Canada vs Ireland: Where are Indian students off to?

Planning to study abroad, but confused about the perfect destination as per your dream course? That’s surely an important decision to make! Choosing between chilling at Niagara Falls or wandering in the lush green fields of Ireland is a dilemma, we don’t wish to be in. And thus, you’re at the right place, as this blog offers an insightful read in choosing the best study abroad destination for you! Canada vs Ireland, which team are you in?

Understanding Climate, Culture and Safety in Canada vs Ireland

Spreading from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, Canada covers 5 different time zones, and thus, the climate may vary as per the city you plan to stay in. Toronto has a milder winter compared to other cities, while Montreal is cold and snowy. Overall, the country experiences significant fluctuations in the form of balmy summers and frosty winters.

On the other hand, in Ireland, during the winter months, the temperature reached around 7°C, autumn months are seen having a temperature of around 15°C and summer months are have an average temperature of around 18°C. Known for being an immigrant-friendly nation, Canada is a mix of Asian, European as well as Latin American cultural practices. Similarly, Ireland is famous for being welcoming to all nationalities. With English as their primary language, a lot of international communities opt to stay here. As per the Global Peace Index 2024, Ireland ranks as the 2nd most safe country in the world and Canada ranks as the 11th most safe country in the world. Both the countries have even made public healthcare accessible for all, adding to the list of perks for choosing them as your study abroad destination.

CANADA vs IRELAND: Understanding the Education System

Canada vs Ireland for Indian students is surely an amazing topic to debate!
Boasting some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world, Canada offers higher
education publicly and privately, while Ireland offers the best education system in Europe. Known for its excellent standards and commitment to academic excellence, the Irish tertiary education system includes universities, technology institutes, and private colleges offering a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, diplomas and certificate programs.

CANADA vs IRELAND: Top Courses to Pursue

Both the countries, Canada and Ireland offer a plethora of excellent academic courses for students across the globe to pursue. While Canada offers around 15,000 academic programs, Ireland caters to over 5000 courses with a special focus on Science, Engineering and Technology.
If you are planning to pursue your Masters in Canada or Ireland, let’s help you make an informed
decision about what major to pursue.

CANADA vs IRELAND: Student friendly cities and cost of study

As per the QS Best Student Cities 2025, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Quebec rank
among the top 100 student friendly cities in the world from Canada, boasting a network of prestigious universities, a strong student network and a bundle of job opportunities.

On the other hand, living in Ireland’s Dublin, Galway, Cork and Limerick, proved to be the best options for students from across the globe for exceptional education, world-renowned universities and employment opportunities.

CANADA vs IRELAND: Top Universities to pursue Masters

Let’s have a look at some of the top education institutions in Canada and Ireland as per the QS World
Rank 2025 report:

IRELAND vs CANADA: Cost of studying Undergraduate & Postgraduate programs

Living in Canada vs Ireland have varying costs that you, as a student, would incur. We’ve jotted down a list of all those expenses so that you have a decent idea of how you’ll manage your finances. Let’s explore together!

CANADA vs IRELAND: Acceptance rate for Indian students

The approval rate for student visas for Indian students aspiring to study in Canada was 72% in 2023, however, in 2024, the rate rose to 85%, but, the number of applications submitted was lower than 2023.

Some of the reasons for declining interest of Indian students in Canada include :

• Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.
• Canada cutting down on consulate staff in India, which has increased visa processing times.

Ireland has a high acceptance rate for international students, with a student visa success rate of around 94%. The rejection rate is typically between 1-4%.

Ireland is a popular destination for Indian students, with the number of Indian students in Ireland
increasing significantly in recent years:

• In 2013, there were around 800 Indian students in Ireland.
• In 2022, there were around 7,000 Indian students in Ireland.
• Experts project that the number of Indian students in Ireland will soon reach close to 10,000.

CANADA vs IRELAND: Admission Cycle

Lets walk you through the admission cycle or intakes for Canada and Ireland!

CANADA vs IRELAND: Eligibility requirements

Whatever country you choose to pursue your masters, keep in mind the eligibility criteria for your
admission. Let’s explore the admission requirements for Ireland and Canada to get you prepped:

Canada

For Undergraduate (UG) courses in Canada, one must complete 10+2 years of schooling and take a SAT exam. The tenure for the UG degree is 4 years, while for diploma courses it’s 2-3 years.

If you’re pursuing a Postgraduate (PG) or Master’s degree, its’s easier to take vocational courses. If you plan on taking a Management course, you need to take a GMAT exam, and for an Engineering course, a GRE is required. For all postgraduate courses, an English proficiency exam, whether the IELTS, TOEFL or PTE is mandatory even for securing a study visa.

Ireland

If you plan to pursue your UG course in Ireland, you must be at least 18 years of age and have scored equal to or more than 60% in your class XII. You can apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO), an online enrolment system in Ireland.

For PG courses, it is mandatory that you complete a UG course in a relevant field. For all courses, an
English proficiency exam, whether the IELTS, TOEFL or PTE is compulsory to prove your command
of the English language.

CANADA vs IRELAND: Scholarships

CANADA vs IRELAND: Work while studying

Students in Canada can opt for part-time work opportunities for up to 20 hours per week during their academic year and 40 hours per week during holidays.

