Studying abroad is an exciting and life-changing experience for many people. If you’re a Nigerian student considering your options, choosing between Canada and the USA might be daunting. Both countries offer unique opportunities and advantages, but which should you choose? This article will compare studying in Canada vs the USA for Nigerian students to help guide you on your journey to success.
For years, the United States has been seen as the land of opportunity. This reputation is largely due to the high quality of education that American colleges and universities offer. However, recent analysis from BusinessDay suggest that Canada is now becoming a more favorable destination for Nigerian students seeking an education.
Currently, there are an estimated 30,663 Nigerian students studying in Canada and the United States, with tens of thousands more expected to reach North America each year.
Citing a data from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Statista.com, Nigeria is the only African country among the top ten place of origin of international students in the United States and Canada.
According to the data, 52% of Nigerian students choose to major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), making it their top choice.
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Studying in Canada vs the USA – which is better?
Many of these Nigerian students will have to decide whether to study in the United States or Canada. While the two countries are comparable in terms of educational quality and post-graduation employment chances, there are significant disparities in tuition, financial aid, and post-graduation immigration opportunities that have made Canada a popular destination for international students.
Quality of Education
Whilst quality of education is often distinctive to individual academic institutions (and programs of study), there are considerable parallels between higher education in Canada and the United States.
QS (an internationally recognized higher education analytics group) identified the best student cities in the world in 2023. Canada claimed three of the top twenty positions (Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver), while the United States claimed two (Boston and New York City). This is a general indication of equality in educational quality between the two countries—at least in the cities that serve as their post-secondary educational hubs. While this is beneficial, what happens when we examine data by country?
According to a recent survey conducted by the IDP (International Development Project), an international education organization specializing in student placement in Canada, Australia, and the United States, Canada is by far the most popular study destination among international students, with 27% of respondents naming Canada as their first choice. In comparison, only 15% of respondents chose the United States, which came in fourth place, following Australia and the United Kingdom.
Since the quality of education is basically comparable, are there any additional reasons why Nigerian students prefer Canada to the United States?
Cost of Education
The cost of education is another significant factor for Nigerian students looking to study abroad. Canada generally has more affordable tuition fees than the United States. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, the average tuition fee for international undergraduate students in Canada in 2021 was CAD 30,920 (approximately USD 24,611).
In contrast, according to CollegeBoard, the average tuition and fees for international undergraduate students in the United States in 2020-21 was USD 37,240 at public institutions and USD 49,870 at private institutions. However, scholarships and financial aid may be more readily available in the United States.
Living Expenses
In addition to cost of education, living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation are also essential factors to consider when deciding where to study. Living expenses are generally higher in the United States than in Canada. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in the United States is about 4% higher than in Canada.
Let’s have a look at how much it costs to live in each country.
Expense Type | The USA (Cost per month in American Dollar) | Canada (Cost per month in Canadian Dollar) |
Hostels and Guesthouses | $1,350 to $3,000 | $300 – $600 |
Shared Rental | $470 to $3,600 | $250 to $700 |
On campus (Accommodation) | $800 to $900 | $600 to $700 |
Homestay (Accommodation) | $600 to $3,000 | $400 to $800 |
Private Apartment | $450 | $400 to $1500 |
Internet/phone | $35 to $60 | $50 to $76 |
Food | $17 to $42 | $1200 to $1500 |
Electricity/gas | $50 to $100 | $200 |
Transport | $36 | $100 to $150 |
Academic Programs and Reputation
The academic programs and the reputation of the universities are also essential factors to consider when choosing where to study. Both Canada and the United States have world-renowned universities that offer excellent academic programs.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, the top five universities in Canada are the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, and the Université de Montréal.
The top five universities in the United States are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Harvard University, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and the University of Chicago. Students should research the universities and the specific academic programs they are interested in to determine which country would be a better fit for their educational goals.
Employment Opportunities for Nigerian students
Nigerian students may want to consider employment opportunities when choosing where to study. Both Canada and the USA offer opportunities for students to work while studying, but the regulations differ. In Canada, international students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during scheduled breaks.
In the United States, international students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during scheduled breaks, but off-campus employment opportunities are more limited. However, after graduation, international students in the United States are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) which allows them to work in their field of study for up to 12 months (or 36 months for students in STEM fields). Canada also offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that allows international students to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation.
Immigration Policies
But, for many students, employment is not only a source of financial security but also a way of permanently relocation to the country of study.
Both Canada and the United States have different policies regarding international students. In Canada, the government is actively trying to attract more international students, and there are various pathways to permanent residency, including the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program and the Canadian Experience Class.
In contrast, the United States has recently introduced stricter immigration policies, which may make it more challenging for international students to obtain a work visa or permanent residency after graduation.
In the United States, after graduating as an international student, the path to a green card usually entails one of three pathways:
- Apply as an immigrant worker in one of five “preferred” categories, or apply for the same visa as someone with exceptional ability.
- Apply as an immigrant investor; or
- Apply as a U.S. citizen’s spouse or fiancée.
The issue is that, while there are numerous opportunities for international students to temporarily extend their stay in the United States as foreign workers, there are fewer paths to acquiring a green card thereafter.
Meanwhile, immigration to Canada for international students is significantly easier. Students who have completed a minimum of one year of study in an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) may apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). This is an open work permit that allows graduates to work in almost any industry and for virtually any employer. International students can pursue any of the following paths to PR after gaining at least one year of Canadian work experience:
- Express Entry
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Quebec immigration
- Spousal sponsorship
These immigration policies, combined with internationally accredited educational institutions, costs of education, the cost of living, and positive work outcomes, have made Canada one of the most popular international study destinations for Nigerian students.
Final Thoughts!
Based on the factors discussed above, Canada seems to be the better option for Nigerian students studying abroad. The Canadian education system offers high-quality education, more affordable tuition fees, and better post-graduation work opportunities.
Additionally, the Canadian government provides more immigration options for international students, including the opportunity to gain permanent residency after graduation. The country’s multiculturalism and welcoming attitude towards immigrants make it an attractive destination for Nigerians seeking a supportive and inclusive community.
While the United States has many excellent universities and offers a diverse range of programs, the high tuition fees, limited work opportunities, and uncertain immigration policies make it a less desirable option for Nigerian students.
Overall, Canada offers a more affordable and welcoming environment for Nigerian students to pursue their academic and professional goals.