Based on the QS World University Rankings 2024, France and Canada boast 35 and 31 top universities, respectively. Additionally, as of 2023, Canada issued 579,075 student permits, while France approved 4,000 applications from Indian students. This data underscores the appeal of both France and Canada as premier destinations for Indian students. If you’re struggling to choose between study in Canada vs. France, this article will provide the clarity you need to make an informed decision.
Top Universities To Study In Canada Vs. France
The table below provides a comparative overview of the top universities in France and Canada based on the QS World University Rankings 2024. It highlights the rankings of seven leading institutions from each country, offering valuable insights for students considering studying abroad in France vs. Canada. This detailed comparison aims to assist prospective students in making an informed decision about their higher education destination.
| France UniversitiesRank (QS 2024) | France UniversitiesRank (QS 2024) | Canada Universities | Canadian UniversitiesRank (QS 2024) |
| Paris Science and Letters (PSL) University | 24 | The University of Toronto | 21 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 38 | McGill University | 30 |
| Sorbonne University | 59 | University of British Columbia | 34 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 71 | The University of Alberta | 111 |
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 184 | The University of Waterloo | 112 |
| École des ponts ParisTech | 192 | Western University | 114 |
| Université Paris Cité | 236 | Université de Montréal | 141 |
Admission Requirements For Study In Canada Vs. France Universities
Before deciding on whether to study in France or Canada, it is crucial to understand the admission requirements for each country. In this section, we will examine the admission criteria for both nations and determine which one has a simpler application process.
Admission Requirements For France
The eligibility criteria for admission to French universities are as follows:
- Applicants must be 18 years old before applying to their chosen French university.
- A short-stay visa is required for training programmes lasting less than three months.
- A temporary long-stay visa is granted for training courses ending after three or six months, with no additional paperwork needed upon arrival in France.
- A long-stay visa, equivalent to a residency permit, is necessary for training programmes exceeding six months.
Admission Requirements For Canada
The eligibility criteria for studying at Canadian universities include:
- A minimum score of 70% in the Class 12 examination.
- English language proficiency test scores, such as IELTS (overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6).
- A four-year bachelor’s degree with a 70% average for postgraduate programmes.
Documents Required For Study In Canada Vs. France
Gathering all necessary documentation for your chosen destination is essential when preparing to study abroad. The following table outlines the required documents for studying in France and Canada, providing a clear comparison to help you ensure you meet the admission requirements for each country.
| Documents Required for Study in France | Documents Required for Study in Canada |
| High school leaving certificates translated into French or English | Transcript of academic records |
| Copy of identity card | Copy of identity card |
| Cover letter | Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
| Resume or curriculum vitae | Resume or curriculum vitae |
| Online university application form | Online university application form |
| Bachelor’s degree certificate for pursuing a Masters | Four-year bachelor’s degree |
| Professional references | Letters of Recommendation (LORs) |
| Research project, if any | English proficiency test results |
| Work study contract, if applicable | More than three years of work experience |
| English proficiency test scorecard | GMAT or GRE scores |
| French proficiency proof, if needed | |
| Internship or professional experience supporting documents | |
| Entrance exam, if applicable, as per course |
Scholarships In Canada Vs. France
When considering studying abroad, scholarships play a crucial role in offsetting the costs of education and living expenses. Both France and Canada offer a range of scholarships for international students, catering to various fields of study and levels of academic achievement. In France, scholarships often cover tuition fees, provide monthly allowances, and include additional benefits such as health insurance and cultural activities. Canadian scholarships, similarly, offer substantial financial support, including tuition waivers, living stipends, and research grants.
