on cultural exchange and academic collaboration:
Government Initiatives: The Study in India (SII) program offers partial to fully funded scholarships for students from select countries, covering tuition and living expenses.
University-Based Scholarships: Prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) provide merit-based scholarships, though these are more limited compared to Canadian offerings.
Focus Areas: Scholarships often emphasize cultural exchange and promote studies in Indian culture, arts, and humanities.
Eligibility and Scope: Generally available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with specific eligibility criteria and limited funding.
While both Canada and India offer valuable scholarship opportunities, Canada's programs are generally more extensive, diverse, and accessible to international students across various disciplines and academic levels. India's scholarships, though growing, are more limited and often centered around cultural exchange and specific academic fields.
For international students seeking comprehensive financial support and a broad range of academic programs, Canada presents a more favorable option. However, for those interested in exploring Indian culture and specific academic disciplines, India's emerging scholarship landscape offers unique opportunities.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing higher education in Canada versus India?
Choosing between Canada and India for higher education involves evaluating various factors such as quality of education, cost, cultural fit, and career prospects. Here's a comparative overview:
Canada
Advantages:
Quality of Education: Canadian institutions are globally recognized for their high academic standards and research opportunities.
Post-Graduation Work Opportunities: Canada offers post-graduation work permits, allowing graduates to gain international work experience.
Cultural Diversity: Canada is known for its multicultural environment, providing a rich cultural experience.
Safety and Quality of Life: Canada ranks high in global safety and quality of life indices, offering a secure and comfortable living environment.
Disadvantages:
High Tuition Fees: International students often face higher tuition fees compared to domestic students.
Living Expenses: The cost of living in Canada can be high, especially in major cities.
Visa and Immigration Policies: Stricter visa requirements and policies can pose challenges for international students.
India
Advantages:
Affordability: Studying in India is generally more affordable, with lower tuition fees and living costs.
Cultural Familiarity: Being in one's home country offers comfort and ease of adaptation.
Growing Educational Institutions: India has a growing number of institutions offering diverse courses and programs.
Disadvantages:
Quality Variability: The quality of education can vary significantly between institutions.
Limited Global Recognition: Degrees from some Indian institutions may not have the same international recognition as those from Canadian universities.
Limited Post-Graduation Opportunities Abroad: Opportunities for work and further studies abroad may be limited compared to Canada.
The choice between studying in Canada or India depends on individual priorities such as budget, desired career path, and personal preferences. Canada offers high-quality education and international opportunities but comes with higher costs and stricter immigration policies. India provides an affordable and culturally familiar environment but may have limitations in global recognition and opportunities. It's essential to consider these factors carefully to make an informed decision.
Cost of Studying: Canada vs India
Here’s a detailed description of cost of living in India and Canada for international students:
Cost of Studying in India
Studying in India is much cheaper than in Canada. Many students from India and even other countries choose Indian colleges and universities because of the low tuition fees.
The Bachelor’s course fee in India is between INR 20,000 to INR 4,00,000 per year. The cost depends on the course and the college you choose. Courses like Engineering, Computer Science, Fashion, and Science have different fee ranges.
If you're planning to do aMaster’s degree in India, the fee is usually between INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000 per year. Some private colleges may charge more, but government universities are usually more affordable.
For a Ph.D. in India, the fees are very low. It usually costs between INR 16,000 to INR 26,000 per year. But yes, the fee can be different if you go for a full-time or a part-time PhD course.
Overall, the cost of education in India is budget-friendly. This makes India a great option for students who want a good education but don’t want to spend too much.
Cost of Studying in Canada
If you are thinking of studying in Canada, it is very important to know about the total cost. Canada is not the cheapest country, but it is still more affordable than the USA, UK or Australia. Let’s look at the tuition fees andliving cost in Canada for international students.
International students can apply for scholarships to lower their study costs in Canada. These scholarships are given by:
Government of Canada
Provinces
Universities and colleges
Some scholarships are based on marks, others are based on need. Many universities have their own scholarship list. You can check that on their website.
Cost of Living in Canada
Theliving expenses in Canadaare also relatively cheaper for Indian students than in other destinations like the USA and the UK.
