Canada Vs. Sweden For Foreign Students
Studying overseas is one of the most beneficial experience for a college student. When studying overseas, students will have the freedom to go to a foreign country and meet new people.
Canada and Sweden are two of the best destinations to study overseas as they have one of the best educational systems in the world. Canada has many top-ranked universities globally, while Sweden has universities that are leading in technological research.
Studying overseas includes having better career opportunities, honing language skills, taking in a new culture, and a better-education system. However, people need to do adequate research before applying to any university. This article will provide a good review of Canadian and Swedish educational programs.
Opportunities For English Speakers.
Canada :
One of the best things about studying in Canada is the country’s opportunities for English speakers. After graduating, if the student’s grade is good, many job opportunities are available with good startup pay.
A post-graduate work permit may be required for students who wish to work in Canada after graduation. The work permit allows students to stay and work in the country for three years after graduation.
Foreign students can expect to make between 30,200-543,000 Canadian dollars per annum. However, the pay largely depends on what sector you chooses to work in.
Also, the region the student decides to stay back and work in will affect how much they will earn. Computer science, Ms in Canada, and MBA in Canada are some of the highest paying degrees.
Below are some job opportunities for English speakers in Canada.
- English second language teacher.
- Program assistant.
- Access control screener.
- Customer service representative.
- Special constable.
- Social Media Editor.
Sweden :
Sweden offers both part-time and full-time jobs to English speakers. One can find an English-speaking job in the hospitality industry or as a translator.
The hospitality sector is now a booming industry in Sweden, and it offers the best opportunity to English speakers due to its flexible working hours.
Non-EU students that want to work in Sweden after their studies can apply to extend their residence work permit for up to six months.
To be eligible, they must have completed at least two-part full-time semesters of study. They will also be required to prove that they can sustain themselves financially during the extension.
Below are some opportunities for English speakers in Sweden.
- Customer service agent.
- Operations assistant.
- Customer And Sales Agent.
- Digital Marketing Coordinator.
- Remote Internship.
- Business Development Intern.
Entry Requirements For Universities
Canada :
Whether searching for a degree or a multicultural environment, Canada is ideal for foreign students. There are wide ranges of study options offered by universities, colleges, and technical schools.
Canada has over 30 universities ranked in the top 300 universities globally. This goes to affirm how good the educational system is in Canada.
Foreign students that wish to study in Canada will benefit from the process below.
- The applicant should ensure that their preferred college is classified as a designated learning institute(DLI).
- The applicant must also get at least 70% in their grades. The higher the grade, the better the chances.
- People above 25 years and who have graduated from the last program at least two years before their application will be required to provide information about their previous jobs.
- The next step is for the applicant to meet the language proficiency requirements. The main English tests accepted in Canadian universities include IELTS Academic, PTE academic, Toefl Ibt, and C1 advanced.
- Different universities have different requirements; the most common ones are; Graduation certificate or diploma, Resume, Filled-in application, letter of intent, evidence that the applicant can support themselves in Canada, and two letters of academic reference.
Sweden :
People who want to study in Sweden will need to meet general entry and program-specific requirements. One can find specific requirements for varying academic programs in Sweden on their university websites.
Foreign students that wish to study in Sweden will benefit from the process below.
- The bachelor’s degree applicant should have completed their high school.
- They must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in English. The requirements for entry into the bachelor level in Sweden are equal to the Swedish upper secondary school course.
- Those applying to study for their masters will need to show an award of bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- They must also demonstrate proficiency in English by passing tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, etc.
Quality Of Education
Canada :
Canada is ranked as one of the best countries globally and ranks number one globally in quality of life. Studying in Canada will guarantee that the applicant receives a recognized education from arguably the top educators in the world.
Canada is recognized worldwide for its excellent educational system-from their elementary school to post-secondary school. The educators are highly trained, bringing different views and worldviews to the classroom. At least one out of every five academics in their universities holds one global degree.
