Are you wondering how much it costs to study abroad? Maybe you have already decided to study in the UK but are worried about overall costs and seeking additional information on scholarship opportunities. Here you will get an overview of what funding opportunities are available for Canadian students looking to study in the UK.
Before I came to study at the University of Chester I had never visited the city before so I truly did not know what to expect. However, Chester completely blew me away. I had no idea that a smaller city could hold so many beautiful places to explore and things to see. Walking the Roman walls that wrap around the entire city, studying at Storyhouse, taking in the views on the canal, going to the numerous cafes that are spread out and hidden all over, walking along the River Dee, and occasionally going on nights out to Rosie’s and Off The Wall are just a few of my favorite things about Chester. I could not imagine choosing anywhere better to study which is why I’m glad I chose Chester as my home away from home.
Chester is located on the border of England and Wales which makes it a unique location and is surrounded by many amazing places to visit. Liverpool and Manchester are two major cities that are each an hour by train away from Chester. Throughout my time in Chester, I would often take day trips to Liverpool. Some of my favourite things to do there were walking along the boardwalks that surround the sea, visiting the many museums that are spread throughout the city and of course shopping at the mall. In addition to the many site seeing opportunities that these cities hold, starting as early as November Liverpool and Manchester especially put on very extravagant Christmas markets where the whole city is decorated with lights all over and different vendors from all over Europe come with all their Christmas goodies and is something I would definitely recommend going to. Alternatively if a big city isn’t your vibe, the seaside is only a short journey away as well and is a great day or weekend away.
When I got to the university I was delighted to find out that the main campus at Exton Park was a smaller campus because I had always thought of a university campus as a huge, overwhelming place to be. However this was the complete opposite. From the moment I got there, I felt very welcomed by the staff and a lot more at ease. I found it really easy to find where all my classes were and other key places such as the dining hall, library, and students union as I lived on campus my first year. I found that there were many events on campus for the students including quiz nights every Thursday, a winter festival during Christmastime and near the end of the school year something called the Chestival where the students’ union reps plan fun games and bring in some carnival rides among many other events for a fun afternoon. My favorite place on campus was the library. Newly renovated it has everything you need to study and feel at home at the same time including private study pods that you can book, a cafe to get your favourite study drink and a huge selection of books throughout two levels. I spent a lot of time there while at university and it made me feel so at home and cosy and a lot more motivated to study and get my assignments done.
Studying here gave me more than just a degree, it gave me lifelong memories and friendships that I’ll cherish forever and something that I’ll reminisce on always. There’s not a day that goes by that I regret choosing to study abroad and it is something that I cannot recommend enough. My advice to anybody thinking of studying abroad is to just do it because you never know what lies ahead of you and what amazing memories and people you will meet because of it.
-Ella
One question I have been asked many times is: Why did you choose to study abroad in the UK?
If you had asked me a few years ago, I would never have imagined that I would be living and studying in Edinburgh, Scotland. At the time, my decision seemed fairly straightforward. There are only a limited number of universities in Canada that offer my programme, and unfortunately, the competition was extremely high. I could have spent several more years upgrading my academic profile and applying multiple rounds, hoping to eventually secure a place in my dream programme. However, looking back now, I realize that my decision to study abroad was about much more than simply finding a university that offered my programme. It was about taking a chance and fulfilling my aspirations for the future.
I have always wanted to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. Moving thousands of kilometres away from my family and starting a new life in another country was the definition of that. Someone once told me to seek discomfort, and I have come to appreciate that the experiences that scare us the most are the ones that help us grow the most.
I often thought to myself that if I wanted to study abroad, now would be the time to do it. I knew that if I let this opportunity pass, I might look back years later and wonder, what if I had taken the chance?
For a few years after finishing my undergraduate degree, I felt like I was standing at a crossroads. I could stay in Canada, where I was comfortable, surrounded by my family and friends, and choose another programme that I knew I might not be completely satisfied with. Or, I could take a risk and pursue the career I had always dreamed of, which was becoming an occupational therapist.