Expense Category
Average Monthly Cost (CAD)
Accommodation
CAD 700 – CAD 1,500
Food
CAD 300 – CAD 600
Transportation
CAD 80 – CAD 150
Utilities & Internet
CAD 150 – CAD 250
Health Insurance
CAD 70 – CAD 100
Miscellaneous Expenses
CAD 100 – CAD 300
Total Estimated Cost
CAD 1,400 – CAD 2,900
Cost of Living in India
The cost of living in India for a student or single person usually ranges between INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 per month, including rent, food, transport, and utilities, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Category
Estimated Monthly Cost
Rent (1‑bedroom outside city centre)
INR 9,600 – INR 17,000
Utilities (electricity, water, heating, internet)
INR 3,000 – INR 5,000
Groceries (food at home)
INR 2,000 – INR 5,000
Transport (monthly public pass)
INR 1,000
Meals out & entertainment
INR 3,000 – INR 5,000
Total for single/student
INR 15,000 – INR 25,000
Job Opportunities in Canada vs India
When we talk aboutjob opportunities in Canadavs India, it's clear that both countries offer jobs, but Canada gives better pay and work conditions in many fields.
Job Opportunities in Canada
Canada has a strong economy and a low unemployment rate, which means more chances for skilled people to find work. Many high-paying jobs are available in fields like:
Banking
Oil & Gas
Healthcare
Construction
Mining
Software & IT
Jobs like data scientist, software developer, project manager, and nurse are in high demand. Also, Canada needs skilled workers due to an ageing population and fewer young workers, so the government supports immigration to fill these roles. In Canada, average salaries range from CAD 50,000 to CAD 110,000 per year, depending on education, job type, and location. That's about INR 31 to INR 68 lakhs per year.
Job Opportunities in India
India also has a fast-growing economy, but the job market is more competitive due to the large population. Some high-paying jobs in India include Chartered Accountant, Marketing Manager, Software Architect, and Management Consultant. In India, skilled workers earn between INR 3.6 lakhs to INR 12 lakhs per year, depending on job, skills, and city. Many high-paying jobs are available in fields in India, like:
IT (Information Technology)
Manufacturing
Government services
Education
Agriculture
Standard of Living: Canada vs India
When we talk about living standards, Canada is considered a better place to live for international students in many ways. Candidates get more income, cleaner cities, good hospitals, safer lives, and better education. However, India is also developing its standard of living for international students.
Human Development Index (HDI)
The HDI shows how good life is in a country. It checks elements like:
How long people live (life expectancy)
How much education do they get
How much money do people earn on average
Why Canada Feels Better to Live:
Free healthcare and really good hospitals
Cities are safer and the law actually works
More salary and better job chances
Clean air, low pollution, peaceful vibe
Nice roads, transport, and public things
Some of the world’s best universities
How’s the Living Standard in India
The standard of living in India is improving quickly.
You can live on less money
Strong family bonds and culture
Healthcare and education are getting better
Big cities like Delhi, Pune, and Bangalore are catching up
When we talk about student safety, both Canada and India try to make sure students are safe. However, life in Canadais safer for international students compared to India.
Student Safety in Canada
Canada is known to be peaceful. It was ranked 11th in the Global Peace Index 2023. The crime rate is low, and in most cities, students can walk outside even late.
Police are friendly, and people trust them
Colleges have proper security guards, cameras, and sometimes even emergency equipment
Many cities have 24/7 public transport and also student helplines
Campus areas are safe, plus rules are there to stop bullying and bad behaviour
There is also mental health support and advisors for students if they need help
So ya, most students studying in Canada feel kind of safe and supported overall.
Student Safety in India
India is safe too, but it depends on the area. Cities like Mumbai, Pune, or Bangalore are better in terms of safety. But crowded places or if you are out at night, maybe not always safe.
Most colleges have hostel curfews and guards outside
Many campuses got CCTV installed
For girls and women, it’s good to be more alert
Govt is also trying now, new safety apps and rules are coming
People are usually helpful, but still, better to be careful
Canada vs India: Education System
The education system in Canadaand India is quite different, but both offer good learning options for students. If you're planning to study in either country, it’s good to know how their systems work.
Canadian Education System
In Canada, education is compulsory from the age of 16 to 18, depending on the province. The system is well-planned and supports students from early years to higher education. Here's how it goes:
Pre-primary / Kindergarten – This is where kids start learning before school officially begins.
Primary / Elementary Education – From Grade 1 to Grade 6.
Intermediate / Middle School / Junior High – From Grade 7 to Grade 10.
Senior Secondary / High School / Graduation Programme – From Grade 11 to Grade 12.
In Quebec, students must do a Pre-University or Technical Program after Grade 11, which lasts for 2 to 3 years, before going to university.
After high school, students get:
A High School Graduation Diploma (or Diploma of College Studies in Quebec).
Then they can join Colleges or Institutes of Technology to do certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, or even Bachelor’s degrees.
In India, education is compulsory from ages 6 to 14, which covers Classes 1 to 8. The structure is a bit different, but also includes all the important stages:
Pre-school Education – Kids attend this before starting formal school.
Lower Elementary – From Class 1 to 5
Upper Elementary – From Class 6 to 8
Secondary Education – Class 9 and 10. After this, students get their 10th certificate.