In addition, ten out of the universities in Canada rank in the top 250 universities in the world. Students that want to study in Canada will be welcomed with open arms and enjoy a high standard of living.
The number of foreign students in Canada has grown exponentially between 2008-2015 by 92%. Canada has no centralized ministry of education, making its educational system a bit complex.
The country’s ten provinces and three territories govern that education system autonomously under separate jurisdictions.
A joint council of ministers of education acts as an intragovernmental body that facilitates the educational policies amongst the ten provinces.
Sweden :
Sweden boasts an adequately developed education system for children, young people, and adults. The quality of their educational system is reflected by the fact that above 70% of the adult populace are involved in some form of education during 12 months.
People will be interested also by the fact that primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary is free of charge, and attendance is compulsory. Access to university colleges is without any upper age limit.
Sweden’s level of education is high and has risen considerably over the years. Half of the population aged 25-64 has upper secondary school education at the highest level of education.
Sweden’s education act(2010:800) prescribes everyone to have an education irrespective of their geography, social and economic conditions, and education in schools.
Students with disabilities who may not be able to participate in ordinary teaching will benefit from the country’s alternative education system for people with disabilities.
Student Life
Canada :
More than 500,000 foreign students go to Canada every year for college and university Education. However, thousands more travel to Canada for elementary and high school to take part in exchange programs or for language school. Students who come to Canada will enjoy the diverse and multicultural classrooms.
The country is recognized for being a very inclusive country. LGBTQ people will not be subject to any discrimination when studying in Canada. World-class teachers attend to students that need extra attention and tutoring.
In Canada, colleges, school boards, and universities are committed to providing both students and teachers a safe environment for them to work and study.
Classrooms in Canada value excellence and innovation. The quality of the teachings in Canada. Students will be encouraged to do their research and share ideas on their various fields of study.
They’d collaborate with other students, teachers, and instructors providing them endless possibilities for life after school. European and American cultures largely influence culture in the country.
Sweden :
Sweden has a bubbling student life for anyone interested in studying abroad. Sweden has an active student union at every university in the country. It is not mandatory to join. However, people who like a social life will benefit from joining the student union as that’s where they’d meet other students.
Sweden also has an interest in outdoor and sporting activities. People can rest assured that their chosen universities will most likely have an active sporting culture.
The universities may have intramural teams for handball, football, hockey, and more. Also, with almost 10,000 lakes, students can enjoy the water and water activities.
Students that enjoy hiking will love the country’s 29 national parks and the lovely green space around the cities for shorter hikes. Also, students that reside in the country will benefit from the ” allemansratten.”
Allemansratten is a law that allows one to hike and camp anywhere in Sweden provided they follow a set of laid down rules such as; keeping the city clean and not camping close to houses.
Tuition
Canada
The tuition fees are a bit high when compared to other countries. They have a high standard of education and living, contributing to the high costs.
However, Canadian tuition fees are still low compared to countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia or the USA. The tuition fees also vary depending on the city and the program choice. Newfoundland has the lowest tuition while Ontario has the highest.
Below is the tuition for some of Canada’s famous courses.
- Bachelors in Business Management- 550-56,000 CAD per year.
- BSc in engineering and Technology- 1350-55,000 CAD per year.
- BSc in computer science and IT- 1535-55,000 CAD per year.
- BSc in social sciences- 1025- 56,000 CAD per year.
- BSc in Natural sciences- 1780-53,000 CAD per year.
- MSc in Business Management- 2150-52,750 CAD per year.
- MSc in engineering and Technology- 2150-52,000 CAD per year.
- MSc in computer science and IT- 2150-52,000 CAD per year.
- MSc in Medicine and Health- 2150-58,300 CAD per year.
- MSc in social sciences- 2150- 37,000 CAD per year.
Sweden
Sweden is a member of the European Union, which means that the tuition fees apply to EU/EEA, Nordic, and Switzerland. Students that come to study in the country using exchange programs are also exempt from the costs.
