Canada vs New Zealand: Which is Better for Indian Students?

Canada vs New Zealand, which one to choose? If you're an Indian student, choosing to study in Canada could be the best option for you. Canada is a highly developed country, is renowned for its excellent education system, and is the preferred choice for many Indian students. You can find prestigious Canadian universities that ranked among QS World Rankings here, offering a wide range of study programs. On the other hand, studying in New Zealand can be comparatively more affordable, even though 3% of its universities rank among the top globally.  

Both Canada and New Zealand are developed and provide excellent higher education. There are more international students in Canada than in NZ. Recently, Universities in New Zealand have improved their rankings. Currently, approximately 650,000 international students are enrolled in degree programs in Canada, whereas in New Zealand, the number stands at 120,000. To decide on Canada or New Zealand, read this article till the end, we compare Canada vs New Zealand on various study abroad aspects like the cost of studying, popular courses, exams for admissions abroad, study/work visa details, etc. for international students. Let’s get started! 

• Country Highlights of Canada vs New Zealand
• Education System in Canada and New Zealand
• Canadian Education System
• New Zealand Education System
• Popular Courses in Canada vs New Zealand
• Top Courses in Canada
• Top Courses in New Zealand
• Canada vs New Zealand: Top Universities with QS Rankings
• Admission Process & Requirements for International Students: Canada vs New Zealand
• Canada Eligibility Criteria
• New Zealand Eligibility Criteria
• Canada vs New Zealand: Cost of Studying
• Cost of Studying UG Courses
• Cost of Studying PG Courses
• Canada vs New Zealand: Cost of Living
• Canada vs New Zealand: Scholarship Details to Study for International Students
• Canada vs New Zealand: Student Visa Process
• Student Visa in Canada
• Student Visa in New Zealand
• Post-Study Work Visas: Canada vs New Zealand
• Post-Study Work Visa in Canada
• Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand
• Part-Time Work Options in Canada and New Zealand
• Employment Opportunities and Salary Insights: Canada vs New Zealand
• Permanent Residence Opportunities
• Student Life: Canada vs New Zealand
• Canada vs New Zealand: Climate
• Which is better for Indian Students, Canada or New Zealand?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Canada vs New Zealand: Highlights

Explore the country comparison highlights between Canada and New Zealand below. This table will help you to understand New Zealand vs Canada for Indian students clearly.

Parameters	Canada	New Zealand
Intakes	Fall & Spring	July & February
Total Indian Students as of 2024	3,70,000	2,664
Total International Students	1,028,850	120,000
Average 1st Year Tuition Fee	INR 26.45 L 10,000 CAD to 60,000 CAD	INR 19.85 L 10,000 NZD to 40,000 NZD
Top Universities	University of Montreal University of Alberta University of Toronto McGill University University of British Columbia McMaster University University of Waterloo	University of Otago Massey University University of Canterbury Victoria University of Wellington University of Waikato Auckland University of Technology The University of Auckland
Average Cost of Living Per Year	INR 12.33 Lakhs to INR 18.50 Lakhs	INR 25.33 to INR 30.39 Lakhs
Student Visa Processing Time	6 weeks	30 weekdays
Popular Companies Headquarters	Royal Bank of Canada Manulife Financial Tim Hortons Scotiabank Magna International Inc.	Sky Network Television Pacific Edge State Insurance McDonald's New Zealand Pumpkin Patch
Part-Time Working Hours	20 hours a week	20 hours a week
Average Annual Salary	60,000 CAD (INR 36 lakhs)	40,000 NZD (INR 19.92 lakhs)

Education System in Canada and New Zealand

 Education systems differ across various countries abroad. Let's explore which one closely aligns with the Indian education system.

Canadian Education System

In Canadian colleges, the notion of cutoffs doesn't apply. Instead, colleges display average scores accepted for various courses on their websites. This provides an indication of what's considered a good score. Additionally, you'll be required to take language exams such as TOEFL or IELTS, regardless of the degree you're pursuing.

• For undergraduate (UG) courses, completion of 12 years of schooling is required. To gain admission, you must take the SAT exam. Degree courses typically last for four years, while diploma programs span two to three years.
• For postgraduate (PG) courses, admission to vocational programs is relatively easier due to relaxed admission criteria. Management degrees require taking the GMAT, while engineering degrees require the GRE exam.

While some colleges may not mandate language tests for Indian students, it's recommended that you still opt for either TOEFL or IELTS. These exams are crucial for visa purposes. If the visa interviewer has doubts about your spoken skills, they may withhold the visa approval.

