<p>Hi everyone, I am trying to choose between University of Toronto (Canada) and University of Melbourne (Australia), as a student intending to study chemical engineering. Here are the advantages of each university. Can anyone make a suggestion on which I should choose? By the way, I am a Canadian citizen studying in China.</p>
<p>University of Toronto beats University of Melbourne in:
- overall global ranking
- 5-year Skoll MBA program (Bachelor of Applied Science + MBA in 5 years)
- more choices of minors
- more innovative city
- three times CHEAPER</p>
<p>University of Melbourne beats University of Toronto in:
- overall chemical engineering ranking
- 5-year Bachelor of Science + Master of Engineering
- a more livable city
- better climate
- possibly better job outlook</p>
<p>Based on your judgments, and possibly experiences, which would you choose? State your reasons please.</p>
<p>Usually “- three times CHEAPER” beats all other cards on the table. Remember that if you do end up at U of T, it does not preclude finding work in Australia, or pursuing post-graduate studies there.</p>
<p>Do you want to make your career in Australia and/or the Western Pacific region? Then Melbourne for five years might be the best choice. Run the financials again carefully, and see if you and your family can make it work out.</p>
<p>I would say UT since you’re a Canadian (tuition). But look into the courses that each school has to offer for Chem Engineer and choose the ones that you like. You can also research on each individual professor/intructor at the Universities.</p>
<p>Schmaltz, I got this from the Economist Intelligent Unit’s ranking. I think the criteria include a widespread availability of goods and services, low personal risk, and an effective infrastructure. But I think livability only matters to me when I compare two equally competitive schools that cost around the same. When I really can’t make a decision, where the school locates, where I would be living, should make a difference.</p>
<p>I think it all depends on where you want to live. </p>
<p>If you think you want to find a job and return to live in Canada, go to Toronto.
If you think you might want to live in Australia, go to Melbourne.</p>
<p>I’ve been to Melbourne, and got a master’s degree from U of Toronto. Both are wonderful cities with endless things to do. It’s hard for me to imagine any city on earth being more “livible” than Toronto (except for the 5-month winter).</p>
This doesn’t apply to OP, but we’re looking at Sydney, Perth (Murdoch), & Melbourne for DD2 who has wanted to be a vet since elementary school, and after years of volunteering & interning, she still does. Some Aussie schools take you into a US-accredited program right after HS whereas it’s a very competitive post-BS process in the US - more years, more money, and more uncertainty.</p>
<p>Is there any consideration that you have in mind for your statement that we’re unaware of because we know precious little about Australia?</p>
<p>As an ethnic Chinese born in Canada, I grew up in China. I feel more associated with the Asian culture, cuisine, and community. I have been to Melbourne and consider it one of my favorite cities. However, this is not to say that I don’t like Toronto. I have not been to Toronto, so I don’t know whether I will like it when I go there. But there is one thing for sure, I don’t like cold winters, and I like Australia’s proximity to Asia and abundance of Asian population there. I don’t know how “Asian” Toronto is. Anyone from Toronto knows? How about the living cost in Canada? I know that in Australia it’s really high, not to mention that I already have to pay three times the tuition of Toronto.</p>
<p>I think Toronto is pretty asian. I’m applying there too, and I hear that there are a lot of asians there, especially if you’re doing engineering. It is very cold though.</p>
<p>If you really want to go back to Asia, why not apply to some colleges in China?</p>
<p>Melbourne is one of my favorite places too, but Toronto is also really nifty city. Yes there is a lot of snow, and it does get cold, but the city life is well adapted to that and your college friends will be able to help you make the transition. Cost clearly is an issue for you. It is fine to choose the less expensive educational experience. Take some time to work up a full budget: tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, materials, round-trip transportation between your family residence and the university twice each year, personal expenses while studying, etc. Don’t forget to take into account any income that you are likely to have from a part-time job while you are studying. Australia is relatively generous with work visas for students, so you may find that the cost differential is not as great as it looks at first given what you would have to pay for transportation and winter wardrobe if you go to Toronto.</p>