Canada vs Ireland: Which Country is Better for Indian Students in 2025?

Canada vs Ireland: Both countries are popular destinations for Indian students wanting to study abroad. They have QS world-ranked top universities, a high-quality education system, diverse programs, career opportunities, and a great standard of living. Here we compare different factors like the cost of studying, living expenses, admission process, work visa, and employability, followed by other deciding factors like safety, healthcare, climate, etc. It will help you to see the crucial differences between Canada and Ireland, enabling you to decide on your desired foreign country to live.

Canada welcomed over 9,50,000 international students in 2023 as reported by the Immigration Citizenship and Refugees Canada (IRCC). On the other hand, Ireland has more than 35000 international students as of 2022/23, as per the Higher Education Authority. Whether you decide on Canada or Ireland, each country has its pros and cons. Now let’s deep dive into Canada vs Ireland in detail.

Table of Contents

• Major Factors to Consider When Choosing to Study in Canada or Ireland
• Canada vs Ireland: Education system
• Best Student Cities in Canada and Ireland
• Popular courses in Canada and Ireland
• Canada vs Ireland: Top Universities
• Canada vs Ireland: Eligibility Requirements
• Cost of studying in Canada and Ireland
• Canada vs Ireland: Cost of living
• Scholarships in Canada and Ireland
• Canada vs Ireland: Visa Process
• Canada vs Ireland: Work while studying
• Post Graduate Work Permit details in Canada and Ireland
• Canada vs Ireland: Permanent Residency Options
• Job Opportunities in Canada and Ireland
• Canada vs Ireland: Ensuring Safety and Healthcare
• Canada vs Ireland: Climate Change
• Which is a better study destination: Canada or Ireland?
• FAQs

Major Factors to Consider When Choosing to Study in Canada or Ireland

Canada vs Ireland: Education system

Canada offers higher education through publicly and privately funded institutions and vocational institutions. Also, Canada has some of the highest-ranking universities in the world, after the US and UK. On the other side, Ireland’s education system is one of the best in Europe. It is divided into various categories like primary, secondary, third level, and further education. Here is the detailed admission cycle for both Ireland and Canada

Admission Cycle in Ireland

Intake	Program Type	Admission Cycle
Autumn Intake	Undergraduate, postgraduate, and degree programs	June- September
Spring Intake	Undergraduate, postgraduate, and degree programs	September- January

Admission Cycle in Canada

Intake	Program Type	Admission Cycle
Fall Intake	Undergraduate, postgraduate, and degree program	September- January
Winter Intake	Degree/ diploma program	January- April
Summer Intake	Diploma/ certificate program	May-August

Best Student Cities in Canada and Ireland

According to QS Best Student Cities 2024, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Quebec City are the best student cities in Canada for Indian students. These best cities provide a well-planned lifestyle for students, including top-ranked universities, a strong student community, and varied job options.

Coming to Ireland, Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Limerick are the top cities for studying. Each city offers excellent living conditions, plenty of unique attractions, and cultures, an exceptional education system, prestigious universities, and abundant job prospects for international students.

Popular courses in Canada and Ireland

Business Management, Economics, Human Resources, Agriculture and Forestry, Hospitality, Media, Engineering, Medical, Nursing, Computer Science, and Management are the popular courses offered in Canada for international students. Also, the country has a demand for vocational courses.

Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, Hospitality, Medical, Cyber Security, Engineering, Humanities, and Management are popular courses in Ireland for international students.

Canada vs Ireland: Top Universities

Both Canada and Ireland have renowned colleges and universities that provide top-notch education. Canada has 31 world-class institutions, while Ireland is home to 22 universities. Now let us see some of the leading universities in both countries.

Canadian Universities	Irish Universities
University of Toronto	University of Galway
University of British Columbia	Trinity College Dublin
McGill University	University College Dublin
University of Alberta	Dublin Institute of Technology
University of Waterloo	University College Cork

Canada vs Ireland: Eligibility Requirements

Whether you pick Canada or Ireland for higher studies, eligibility criteria matter greatly. Let us explore admission requirements for each country individually:

Canada

To enroll in undergraduate (UG) programs, you must have completed 12 years of schooling. Then you need to appear for the SAT Exam. Generally, the duration of degree courses will be 4 years and the diploma is 2 to 3 years. Coming to postgraduate courses, getting admission into vocational courses is easier.