New Zealand Education System

In New Zealand, it's generally easier to gain admission to diploma courses compared to degree programs due to differing levels of competitiveness. The higher education system in New Zealand comprises 10 levels of study, ranging from certificates at Level 1 to doctoral degrees at Level 10. Here's an overview of the levels and their corresponding qualifications:

• Certificates: Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4
• Diplomas: Levels 5 and 6
• Bachelor's Degrees/Graduate Diplomas: Level 7
• Postgraduate Diploma: Level 8
• Master's Degree: Level 9
• Doctoral Degree: Level 10

Indian students applying to each course must fulfill a minimum English language requirement. Typically, gaining admission to degree programs is more challenging than diplomas. Foundations and Diploma programs are open to students with below 60% scores in higher secondary education. In addition to TOEFL and IELTS, PTE scores are also accepted for admission to New Zealand Universities.

Popular Courses in Canada  and New Zealand

International students often prefer selecting from a variety of disciplines to study in Canada and New Zealand, based on their interests. Let's see top courses offered in Canada and New Zealand.

Top Courses in Canada

For international students seeking quality education and the best career opportunities, Canada offers a diverse range of top courses. Below are some of the most popular options:

• Business Management
• Media
• Engineering
• Nursing
• Computer Science
• Hospitality

Top Courses in New Zealand

The top courses to study in New Zealand include:

• Engineering
• Business Studies
• IT/Computing
• Tourism & Hotel Management
• Visual Communications

Canada vs New Zealand: Top Universities

Every student dreams of attending a top university because it can lead to many opportunities, both academically and professionally. Canada has many prestigious universities known for their excellent education and advanced research facilities. Similarly, universities in New Zealand are also improving their global rankings every year. Let's compare the top universities in Canada vs New Zealand for Indian students, along with their QS rankings for 2025.

Canadian Universities	World QS Rank 2025	New Zealand Universities	World QS Rank 2025
University of Toronto	25	University of Auckland	65
McGill University	29	University of Otago	214
University of British Columbia	38	Massey University	239
University of Alberta	96	Victoria University of Wellington	244
University of Waterloo	115	University of Waikato	235
Western University	120	University of Canterbury	261
Universite de Montreal	159	Lincoln University	371
University of Calgary	198	Auckland University of Technology	412

Canada vs New Zealand: Admission Process & Requirements

Canadian universities are selective in offering admissions, while New Zealand universities often have acceptance rates exceeding 60%. The main requirement for admission to any institution in Canada and New Zealand for Indian students is similar, although eligibility criteria may differ between institutions or courses. Let’s look at the admission requirements for international students in New Zealand vs Canada.

Canada Eligibility Criteria

Canadian universities accept online applications for the Fall, Summer, and Winter semesters. International students applying to multiple universities in Ontario can use the OUAC Application Form 105. Ensure to submit the completed application form, along with the required fee and supporting documents, within the designated time frame. If you receive an offer of admission from your chosen institution, accept the offer and proceed with the student visa application. Now, let's see the eligibility criteria for different degrees offered in Canada:

Degree	Eligibility Criteria
Certificate/ Diploma	A minimum of 55% or above in high school education is required. A recommended IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5.
Bachelor’s degree	Completion of 10+2 with a score between 70-80% is required. A recommended IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is advised. SAT/ACT scores may also be necessary.
Master’s degree	A first-class bachelor’s degree completion is necessary. An IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is advisable. Additionally, GRE scores may be required.
MBA	Having attained a first-class bachelor’s degree in a business-related field is required. An IELTS score ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 is necessary. A minimum of 2-3 years of work experience is also required. A recommended GMAT score of above 550 is advised.

New Zealand Eligibility Criteria

Applications are accepted for enrollment in either February or September. For the February intake, applications typically open around September of the preceding year, while for September, they become available in May. International students are advised to apply well in advance, ideally around 4 months before the course commencement date, to allow ample time for the student visa process. Below are the eligibility criteria for international students applying to various courses:

Degree	Eligibility Criteria
Certificate/ Diploma	A minimum of 55% or above in high school education is required. A recommended IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5.
Bachelor’s degree	Completion of 12 years of high school education with an overall average of 75% or above is required. A recommended IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is advised.
Master’s degree	Having obtained a bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum of 60% is necessary. An IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is advisable. Additionally, GRE scores may be required.
MBA	Having attained a first-class bachelor’s degree in a business-related field with a minimum of 70-80% is required. An IELTS score ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 is necessary. A minimum of 2-3 years of work experience is also required. A recommended GMAT score of above 550 is advised.