I also used to compare my journey with the people around me and felt like I was starting later than everyone else. In fact, I now believe that studying abroad at this point in my life was the perfect decision. If I had done it a few years earlier, I don't think I would have had the same confidence, independence, or sense of direction that I have today.
I am currently studying a Masters in Occupational Therapy at Edinburgh Napier University, and I am incredibly proud to be pursuing a career that I am genuinely passionate about. My interest in occupational therapy began during a practicum placement in Canada, where I had hands-on experience working with children with neurodevelopmental disorders. That experience showed me how occupational therapy can make a meaningful difference in people's lives by supporting them to achieve their goals and participate in the activities that matter most to them. I am excited to continue developing those skills through placement and one day use them to support people in my own community.
Living abroad has allowed me to become more independent and resilient. Balancing university, work, and full-time placement has pushed me to become much better at managing my time, staying organised, and taking responsibility for myself. There were so many things I took for granted when I lived at home in Canada that I now realize require a lot of effort when you're living alone. From cooking and cleaning to managing finances, keeping track of deadlines, and making sure I am looking after myself, there is always something to do. At first, it could feel overwhelming. But eventually, you develop a routine, and things that once seemed difficult become second nature.
Once I decided that I wanted to study abroad, I began researching and applying to various master’s programmes across the UK. The application process initially felt overwhelming, which is why I found Across the Pond particularly helpful. They helped me narrow down which universities I should consider, provided guidance on application processes and deadlines, and helped me weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different universities and cities.
Eventually, I decided on Edinburgh Napier University. One of the things that attracted me was the large international student community in Edinburgh and knowing I can meet alike people who are in the same boat as me. Edinburgh is also known for its breathtaking architecture, rich history and culture, and unique atmosphere which was somewhere I could truly see myself living in.
After making my decision, the next stage was probably the most stressful: getting everything organised before moving abroad. There was a lot of paperwork to complete, including the visa application, finding and securing accommodation, arranging student funding, and registering as a new student at the university. Again, Across the Pond was incredibly helpful in guiding me through what needed to be completed. If you're considering studying abroad, my biggest piece of advice is start early. Don't leave everything until the weeks before you fly. Some processes involve waiting for documents and approvals, so giving yourself plenty of time can make the entire process less stressful.
If you feel overwhelmed before you leave, remember that that's completely normal. I definitely felt nervous before moving to the UK but there was also excitement into knowing that I will be an occupational therapist in two years. I can assure you that once you settle into your new home, begin your programme, and start meeting new people, you will start to feel that this new city will slowly become your second home. So, if studying abroad is something you've been thinking about, don't be afraid to ask yourself: “What if I actually took the chance?” You might just realize that the decision that scares you today becomes one of the things you are most proud of tomorrow.
-Olivia
At age 23, I realised that I was living through the motions of life but not experiencing it. The advice I received that helped me was: what are the things you broadly enjoy, and how can those things be involved in a career? For me, it was community and support for creatives. This then translated into careers in artistic industries such as music, gaming, film, and writing. The irony of these things being my interests as a young teenager did not fall on me. Sometimes you really do need to go back to your roots.
So, I decided to take another look, with different eyes, to see what a younger me missed at 18, when applying to universities I never ended up attending. I decided to take my hobby of reading more seriously and looked into the book industry. An English degree is not needed to enter the publishing industry, but it is helpful. I decided to study abroad because I wanted to experience something new and felt that, as I was older, I would be able to enjoy it and get the most out of it.
It really is never too late to pursue something else or learn something new. I urge everyone to allow themselves to enjoy the wonderful experience of life, to allow themselves room to grow and understand themselves before asking the big question, “what do I want to be?” or “what do I want to do for the rest of my life?” Life can have many twists and turns, and stumbling should be encouraged. Now, were some of my decisions influenced by being older? Yes!