For admission to management courses, you need to appear for the GMAT test, while for engineering degrees GRE scores are required. Canadian colleges don’t have cutoffs. They provide average scores needed for admission to courses on their websites, giving an idea of what’s considered a good score. You also need to take English language proficiency tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, irrespective of the course you choose. Because they are also important for getting a Canada student visa.

Ireland

To join courses in Ireland, a minimum academic score of 60% and above in class XII is required. Students who have scored around 50% can opt for foundations and diploma programs. Students who have completed 18 years of age can join the degree program. Though the entry requirements are slightly stringent at Irish universities, the education standards are quite high.

For undergraduate courses, Irish universities take applications through the Central Applications Office (CAO), an online enrolment system. Before applying, you also need to appear for tests like TOEFL/IELTS/PTE to prove your command of the English language. For postgraduate courses, you need to have a diploma or degree at the bachelor’s level, relevant to the course you wish to pursue in your master’s.

Canada vs Ireland: Cost of studying

Regarding the cost of education, Canada and Ireland offer high-quality education at competitive prices. Educational costs might vary based on the institution, location, and course. Canada typically maintains higher educational standards compared to Ireland, but factors like literacy and other financial aid options can balance this.

Cost of studying undergraduate program in Canada vs Ireland

Particulars	Undergraduate courses in Canada	Undergraduate courses in Ireland
Average Tuition fee	BSc: 20 lakhs BTech: 22.80 lakhs BBA: 17.80 lakhs	BSc: 13 lakhs BTech: 11.70 lakhs BBA: 10.71 lakhs
Average Living Expense	6 lakhs	4.75 lakhs
Duration	3-4 years	3-4 years
Exams accepted	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE

Cost of studying postgraduate program in Canada vs Ireland

Particulars	Postgraduate courses in Canada	Postgraduate courses in Ireland
Average Tuition fee	MA: 9.43 lakhs MS: 11.22 lakhs MBA: 25.96 lakhs	MA: 13.70 lakhs MS: 15.16 lakhs MBA: 14.09 lakhs
Average Living Expense	6 lakhs	4.75 lakhs
Duration	1.5-2 years	1-2 years
Exams accepted	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE

To know more Refer to:

• Cost of studying in Canada
• Cost of studying in Ireland

Canada vs Ireland: Cost of living

Considering the cost of living is crucial when studying abroad. Generally, in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, Canada is seen as more expensive than in Ireland. However, both nations offer affordable housing choices, such as On/Off-campus housing, and flats for international students. Dublin is Ireland’s most expensive city, but there are more reasonably priced options in smaller cities and towns like Cork and Galway for students studying in Ireland.

In terms of living expenses, Ireland is more affordable than Canada as it costs nearly INR 4.75 lakhs per year to stay. Whereas, the average living expenses in Canada are nearly INR 6 lakhs. However, a lot of things depend on the location and student lifestyle. These average costs are intended to provide you with an estimate.

To know more about it, Read:

• Cost of living in Canada
• Cost of living in Ireland

Scholarships in Canada and Ireland

Both Canada and Ireland provide scholarships for international students to concentrate on their careers rather than worrying about how they pay back their student loans. Here are the details

Canada

Compared to other countries, Canada offers a limited number of scholarships for international students. This is because of the low tuition fees in Canadian universities.

Name of the Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility	Duration
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program	Variable amount	Students with excellent academic record	4 years
Ivey MBA Scholarships	CAD 12,813 to half the tuition fee	Academic excellence and GMAT scores	12 months
Global Citizen Scholarship	CAD 12,797	Undergraduate students are eligible	2 years
University of Buckingham Ondatje Postgraduate Scholarship	CAD 6396	Masters students at the University of Buckingham are eligible to apply	1 year
Conestoga College International Degree Entrance Scholarship	CAD 1500	All postgraduate and undergraduate students at highest level of academic performance	available for each intake
Vanier Canada graduate Scholarships	CAD 50,000 per year	A full-time student at a Canadian institution pursuing a doctoral or joint graduate program	3 years

Ireland

Irish universities along with the Government have announced several scholarships for international students to encourage the flow of foreign nationals for education. Here are some of the scholarships available