Canada vs New Zealand: Cost of Studying

Below are the tables detailing the average expenses for international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Canada and New Zealand, including living expenses:

Cost of Studying UG Courses in Canada vs New Zealand

Particulars	Undergraduate courses in Canada	Undergraduate courses in New Zealand
Average Tuition Fee	BSc: INR 20.00 Lakhs BTech: INR 28.91 Lakhs BBA: INR 19.00 Lakhs	BSc: INR 12.37 Lakhs BTech: INR 20.48 Lakhs BBA: INR 9.11 Lakhs
Average Living Expense Per Year	INR 12.33 Lakhs to INR 18.50 Lakhs	INR 25.33 to INR 30.39 Lakhs
Duration	3-4 Years	3-4 Years
Exams Accepted	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, DET

Cost of Studying PG Courses in Canada vs New Zealand

Particulars	Postgraduate courses in Canada	Postgraduate courses in New Zealand
Average Tuition Fee	MA: INR 9.50 Lakhs MS: INR 11.28 Lakhs MBA: INR 25.89 Lakhs	MA: INR 15.81 Lakhs MS: INR 12.56 Lakhs MBA: INR 27.07 Lakhs
Average Living Expense Per Year	INR 12.33 Lakhs to INR 18.50 Lakhs	INR 25.33 to INR 30.39 Lakhs
Duration	1.5-2 Years	1-2 Years
Exams Accepted	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, DET

Also Read: Cost of studying in Canada

Canada vs New Zealand: Cost of Living

Before deciding between Canada and New Zealand, it's crucial to plan your monthly budget carefully. In Canada, the average cost of living for international students ranges from 10,000 to 12,000 CAD per year, equivalent to approximately 5.9 lakh to 7 lakh INR. Conversely, in New Zealand, the cost of living is higher, with an average range of 18,000 to 27,000 NZD per year, roughly 10.6 lakh to 13.9 lakh INR.
Below is the comparison between cost of living in Canada vs New Zealand:

Expenses	Cost per year in Canada (in CAD)	Cost per year in New Zealand (in NZD)
Campus Accommodation	CAD 3,000-7,500 (INR 1.82 - 4.5 lakhs)	NZD 8,000-22,800 (INR 3.98 - 11.3 lakhs)
Private Accommodation	CAD 8,000-9,000 (INR 4.8 - 5.5 lakhs)	NZD 18,000-38,000 (INR 8.96 - 18.9 lakhs)
Food	CAD 4,800 (INR 2.9 lakhs)	NZD 3,800-5,800 (INR 1.89 - 2.89 lakhs)
Utility bills	CAD 800 (INR 48591)	NZD 1,100 (INR 54780)
Phone & Internet	CAD 600 (INR 36443)	NZD 850 (INR 42330)
Public Transport	CAD 960-1,320 (INR 58K - 80K)	NZD 1,500-1,700 (INR 74701)
Entertainment	CAD 1,800 (INR 1.09 lakhs)	NZD 2,600 (INR 1.29 lakhs)
Health insurance	CAD 600-800 (INR 36443 - 48591)	NZD 200-700 (INR 9960 - 34860)
Textbooks	CAD 800-1,200 (INR 48591 - 72887)	NZD 600-1,000 (INR 29880 - 49800)
Clothing and Personal Care	CAD 1,200-1,500 (72887 - 91109)	NZD 1,000-1,300 (INR 49800 - 64741)

Please keep in mind that the figures provided are for reference only. Your actual cost of living will depend on several factors, including your specific location, type of accommodation, and most importantly, your lifestyle.

Related Reads:

• Cost of living in Canada
• Cost of living in New Zealand

Canada vs New Zealand: Scholarship Details to Study for International Students

In both Canada and New Zealand, scholarships offered by universities, private organizations, and governments are crucial financial aids for international students, covering a substantial part of their study expenses without repayment obligations. The top scholarships available for international students in Canada vs New Zealand are:

Scholarships in Canada	Scholarships in New Zealand
Gold Standard Scholarship Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) International Major Entrance Scholarships Vantage One Excellence Award Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Hatch Scholarships	New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship (NZIDRS) New Zealand Excellence Awards University of Canterbury's College of Engineering Scholarship New Zealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarship New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship BayerBoost Environmental Scholarship Scheme

Canada vs New Zealand: Student Visa Process

A critical aspect of studying in Canada or New Zealand is obtaining a student visa for international students. Refer to the below section for important details.