I suggest you make a list with three categories: non-negotiable, negotiable, and a middle ground of would prefer to have but not necessary. The items on the lists may change as you research and find universities and what they offer. When I decided to return to school, there were a few things I decided were non-negotiable: Campus life, duration of study, career support, and expenses. Since I decided to study abroad, far from my friends and family, I wanted to ensure that I would be able to enjoy my new life and build community. I knew if I wanted to be successful, I would need to build a new support system. Something on my middle list was a beautiful campus with little city-integrated campus buildings. I didn’t want to feel like I was studying in an office building and wanted to feel like I was on a university campus for that “uni life experience.” Now, this was not a need, but a want, which is why it went in the middle. A negotiable for me was if film classes were offered. I wanted to take a few classes, but at the end of the day, they were an added bonus.
Queen’s University Belfast fulfilled most of my list. The beautiful main campus with Lanyon Building and is voted WhatUni’s number one SU in the UK made Queen’s University Belfast ideal. I was able to meet people, build community, explore hobbies that have helped me build valuable skills, and keep me busy (and not homesick). Degrees in the UK are also one year shorter than in Canada. As much as I enjoy university life, I am aware of why I decided to return to school: a career change. I am also aware of the fact that I am entering university later in life, and as much as I want to enjoy the university experience, I also don’t want to prolong it. The careers department at Queen’s is very involved and holds many events. As someone attending university with a specific goal in mind, I found this very enticing. As much as I wanted to live out my London-girlie dreams, I found the city too expensive, especially given the Canadian Dollar-to-GBP exchange rate. Belfast offered the amenities of a big city with friendlier prices.
Now here I am, living in Belfast, having completed my first year at university and, at 25, just starting again with a sparkle in my eyes, but this time with steady feet. You do not need to compromise on the things you want from a university with location. London has many things to offer, and they often come with a hefty price tag.
Now that we have covered the “whys”, let's touch on the “when.” I am truly glad I waited to begin university. I was able to work many different jobs (and save up some money along the way), learn more about myself, and grow as a person. I have soft skills that help me in everyday life that I was able to hone, and I am more confident as a person. These are things that have allowed me to be successful in everyday life, especially studying abroad. However, I am not saying that if you are young, you should avoid university or studying abroad. I encourage everyone to do what feels best for them, but I also encourage people that in the current age of “instant”, waiting or starting later isn’t a bad thing.
My advice to anyone looking at post-secondary education in the UK is to understand what matters to you and what will best serve you in achieving your goals!
– Memphis
Studying abroad can seem like a daunting decision. It is expensive, there's lots of paperwork and applications, and you may feel like giving up, but don’t! It is worth it. It is not an easy decision to decide to move away from everything you know to try something new. I am truly so happy I took the plunge and moved to Belfast.
People always describe Canadians as nice, but I would describe the people of Belfast as kind. You can strike up a conversation with anyone on the street for a chitchat or directions. Everyone is so welcoming, and there are so many amenities at Queen's University Belfast to ensure all students are supported and can be successful.
Belfast is a wonderful city filled with things to do. There truly is never a dull moment in Belfast. This is truly a city steeped in art and history. There are countless things to do and see here, such as the Ulster Museum (free), exhibitions at community centres, art galleries, live music everywhere, and abundant street art. Late Night Art, where galleries are open late and exhibit for free; Hit The North, the yearly graffiti festival; and the monthly market at The Sunflower are just a few fun, budget-friendly events you can attend. Belfast is also central to many other cities if you want to go exploring; Derry, Portrush, and Newcastle are just some of the cities nearby.
People often complain about the dreary weather in Belfast, but I couldn’t disagree more! The summers are hot and sunny, the autumn wonderfully crisp, and winters mild! Spring can be quite rainy, but nothing that you can’t handle. As a Canadian used to -30°C, I find the weather in Belfast quite agreeable! Personally, as someone from southern Canada, I didn’t think it rained that much, and I would take rain over snow any day.
