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Masters in Canada 2022 – Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility, Scholarships

Written by  Rachit Agrawal, MBA

Published on Wed, December 12, 2018 9:52 AM   Updated on Fri, February 4, 2022 8:13 AM   19 mins read

Masters in Canada is a one/two year program offered at the postgraduate level as an academic degree or a professional degree. An MS degree is a course-based or thesis-based course for higher studies in Canada.

According to the United States News for the year 2021, Canada is ranked third among the “best counties for education”. The country’s government has invested much in education and is working hard to develop the country as a worldwide recognised study destination. Canadian universities are known for academic brilliance and have worked considerably in research. They provide practical courses and low living costs. Suppose you pursue a master’s degree in Canada. In that case, you will not only get worldwide exposure to your topic of interest, but you will also have the opportunity to dig further into the research arena. We’ll look at the many courses and schools that provide Masters in Canada through this blog.

Source: Canadian Immigration Channel

Why Study in Canada?

Canada provides master’s degree programmes in practically every subject of study. Canada was named the world’s best educated country by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2018, with more than 56 percent of adults having finished some kind of education after high school.In practically every subject, including medicine, politics, technology, business, and media, Canadian universities and colleges provide internationally recognised postgraduate degrees.

One can Consider the following reasons for getting a master’s degree in Canada:

  • Perspective from afar: The student body in Canada is made up of people from over 200 different countries, making it one of the most varied societies on the planet.
  • Government policy that is favourable: Because the Canadian tertiary education system draws substantial levels of government funding, it is ranked first among OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) nations in terms of government support for higher education.
  • Possibilities after graduation: When you finish your Master’s degree in Canada, you’ll be eligible for a post-graduation work visa, which permits you to stay in the country and work for the same amount of time as you studied.
  • Safe and high-quality life: In addition to offering a safe and stable environment in which to study, Canadians have a very high standard of life.
  • Cost effective:The cost of master’s degrees in Canada is lower than in other developed nations such as the United Kingdom and the United States.

Top Universities for Masters in Canada

Top Universities in Canada provide a variety of master’s degrees, with over 90 public institutions offering MS and 15,000+ study options. According to THE Rankings 2022, Qs Rankings the best universities in Canada for MS are shown in the table below.

Name of the UniversityQS World University Rankings 2022THE World University Rankings
University of Toronto2618
University of Waterloo149201-250
Queen’s University240251-300
University of Montreal11173
University of Alberta126131
McMaster University14069
McGill University 2740
Western University170201-250
Dalhousie University272251-300
University Laval414
The University of British Columbia4634
Simon Fraser University298251-300
University of Manitoba601-650351-400

Masters in Canada : Types

In Canada, master’s degrees (often referred to as ‘grad’ programmes) are available in a variety of fields. Students can select a curriculum that meets their needs as well as a specialty in which to specialise.

The following are some of the most popular masters in Canada.

  • Master of Science (MSc)
  • Master of Engineering (MEng)
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
  • Master of Arts (MA)
  • Master of Technology (MTech)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • 1 year masters in Canada
  • 2 Years PG Diploma

Popular Master Programs in Canada

A master’s degree in Canada includes not just traditional lectures and tutorials, but also field excursions, projects, and group projects. In most master’s degrees, dissertations account for the majority of course credit. Because there are so many degree options, students frequently choose the cheapest master’s programmes in Canada. Other considerations, such as programme availability, placement, and rankings, must be taken into account.

The following table covers the most popular master’s degrees in Canada, as well as some of the country’s finest universities that offer them:

UniversityPopular Course
University of TorontoMasters of Medium Studies 
Royals Roads UniversityMasters of Global Management 
Saint Mary’s UniversityInternational Masters of Teaching English
University of British ColumbiaMS in Electrical and Computer Engineering 
University of LethbridgeMasters of Fine Arts 
The Centre for Digital MediaMasters of Digital Media 
Adler UniversityMasters of Psychology
McGill UniversityMasters of Management in Analytics
University of DundeeMaster of Education 
Trent UniversityMasters of Management
Westford University CollegeMasters of International Business

Masters in Canada Fees

The fees for MS in Canada for every specialization differs. It also depends on which university you are applying to.

