Choosing between Canada and India to study and settle in 2025 is not easy at all. Many students and working people are stuck in this confusion, where should I go? Canada looks very promising with its good quality education, peaceful lifestyle, and so many job chances, but the cost of living is high. On the other hand, India has top government colleges like IITs and IIMs, much lower tuition fees, and you can stay close to your family and culture too.
Canada offers a diverse range of opportunities for international students. The standard of living in Canada is also very high. The student gets the chance to study in the top 100 universities in the world. On the other hand, education is comparatively cheaper. The cost of living in India is also comparatively lower.
In this article, we will make a comparison bet Canada vs India, including the education system, job market, study cost, living expenses, safety, and more. So if you are planning your future and are not sure whether to go to Canada or stay in India, this guide will help you a lot. Explore study abroad requirements for international students.
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. As per the World Bank, in 2022, Canada’s GDP per person was CAD 55,522.
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. In 2023, it was ranked 11th on the Global Peace Index. 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.
Benefits of Living in India
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 like IITs, 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.
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 of top 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
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 a Master’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 and living 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
The living expenses in Canada are 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 about job opportunities in Canada vs 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.
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
In 2022–23, Canada had an HDI of 0.935 (Very High level), whereas India had an HDI of 0.644 (Medium level). This clearly shows that Canada’s standard of living is higher.
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 Canada is 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
The education system in Canada and 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:
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.
In 2025, choosing between Canada and India depends on what you really want. Canada gives you better education, more job opportunities, and a higher standard of living. But everything is more expensive in Canada. You will have to spend more on college fees, rent, and other daily expenses.
India is at a cheaper cost. You can get a good education for less money, and the cost of living is low, too. But it is very competitive, and getting into top universities is not easy.
Connect with upGrad experts for personalized advice on studying, working, or immigrating to Canada or India. They will help you navigate every step of your study abroad journey.
FAQs
Which country is better for study – Canada or India?
It depends on what you want. If you want world-class education, high-salary jobs, and a chance to settle abroad, then Canada is a better pick. But if you want affordable study and to stay near family, India is also a good choice.
Is it cheaper to study in India or Canada?
India is much cheaper than Canada. From college fees to living costs, everything in India is more budget-friendly. In Canada, fees are high, but you get global exposure and job chances.
Can I work after studying in Canada?
Yes. After completing your course, you can apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). It lets you work in Canada for up to 3 years, and later you can try for PR (Permanent Residency).
What about job chances in Canada vs India?
Canada has more high-paying jobs, fewer crowds, and better work-life. Fields like IT, healthcare, and construction are in demand. In India, there are jobs, but too much competition. Still, jobs in tech, finance, and government are growing.
Is Canada safe for Indian students?
Yes, Canada is very safe. It’s peaceful, has a low crime rate, and students get support like helplines, campus security, and healthcare. Many Indian students feel safe walking outside even at night.
Is studying in India stressful?
Sometimes yes. In India, there is high exam pressure and big competition for top colleges like IITs or IIMs. But if you prepare well, India also gives good placements and quality education.
What are the top universities in Canada and India?
Top in Canada
University of Toronto
McGill University
University of British Columbia
Top in India:
IIT Bombay
IIT Delhi
IISc Bangalore
How much money is needed to study in Canada?
For university courses, you may need around INR 13–22 lakh per year. Also, you need to show around INR 12.5 lakh as financial proof for your study permit.
What is the cost of living in India vs Canada?
In India, students spend about INR 15,000 to 25,000/month. In Canada, it’s around CAD 1,400 to 2,900/month (approx INR 87,000 – 1.8 lakh/month), depending on city and lifestyle.
Which country gives a better standard of living?
Canada gives a better lifestyle, clean air, good hospitals, and higher income. In 2023, Canada had a higher HDI (Human Development Index) than India. But India is improving fast too.
Can I get a scholarship in Canada or India?
Yes. In Canada, you can apply for university, government, or province-level scholarships. In India, merit-based and state scholarships are there too. Check college websites.
Should I choose Canada or India in 2025?
If you want to settle abroad, earn a high salary, and enjoy a global lifestyle, then go for Canada. If you want to save money, stay closer to home, and enjoy Indian culture, choose India.
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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