Student Visa in Canada

To make the student visa process easier and quicker, IRCC Canada introduced the SDS Canada program. Eligible students can obtain their study visa in just 20 days. The Canada student visa follows these regulations:

• You must apply for a post-graduation work permit within 90 days after completing your studies.
• Indian applicants for the Canadian visa process are required to undergo a mandatory medical test.
• Spouses accompanying can work full-time if their stay is more than a year.
• The visa application fee is CAD 150.
• Students are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week. However, during holidays, breaks, and summer sessions, students may work up to 40 hours per week.

Student Visa in New Zealand

For New Zealand student visas, the following rules apply:

• A student visa costs approximately Rs 16,000.
• The New Zealand High Commission typically takes 8 to 12 weeks for visa processing, depending on the individual's background. Hence, students should apply for visas at least three months before their course starts.
• International students must complete their courses within the minimum course duration stated on their acceptance letter. Those without a job offer may apply for a Post-study work visa, valid for up to 12 months, allowing temporary work while seeking employment in their field.
• Spouses and dependent children of students are usually granted a visitor visa for the same duration as their partner or parents' stay. Spouses on a Work Visa can work full-time in New Zealand, while dependents on visitor visas have no work rights.

Post-Study Work Visas: Canada vs New Zealand

After completing their courses in Canada and New Zealand, applicants often seek full-time employment opportunities. Below, we outline the post-study work options and the duration of stay-back periods in these two countries:

Canada

The Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Visa allows students graduating from any post-secondary institute to work for a time period based on their course duration, up to a maximum of three years. This work permit allows students to work in any field or industry.

New Zealand

All international students who have successfully completed their studies in New Zealand with a valid qualification are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa (PSW). This visa, available for varying lengths, allows international students to work for any employer in New Zealand. If you secure a job relevant to your field of study, you can extend your work visa for up to two years.

Part-Time Work Options in Canada and New Zealand

Both Canada and New Zealand offer part-time work options for international students, available both on-campus and off-campus. In Canada, students can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during semester breaks. Similarly, in New Zealand, international students can work for 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours during semester breaks. The minimum hourly pay is approximately 10 CAD in Canada and 18.90 NZD in New Zealand.

Canada vs New Zealand: Employment Opportunities and Salary Insights

In Canada, individuals can earn between 30,200 CAD to 534,000 CAD annually, with an average salary around 120,000 CAD. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, salaries range from 24,600 NZD to 434,000 NZD per year, with an average of 97,300 NZD. So, it's clear that people can generally earn more in Canada than in New Zealand. However, individual circumstances such as location, qualifications, and experience significantly influence salary prospects in both countries. 
Here are the leading job opportunities for students in Canada and New Zealand:

Top Jobs in Canada	Average Salary in Canada (INR)	Top Jobs in New Zealand	Average Annual Salary in New Zealand (INR)
Surgeon	2.29 Cr.	Software Engineering	36.9 lakhs
Engineering Managers	86.72 lakhs	Civil Engineer	35.7 lakhs
Financial Analyst	95.04 lakhs	Medical Doctor	82.2 lakhs
Chartered Accountant	61.79 lakhs	Physiotherapist	29.03 lakhs
Architect	87.34 lakhs	Nurse	35.8 lakhs
Civil Engineer	65.95 lakhs	Investment Banker	39.37 lakhs
Pharmacist	89.72 lakhs	Finance Analyst	33.25 lakhs

Canada vs New Zealand: Permanent Residence Opportunities

Explore the permanent residency (PR) opportunities open to international students upon finishing their studies in Canada and New Zealand:

Canada

During the Post-Graduation Work Permit period, you're eligible to apply for Permanent Residency through the Canadian Experience Class, or via the Express Entry process, or as provincial nominees. With its sparse population, Canada faces a shortage of highly skilled workers, making the PR process relatively easy compared to many other countries. 

New Zealand

If you've lived in New Zealand for two years or more, you may qualify for a Permanent Resident Visa. Due to the country's limited population, certain skills are consistently in high demand. Immigration New Zealand maintains lists of industries facing significant skill shortages. Upon completing your chosen course in New Zealand and securing a job categorised as in demand, along with relevant qualifications and experience, obtaining a work visa and permanent residency becomes more accessible. This acknowledgment by the New Zealand government reflects the necessity for companies to hire skilled individuals from abroad to meet industry demands, making New Zealand a popular destination for immigration.

Canada vs New Zealand: Immigration System 

When comparing the immigration systems of Canada and New Zealand, it's important to look at the specific criteria and pathways each country offers to prospective immigrants. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

The Immigration System in Canada

• Applicants must be under 47 years old for the Express Entry system.
• Health and character requirements are mandatory for all candidates.
• Proficiency in English or French is necessary.
• A job offer is not mandatory but can boost the applicant's score in the Express Entry system.
• Relevant educational qualifications and work experience are crucial for scoring points.
• The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) varies by province but generally follows similar guidelines to Express Entry.
• Some provinces may require a job offer specific to their region.