Queen’s University Belfast offers many accommodations for international students, and many other UK universities do as well: guaranteed accommodation in year 1, different dorm options so there is something for everyone, support networks such as a weekly colour and chat with student tutors, Queen’s Student Union advice office that you can talk to about anything - housing, funding, etc, an abundance of clubs and societies to pick from, language lab to learn a new language, a wonderful careers department that constantly hold events to help you develop your CV, and more. Queen’s also made the visa application journey easy with online seminars you could attend for more information and support.
I would encourage all students, especially international students, to join a club and/or society. It is a good way to meet new people and make friends with others with similar interests and to branch out beyond your chosen major. Getting involved in your university’s community is a great way to further your own skills.
Belfast is truly a beautiful city, inside and out. The buildings are beautiful; Queen’s Lanyon, City Hall, and Belfast Castle are just a few buildings that are a sight for sore eyes!
The city of Belfast is full of culture. Whether it be a market, art walk, museum, or festival, there is always something to fill the time. Both Queen’s and Belfast are here to support their people, and that will include you.
There are many thriving communities in Belfast that are ready to welcome you with open arms!
– Memphis
One of the first things I started to think about before moving to Edinburgh is where I am going to live. There were a few different options I could choose from, so I would recommend doing your research early and figure out what works best for you.
- One is university-managed student accommodation. These are usually situated close to campus, which makes getting to classes really convenient, and you will be able to meet other students from your university.
- Another option is private student accommodations that is managed by a private provider. They tend to offer a variety of room styles and building amenities, and you’d be able to meet other international students living there. I noticed there are quite a few private student accommodation buildings throughout Edinburgh, so there are plenty of options to choose from. However, demand can be quite high at the start of the academic year, so I would recommend looking and applying early. With student accommodation, all bills and Wi-Fi costs will be included in the rent, which makes budgeting a little easier.
- The other option would be to rent a private flat, either on your own or with other students. With a shared flat, you’ll typically split the cost of rent and bills between everyone, although your bills will depend on your monthly usage. In terms of location, I would suggest living close to major bus stops and public transportation links. Edinburgh is a very walkable city, but having convenient transport nearby makes getting to university, work, or exploring the city much easier.
One of the things I love about Edinburgh is how convenient the public transport system is. There are major bus routes that will take you to all school campuses. I suggest getting the student bus card (Ridacard), which you can use to tap on and off public transport. Trams are my favourite way to get around as they run quite frequently, coming every 7 minutes. If you want to explore beyond Edinburgh, the ScotRail train system is a great option for travelling around Scotland and further across Great Britain. You can purchase an annual railcard to receive a discount when booking fares online and in advance.
If you plan on working during your school semesters— try to apply to jobs early! From my experience and what I’ve gathered from coworkers, it may take a while to hear back from employers, and popular student jobs such as café roles and retail positions can be quite competitive. Personally, I work 2-3 days per week, keeping in mind that I can only work maximum 20 hours as according to my student visa regulations. If you’re hoping to work during your studies, make sure you understand the conditions attached to your visa and plan your work schedule around your classes.
I would look into opening a UK bank account once you arrive. Especially if you plan on getting a job, as employers will generally need a UK account to pay your wages. It’s also worth looking into cards that offer low or no foreign transaction fees, particularly if you’ll still be using money from your home country. I would also recommend looking into Wise, which can make transferring and converting international money easier.
Another thing to do when you land is to look into a phone plan. Personally, I went for a no-contract monthly e-sim that would give me a reasonable amount of mobile data. I would still be provided with a UK phone number, but I had the flexibility to change or pause my plan if I decided to travel home or move somewhere else. Having a UK phone number is also useful for everyday things like setting up a bank account, applying for jobs, and receiving messages or calls from the UK.
I hope these tips are useful for settling into Edinburgh!