Scholarships In France
The following table highlights some prominent scholarships available for international students in France, detailing their eligibility criteria and the benefits or award amounts they offer.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits/Award |
| Eiffel Scholarships | Merit-Based, open to all international students for Masters and PhD courses | Monthly allowance: €1,181 (PG), €1,400 (Research); includes health insurance, return trip fare, and cultural activities. |
| Ile-de-France Masters Scholarships | Students below 30 years enrolled in select French Universities in the Ile de France region for Masters | A lump sum amount of up to €10,500 per student for the duration of the stay |
| Emile-Boutmy Scholarship / International Masters Mobility Scholarship | Highly meritorious students in undergraduate and Master’s programmes in UPSC universities | UG: Up to €7,300/year for tuition and €5,000/year for living costs or lump sum of €19,000. PG: Up to €10,000/year for tuition and €6,000 for living costs. |
| École Normale Supérieure | Merit-Based, open to all international students for Masters in Sciences or Humanities | €1,000 per month |
Scholarships In Canada
The table below presents a selection of prominent scholarships available for international students in Canada. These scholarships cater to a range of academic levels and fields of study and offer substantial financial support to help students achieve their educational goals.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefit/Award Amount |
| Shastri Research Student Fellowship | Students must complete at least six months (one semester) of their course from a member institution of the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute or an institution under the Shastri network. | CAD 500 to CAD 1,000 for up to 8-12 weeks. |
| IDRC Research Awards | This is for students pursuing studies in Climate-Resilient Food Systems, democratic and Inclusive Governance, Education and Science, Global Health, and Sustainable Inclusive Economies. | CAD 42,033 to CAD 48,659. |
| Hani Zeini Scholarship | For students with financial need pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree with a focus on enterprising and entrepreneurial careers. Applicable to all universities across Canada. | Covers tuition fees and expenses, up to USD 1,000 per student. |
| UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award | Recognises international undergraduate students demonstrating superior academic achievement, leadership skills, involvement in student affairs and community service, and recognised achievements in fields such as performing arts, sports, etc. | Award level commensurate with financial need as determined by tuition, fees, and living costs minus family contribution. |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship | For students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in Criminal Justice, Accounts, Business Administration, and Finance. Applicable across all universities in Canada. | Up to USD 10,000 per student. |
Tuition Fees
In this section, we will examine which country offers the lowest educational expenses by comparing the tuition fees in France and Canada. The country with the lowest cost of education will be awarded +2 points.
Tuition Fees in France
According to the websites of French universities, the average annual tuition fees are as follows:
| Study Programme | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Undergraduate | €600 – €30,000 |
| Postgraduate | €3,770 |
| Doctoral | €380 – €30,000 |
Tuition Fees in Canada
As per the websites of Canadian universities, the average annual tuition fees are as follows:
| Study Programme | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Undergraduate | CA$36,100 |
| Postgraduate | CA$21,100 |
| Doctoral | CA$4,000 – CA$8,000 per year |
Study In Canada Vs. France – Visa
When comparing visas for studying in France and Canada, there are several key differences to consider, including application processes, requirements, and types of visas. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:
France Study Visa
- Visa Type: Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)
- Application Process:
- Apply online or at the French consulate in your home country.
- Obtain a preliminary acceptance letter from a French institution.
- Submit documents, including proof of financial means, accommodation arrangements, and health insurance.
- Eligibility:
- Acceptance into a recognised French educational institution.
- Proof of financial means to cover living expenses and tuition fees.
- Health insurance covers the duration of your stay.
- Duration: It is valid for the length of the course plus a few months, generally up to one year initially, with the possibility of renewal.
- Conditions:
- Allows you to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week).
- Includes the possibility of a residence permit if the course extends beyond a year.
Canada Study Permit
- Visa Type: Study Permit
- Application Process:
- Apply online or via a paper application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Provide proof of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of financial support, and a police certificate if required.
- Eligibility:
- Acceptance into a DLI in Canada.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and return travel.
- Must pass a medical exam if required.
- Duration: This is valid for the duration of the course plus an additional 90 days, generally up to the length of the study programme. Extensions can be applied for.
- Conditions:
- Allows you to work part-time during the academic session (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during breaks.
- Spouses and common-law partners may be eligible for an open work permit.
Choosing between studying abroad in France and Canada ultimately depends on your academic goals, financial considerations, and personal preferences. Both countries offer high-quality education and a range of opportunities for international students, but they differ in tuition fees, visa processes, and available scholarships.
France provides a rich cultural experience with relatively lower tuition fees, while Canada offers robust support systems and work opportunities. By carefully evaluating the factors discussed—such as costs, visa requirements, and scholarship options—you can make an informed decision that aligns with your academic and career aspirations.
FAQs
Q1. Which country is better: Canada or France?
The choice between Canada and France depends on your preferences: Canada offers a diverse environment with strong support for international students and work opportunities, while France provides a rich cultural experience and lower tuition fees.
Q2. Is France cheaper than Canada for international students?
France is generally cheaper than Canada for international students, with average annual tuition fees ranging from €600 to €30,000, compared to Canada’s CA$36,100 for undergraduate and CA$21,100 for postgraduate programmes.
Q3. Is France a good place to study abroad?
Offering a great multicultural study experience, France is considered one of the best study abroad destinations in the world.
Q4. Is Canada richer than France?
On a per capita basis, the average Canadian is slightly wealthier than the average French, with incomes of $46,232 versus $41,463. However, with France’s larger population of 66.99 million (as of 2019), the overall wealth distribution differs.
Q5. Is healthcare better in France or Canada?
Healthcare is generally considered better in France due to its comprehensive coverage and higher overall health outcomes compared to Canada.
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1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further