Swedish universities are primarily public, and their BSc and MSc programs are free for Switzerland and EU/EEA students. Ph.D. programs are free for every student despite their country of origin.
Below is the tuition for some of Sweden’s popular courses
- Engineering, Natural sciences and IT- 11,250-13,600 Euros.
- Architecture and Design- 17,800-25,300 Euros.
- Social sciences and Humanities- 7500- 10,300 Euros.
Living Costs
Canada :
Foreign students must meet the costs of studying and living in Canada. Canadian citizenship and immigration will require proof that the intended student has sufficient funds.
The college will provide a living cost estimate, and the immigration officer will follow through with it. However, if the college doesn’t offer it, the student will be required to show evidence that they have $10,000 for 12 months of living expenses.
Citizenship and immigration will also require an additional $4000 for the spouse and $3000 for each dependent. The amount includes food, accommodation, medical, transportation, insurance, clothing, and books. The tuition fee is not included in this amount.
Students are advised to get medical and hospital insurance as Canadian Healthcare is costly. Health insurance is issued privately in each province. Some universities will require compulsory insurance coverage, and it must be gotten on the first week of arrival. Some of the most expensive cities to live in Canada are;
- Toronto, Ontario.
- Vancouver, British Columbia.
- Calgary, Alberta.
- Montreal, Quebec.
- Ottawa, Ontario.
Sweden
The living costs in Sweden are considerably lower compared to countries like Canada. Foreign students should live in a dormitory because they are cheaper.
The rent price ranges from 240-620 Euro per month. Alternatively, students can choose to co-rent or share an apartment. Co-renting will cost anywhere between 300-700 Euro per month.
Foreign students should expect to pay around 200 Euros per month for food. However, this depends on the individual’s eating habits. Students can reduce their food expenses by buying groceries from affordable supermarkets such as; Lindl, Willy’s, or Suburban city stores.
Meals in a Swedish restaurant costs about 8-10 Euros. A two-person three-course meal in an average restaurant costs about 45-65 Euros while a drink in a bar goes for 6 Euros.
Public transportation will cost around 40-55 Euros. Students can also choose to use a bicycle which will cost them about 110 Euros. 20% of students in Sweden use bicycles as a mode of transportation because it is cheaper than taking the bus in the long term.
Extra costs such as books and materials cost about 80 Euros per month while social activities and entertainment will cost the student 70-100 Euros. It is also essential to secure health insurance when schooling in Sweden; the health insurance will cost at least 30 Euros per month.
Housing For Students
Canada :
There are many housing options for students in Canada. The housing option will depend on what the person can afford and the location of their intended universities. People can choose to stay in the following housing options.
- Homestays
Homestays are family homes that welcome foreign students to stay for the school year. Several Canadian families are contracted by the Canadian school authorities to welcome and host foreign students. The average cost of Homestays is about 400-800 Canadian dollars per month.
- Dormitory
Colleges in the country offer students the chance to stay in accommodations near the school. The dormitory’s rooms are often furnished. However, students may be required to share the kitchen and bathrooms with others. The cost of dormitories may cost about 3000-7500 Canadian dollars per school year.
- Renting
Students may also choose to rent an apartment privately. This could be expensive, depending on the location of the apartment. Students can also co-rent with other students to keep the prices down.
The average cost is about 400-1500 Canadian dollars per month. In contrast, the cost of the apartment when shared is 250-700 Canadian dollars per month.
Sweden:
The monthly rent for students can go SEK 2500-6500 per month. How much one pays will depend on the city, location, size, and type of housing.
Rent in larger cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg is higher than in smaller towns. The university can also help the student by arranging accommodation in corridors or flats.
- Corridor Rooms
A student residents hall with 10-15 single rooms available for rent. Some Corridors may have ensuite bathrooms, but others may have shared facilities.
- Student Flat
There is also the option of student flats with two and four single bedrooms with a shared standard room, kitchen, and bathroom. Those who are not keen on sharing with others can opt for a studio flat.