Below is a list of master’s courses offered in Canada and the approximate fees structure: 

Name of the ProgramFees in INR 
MBA 11 – 59 Lakhs
Masters in Mechanical Engineering 8 – 29 Lakhs
Masters in Business Analytics 14 – 36 Lakhs
Masters in Data Science 12 Lakhs approx 
M.Arch5 – 27 Lakhs
Masters in Computer Science 36 – 52 Lakhs
Masters in Civil Engineering 14 – 21 Lakhs
Masters in International Business 15 – 37 Lakhs
Masters in Health Administration 11 Lakhs

Cost of Masters in Canada 

The cost for each kind of master’s degree varies greatly on where a student wishes to study. International students should estimate the financial budget before actually beginning the application process. The cost includes pre-arrival costs and tuition fees to be paid to the university you are applying to. 

Pre-arrival Costs for International Students

The pre-arrival costs comprise application fees, visa fees to study in Canada, airfare, registration for standardized exams and so on. The estimated pre-arrival expenses are:

  • Fees for TOEFL: 220 – 345 CAD
  • Fees for IELTS: 220 CAD
  • Fees for PTE: 250 CAD
  • GRE fee: 280 – 320 CAD
  • GMAT fee: 345 CAD 
  • Application fees: varies from program to program
  • Student visa: 150 + 85
  • Airfare: 450 – 1400 CAD 

Cost of Living in Canada for International Students

Living costs of Canada are approximately 2% lower as compared to the United States of America. Depending on the Canadian province you decide to stay in, the living costs will vary. The average accommodation cost is anywhere around 850 CAD – 1000 CAD per year. Other expenses include transportation expenses, food, books and supplies, and so on. 

Eligibility for Masters in Canada

In order to be eligible for a Master’s degree in Canada, students need to:

  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 i.e. 65% – 70% or the equivalent international undergraduate degree in a related field of study. 
  • Submit test scores like GMAT or GRE as per the program they select. 
  • Minimum GMAT score: 550
  • Minimum GRE score: 140 in verbal, 150 in quantitative.
  • Submit scores of English Proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or other equivalent exams if the first language is not English.
  • Some master’s programs also require students to submit proof of 1 – 3 years of work experience. 

Masters in Canada Requirements 

Students are required to submit the following documents along with their application:

  • Certified copies of academic transcripts from all the educational institutions they have attended.
  • Resume/CV
  • References or Letters of Recommendation 
  • Statement of Purpose/Writing Samples. 
  • Scores from standardized exams to study in Canada i.e. GMAT/GRE scores along with English Language Proficiency test scores i.e. IELTS or TOEFL scores. 
  • Non-refundable application fee payment
  • Passport copy
  • Proof of Scholarship or funding

Check Out: The Ultimate Guide to Masters in Data Analytics in Canada



Masters Scholarship in Canada

Students may apply for various scholarships. to study in Canada. These scholarships include those offered by universities, the Government of Canada, and private agencies or organizations. Such scholarships help students fund their tuition fees and also cover their living expenses. Below is a list of various scholarships and their respective amounts offered by various universities. 

