Quick verdict
Choose the UK if you want a shorter Master’s (often one year), dense city hiring in London, and the Graduate Route open-work window. Choose Canada if you want a longer study-to-work runway via PGWP, often lower published tuition than UK private fees, and a clearer immigration-aware narrative — accepting that PAL / study-permit caps can change intake maths year to year.
This is a destination decision, not a language-test decision. English: which test should you take?.
Cost comparison
| Factor | UK | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Taught Master’s tuition (intl) | Often £15,000–£35,000+ for one year | Often CAD 15,000–CAD 35,000+/year (multi-year programmes add up) |
| Living proof | UKVI maintenance (London vs outside) | IRCC proof-of-funds (updates yearly) |
| Degree length | 1-year Master’s common | 1–2+ years common |
| Loan / cash-flow | Shorter calendar can mean lower living months | Longer programmes = more living months |
Full country budgets: UK cost · Canada cost · education loan.
Visa & paperwork
- UK: CAS → Student visa; IELTS for UKVI / other SELT when required; 28-day funds rule. See UK student visa.
- Canada: Letter of Acceptance → often PAL → study permit; SDS ended 8 Nov 2024. See Canada student visa.
Post-study work
| UK Graduate Route | Canada PGWP | |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer needed first? | No | No |
| Typical length | 2 years historically; 18 months for many non-doctoral applications from Jan 2027 | Up to 3 years for eligible programmes |
| Next step | Often Skilled Worker | Often PR pathways via Express Entry / PNP |
Details: UK post-study · Canada PGWP.
Who should pick which?
- Pick UK for one-year cash-flow, specific UK programmes, and London/sector density.
- Pick Canada for PGWP length and immigration-aware planning — and verify current PAL/cap rules before you pay deposits.
India-wide index: study abroad from India. Also compare USA vs Canada and USA vs UK.
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