Culture And Lifestyle
Canada:
Canadian culture is a mix of American, French, and British influences. These different blends can be found in the countries’ cultural life, filmmaking, cooking, and sports.
However, other cultures have also added some distinction in the artistic ways of the country. For example, the country’s foreign-born population is evident in the various restaurants around Canada.
The core of Canadian values includes justice, inclusiveness, fairness, and equality. These values are reflected in Canada’s approach to governance, including higher taxation to redistribute wealth equally, legalization of same-sex marriage, abolition of capital punishment, and the suppression of far-right politics.
Sweden :
Freedom, equality, and sustainability make up a bulk of the Swedish lifestyle. Swedish people are passionate about working together to create a better world.
The people of Sweden value openness and cohesion at workplaces and universities and reject the idea that there are some higher than others. The dynamics of Swedish culture are egalitarian.
Sweden offers freedom of expression for all people. Black same-sex people are not discriminated against in the country. It is interesting to note that Sweden passed the law that allows for same-sex marriage in 2009 and the law for the prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation in 2011.
Application Process For A Student Visa
Canada :
People who want to apply for a student visa can follow the following steps.
- Step 1
Apply at a Canadian university and get a letter of acceptance.
- Step 2
The student will need to check if they’d need a student visa. A student will not require a student visa if they are a family or staff member of a foreign representative in Canada accredited by the foreign affairs department.
Students that enroll in a study program that the duration is less than six months will also not need a student visa. Members of foreign armed forces will also not require a student visa because of the visiting forces act.
- Step 3
Start the application for the student visa. The student will have to apply online for their Canadian visa on the citizenship and immigration website. Then, they’d have to send the application documents by post or online.
The student will have to provide an acceptance letter from a designated learning institute(DLI). Then, the person will have to prove sufficient financial resources. Finally, the intended student has to show proof of no criminal records and clinical records.
Sweden:
Students applying for a visa in Sweden will need to provide documentation before the application process starts. Some of the documents are;
- A valid passport with a validity of six months.
- A letter of enrollment from the university.
- Proof of financial capacity.
- Health insurance documents.
- A 1000 word essay on why the student wants to study in Sweden will be required.
After the person provides the needed documentation, applying for the student visa can begin. Below is a breakdown of the process.
- Confirm admission to a Swedish university and prepare the earlier stated documents.
- Provide proof of health insurance.
- The student can log into the Migrationsverket website and fill out a form of residence permit.
- The person will have to upload the form and submit their application.
- A fee of 1500 SEK will have to be paid using a Visa or MasterCard.
- A confirmation letter will be received from the consulate.
- The student can then submit their biometric information and photographs at the nearest Swedish embassy.
Working During Studies
Canada
Students in Canada are eligible to work if their student’s visa has a condition that allows them to work on or off-campus. Other requirements, such as study hours per week, must be met before a student is allowed to work while on a student visa.
Sweden :
International students can work even while on a student visa in Sweden. A student is, however, required to complete a mandatory 40 hours of study per week before they’d be eligible to work.
Many of the universities in Sweden have career cells where students can be helped to access good working opportunities.
After Graduation Opportunities
Canada :
Foreign students can apply for a post-graduation work permit(PGWS) to continue working in Canada. The person must first confirm their eligibility status by visiting Canada.ca/en/immigration
Sweden
Students that are done with their studies in Sweden can apply for an extension of their residence permit for six months to look for suitable employment. When the student gets a proper job, they will be required to apply for a work permit. There is also the option of seeking a work permit to start a business in Sweden.
Top Jobs After Graduating And Their Annual Income
Canada
Some of the high-paying jobs with their annual incomes are listed below.
- Surgeon – 387,000 CAD.
- Psychiatrist – 306,000 CAD.
- Dentist – 274,000 CAD.
- Engineering Managers – 146,000 CAD.
- Construction Manager – 204,000 CAD.
Sweden
After-Graduation high, paying jobs in Sweden with annual incomes are listed below.
