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France and Canada are among the top study-abroad destinations for international students. Both nations are renowned for their excellent quality of education, world-class universities, and extensive employment opportunities. As a result, it can become daunting for international students to choose between France and Canada to study abroad. If you are also having a hard time choosing the right study-abroad destination, then you have landed on the right article. In this blog, we will do a detailed comparison between Frane and Canada, and finally conclude which one of them is a better choice for pursuing education. We will clear all your doubts regarding France vs Canada here.
| Parameters | France | Canada |
| Area | 551,695 KM² | 9.985 Million KM² |
| Currency | Euro (€) | Canadian Dollar (CA$) |
| Capital | Paris | Ottawa |
| Total Higher Education Providers | Over 3,500 Public and Private Institutes | 100+ |
| Total Indian Students Studying | 10,000 | 319,130 |
| Average Cost of Living | €918.2 – €3,273.8 | CA$15,000 – CA$20,000 Per Year |
| Average Cost of Studying | €600 – €800 / Month | CA$7,000 – CA$35,000 Per Year |
| Popular Job Sectors | Pharmacy, Psychology, Radiology, Architecture, Journalism, and Healthcare. | Healthcare, Information Technology, Finance, and Education |
| Permitted Part-Time Working Hours | 20 Hours Per Week | 20 Hours Per Week. |
This Blog Includes:
Top-Ranked Universities: France vs Canada
If you want a bright career, then you must choose the right university for yourself. So, we have provided below a list of top universities in France and Canada. The county with the most number of higher-ranked universities will be granted +2 points.
Universities in France
The table given below lists some of the top French universities:
| Top Universities in France | QS World University Rankings 2024 | Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 |
| Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) | 24 | 47 |
| Ecole Polytechnique | 38 | – |
| Sorbonne University | 59 | 75 |
| CentraleSupélec | 138 | – |
| Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 184 | – |
| Ecole des Ponts ParisTech | 192 | 401–500 |
| Université de Paris | 236 | – |
| Sciences Po Paris | 319 | 501–600 |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 328 | 801–1000 |
| ENS Paris-Saclay | 71 | 58 |
Universities in Canada
The table below shows the top 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 show that the universities in Canada have a higher rank than the universities in France. Hence, we will award +2 points to Canada in this round of France vs Canada.
Also Read: Part-Time Jobs in France
Admission Requirements
You need to ensure that you are aware of the admission requirements in both France and Canada before you choose which country you want to study in. In this section, we will understand the admission requirements in each nation and deduce which one of them has a simpler process for admission.
Admission Requirements For France
The eligibility criteria for admission to the French universities are given below:
- The applicants have to ensure that they are at least 18 years old before they apply to the French university of their choice.
- Students must obtain a short-stay visa in case they attend a training program that continues for less than a period of three months.
- Applicants are going to be offered a temporary long-stay visa if their training course ends after a period of three or six months, and they are not required to finish any paperwork when they finally arrive in France.
- The candidates need to provide a long-stay visa, which is equal to a residency permit if their training concludes after six months.
- The students also have to submit the documents listed below:
- If you have enrolled in a course taught in French, you will need a proficiency certificate for the French language
- Air flight reservation/ticket with the date of departure
- Evidence of monetary means for covering all expenses during the period of study
- A visa application form for a France study visa
- Documents that state the arrangement for accommodation during your studies
- Evidence of payment of Visa fees
- A valid passport and copies of your previous visas if any
- Two passport-size photos
- An official Letter of Acceptance/Enrolment from the University in France
- Medical insurance can cost around 30,000 Euros yearly
- If applicable, proof of civil status
Admission Requirements For Canada
The eligibility requirements for studying at Canadian universities are given below:
- The student is required to score at least 70% marks in the Class 12 examination.
- The applicants have to submit English language proficiency test scores like IELTS (6.5 overall with no bands less than 6).
- The students must hold a 4 years bachelor’s degree, 70% average (for postgraduation).
- The applicants also need to submit the following documents:
- Letter of recommendation (LOR)
- Some universities may require written samples/copies of published work/Portfolio, and
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- One must also have up to 3 years of full-time work experience and GMAT: 580-600 minimum (for postgraduation).
- Based on your citizenship, you may require an eTA or a visitor visa, along with a study permit.
Which Country is Better?
As we can see from the above comparison, getting admission to French universities is easier than getting admission to Canadian universities. As a result, France will receive +2 points in this round of France vs Canada.
Also Read: UK vs France: Find out the Best Study Destination for Students
Tuition Fees
In this section, we will discover which country has the lowest educational expenses. We will do a comparison between France and Canada in terms of tuition fees and decide which one of them has a lower cost of education. The nation with the lowest cost of education will be granted +2 points.
Tuition Fees in France
The average annual tuition fees as stated by the websites of French universities are shown in the table given below:
| Study Program | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Undergraduate | €600 – €30,000 |
| Postgraduate | €3,770 |
| Doctoral | €380 – €30,000 |
Tuition Fees in Canada
According to the websites of the Canadian universities, the average annual tuition fees in the country are as follows:
| Study Program | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Undergraduate | CA$36,100 |
| Postgraduate | CA$21,100 |
| Doctoral | CA$4,000 – 8000 CAD/year |
Which Country is Better?
These tables demonstrate that France has a lower cost of education than Canada for the most part. Hence, France will get +2 points in this round of France vs Canada.
Also Read: Part-Time Jobs in France
Living Expenses
Before you make up your mind to move to your preferred study-abroad destination, make sure that you are aware of its cost of living. We will compare the living expenses in France and Canada in this section.