The Immigration System in New Zealand

• Applicants must be under 55 years old for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
• Health and character requirements are compulsory for all candidates.
• Fluency in English is a must.
• Candidates should have a job offer in New Zealand or be in an occupation that is in demand.
• Relevant education and professional experience are essential for eligibility in the SMC.
• New Zealand’s system is more targeted, focusing on specific skilled workers, unlike Canada’s broader approach.

Student Life: Canada vs New Zealand

The quality of social life is a crucial aspect that directly impacts students while studying abroad. Both Canada and New Zealand offer enriching experiences for students academically and socially.

Canada:

• Canada boasts an ethnically and linguistically diverse environment, fostering a rich cultural experience for students.
• It provides ample opportunities for entertainment, sports, shopping, and cultural activities.
• However, the bone-chilling winters, especially in the northern regions with temperatures dropping to -30 degrees Celsius, may be a concern.
• Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Quebec are among the best student cities in Canada.

New Zealand:

• New Zealand offers a safe and welcoming environment for international students, ensuring quality education and maintaining government-set standards in every institution.
• Education in New Zealand is characterized by small class sizes, which promote interactive learning.
• Students can participate in various sports and activities such as football, rugby, kayaking, sailing, and immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine.
• The weather in New Zealand varies widely, with colder months seeing temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius and summers averaging between 20-30 degrees Celsius.
• Auckland and Christchurch stand out as the best student cities in New Zealand.

Canada vs New Zealand: Climate

The climate of both countries vary due to their geographical conditions. Canada is famous for its chilled winters and hot summers, while New Zealand enjoys a more pleasant climate.

Canada

The weather across Canada changes a lot depending on where you are. Canada is a big country, stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, covering five time zones. In Toronto, winters are usually not as harsh as in other Canadian cities, but they're still cold and snowy. Montreal also has cold and snowy winters. Generally, summers in Canada are pleasantly cool.

New Zealand

Both the North and South Islands of New Zealand have moderate, maritime climates and temperatures. As the country is located in the southern hemisphere, summer begins in December and winter starts in June. New Zealand receives moderately high rainfall and enjoys many hours of sunshine throughout most parts of the country.

Which is better for Indian Students, Canada or New Zealand?

Both Canada and New Zealand offer excellent higher education opportunities, but there are key differences to consider. As an Indian student, you might find studying in Canada appealing, given its top-reputed universities offering a wide range of study programs. Alternatively, studying in New Zealand could be a more cost-effective option, even though its universities rank in the top 3% globally. Additionally, Canada is often perceived as safer than New Zealand in terms of crime and safety. However, both countries maintain high levels of safety and are considered secure places to live, consistently ranking well in global safety and quality of life indices.

So, when considering higher education options, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of studying in Canada versus New Zealand. Each country offers unique benefits and challenges for students. Whether opting for Canada or New Zealand, having a solid understanding of both nations is crucial for making an informed decision about pursuing your academic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. Canada vs New Zealand, which is better to live?

The cost of living in Canada is relatively lower than in New Zealand, especially in smaller cities making it more manageable for students. The living costs in Canada are around INR 5,87,000 - 7,05,000 per year compared to INR 10,57,000 - 13,90,000 per year in New Zealand.

2. Is New Zealand better than Canada?

New Zealand is famous for its great climate, scenic beauty, high quality of life, and work-life balance. On the other hand, Canada offers a quality healthcare system, good employment options, effortless PR applications, and an excellent public health system. According to the 2024 Human Development Index (HDI), Canada ranks 18th and New Zealand ranks 16th.

3. Is it more expensive to live in New Zealand or Canada?

According to the Expatistan report, New Zealand is 9% more expensive than Canada. However, it's essential to note that Canada is approximately 37 times larger than New Zealand.

4. Which country, Canada or New Zealand, has a simpler application process for students?

Both Canada and New Zealand offer relatively straightforward application processes. Applicants are typically required to submit completed applications, application fees, and supporting documents within specified deadlines. While Canada has three yearly intakes (Fall, Summer, and Winter semesters), New Zealand institutions generally accept applications twice a year for semesters starting in February and September.

5. Which country, Canada or New Zealand, has better-ranked universities?

In terms of global rankings, institutions in Canada generally rank higher than those in New Zealand. However, universities in New Zealand, including the University of Auckland and the University of Otago, are increasingly providing strong competition to Canadian institutions.