China vs Canada: Which is the Better Study-Abroad Destination in 2024?

China and Canada have an excellent education system, ensuring a bright career for the students studying there. If you need clarification about which is best for pursuing education, then you are at the right place. We will compare these amazing study-abroad destinations and conclude which one is better. This blog will judge each country based on a specific aspect and the one which is better in that aspect will be awarded +2 points. Towards the end of this blog, we will compute the total scores and the one with the higher score will win this China vs Canada contest. 

Parameters	China	Canada
Area	9.597 Million KM²	9.985 Million KM²
Currency	Chinese Yuan (¥)	Canadian Dollar (CA$)
Capital	Beijing	Ottawa
Total Higher Education Providers	3,012	100+
Total Indian Students Studying	23,000	319,130
Average Cost of Living	¥4,047.3	CA$15,000 – CA$20,000 Per Year
Average Cost of Studying	¥18,249 – ¥72,996 Per Year	CA$7,000 – CA$35,000 Per Year
Popular Job Sectors	Technology, Accountancy and Finance, Teaching, Medicine, Marketing, and Manufacturing	Healthcare, Information Technology, Finance, and Education
Permitted Part-Time Working Hours	24 Hours Per Week	20 Hours Per Week.

Top-Ranked Universities: China vs Canada

Both China and Canada boast the most prestigious universities in the world. Let’s look at some of the highest-ranked universities in these countries.  

Universities in China

Here are some of the most prominent universities in China:

Top Universities in China	QS World University Rankings 2024	Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Peking University	17	14
Tsinghua University	25	12
Zhejiang University	44	55
Fudan University	50	44
Shanghai Jiao Tong University	51	43
University of Science and Technology of China	137	57
Nanjing University	141	73
Wuhan University	194	164
Tongji University	216	185
Harbin Institute of Technology	256	168

Universities in Canada

Here are the top-ranked universities in Canada: 

Top Universities in Canada	QS World University Rankings 2024	Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
University of Toronto	21	18
McGill University	30	46
University of British Columbia	34	40
University of Montreal	141	111
University of Alberta	111	118
McMaster University	189	85
University of Waterloo	112	201–250
Western University	114	201–250
University of Ottawa	203	137
University of Calgary	182	201–250

Which Country is Better?

The tables above imply that both China and Canada have universities with very high ranks. Hence, we will award +2 points to both countries in this round of China vs Canada. 

Also Read: Scholarships for MBBS in China

Admission Requirements

It is crucial to be aware of the admission criteria in your destination country before you jump into the application process. So, this section will reveal the eligibility criteria of the universities in China and Canada. 

Admission Requirements For China

One is required to provide these listed documents to become eligible for admission into a Chinese university: 

• Passport copy
• Personal statement
• A photo (passport size)
• Official transcripts
• Physical examination form- medical results
• 2 recommendation letters (should be written and signed by your teachers/professors and contain their contact details)
• Graduation certificate (s)
• Bank statement

Admission Requirements For Canada

The eligibility requirements to study at the Canadian universities are given below:

• The students have to ensure that they have scored a minimum of 70% marks in your class 12 examination. 
• Moreover, they must submit their English language proficiency test scores, such as IELTS (6.5 overall with no bands less than 6). 
• They are also required to have a 4 years bachelor’s degree, 70% average (for postgraduation). 
• The applicants have to provide the following documents as well: 

1. Letter of recommendation (LOR),
2. Statement of purpose (SOP), and
3. Some universities may demand written samples/copies of published work/Portfolio

• When applying for a postgraduation degree, students need to have up to 3 years of full-time work experience and score a minimum score of 580-600 on the GMAT. 
• Depending on the citizenship, the students may need an eTA or a visitor visa, along with a study permit. 

Which Country is Better?

The above comparison shows that getting admission to a Chinese university is easier than getting into a Canadian one. Hence, we will give +2 points to China in this round of China vs Canada. 

Tuition Fees

Education expenses are an important factor one needs to consider while selecting a study-abroad destination. So, let’s look at the average annual tuition fees in China and Canada. 

Tuition Fees in China

The average tuition costs in China as per the websites of the universities in the nation are given below: 

Study Program	Average Annual Tuition Fee
Undergraduate	¥15,000 to ¥60,000
Postgraduate	¥18,000 to ¥90,000
Doctoral	¥20,000 to ¥50,000

Tuition Fees in Canada

According to the websites of the Canadian universities, the average tuition costs in the country are as follows: 

Study Program	Average Annual Tuition Fee
Undergraduate	CA$36,100
Postgraduate	CA$21,100
Doctoral	CA$4,000 – CA$8,000

Which Country is Better?

The tuition fees in China are lower than in Canada, and hence, we will grant +2 points to China in this round of China vs Canada. 

Living Expenses

The cost of living is an important factor you need to include in your plan to study abroad. So, we have given below the average living expenses you will have to bear in both countries. 

Cost of Living in China

The living costs in China as per Numbeo are provided in the table below: 

Monthly Rent	¥2,191.31 – ¥7,900.84
Average Apartment Price (Price per Square Metre)	¥33,742.16 – ¥58,250.61
Average Cost of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal	¥25
Average Transportation Cost (Monthly)	¥200
Average Cost of Utility (Monthly)	¥584.12

Cost of Living in Canada

This is what the living costs look like in Canada according to Numbeo:

Monthly Rent	CA$1,455.77 – CA$2,733.47
Average Apartment Price (Price per Square Metre)	CA$6,594.63 – CA$9,209.58
Average Cost of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal	CA$22
Average Transportation Cost (Monthly)	CA$100
Average Cost of Utility (Monthly)	CA$342.39

Which Country is Better?

