Study Abroad Canada vs New Zealand – Which is better for Indian Students?

Indian students face a dilemma while choosing which international university to attend for their higher studies. One essential factor that gets debated is which country would be ideal for their studies.

New Zealand and Canada are perhaps among the most sought-after countries for higher studies. Let’s look at some of the comparisons between these two countries that Indian students need to consider for making their decisions.

Table of Contents

Canada vs New Zealand  – A Detailed Objective Comparison

The following comparison is a pure objective comparison just based on the numerical values and factual data,

1. Canada vs New Zealand Universities

If we were to look at both countries objectively, Canada would be the country that would be favored heavily due to the sheer number of universities that outnumber the number of universities in New Zealand. According to Wikipedia, there are about 97 universities in Canada as of 2021, whereas there are just eight universities in New Zealand.

Although the number of colleges might be higher in Canada, the quality of education provided by NZ’s colleges is world-class, and they have been consistently ranked high globally. Many Canadian Universities require an IELTS score of 6.5 or above for admission, which can be challenging. In contrast, most colleges in NZ accept an IELTS score of 6.

2. Canada vs New Zealand Tuition Fees 

Here is a detailed comparison of various courses, their corresponding prices in Indian rupees, and their corresponding local currency value.

Note – The values of the courses are calculated as per the exchange rate at the time of writing; it is subject to change depending on when you see it.

CourseCost in New ZealandNZD to INRCost in Canada(in CAD)CAD to INR
MastersNZD 26,000 – 37,0001245129 – 177191530000-400001803462-2404617[1]
BachelorsNZD 22,000 – 32,0001053571-153246712000 – 30000723326 – 1808316
PhDNZD 6500 – 9000311282 – 4310064000 – 19000241108 – 1145267
MBANZD 31,000 – 50,0001484577 – 239448045000 – 1250002712474 – 7534652
PostgraduateNZD 547192620505180001084989
UndergraduateNZD 20,500 – $25,000981736 – 119724015000 – 21000901731 – 1262424

*As of 10th November 2022

The table above shows the average cost of courses in New Zealand and Canada. From the above data, we can expect at least a 15% cost increase in the lowest cost difference when comparing the course cost of New Zealand versus Canada.

3. Getting PR and Citizenship in Canada vs New Zealand

Although Canada and New Zealand have a points-based system for immigration, it is significantly harder to get Canadian citizenship, with only around 60% of applicants being successful in the last few years, as opposed to nearly 80% for NZ.

It is a bit easier in Canada compared to NZ if done through the study route. It is difficult if applied directly. (Hence candidates should go through the study route to be able to get PR)

4. Canada vs New Zealand weather

The climate in Canada is generally colder than in New Zealand, although there are regional variations. In general, New Zealand experiences more rainfall than Canada.

5. Canada vs New Zealand Healthcare

There is no easy answer when comparing healthcare in Canada of New Zealand. Both countries have their public healthcare systems, with New Zealand being slightly more privatized than Canada. Both countries also have a mix of private and public healthcare providers.

Canada’s healthcare system is more comprehensive than New Zealand’s. For example, Canada covers a broader range of services, including prescription drugs, vision care, and mental health services. Canada also has more doctors and hospital beds per capita than New Zealand.

That said, New Zealand’s healthcare system outperforms Canada’s in some areas. For example, New Zealand has shorter wait times for elective surgery and cancer treatment. New Zealand also has a lower infant mortality rate than Canada.

Choosing a country to study is subjective

The choices that need to be made while selecting an international university to study for are often subjective and require a personalized approach that takes into consideration every aspect of a potential Indian student, such as the 

  • financial capability
  • student’s career aspirations
  • the job market for the said career path
  • which universities cater to specific majors
  • Job restrictions for students while studying in an abroad country
  • And More

These considerations make it very hard to objectively recommend a country based on the raw numbers alone. A trained professional would better evaluate these variations and find a suitable path for you. You can contact one of our experienced consultants for a free consultation to make your journey to going abroad faster and more efficient.

Alvito Fernandes
Alvito Fernandes

Alvito Fernandes is an experienced study abroad counselor and entrepreneur, with a passion for mentoring students. With an MBA graduate class of 2002 and a Harvard Alumni on Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, he is well-equipped to provide expert guidance. As an ICEF certified agent, he has been recognized as Agent of the Month by Study Group UK and acknowledged as a preferred partner in Mumbai for GUS Canada. Alvito's work has had a significant impact on the lives of students, as evidenced by the testimonials of those he has helped study and migrate abroad. His straightforward and matter-of-fact advice, based on extensive industry experience and research, has earned him the trust of his clients. With a strong commitment to his students' best interests, Alvito's counseling is always aimed at preparing them to face any challenges they may encounter. His wealth of experience and constant learning from past students' experiences enable him to provide comprehensive guidance on various countries and courses.

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