Name of the Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility	Duration
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)	EUR 10,000 (fully funded tuition and other registration fee waiver)	UG and PG students	1 year
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship	EUR 28,000	Postgraduate student with academic excellence	1 year
The Walsh Fellowship	EUR 25,000	Postgraduate students	4 years
UCD Global Excellence Scholarships	EUR 25,000	UG and PG students	1 year

Canada vs Ireland: Visa Process

Canada

The Canadian student visa follows the following rules and regulations

• Applicants must apply for postgraduation work permit within 180 days of finishing their studies.
• Medical tests are mandatory for Indian applicants for the visa application process to Canada.
• Spouses can work full-time if their stay duration is more than a year.

Ireland

• International students planning to study in Ireland for more than 3 months need to apply for the Ireland student visa
• At the time of applying for a study visa, applicants must show proof of funds of at least €7,000 in their bank account. This amount aligns with the cost of living in Ireland for one academic year for an international student.
• Also, you need to prove that you or your parents/sponsor will be able to send you at least €7,000 each year for your studies, along with the course fee.

Canada vs Ireland: Work while studying

One of the major benefits of studying in Canada is that it has an abundance of employment opportunities for international students. Students can work up to 20 hours per week throughout the academic year, and they can work up to 40 hours per week during holidays. This helps to provide valuable job experience and manage living expenses. In Ireland, students can work up to 20 hours a week while in university and full-time during vacations. However, it's worth noting that job options may be vaster than it looks.

Canada vs Ireland: Post Graduate Work Permit

Foreign students can comfortably stay in Canada after graduation because of its well-established immigration system. Students who have completed their graduation can apply for a Canadian post graduation work visa which enables them to work in Canada for up to 3 years. Eventually, this may create a way for your Permanent Residency and citizenship. Under this post graduate work permit, students can work in any field or industry.

Ireland also has post graduation employment opportunities. If you are a full-time student holding an Irish accredited degree and have Visa Stamp 2, you are eligible for the Third Level Graduate Scheme. You can apply for a non-renewable extension of up to 2 years after completion of the course, to find suitable employment. Afterward, you can apply for a green card or work permit. Recently, a new visa stamp- Stamp 1G- has been granted under this scheme for foreign graduates to work. If you hold this visa, then you don’t need to apply for a visa extension separately.

Canada vs Ireland: Permanent Residency Options

In Canada, one can apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience class after getting a post graduation work permit. Getting PR in Canada is easier as the country has a shortage of skilled workers. On the other hand, In Ireland, You are eligible for a Permanent residence permit if you have been staying for 5 long years under a work permit. Individuals can obtain stamp 4 on their passports, valid for 5 years and also renewable. Upon legally staying for about 8 years, you can apply for residency Without Condition As To Time which doesn’t have any prefixed validity.

Job Opportunities in Canada and Ireland

The job market in Canada is booming with plenty of opportunities across various fields. Professions like nurse practitioners, teachers, program analysts, financial managers, construction managers, etc. are some of the highest-paying jobs in Canada.

On the other hand, The job market in Ireland has a shortage of skilled labor, which creates favorable conditions for foreigners seeking employment opportunities. Jobs in sectors like agriculture, medicine, Technology, mining, forestry & fishing, pharmaceutical, software, and ICT industry, export & Trade industry, and financial services industry are some of the top job domains in Ireland.

Details of Annual Salary package for prime job sectors in Canada and Ireland

Field of Specialization	Average Annual Salary in Canada	Average Annual Salary in Ireland
Registered Nurses	CAD 71,752	€ 46 582
Cardiologist	CAD 280,591	€140,000
Management Consultant	CAD 96,457	€86,697
Software Engineer	CAD 143,044	€104,097
Data Scientist	CAD 84,630	€64,048
Marketing Officer	CAD 105,000	€124,418

Canada vs Ireland: Ensuring Safety and Healthcare

When it comes to safety, Ireland ranked as the 3rd safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index 2023, while Canada ranked 11th. One can lead a peaceful life in both countries. However, it's always good to be extra cautious in big cities. Coming to the Healthcare system, Ireland and Canada have a lot in common. They both mainly have publicly funded access to healthcare with some private insurance being required for services like prescription medication.