-Olivia
When I first landed in Edinburgh to start my studies, I was in awe on how beautiful the city is, and I could hardly believe that this city will be my home for the next few years. Edinburgh has many historic buildings and architecture on almost every street. I often spend time exploring the city, taking photos, and going into the various little shops. The city itself is extremely walkable, as many attractions are located in or around city centre. Even when I’m doing my weekly food shop, I can simply walk to the nearest grocery store. I also find the transit system to be extremely convenient. There are many bus routes you can take to reach your destination, so if you miss one bus, you do not have to worry—you can often take another route that will get you there in a similar amount of time. I also enjoy taking the tram to my school, Edinburgh Napier University because it is quick and reliable, arriving every 7 minutes. I think Edinburgh’s walkability and public transport make it especially easy to adjust to living here. You can get around the city without needing a car, which makes everyday life much more convenient.
There is an active student community in Edinburgh. You will have many chances to meet students from different backgrounds, whether through your accommodation or school community. If you choose to stay in a student accommodation, which is what I decided to do, there will be plenty of opportunity to connect with other students in your building. Student accommodations will often host welcome events and activities for residents to get to know each other. I have met a wonderful group of students through the accommodation’s welcome party, and we have continued to meet up and go out for food during our free time. If you choose to rent a private flat, you may also have the opportunity to become roommates with other students who are looking for accommodation. Many of my classmates who rent privately have become close friends with their roommates.
My university, Edinburgh Napier, acknowledges the diverse community of international students, and aims to create a welcoming environment for students to feel more at home. There is a lot of support available for international students, whether it is regarding visa support, searching for suitable accommodation or adjusting to life in a new country. There was a lot of paperwork involved in the student visa process and getting registered as a new student, but the university’s support team as well as Across the Pond was able to help me sort things out. The Napier Students’ Association also organizes a wide range of sport clubs, student societies and social events, giving students the opportunity to meet people and make friends who share similar interests. I have decided to join the book club hosted by the Edinburgh Napier Book Club Society, and we would come together monthly to share our thoughts about the chosen book of the month, and this is something I would look forward to every month!
There so much to explore in Scotland outside of Edinburgh. I have already taken daytrips to Glasgow and Stirling, and I hope to visit the Highlands during my time here. Scotland is very much accessible by train. I hopped on the Scotrail from the train station and was able to reach Glasgow in less than an hour. Studying in the UK is convenient if you plan on visiting other countries and cities in Europe. It is a relatively quick flight to neighbouring countries. For example, I took a weekend trip to Dublin, Ireland and it was only less than hour flight from Edinburgh. I definitely recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to explore beyond your university and city while you’re studying abroad! I was able to create memories, discover new places and meet new people that I will carry with me long after my studies are over.
-Olivia
Moving to Belfast has been possibly the best decision I've ever made. I found settling here really easy, because of the city's vibe, comfort, and ease! I found the whole process really simple, which I think made a huge difference in how I experienced Belfast. I want to share a little bit about my experience, how I settled, and how I spent my time.
Setting up my bank account was a lot easier than I expected. I thought it would involve a lot of paperwork and waiting. Turns out, it was a one day set up. I walked into HSBC and found out that I wasn't the only one trying to set up a bank account. The staff helped groups of students at a time, got us all set up within a 20 minute session, and had all my bank details emailed to me that very night. 100% recommend, this process could not be easier. I've heard from friends that other banks in Belfast work the same way, it's a really easy process of walking in, answering their questions, and getting sent an email that very day.
Before I moved to Belfast, I wasn't sure how I would get groceries. The only things I saw online were the big UK brands: Tesco, Spar, Lidl, and others. When I got to Belfast, not only were these major brands really close to my accommodation, there were also a ton of other small shops that weren't as well known, offering a diverse selection of food that I could also enjoy. Your options are not limited to English food, there are plenty of grocery stores that sell food from different parts of the world. I've seen stores that sell cuisine ranging from Asian, to Indian, to Nigerian, to Turkish, and so much more, which helped me realise that I don't have to adjust my eating habits to fit the culture in Belfast.