Name of the Scholarship Amount (in CAD)Awarded to
Ontario Graduate Scholarship10000 – 30000Students graduated at any university in Ontario 
Graduate Entrance Scholarship 3500students who have registered for Masters in Taxation course at University of Waterloo 
JN Tata Endowment Scholarship 1832 – 18315any Indian student looking for studies abroad
Aga Foundation Scholarship Variesstudents belonging to developing countries covering living expenses and tuition expenses 
Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship 5000full-time students registered in a thesis-based master’s program at University of British Columbia 
International Entrance AwardsUpto 20000students enrolled in an MBA program at McGill University 
Graduate Scholarship 1000students enrolled in any master’s program at the University of Waterloo 
Hira and Renu Abuja International Graduate Scholarship 20000full-time graduate students enrolled in any master’s program at University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering 
Graduate Scholarship 14000full-time students of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at University of Manitoba
Master’s Entrance Scholarship 17500 + 10000full-time graduate student at UAlberta in the form of a stipend
Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship 26000students enrolled in a research-based graduate program at UAlberta

Masters in Canada without IELTS 

There are certain ways in which a student can study in Canada without IELTS.

Following are some ways listed to study masters in Canada without IELTS:

  • If a student has previous education in English, then he/she can ask for a letter from the school/college attended that provides proof of English language proficiency.  
  • Some universities in Canada accept students without submission of IELTS test scores. The Okanagan college, Concordia University, Cambrian College, Seneca College Toronto, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Regina, University of Winnipeg, University of Saskatchewan, Brock University, Carleton University, etc. are a few universities that admit students without IELTS. 
  • If you don’t have English Proficiency test scores from IELTS or TOEFL, you can apply for the English Second Language program to pursue education in Canada. The duration of the program is 6 months. 

List of universities in Canada that offer an exemption of IELTS:

  1. University of Saskatchewan
  2. Brock University
  3. Carleton University
  4. University of Winnipeg
  5. University of Regina
  6. Memorial University
  7. Concordia University

Check Out: MS In Canada Eligibility Criteria


Job Opportunities after Masters in Canada 

The easy availability of work permits coupled with friendly immigration policies make Canada one of the most popular destinations among graduate students for good career opportunities abroad. Depending on the program you choose, the scope will differ. 

Computer Science graduates are among the ones who are highly-paid. The Healthcare and Medical field provides maximum job opportunities to graduates in the field. There is also a very high demand for law graduates with lawyers earning around 72000 CAD per year in Canada. 

A candidate with a Master’s degree earns around 29% more than the ones with a Bachelor’s degree. Every 15 months, employees working in Canada observe an increase in salary of 9%. 

Subjects with the highest graduate salaries in Canada include:

  1. Dentistry
  2. Medicine
  3. Veterinary medicine
  4. Law
  5. Therapy & Rehab
  6. Engineering
  7. Pharmacy
  8. Computer sciences

Some of the highest paying jobs in Canada are:

  • Mining and forestry manager
  • Oil and gas drilling supervisor
  • Air traffic controller
  • Statistician and actuaries
  • Engineering manage
  • Public administration director
  • Power systems operator
  • Health & community service manager
  • Mapping technologist.

Work Permit After Masters in Canada

Students pursuing international study are flocking to Canada for higher education. The availability of welcoming regulations for acquiring a work visa in Canada is one of the most important elements. Graduates of top Canadian universities can apply for a three-year work visa that can lead to permanent residence. Post-Graduation Work Permits are available to students who have completed a master’s degree in Canada (PGWP). The PGWP is a non-restrictive work permit that enables students to work for any Canadian business. The duration of the educational programme determines its applicability. PGWP has a three-year maximum duration. To be eligible for a post-graduation work visa, a student must apply within 180 days of completing their degree and getting transcripts. 

Top-paying Sectors after Masters in Canada

Following your master’s degree in Canada, you might choose to look into the following fields:

SectorAverage Expects Salaries in CAD per yearAverage Expects Salaries in INR per year
CS-IT62,000 or more37.63 lakhs 
Electrical Engineering75,000 or more45.52 lakhs 
Civil Engineering48,000 or more29.13 lakhs 
Mechanical Engineering50,000 or more30.35 lakhs 
Data Science & Machine Learning65,000 or more39.45 lakhs 

Masters In Canada For International Students

Canada is a combination of great outdoors and great student cities. It holds on its own among the world’s leading student destinations. It welcomes around 60 million tourists each year and is currently hosting over 572,000 international students.