Cost of Living in France
The cost of living in France as per Numbeo is demonstrated in the table below:
| Monthly Rent | €589.50 – €1,408.42 |
| Average Apartment Price (Price per Square Metre) | €4,231.83 – €5,813.26 |
| Average Cost of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal | €15 |
| Average Transportation Cost (Monthly) | €61.37 |
| Average Cost of Utility (Monthly) | €229.03 |
Cost of Living in Canada
This is what the cost of living in Canada looks like as per 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 tables above demonstrate that the overall cost of living is lower in France than in Canada. Hence, France will be awarded +2 points in this round of France vs Canada.
Also Read: UK vs France: Find out the Best Study Destination for Students
Work Permit and PR
International students often seek employment and an opportunity to settle in their destination country after the completion of their studies. So, let’s understand the process of receiving a work permit or permanent residency in France and Canada.
Work Permit in France
Have a glance at the process of receiving a work permit in France:
Eligibility Criteria for a Work Permit in France:
The applicants need to meet the eligibility requirements given below if they want to become eligible for a France work permit:
- You need to have a valid passport to apply for the France work permit.
- You need to have a job offer from France.
- You need to have all the required documents that the application form mentions.
- You can work within the scope of work time specified in your work permit and are not allowed to surpass the specified time.
- You also have to submit the documents listed below:
- CV of the employee,
- A duly filled France visa application form,
- Recent colour photographs,
- A valid passport with expiry at least 3 months beyond the intended duration of stay,
- Copies of all education qualifications,
- Company’s appointment letter,
- Employer’s reference letter,
- A photocopy of the first and last page of the passport,
- Past employment testimonials, and
- A detailed description of the type of work to be performed by the applicant in France
Steps to Apply for France Work Permit
You need to follow the steps given below to apply for a France work permit:
Step 1: You need first to figure out the kind of permit you are applying for, by the role of the job and duration of employment.
Step 2: Then, properly complete the application form for the work permit.
Step 3: Gather all the necessary documentation for the France work permit.
Step 4: After this, you have to schedule an appointment to submit the Biometrics and mandatory documents at VAC (Visa Application Centre).
Step 5: Then, you have to wait for the embassy’s or consulate’s decision.
It usually takes about 5 to 20 working days for the work visa to process after you have submitted the required documents to the French Embassy/Consulate.
PR in France
If you want to stay in France for an extended period, or even permanently, you are eligible for a France permanent residence permit or French citizenship after five years. This time can be shortened in certain instances like marriage to or becoming a parent of a French national.
Work Permit in Canada
Let’s see how a work permit is offered in Canada:
Eligibility for a Work Permit in Canada
To be considered eligible for a work permit in Canada, the applicant needs to have:
- Valid job offer letter issued by a Canadian employer with a positive LMIA,
- Minimum of 2 years of work experience,
- Academic credentials,
- 67 points in Canada points calculator,
- ECA report, and
- CLB score 5/ IELTS – 6.5.
How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada
Follow the steps given below to apply for a Canadian work permit:
Step 1: Obtain your ECA and collect the checklist of requirements.
Step 2: Visit the official website of the Canadian government, and apply for the Canadian work permit online.
Step 3: Finally, you can work and settle in Canada.
The processing time for a work permit in Canada can take about 5 to 6 months for international applicants.
PR in Canada
The processing of a Canadian PR visa usually takes about 6 to 8 months. The processing time is based on the program where you submitted your application.
Which Country is Better?
According to the comparison done above, obtaining a work permit and permanent residency in Canada is simpler than in France. Hence, we will award a score of +2 to Canada in this section of our France vs Canada contest.
Also Read: Bonjour! Learn the 10 Best Ways to Say Hello in French!
Average Salaries: France vs Canada
The average salary after graduation in France is €39,800 per year according to WeAreDevelopers, while it is €48,058 annually after postgraduation as reported by Glassdoor. The average annual salary after graduation is CA$75,362 as per Talent.com. Entry-level positions begin at a salary of CA$ 52,457 per annum, while most experienced employees earn an income of CA$ 131,645 per year.
Which Country is Better?
The above comparison shows that the average salary in Canada is more than the average salary in France. As a result, Canada will be awarded +2 points in this round of France vs Canada.
Also Read: Study in France for Indian Students 2023
Other Major Elements
In this section, we will understand some of the other main considerations you need to have when choosing your study-abroad destination. Here are some of these essential considerations:
Climate
In France, summers are warm, with some thunderstorms, and winters are cold. Temperatures can go below 0 degrees Celsius in the countries, and mountains are frequently found covered in snow. The climate is Mediterranean in the south. Here, summers are hot and winters are dry and mild. On the other hand, the weather in Canada varies by location. There are five time zones in Canada, ranging from the Pacific to the Atlantic.
Safety
France is known for being very safe for overseas students. Serious crimes like murder and narcotics are rarely witnessed in the country. Coming to Canada, the country was ranked sixth among safer countries in the 2018 Global Peace Index.
Culture for International Students
People in France are known for being very friendly and welcoming to international students. Similarly, Canada is also a very welcoming nation for overseas students, however, the living expenses can be considerable.
Also Read: Benefits and Scope of a Masters in Marketing in Canada
Conclusion
After calculating the total scores of France and Canada, we find that both France and Canada scored 6 points, making this contest a draw. Both countries are excellent study-abroad destinations, offering high-quality education and extensive employment opportunities.
Before you select the country for pursuing education, please ensure that you assess the educational facilities and available financial aid for the program you want to attend. This will aid you in making a better-informed decision. With that being said, both France and Canada are amazing options for pursuing higher studies.
FAQs
Ans. Studying in France provides Indian students with a perfect blend of academic excellence, career opportunities, and cultural immersion.
Ans. Both France and Canada are excellent study-abroad destinations, offering high-quality education and a wide range of employment opportunities.
Ans. The living expense in France is 9% lower than in Canada.
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So, this was all about France 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.
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