The cost of living in China is lower than in China for the most part. As a result, we will award +2 points to China in this round of China vs Canada. 

Also Read: Chinese Education System

Work Permit and PR

If you want to get employed after graduation in your destination country and settle there, then you need to take into account the ease of obtaining a work permit and PR. In this section, we will see how easily China and Canada grant work permits and PR. 

Work Permit in China

Here is how the work permit is given in China:

Eligibility Criteria to Get a Work Permit in China

The applicants are required to provide the documents mentioned below to apply for a Chinese work permit: 

• A valid passport,
• Reference letter,
• A completed application form, 
• An approval document for commercial performances,
• Medical examination report from an authorized hospital,
• A passport-sized photograph, 
• Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of Enterprises from Foreign Countries,
• TEFL/TESOL certificate authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate (applicable only for teaching positions),
• Clean criminal record,
• Foreigners Work Permit notification letter issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the PRC, and
• Issued by the Chinese government authorities for Cultural Affairs. 

To get the notification letter, your employer has to submit the documents mentioned below to the Labour Bureau:

• Degree or diploma (legalised and authenticated),
• Your resume, 
• Proof of at least two years of work experience in the relevant field,
• Verification of education or professional qualifications,
• Information concerning any accompanying members,
• A copy of the job contract,
• Verification of employment history, and
• Physical examination record. 

Steps to Apply for a Chinese Work Permit

Follow the steps mentioned below to be granted a Chinese Work Permit:

Step 1: First of all, you are required to have been given a job proposal in China. 

Step 2: Once you have successfully secured a job, gather and prepare all the mandatory documentation.

Step 3: Now, proceed with your application by applying for a work visa at a Chinese embassy, and pay your application fees. 

Step 4: Finally, you will be granted your work visa after you have finished the application process. 

The Chinese work visa processing is usually about 4 working days, depending on the number of applications the embassy obtains.

PR in China

You can be awarded a permanent residency visa regardless of your employer or post in case you:

• Ensure the timely payment of your income taxes (¥120,000 or more per year),
• Earn a salary of more than ¥600,000 a year, and 
• Have worked in Shanghai for more than four years and don’t have any criminal record in the nation of your residence.

Work Permit in Canada

Let’s look at the process of obtaining a work permit in Canada:

Eligibility Criteria to Get a Work Permit in Canada

To be deemed eligible for a Canadian work permit, the applicant needs to have:

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience,
• 67 points in Canada points calculator,
• Valid job offer letter issued by a Canadian employer with a positive LMIA,
• ECA report, 
• Academic credentials, and
• CLB score 5/ IELTS – 6.5. 

Steps to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit

Follow the following steps to apply for a Canadian work permit:

Step 1: Get your ECA and prepare the checklist of requirements. 

Step 2: Visit the official website of the government of Canada, and apply for the work permit. 

Step 3: Finally, work and settle in Canada after obtaining your permit. 

The processing time for the Canada Work Permit ranges from 5 to 6 months for international applicants. 

PR in Canada

The Canadian PR visa usually takes 6 to 8 months to process. However, the processing period depends on the program via which you submit your application. For instance, if you apply for a PR visa via the CEC program, it will be processed in three to four months.

Which Country is Better?

The above comparison shows that both China and Canada have a simple process for obtaining a work permit and PR. Hence, both countries will receive +2 points in this round of China vs Canada. 

Average Salaries: China vs Canada

The average monthly salary of a fresh graduate in China is ¥10,342. Talking about Canada, entry-level positions begin at a salary of CA$ 52,457 per year, while most experienced workers earn up to an annual salary of CA$ 131,645. 

Which Country is Better?

The above comparison shows that the average salary in Canada is more than in China. Hence, we will award +2 points to Canada in this round of China vs Canada. 

Also Read: Top 5 Universities in Canada for International Students in 2024: Best Universities, Cost of Studying, Eligibility Criteria

Other Major Elements

Small considerations such as climate and safety are also very important factors that you should keep in mind while selecting a study destination. Let’s look at some other significant elements that decide whether a country suits you or not. 

Climate

Located in the temperate climate zone, most of the areas in China are cool, but the southern region experiences heat and the northern part is quite frigid. The weather in Canada greatly varies by the location. Winter in Toronto is warmer than in most cities in Canada. Montreal’s winter, on the other hand, is chilly and snowy. Summers in Canada are normally pleasant and cool.

Safety

China is a very safe country for the most part. Just make sure you are aware of the local rules and Know where you are going. Coming to Ireland, the country boasts low crime rates, and on-campus security 24 hours per day, seven days a week. 

Culture for International Students

International students frequently report a very gratifying and amazing experience in China. With that being said, you may need to culturally adapt and understand the local language if you want a better experience. 

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Conclusions

After calculating the total score, we find that China has received 10 points and Canada has got 6 points. As a result, China has won this China vs Canada contest. With that being said, both countries offer high standards of education and ensure a bright future for students. So, your choice depends on your personal preferences and budget. 

FAQs

So, this was all about China vs Canada. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.