Students are progressively travelling abroad to pursue higher education, and the United States and Canada are currently two of the most popular and prominent educational locations in the globe. The United States is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for students from all over the world. However, in recent years, Canada has risen to become one of the most desirable destinations for international students.
There are over 1,700 universities in the United States that provide Masters-level degrees, whereas there are approximately 100 universities in Canada that offer MS. The average first-year wage for American grads was USD 48,127. While the average first-year wage for Canadian university graduates was CAD 36,895.
Highlights
| Parameter | MS in the US | MS in Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 to 2 years | 1 to 2 years |
| Average Tuition Fees | 14.86 to 48.30 lakhs | 11.11 lakhs to 16.6 lakhs |
| Cost of Living | 5.89-13.31 lakhs | 7.97- 10.60 lakhs |
| Salary | 23.30 to 41.43 lakhs | 34.94- 42.87 lakhs |
| Eligibility | GPA 3.5, equivalent to 87% in bachelors.GRE score of 330 or above statement of PurposeLetter of Recommendation |
|
| Exams | GRE | GMAT | MCAT | LSAT | TOEFL iBT | GRE | GMAT | IELTS |
| Popular Fields | MS in Engineering, MS in Business and Management, MS in IT, and, MS in Computer Science | MS Software Engineering, MS in Computer Science, MS in Nursing, MS in Finance |
| Post-study Work Permit | 12 months work permit after graduation, however, it is 24 months for STEM graduates | 3-year work permit after graduation |
Top Universities
With over 4000 institutions spread around the country, the United States is home to not only Ivy League schools, but also some of the world's finest universities. Not to be left behind, more than eight Canadian universities are ranked among the Top 250 World Rankings 2022 list.
| QS World University Rankings 2022 | University in USA | QS World University Rankings 2022 | University in Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | #26 | University of Toronto |
| #=3 | Stanford University | #=27 | McGill University |
| #5 | Harvard University | #46 | University of British Columbia |
| #6 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | #111 | University of Montreal |
| #10 | University of Chicago | #126 | University of Alberta |
| #13 | University of Pennsylvania | #140 | McMaster University |
| #=14 | Yale University | #=149 | University of Waterloo |
| #19 | Columbia University | #170 | Western University - Canada |
| #20 | Princeton University | #230 | University of Ottawa |
| #21 | Cornell University | #235 | University of Calgary |
Entry Requirements
The requirements for earning a postgraduate degree differ by country. It is mostly determined by the program you choose to study. Most countries have the same broad criteria, which is that you must take standardized exams required for the country along with Letter of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose, etc. before applying for your master's or bachelor's degree.
University education in the United States necessitates the submission of entrance exam scores such as the GRE/GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS, and your GPA. GPA and IELTS/TOEFL scores are more important to Canadian universities than GRE/GMAT scores.
| Category | Requirement for USA | Requirement for Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Official Transcripts | Required | Required |
| Minimum GPA | 3.5 or higher | 3.0 or higher |
| Average English Language Proficiency | TOEFL iBT- 74 (Preferred)IELTS- 6.5 | IELTS- 6.5 (Preferred)TOEFL iBT- 90 |
| GMAT/GRE | GMAT 639 | GRE 300 | GMAT 550 | GRE 305 |
| Letter of Recommendation | 2-3 LOR | At Least 2 |
| Statement of Purpose | 2-3 pages | 1000-1500 words |
Fees and Cost of Living
The cost of education in universities in USA is on the higher side, with graduate students paying around USD 20,000- USD 65,000 per year. On the other hand, the expense of studying in Canada is significantly lower, at around CAD 20,000- CAD 30,000 per year.
| Category | Cost in USA | Cost in Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Fees | 14.86 lakhs to 48.30 lakhs | 11.11 lakhs to 16.6 lakhs |
| Rent of Apartment | 73,910 INR- 1.47 lakhs | 35,350 INR - 1.17 lakhs |
| Meals | 2,217 INR - 2,950 INR (one-meal) | 589.20 INR- 1,180 INR (one-meal) |
| Transportation | 7,500 INR - 22,173 INR | 5,890 INR- 14,730 INR |
| Personal Expenses | 22,173 INR- 44,340 INR | 8,838 INR- 17,676 INR |
| Health Insurance | 33,260 INR- 51,738 INR | 17,676 INR- 41,136 INR |
The average cost of living in Canada is 13% lower than the cost of living in the United States. In the list of the most expensive countries in the world, Canada was placed 21st, while the United States was ranked 10th.
| Estimating budget for International Students to Study in USA | Estimating budget for International Students to Study in Canada |
Financial Aid to Study MS in USA or Canada
Despite the high costs, however, there are several financial aid options offered to international students to make their education abroad affordable.
