| Comparison Points | CanadaPopular for PR | IrelandEuropean Tech Center |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | CAD $18,000 – $36,000 / year | €10,000 – €25,000 / year |
| Living Costs | CAD $1,200 – $1,800 / month (CAD $23,448 first-year living funds for one applicant outside Quebec applying on or after Sept 1, 2026) | €1,000 – €1,500 / month |
| Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) | PGWP: Up to 3 years depending on course length | Graduate Scheme: 1 year (Bachelor's), 2 years (Master's) |
| Permanent Residency (PR) | Moderate Pathway Points-based system via Express Entry, Provincial Nominees (PNP), and Canadian Experience Class. | Moderate Pathway Eligible Critical Skills permit holders can obtain Stamp 4 renewable permission after roughly 21 months (not permanent residence); Ireland's separate long-term residency route requires 60 months of qualifying residence. |
| Part-Time Student Work | 24 hrs / week during study terms | 20 hrs / week during term time (40 hrs/week in summer and winter holidays) |
| Spouse & Family Visa | Conditional Open work permit available for spouses of master's students (program generally at least 16 months), doctoral students, and other specified eligible routes. | Conditional Allowed for PhD students and critical skills work permit holders. |
| Study Intakes | Fall (September), Winter (January), Spring (May) | Autumn (September), Spring (January) |
| Entry Requirements & English | IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each section) or PTE 60+ | IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each section) / PTE 63+ |
| Top Student Cities | Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa | Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick |
Canada
CAD $18,000 – $36,000 / year
CAD $1,200 – $1,800 / month (CAD $23,448 first-year living funds for one applicant outside Quebec applying on or after Sept 1, 2026)
PGWP: Up to 3 years depending on course length
Points-based system via Express Entry, Provincial Nominees (PNP), and Canadian Experience Class.
24 hrs / week during study terms
Conditional
Open work permit available for spouses of master's students (program generally at least 16 months), doctoral students, and other specified eligible routes.
Fall (September), Winter (January), Spring (May)
IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each section) or PTE 60+