After Class 10, students can choose:
Upper-Secondary Education (Class 11 & 12) – Most students go this way.
Or they can join a Polytechnic and do a Diploma course.
After 12th or Diploma, students can go for:
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Doctoral degree (PhD)
Post-Graduate Diploma like PGDM
India is also home to top-ranked universities. As per the QS World University Rankings 2025, some of the top ones are:
IIT Bombay
IIT Delhi
Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Which is Better, Canada or India?
Canada has a better standard of living. People earn more, cities are cleaner, and life feels more peaceful. But, cost of studying and living in India is much cheaper. In Canada, there are more jobs with high salaries in fields like IT, healthcare,engineering, and business. Education in Canada is very good. The universities rank in the top 100 in the world. Whereas India has great colleges like IITs, IIMs, and more, which give strong education and placements. The job market in India is also growing fast in IT, finance, government jobs, and more.
Students can get a Post Study Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada and apply for Permanent Residency (PR) later. While studying in India allows you to stay near family and culture, which is important for many people. In Canada, student safety is higher, cities are safe, and rules are strong. In India, life is full of festivals, food, history, and community bonding. It is easier to study in your own language or English.
If you want international exposure, higher income, and a peaceful life abroad, then Canada is better. If you want to save money, stay closer to family, and enjoy Indian culture, then India is better.
Conclusion
In 2025, deciding between Can vs Ind depends on your goals. Canada offers high-quality education, strong job opportunities, and a higher standard of living, but the cost is higher. Many students ask “is Canada good for Indian students?” and for those seeking international exposure and career growth, the answer is yes. India provides affordable education, lower living costs, and a rich cultural environment, though competition for top universities is strong.
Thinking “is Canada expensive than India”? The costs are higher in Canada, but the potential salaries and global experience often make it worth considering. Ultimately, can vs india comes down to your priorities, lifestyle, and career goals.
How do transportation options compare Canada vs India?
Canada offers reliable public transport, cycling paths, and ride-sharing, making commuting efficient. India’s public transport is improving but often crowded. Safety, punctuality, and comfort are generally higher in Canada for students navigating cities daily.
Can students travel locally easily Canada vs India?
Canadian cities are well-connected, with natural and cultural attractions accessible on weekends. India also has travel options, but crowded roads and longer travel times can limit short trips. Students in Canada enjoy easier weekend explorations.
How do internet and mobile services differ Can vs Ind?
Canada provides fast, stable internet and mobile networks, though costs are higher. India offers affordable data and growing coverage, but reliability varies by city. Students in Canada benefit from consistent connectivity for studies, work, and remote collaboration.
Which country offers better student networking Canada vs India?
Canada has multicultural student communities, clubs, and professional events for global connections. India has industry networking opportunities, but these are often regional and less formalized. Canadian universities facilitate broader international exposure for students.
How easy is cultural adaptation Can vs Ind?
Canada promotes multiculturalism with support programs for international students. India is culturally easier for domestic students, but international students may face language and social integration challenges. Canada provides structured guidance for smoother adaptation.
How do food and grocery options compare Canada vs India?
Canada offers diverse international groceries and dietary options at higher costs. India provides affordable local markets, street food, and regional cuisine. While Canada caters to international tastes, India emphasizes traditional flavors and budget-friendly options.
How do banking and financial services differ Canada vs India?
Canada offers student bank accounts, online banking, and secure transactions. India’s banking services are improving but may require extra documentation for students. Credit facilities, digital wallets, and financial guidance are more structured in Canada.
Which country supports student entrepreneurship better Can vs Ind?
Canada has startup incubators, grants, and innovation hubs for students. India has entrepreneurship programs, but access to funding and mentorship is more competitive. Canada provides structured pathways for student startups and international collaborations.
How do local travel costs compare Canada vs India?
Students in Canada pay higher fares for buses, trains, and metro, but services are safe and punctual. India offers low-cost public transport, though comfort and schedules vary. Canada prioritizes reliability, India prioritizes affordability.
Are volunteer opportunities better for students Canada vs India?
Canada offers multiple structured volunteer programs at NGOs, community centers, and universities, helping students gain experience and social connections. India has volunteering opportunities, but they are fewer, less formalized, and often limited to urban centers.
How does climate affect student life Can vs Ind?
Canada experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters impacting daily life and outdoor activities. India has hot summers and monsoons, varying by region, which can affect commuting and lifestyle differently. Students must adapt to seasonal changes in both countries.
Which country provides better language learning Canada vs India?
Canada allows students to learn English and French through courses and immersion programs. India offers regional languages but fewer formal programs for international students. Canada provides structured opportunities to improve language skills for academic and professional use.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland...
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