Belfast especially is set up in a way that makes transportation super simple, especially for university students. All the accommodation, university halls, grocery stores, activities, restaurants, and anything else you might need in the city are all in a straight line, just one big road. About every 10 minutes you can always find a bus going in either direction of that road, getting you from one side of the city to another in only 20 minutes. I've been able to go back and forth across the city multiple times throughout a single day, without having to wait for transportation.
When moving to the UK, one big thing I was concerned about was safety. I was pleased to find out, however, that among the biggest cities in the UK, Belfast is actually ranked as one of the safest. Not only are the streets well lit and people are friendly, the university also provides services that help us remain safe, including a university built app that allows students to track their path home and alert the police if there are any deviations from that path.
Last but certainly not least, you have events. Belfast is a city of character, always energetic and vibrant, willing to put on a show. There is never a dull weekend, from the Christmas Market to St Patrick's Day, to horse races, to bike parades, and that's not even mentioning the university society events. The point is, I was never bored, there's always something to do, something to enjoy in the great city of Belfast!
Studying here is going to give me more than just a degree. It's going to give me a time that I can look back on knowing that I've used every moment of my university experience to the max!
– Marc
When I decided to move from Canada to the UK to study international law in London, I knew that I would be incurring a large financial burden to make this incredible experience happen. This decision can come with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty. Will I get a good job afterwards? Will I be able to pay back my debt? And above all else: Will it be worth it?
In my case, my program is one-year long and (sadly) nearly over as I write this. This has easily been the best year of my life, but it has also easily been the most expensive year of my life. Now that my studies are coming to an end, I am thankfully already seeing the professional and financial pay-off of my decision. Try the following below tips to make your decision more confidently and with a clearer sense of what studying abroad can do for you and your career.
As a licensed lawyer in Canada, I have been lucky to work incredible jobs back home with a focus on domestic, Canadian common law. However, even major cities such as Toronto simply do not offer many opportunities to work in international law.
In contrast, London is home to countless professional opportunities to work in international law firms, NGOs, and other international legal bodies. A quick search on ‘UN Jobs’ in Toronto and in London will quickly demonstrate how living and studying in the UK offers bountiful career opportunities after graduation.
Whether you are interested in international law or not, take a look at the job postings in your field of interest in your home country and compare those with the job postings in the country you
are thinking of studying abroad in. This will help give you a clear picture of what jobs will be available to you after your studies – and whether it is worth your while to study abroad.
Once you have had a look at the job postings in your home country and in the country that you hope to study abroad in, compare the salaries and other benefits in each location. You may find, for example, that the salaries in the country you hope to study abroad in are significantly higher than those offered for similar jobs in your home country.
In my case, most jobs in the UK (and Europe generally) offer benefits that are significantly better than those offered for similar jobs in Canada, such as greater paid vacation time. I would also recommend comparing the benefits offered for healthcare, dental care, and mental health and wellness supports.
Lastly, take a look at the necessary (or preferred) skills and qualifications listed under the job postings that you would be interested in pursuing after graduation. For example, do those jobs require or expect a candidate who has experience working across multiple geographic contexts? Do those jobs ask candidates to have international experience, such as working with diverse communities and cultures? Then consider whether you would have/acquire these experiences without studying abroad.
Studying abroad is not only something fun – it is also a skills-building experience! In your time studying abroad, you will gain important and valuable skills, such as international networking, learning to compare various political, geographic, economic, and social contexts, facing your fears, and possibly even learning a new language. All of these skills are highly valuable to employers who are seeking job candidates with open-minded, expansive worldviews and life experience.
-Jeremy
Privacy & Data Protection Policy | Cookies Policy | Anti-Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement | Terms & Conditions | Agent Quality Framework (AQF) | Vacancies
2026
Copyright © Across the Pond - Study in Britain Ltd. All rights reserved.