Canada vs Ireland: Climate Change

Canada spreads from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, covering five time zones. Weather in Canada depends on your place of stay in the country. Compared to most Canadian cities, in Toronto, winter is milder, yet still cold and snowy. In the Montreal city, the weather is cold and snowy. Overall, Canada typically enjoys pleasantly cool summers.

Ireland’s mild climate is heavily influenced by the warm ocean currents of the Atlantic Ocean. During spring and summer (May to July) the average temperature ranges around 64°F to 68°F (17°C to 20°C). In the Autumn season (August to October), the temperature is between 57°F and 64°F (13°C and 17°C), with September being particularly a mild month with sunny and warm weather. During the winter (November to March beginning), the temperature reaches 46°F (7.78°C), with January and February being the coldest months. Snow is rare in Ireland, except for a few cold weeks.

Which is a better study destination: Canada or Ireland?

Both Canada and Ireland have flourishing economies, top-ranked institutions, and offer the best opportunities for Indian students. Though Ireland has comparatively affordable tuition fees for some courses, scholarships and grants, a lively culture, and excellent job prospects, Canada is better because of lower study costs and living, flexible post-study career opportunities, and easier pathways to obtain a permanent residency permit. However, we suggest you consider your specific needs carefully before deciding on Canada or Ireland.

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Canada vs Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it better to study in Canada or Ireland for Indian students?

Canada usually has more advanced educational standards than Ireland, although literacy rates and other financial assistance can help bridge this gap. When it comes to tuition fees, studying in Canada is more affordable than in Ireland, as Canada is home to many affordable colleges for international students.

2. Which is better to live Canada or Ireland?

Canada has lower living costs, offers a quality healthcare system, effortless PR applications with relaxed norms, an excellent public health system, and good employment options. On the other hand, Ireland provides a good public health system, a mild climate, and a deep historical culture with friendliness. As per Human Development Report 2023-24, Canada ranked 18th while Ireland ranked 7th.

3. Which country is better to study undergraduate courses, Canada or Ireland?

When it comes to Undergraduate courses tuition fees, Ireland is more affordable than Canada. The cost of studying BTech/Engineering in Canada is INR 22.8 lakhs per year, while in Ireland, it is INR 11.70 lakhs per year. For BSc courses, Canada costs around INR 20 lakhs per year, while Ireland costs approximately INR 13.33 lakhs per year.

4. Which country is better to study postgraduate (Masters) courses, Canada or Ireland?

For postgraduate courses, Canada is more affordable than Ireland. The cost of studying MS in Ireland is around INR 15.16 lakhs per year, while in Canada it is INR 11.22 lakhs per year. However, studying MBA programs in Canada is more expensive as it costs around INR 26 lakhs per year, whereas in Ireland it costs INR 14.09 lakhs per year.

5. Is it more expensive to live in Ireland or Canada?

Ireland is 14% more expensive than Canada, according to the Expatistan cost of living report.

6. How is the economy in Ireland compared to Canada?

Canada outperforms Ireland in terms of income relative to GDP per capita. When you look at GDP per capita, Ireland appears to be in the information, due to its low population and country size compared to Canada, but Canada is richer than Ireland. The World Bank estimates that in 2023 Canada’s GDP per capita was nearly US$53,247, while Ireland’s was around $101,509. However, it’s crucial to note that GDP per capita alone doesn't fully indicate personal wealth or well-being, as factors like social services, quality of life, and economic disparity also matter.

7. Is it better to migrate to Canada or Ireland?

Although Ireland is a prosperous country with a higher GDP per capita, and a good education system, in terms of cost of living, Canada is seen to be more valuable than Ireland. But still, both countries offer affordable housing choices for international students, such as flats, and on-campus housing.

8. Is it cheaper to live in Canada or Ireland?

Canada’s cost of living is cheaper than Ireland’s with affordable rent, groceries, and transportation rates. Yet, this can vary based on the metropolises or areas that are being compared. Canada’s largest land area (approx. 9,984,670 sq km.) also implies cost of living differences within the country. Ultimately, factors such as individual income, lifestyle decisions, and other circumstances will greatly influence on deciding how affordable the place is to live in any country.

9. Where is the 2026 World Cup hosted Canada or Ireland?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The tournament will start on June 17th and conclude on July 19th, 2026. Canada’s first match of the tournament will be held in Toronto.