Are you curious about the differences between the US and Canadian universities? These two countries are becoming popular destinations for many students because of their exceptional higher education systems, promises of quality education, vibrant campus life, and diverse opportunities. Canada is known for snow-capped mountains and its love for ice hockey, while America is famous for its booming job market and diverse culture. Is United States bigger than Canada? Canada is undeniably larger than the United States in terms of land area. However, is Canada better than the USA in higher education? Let’s look at Canadian education vs American education.
Canada vs USA: Universities
Similarities between Canada and United States
- English is the most commonly spoken language in the United States and Canada.
- Universities in the US and Canada have public and private universities.
- Usually, applicants can apply to universities individually in the US and Canada.
- Many US colleges and a few Canadian universities require SAT or ACT scores along with the application, which is one of the criteria that help colleges and universities assess whether students can face challenges in academic research.
- Both US and Canadian universities offer diverse education through lectures, labs, and small group classes.
Differences between Canada and the US
The approach to undergraduate education
- American universities often operate on a liberal arts system, encouraging students to explore a variety of disciplines before declaring a major. This flexibility allows for a broader educational experience, fostering critical thinking and adaptability.
- In contrast, Canadian universities typically require students to apply directly to one major and the courses will be developed around the major, necessitating an earlier commitment to a chosen field of study.
Study years of Bachelor’s Degree
- In the US, it takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in most programs.
- A four-year program might be called an “honours bachelor’s degree” in Canada and Canadian bachelor’s degrees are sometimes three-year programs.
Application
- Universities in Canada focus primarily on students’ grades. On average, a student will apply to five colleges.
- The US universities require more application materials, including essays, recommendations, information about extracurricular activities and other supplementary materials.
Acceptance rates
- Canadian universities’ acceptance rates are high. GPA is the main point at which universities make their admission decisions. Therefore, the higher your GPA score, the more possible you will be admitted.
- The admission rates in America vary according to different universities. Top universities like MIT and Havard University have very low acceptance rates.
American education system vs Canadian
- Most universities in Canada are public and funded by the provinces, while private universities operating without government funding are much less common.
- Public universities in the United States are almost always funded by the state government and federal funds. Private universities typically get financial support from donations, foundations, and research grants. Besides, some private colleges in the US belongs to religious group, which is different from higher education in Canada.
Top universities in Canada and the US
- QS World University Rankings provides a credible, multi-faceted assessment of universities in the world based on several key performance indicators, guiding students to choose their study destinations. According to the statistics from QS rankings, we list the best universities in Canada and the US.
| USA | Canada | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2025 |
University name | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
University name |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 25 | University of Toronto |
| 4 | Harvard University | 29 | McGill University |
| 6 | Stanford University | 38 | University of British Columbia |
| 10 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 96 | University of Alberta |
| 11 | University of Pennsylvania | 115 | University of Waterloo |
| 12 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 120 | Western University |
| 16 | Cornell University | 159 | Université de Montréal |
| 21 | University of Chicago | 176 | McMaster University |
| 22 | Princeton University | 189 | University of Ottawa |
| 23 | Yale University | 193 | Queen’s University at Kingston |
Three new survey indicators have been added to the QS World University Rankings 2025: sustainability, employment outcomes, and international research network. More than 1,500 universities are included in the QS World University Rankings, including 226 in North America, 196 in the United States and 30 in Canada. Eleven of Canada’s top universities are in the top 200. The chart above shows that the top 10 universities in the United States are higher in the QS rankings than the top universities in Canada. The overall strength of American universities is stronger than that of Canada.
US vs Canada: Expenses
1. Student housing
American universities offer more kinds of student housing so that students can choose the most suitable student apartments based on their preferences and needs. You can see traditional dormitory-style residences, fraternity and sorority houses, and off-campus apartments in the US. If you are independent and want more private space, an off-campus student apartment is a nice choice, in which you can enjoy your personal time and not be bothered by other things.
Canadian student housing often emphasizes communal living. Therefore, it’s more common that several students share common kitchen and living spaces in suite-style arrangements in Canadian universities to experience a shared living. However, most universities in Canada are very large, so it’s hard to accommodate all the students in their on-campus housing. They can find student housing near their universities and spend more time with communities.
2. Cost of living Canada vs USA
Living expenses in Canada vs the USA are also important matters for students to care about. The cost of living in Canada compared to US is relatively low. According to the Mercer Cost of Living Rankings, Toronto is the most expensive city in Canada, ranked #90 in the world in 2023, while New York is the most expensive city in the United States, ranked sixth globally.
Except for Toronto, rent, food, and other essentials are usually affordable in other Canadian cities are more affordable. For example, students at the University of Ottawa may pay about $1,800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
In the US, renting student housing near a university can vary widely depending on where you rent and the city you live in. You can rent a student apartment for $1,000 monthly near Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge, just as you can cost $4,000 near NYU.
There are many benefits of living in Canada vs USA. Besides the affordable cost of living, public services like healthcare are also accessible and largely funded through taxes, alleviating the burden for residents in medical expenses. The country also focuses on social welfare, environmental sustainability, and inclusive policies that foster a sense of community and belonging.
3. Employment opportunities
Compared to Canada, America has more job opportunities. You can only work part-time before you get your diploma and degree certificate. It is much easier to find part-time jobs in Canada, where you can do any job because the study permit doubles up as a work permit. In the US, if you want to work while studying, you have to obtain an OPT (Optional Practical Training), and your job must be related to your field.
Job mobility and potential earnings can be higher in the USA. The job market is more competitive, so it’s important to work hard and improve the skills needed for the job. With more universities in the US, there are more talents majoring in different fields. Graduates from top universities have more chances to get high-paid jobs. So try hard and give yourself access to top academic platforms.
Why is USA better than Canada?
Canada and the United States are popular study-abroad destinations, and they have some of the best education resources in the world. But why do some people think studying in the United States is better than in Canada? Let’s find out why.
1. Advancement in the education system
The United States has a highly regarded education system with top-ranked universities such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and MIT, known for their academic achievements and deep heritage in various fields. Canada’s higher education, while excellent, lags slightly behind the United States in overall rankings and the number of top universities.
2. The richness of subject settings
American universities offer a wide range of subjects, including traditional and emerging fields like computer science, biological science, and art design. In comparison, Canada’s subject offerings are not as comprehensive in some areas.
3. Diversity of internship and career opportunities
The United States offers many internship and employment opportunities due to its large economy and numerous Fortune 500 companies. This provides students with valuable professional experience and broad career prospects.
4. Cultural and social diversity
The United States is a multicultural country with a diverse student and immigrant population. Studying there allows you to interact with people from various cultural backgrounds, broaden your thinking, and engage in different activities.
5. The dynamism of the entrepreneurial atmosphere
The United States offers a great environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, providing access to cutting-edge technology, business opportunities, and entrepreneurial support. It’s a great choice for starting a business.
FAQ
How many universities are there in the United States?
According to the latest data, there are over 4,000 institutions in the United States, including public and private universities, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and specialised institutions.
Is Canada better than the USA?
It depends on individual needs. Every country has its advantages and disadvantages. Canada’s strengths lie in its commitment to social welfare, healthcare accessibility, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, while the US attract more people because of its diverse culture, more job opportunities, and high quality life.
Is education better in Canada or the USA?
The USA is better in higher education than Canada.
The USA has more top universities worldwide renowned for their cutting-edge research, extensive funding opportunities, and strong industry connections. In contrast, Canada is often praised for its robust public education system, which is largely funded by the government and ensures a high standard of education across the board.
