Moving from Canada to England to study abroad could be the best decision of your life. Learn the ins and outs of studying in England as a Canadian.
Being the holder of an overseas degree can give you a competitive edge in your career, especially if you obtained that degree in England.
The UK's popularity as a host destination of international students is second only to the United States. In addition, Canada is one of the top non-EU countries sending the most students to the UK, with nearly 7,000 Canadian students¹ enrolled in the monarchy country.
Before joining this bandwagon, make sure you have your ducks in a row with our practical guide to studying in England as a Canadian student.
When planning to study abroad, money is usually the elephant in the room you can't afford to ignore. It's wise to have the numbers figured out to make a feasible choice.
Generally, UK tuition fees for international students average between £10,000 – £20,000² per year for most subjects. However, the cost is higher for international postgraduate students, (£6,500 - £51,360), with MBA fees costing as much as £63,000.
These estimates are not set in stone. Many variables come into play, such as the university's prestigiousness, your study level and the type and length of your course. Also, remember that international students tend to pay more compared to UK citizens (this is common in most countries).
Besides tuition fees, you have to factor in the following costs:
Studying abroad in England can be expensive. Therefore, Canadian students have a strong incentive to explore financial aid and funding options to lower affordability obstacles.
The first option is to explore UK universities offering scholarships and financial support to Canadian students. The UK government also provides bursaries, grants, fellowships, and other financial support options to students from several countries, including Canada. Merit-based and need-based financial aid can significantly reduce the pinch of international study expenses.
You can also explore funding options for Canadian students in the UK. For instance, you may qualify for a Canadian Student Loan⁴ to help fund your study overseas. Other than that, you can also secure part-time work or get help from family to fund your studies.
There are several options for paying for your studies abroad:
Studying abroad can be a tricky balancing act. Easing money transfer from Canada to England to pay tuition eliminates some of the stress and enhances your student experience.
Studying in Britain is a fashionable choice for Canadian students in more ways than one.
Once you choose a suitable university and program, you can apply through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) for undergraduate programs. If you're applying for a postgraduate program, you can apply directly to the university or institution via their website or application portal. Make sure you meet the entry requirements for the university of your choice.
In the past, Canadian students wishing to study in the UK had to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. However, this was recently replaced with the new UK student visa. Qualification requirements include:
The good news is you don't need to prove your knowledge of English if you're a Canadian national.
Some of the best student cities in the UK include:
The following universities are often recommended for Canadian students:
If you feel jittery about studying in the UK abroad, you can always calm your nerves by reaching out to your chosen university. Ask questions, do your research and gain more information until you feel confident with your choice.
Need your Canadian dollars to follow you overseas and cover tuition and other expenses? Studying in the UK is already expensive enough. Don't get blindsided by poor exchange rates that force you to pay over the odds.
Your best bet is using an international money transfer service. With an MTFX account, you can enjoy 3-5% lower exchange rates than the banks. This could result in a savings difference of $1,500 if your annual tuition costs amount to $30,000.
If you're studying in an area with a rainy reputation, be sure to invest in a durable umbrella and raincoat. Furthermore, take these with you anytime you go out.
Take advantage of student discounts to save more money while studying in the UK. Use discount apps to ferret out the latest deals and save big.
Be open-minded and willing to try new experiences and make new friends. While studying is serious business, leaving room for fun and great times is essential.
Not necessarily. There are ways to make costs manageable, such as working part-time, using your savings, getting a student loan, applying for scholarships, or choosing more affordable study options.
It depends on your priorities. Factors to consider include cost of living, student population, culture, sport and more. Also, consider your interests, whether clubbing, football, countryside hikes or history.
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