In Ireland, students can work up to 20 hours per week during their academic year and full-time during vacations. This allows the students to have a unique experience of being in the workplace while managing their finances.

CANADA vs IRELAND: Work visa requirements

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada allows international students work in the country for up to three years after completing their studies, with eligibility based on the length of the academic program completed. You can even apply for Permanent Residency through the Canadian Experience Class. With low population density and a demand for skilled workers, it is easier to obtain Canadian PR compared to other countries.

The Third Level Graduate Programme in Ireland offers a one-year work permit for bachelor's degree holders and a two-year permit for master's degree holders.

CANADA vs IRELAND: Employment Opportunities

Canada's job market is thriving, offering numerous opportunities in various fields. Some of the high paying professions include nurse practitioners, teachers, program analysts, financial managers, and construction managers.

In contrast, Ireland faces a shortage of skilled labor, making it a good place for foreigners looking for work. Key sectors with job opportunities in Ireland include agriculture, healthcare, technology, mining, forestry and fishing, pharmaceuticals, software, ICT, export and trade, and financial services.

CANADA vs IRELAND: Salaries

Ireland serves as the main European hub for over 1,000 multinational corporations in sectors like ICT, social media, pharmaceuticals, and finance. Notable companies in this space include Google, HP, Apple, IBM, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pfizer, GSK, and Genzyme.

Canada also has a thriving market with many global companies. Leading firms in Canada include
Amazon, Google, Accenture, Deloitte, Rogers Communications, IBM, and Telus.

CANADA vs IRELAND: Securing a Permanent Residency (PR)

Canada is recognised for its welcoming policies toward immigrants and stands proudly as one of the easiest countries to obtain permanent residency, including the Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). International students who study in Canada often have an advantage when applying for PR, as they receive extra points for their Canadian education and work experience. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) also allows students to gain valuable work experience in Canada, enhancing their PR applications.

Rapidly becoming a popular choice for international students due to its high-quality education system and expanding economy, Ireland offers it students to apply for the Stamp 1G visa, which lets you stay in Ireland for up to two years while you search for a job, after finishing your studies. On successfully securing employment, you can move to a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit, both of which can lead to permanent residency. With its welcoming immigration policies, Ireland offers a straightforward path to PR for qualified candidates.

CANADA vs IRELAND: Taxes

Understanding the taxes you need to pay while working and living in Canada vs Ireland is of utmost importance.

Canada

• 15% on the taxable income up to CA$55,867 (approximately INR 34 lakhs).
• 20.5% on the income between CA$55,867 (approximately INR 34 lakh) and CA$111,733
  (approximately INR 68 lakh).
• 26% on the income from CA$111,733 (approximately INR 68 lakh) to CA$173,205 (approximately
  INR 1.05 crore).
• 29% on the income from CA$173,205 (approximately INR 1.05 crore) to CA$246,752
  (approximately INR 1.5 crore).
• 33% on any income over CA$246,752 (approximately INR 1.5 crore).

Ireland

The standard tax rate is 20% on income up to €42,000 (approximately INR 38.43 lakh). For income
exceeding €40,000 (approximately INR 36.6 lakh), the higher tax rate is 40%.

CANADA vs IRELAND: Which is better?

With both the countries swelling with flourishing economies and highly ranked education institutions with superb quality of life and employment opportunities, choosing one, surely is a tough task.

Canada has slightly lower living costs, and getting a permanent residency is more accessible than in other countries. It also has slightly lower taxes.

However, Ireland has its strengths, including comparatively affordable tuition fees in many cases,
available scholarships, and excellent employment prospects.

If this still confuses you, feel free to reach out to Lorien Finance to get a clear picture of your
educational future and make the best informed decisions for your study abroad journey. At Lorien
Finance, we help you throughout your journey, from helping you with education loans to special
discounts on proficiency exam bookings to forex, insurance, international debit and credit cards,
opening a GIC account, accommodation, placements and what not!

We’ll be your best friends throughout!
If you’re thinking of study abroad destinations like the US, the UK, Germany, the UAE, Australia or
anywhere across the globe, fret not, we are here to assist you with that too, mate!
Now, quit sitting and thinking, and get on a call with us!

FAQs

Which country offers a better quality of life for international students?

Both Canada and Ireland are known for the high quality of life they offer. Canada often ranks highly
for safety, healthcare, and education, with a strong emphasis on multiculturalism. Ireland offers a rich cultural experience and friendly locals with utmost safety. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences for lifestyle and environment.

How do I navigate housing options as an international student?

For students aspiring to study in Canada, on-campus housing is common and offers a built-in
community, but there are limited options available. Off-campus housing varies in price and availability. In Ireland, many students choose shared apartments or house shares, which are more affordable. Researching early and connecting with student groups can help find suitable accommodation. You can also connect with us and secure a home away from home in the vicinity of your university.

How does studying in either country impact future career opportunities?

Both Canada and Ireland have strong job markets for graduates. Canada’s Post-Graduation Work
Permit allows students to gain valuable work experience, while Ireland’s job market is evolving,
particularly in tech and pharmaceuticals. Your field of study and the industry demand will play a crucial role in your job prospects after graduation.

Which country is better for Indian students to study?

With more advanced educational standards than 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.