- Marketing Director- 724,000 SEK.
- Pilot – 804,000 SEK.
- Orthodontist – 1,087,000 SEK.
- Chief financial officer – 1,128,000 SEK.
- Bank Manager – 1,284,000 SEK.
Best Universities For Foreign Students
Canada
- McGill University.
- The University of British Columbia.
- The University of Toronto.
- The University of Calgary.
- Western University.
Sweden
- Uppsala University.
- Lund University.
- Stockholm University.
- The University of Gothenburg.
- Karolinska University.
Cheap City To Study For Foreign Students?
Canada:
Canada offers affordable, yet high-quality education. This is why many global students consider Canada when looking for a place to study. Canada has an excellent educational system and a wide variety of school selections. The country is also famous for its openness to strangers, from its friendly immigration policies to receiving work visas for those who meet the requirements.
Canada boasts of undergraduate and graduate programs spread across various subjects from medicine to agriculture. The cost of studying in Canada is cheap when compared to countries like the USA. The following paragraph will highlight some cities in Canada that offer competitive monthly living costs.
- Montreal, Quebec:
The average yearly tuition in Montreal, Quebec, is one of the lowest in Canada for local students. The prices are competitive with other provinces in Canada for global students. The great thing about studying in Quebec is the cultural scene of the province. Montreal, Quebec, is a small island home to many universities and colleges.
Most students will likely spend their university years in downtown Montreal. Foreign students that enjoy celebrating Halloween will love Montreal because the province has a culture of celebrating the holiday every year. The province offers a variety of spots for foreign students to blend in.
Many students in Montreal prefer to settle down in the plateau, which has a young-person-oriented neighborhood. The plateau is filled with coffee shops and affordable restaurants.
In addition, Montreal is filled with art and culture and a variety of food options for local and foreign students. The average cost of studying in Quebec for local students is $3,353, while it costs about $9,175 for foreign students.
- Calgary, Alberta :
Foreign students that are fans of rocks and mountains will enjoy studying in Calgary, Alberta. The city is home to 1.4 million people, and the city has the youngest average age in Canada.
The university in Calgary offers some top engineering courses in the country because of the city’s proximity to oil and gas industries.
Those who prefer art and creative programs will benefit by attending the city’s college of art and design. The College of Art and Design in Calgary is one of the four accredited art colleges in the country.
Foreign students will love Calgary’s cowboy cultural flair with its Calgary Stampede festival. The Festival is a ten days event that takes place every July. The average cost of studying in Calgary for local students is $6,116. It costs about $8000-11000 for foreign students.
- Kingston, Ontario :
Kingston, Ontario, is the perfect choice for people looking for a bustling student community city. Kingston is home to various colleges such as; The Royal Military College Of Canada, Queen’s University, and St Lawrence University. Kingston is located in eastern Ontario, about 200km from Ottawa.
The city has a bubbling pedestrian city center and many modern conveniences. The campuses in Kingston are small enough for people to take a walk without spending a lot on buses and taxis.
Social and student life will give any foreign student an instant home feel. The average cost of studying in Kingston, Ontario, for international students is $16,000.
- Ottawa, Ontario :
The two largest universities in Canada- the University of Ottawa and Carleton University are located in the capital of Canada. Those who are after a political career will benefit from studying in Ottawa.
Many of the citizens of Ottawa work in civil service, while the bars and restaurants are filled every night with political officeholders.
Intending students can get accommodation at the town center, old Ottawa and little Italy. The city has a bubbling downtown area with nice bars and craft beer scenes. The average cost of studying in Ottawa for foreign students is between $14,389-26,354.
Sweden:
Sweden is one of the biggest countries in Europe, and it is part of Scandinavia. Sweden is connected to Denmark and bordered by Norway and Finland. The country(Sweden) has universal health care and affordable education, including tertiary education.
Sweden is known for being a technological and innovative country. The country has cheap school options for foreign students. The following paragraph will highlight some of them.
