A side-by-side comparison of the four destinations we work with most: cost, programme length, funding, work rights during and after study, and the immigration picture.
Dorchard Team · 10 September 2026 · 3 min read
Most applicants pick a country before they pick a course, usually because of a relative who lives there, a university they have heard of, or a rumour about how easy the visa is. A better approach is to decide what you want from the next five years and then see which destination delivers it. Here is how the four regions we work with compare on the things that actually matter.
| United Kingdom | Canada | United States | Europe (non-UK) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical master's length | 1 year | 1 to 2 years | 1.5 to 2 years | 1 to 2 years |
| Tuition level | High | Medium to high | Very high (but funding common) | Low to none at many public universities |
| Work during study | Up to 20 hrs/week in term | Part-time in term, full-time in breaks | On-campus; off-campus limited | Varies by country, usually allowed part-time |
| Post-study work route | Graduate visa | Post-Graduation Work Permit | OPT (longer for STEM) | Job-seeker or residence permits in many countries |
| Language of instruction | English | English (and French) | English | English-taught programmes widely available |
Rules change frequently. Treat this table as a starting point and confirm the current position before you apply.
Strengths: one-year master's degrees keep total cost and time away from work low; globally recognised universities; strong scholarship schemes including Chevening and Commonwealth; a large African student community.
Consider: high tuition for a short programme; a post-study visa that gives you time, but not a direct route to settlement; living costs, especially in London.
Best for: applicants who want a fast, recognised qualification and a strong professional network, and who plan either to return home or to build a career from a strong UK credential.
Strengths: work rights during study, a well-defined post-graduation work permit, and immigration programmes that reward Canadian education and work experience; strong co-op and applied programmes.
Consider: programmes are longer, so total cost is higher than the headline fee suggests; study permits are subject to national caps and provincial attestation requirements; winters are serious.
Best for: applicants who see study as the first step in a longer-term move and who want to work while studying.
Strengths: the largest and most diverse system; substantial funding for graduate study through assistantships and fellowships, especially in STEM and research fields; unmatched depth in many disciplines.
Consider: the most complex and expensive application process (standardised tests, multiple essays, application fees); a visa interview; a post-study work route that is time-limited and, beyond OPT, competitive.
Best for: research-focused applicants, PhD candidates and those who can secure funded places.
Strengths: low or no tuition at many public universities; thousands of English-taught programmes; scholarship schemes such as Erasmus Mundus and DAAD; post-study residence options in many countries.
Consider: proof-of-funds requirements can be high even where tuition is low; local language matters for the job market in most countries outside Ireland; application systems and deadlines vary by country.
Best for: cost-conscious applicants, engineering and science candidates, and anyone open to learning a language.
Answer those honestly and the choice usually narrows to one or two regions. That is the point at which programme research begins.
We help you weigh these trade-offs against your own profile and budget, then build a shortlist of programmes across your chosen destinations. Read more about each on our destinations pages, or book a free exploratory chat.
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