Visa Process for USA and Canada
The visa application process in the United States is a lengthy and intricate process that necessitates careful inspection and plenty of waiting. In comparison, the Canadian visa application process is simpler and shorter, which encourages international students to study there.
Visa Process for USA
According to India Today 2021, the US student visa is the third most commonly used visa in the world. Despite the fact that the worldwide application acceptance rate for USA Visa is above 86 %, the process of obtaining admission to study in the United States is thus highly competitive and, in some cases, difficult.
When applying for a study visa in the United States, Indian students must provide a few essential documents as well as case-specific supplemental documentation. The following is a list of all the documents required for a student visa to the United States:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity period of six months
- Receipt for SEVIS-Fee Payment
- Receipt for Visa Fees
- DS-160 Form (Non-immigrant visa application confirmation page)
- Form I-20, issued by a US institution (where you will be enrolling)
- Provisional certificates or original marks sheets
- Score sheet for standardised exams completed in preparation for studies in the US.
- Sufficient finances are available, as indicated by bank statements; sponsors or a scholarship programme.
- appointment letter for a visa (original as well as copy)
Visa Process for Canada
By the end of May 2021, about 120,000 new post-secondary student visas had been awarded, a 25% increase over the entire year of 2020. Applicants must apply for a Canada Student Visa and a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa in order to study in Canada. Applicants must submit a visa application to the visa office.
Applicants for a student visa to Canada can apply both online and offline (paper application). In both circumstances, the overall application requirement is as follows:
- Valid Passport
- Academic references – 2
- Employer references – 2
- Statement of Purpose
- Certificates of extracurricular achievements
- An acceptance letter from your education institution
- Proof of payment
- Proof of financial funds
- Passport size photographs
- Study Permit and visa
- English Proficiency
- Registered hospitals.
- Application fee
Job Opportunities
With a significant number of multinational companies giving numerous career prospects, the United States offers some of the highest-paying jobs to overseas MS graduates.
However, Canada has evolved as a big job market that offers a wide range of research opportunities, and superior opportunities to build a strong professional network. The United States ranks 3rd with Canada not far behind in 5th place.
According to statistics, management executives, doctors, dentists, software engineers, and other occupations pay some of the highest wages in the United States.
| Job | Average pay in USA (USD/Year) | Average Pay in Canada (USD/Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care Workers | 208,000 | 109,038 |
| Financial managers | 129,890 | 94,351 |
| Analytics manager | 108,565 | 96,027 |
| Social Media Strategist | 110,080 | 67,813 |
| Psychiatrist | 208,000 | 274,596 |
| Legal Worker | 114,00 | 131,250 |
International students prefer Canada and the United States to other destinations because of the multicultural environment, well-known education system, and top-ranked colleges. Both countries have strong economies and are famous for providing students with world-class education and work opportunities. Before choosing between the United States and Canada, an Indian student must consider the above mentioned parameters
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FAQs
Ques. What is the eligibility for MS in the United States?
Ans. International applicants for MS in the United States must have a 16-year education qualification- 4-year bachelor's or equivalent in relevant topics with at least 80% or higher. In addition, you must pass English language proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL, as well as meet the minimal requirements for your university. Depending on the course you choose, you must also have GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT results.
Ques. What are the best MS colleges in the United States?
Ans. Harvard, Yale, MIT, Columbia University, UCLA, NYU, Cornell, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State, Caltech, and other world-class universities in the United States include Harvard, Yale, MIT, Columbia University, UCLA, NYU, Cornell, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, Penn State, Caltech, and others.
Ques. Are there any MS scholarships available in the United States?
Ans. Yes, there are numerous scholarships available for obtaining an MS in the United States. There are scholarships available that provide students with a full tuition waiver for pursuing an MS in the United States.
Ques. What are the admissions standards for Indian students seeking a master's degree in Canada?
Ans. In order to get admitted to a master's degree in Canada, Indian students must have completed 16 years of study (10+2+4). Students holding a three-year undergraduate degree may need to finish a one-year diploma before applying to a master's programme in Canada.
Ques. How long does it take to complete a master's degree in Canada?
Ans. A full-time master's degree in Canada is a 1-2 year curriculum at Canadian universities. Part-time master's degrees, on the other hand, can take 2-6 years to finish and can be accomplished through online seminars, evening modules, or as a distance learning program.
Ques. Is it possible for international students seeking a master's degree in Canada to work part-time?
Ans. Yes, overseas students are permitted to work 20 hours per week during course sessions. They might even work full-time during vacations. the students make around 12-18 CAD/hour.
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