- Uppsala :
Uppsala University is the oldest one in all the Nordic countries. The university is also ranked as the third-best in Sweden. Uppsala University is reputed for being multi-disciplinary with a focus on research.
It is interesting to note that more than half of the school’s profit goes to research. So, foreign students that want a school that will broaden their minds will benefit from studying at Uppsala University.
The college has nine faculties divided into three domains; Science and Technology, Arts and Social sciences, and Medicine And Surgery. Uppsala University also has a modern laboratory teaching hospital. The current laboratory is used to research proton therapy, an observatory, and a biomedical center.
The fees for Uppsala University are relatively cheap. Their prices can cost anywhere between SEK 50,000 and 72,500.
- Stockholm:
The city of Stockholm is home to the KTH Royal Institute Of Technology. The college comes in 98th place in the QS world university ranking. Foreign students that would like a degree in technology will enjoy attending the KTH Royal Institute Of Technology. It has five campuses located in Stockholm and a student capacity of 3,600.
KTH Royal Institute Of Technology is divided into five schools of management; architecture, electrical engineering, engineering and management, computer science, engineering sciences in chemistry, and biotechnology.
A complete bachelor’s degree costs about SEK 366,000( $13,000) except for architecture. The very low tuition fees make it one of the cheapest in Sweden. However, for students that wish to study for a master’s degree, they’d have to pay about SEK 103,000($10,800) for an academic year.
- Lund:
Lund University is the best-ranked Swedish university with 92nd in the QS world university ranking. It is also one of the oldest universities in the country. The university has more than three campuses home to over 40,000 students. One of the campuses is in Lund, and the other two are in Malmo and Helsingborg.
Lund University includes facilities such as; research centers, a hospital, and a synchrotron radiation laboratory. The university is currently building the European Spallation Source(ESS), which will serve as a research facility and pulsed neutron source.
The university has eight facilities of engineering, law, sciences, economics and management, humanities and theology, medicine, science, and fine and performing arts. There is also a school of aviation for those that may be interested.
The school fees may vary depending on the choice of programs. However, for most bachelor’s degree programs, the average tuition fee is about SEK 300,000($10,500).
- Malmo:
Malmo University is the newest University in Sweden. Established in 1998 as a university college, but received accreditation to become a university in 2018. The school fee is around $25,000 for an academic year. The university is located in the city of Malmo and currently has 12,000 students.
Malmo University is divided into five faculties which are; technology and society, education and community, health and society, dentistry, and the faculty of culture and society.
Malmo University is partnered with about 240 universities around the world. This strategic partnership caused Malmo University to be one of the leading universities for research projects.
- Darlana University College
Darlana University College was founded fifty years ago in 1977, and it has two campuses in Falun and Bor Lange. The university offers one bachelor’s degree program and eleven master’s degree programs taught in English.
Darlana University currently has over 16,000 students. The university offers a Ph.D. program in microdata analysis because of the special accreditation given by the Swedish regulatory agencies.
Darlana University College is divided into three schools of humanities which are; education, health, media studies, and social businesses. The Borlange campus is perfect for those who may be interested in microdata research and complex systems.
The tuition fees for the university are very affordable. International students can pay anything between SEK 43,000-70,000.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to study in Canada or Sweden?
Studying in Canada is generally more expensive than in Sweden. This is because Canada has more universities listed amongst the best globally than Sweden. In addition, Canada has a generally higher cost of living than Sweden.
Is Sweden Better For Foreign Students Than Canada?
Studying in Canada or Sweden largely depends on what the student can afford and their preference. However, it is generally cheaper to study in Sweden than in Canada. This can be an essential factor of decision for many people.
Conclusion
Studying in first-world countries like Sweden and Canada is a dream of many students. Thankfully, with the correct information, one can decide which country best suit their needs and what they can afford.
Although the two countries have their pros and cons, Sweden and Canada have over the years proven to be destination Hot spots for foreign students.