Canada has become an appealing option for studying by international students. It is one of the safest places to go to in the world (and particularly major cities like Toronto and Vancouver) and has a wealth of cultural diversity that invites foreign students from everywhere in the world.

Requirement for Masters degree in Canada for International Students

People who study at the Canadian College are highly valued in the job market. Each university here has its own system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enroll in their degree programs.

Some of the essential requirements for applying a master’s degree in Canada for international students are:

  • Most educational institutes require qualifications comparable to a Canadian Bachelor’s degree.
  • Depending upon the master’s course applied for, relevant work experience in the field of their study may also be asked.
  • Students whose first language is not English, have to appear for an English proficiency exam, generally IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Some universities also require written samples or copies of student’s published work as a part of their eligibility criteria.
  • GMAT /GRE test scores at an entry-level may be required for a few institutions for Management / Engineering specific programs.
  • A scan of passport and copy of CV is required. 
  • Evidence of scholarship or funding is asked by some Colleges. 

Check Out: MS In Canada Eligibility


MS In Canada For Indian students

Canada is known for its high-quality teaching which is why students from all around the world try to get admissions into its institutions. Likewise, many Indian students also prefer Canada for pursuing higher education.

The rules and policies for international students are not complex. The cost of studying masters in Canada ranges from 8 to 15 lakh. The duration of the master’s program is between one to two years.

Subject/ fieldAverage annual fees ( Rupees)
Engineering 895,076
It and computer science780,780
Physical and life sciences754,104
Agricultural sciences754,104
Architecture1,202,760
Pharmacy618,332
Visual & performing arts709,072
Humanities735,644
Business studies1,152,008
Law868,140
Social sciences742,716

PG Diploma vs MS in Canada

PG diplomaMasters
    The duration of a PG diploma varies between 1 to 2 years depending on the program.
    Course-based master’s programs are 1.5 to 2 years and thesis-based masters are around two years duration.
Generally, fees for PG Diploma
courses are lesser due to its shorter
duration.
    Fee for master’s degree is comparatively more than PG Diploma Courses.
    Funding from the supervisor or the professor is made available for thesis-based master programs.
    It is hard to get funding for course-based masters and PG diploma.
    The students with PG diploma can go for either a job or they can pursue a master program after completion of PG diploma.
Course-based and thesis-based
master students can go for a job
but are not eligible for PhD.
    The post-study work permit depends on the duration of your Postgraduate study program.
    For master programs, the students get up to 3 years of post-study work permit.

Check Out: PGDM in Canada- All you need to know


Masters in Management Canada

Canada along with the US is considered to be the bedrock of Master’s in Management, and almost all top Canadian schools are offering the Masters in Management in their degree portfolio.

The number of international students enrolled in post-secondary education in Canada increased from 180,000 in 2007 to 415,000 in 2016. Canada has a large population of international students out of which countries like China, India, and France account for 53.1% of the total international students. 

List of the top ten Universities for Master’s in Management is given below:

  1. University of Manitoba
  2. Odette School of Business
  3. Queen’s University
  4. Rochester Institute of Technology
  5. University of Lethbridge
  6. Royal Roads University 
  7. Sauder School of Business
  8. Telfer School of Management
  9. Charles Stuart University
  10. IVEY

Check Out: Is Study Gap Acceptable In Canada


Masters in Cyber Security, Canada

A Master’s in Cyber Security in Canada is a degree for study in information and data security. Cybersecurity is a growing field with endless opportunities to study a variety of specializations within the field and that is why studying this subject is a smart choice for international students.

This subject teaches students about the swiftly changing technological world and prepares students to build a career that helps businesses and government agencies keep their data safe. The course focus on a variety of aspects of computer security, including data management and software and systems design. 

Some of the best colleges for studying Cyber Security in Canada are:

  • Centennial College
  • College of Computer &Information Center
  • University of Winnipeg
  • University of Ontario Institute of Technology
  • Concordia University Montreal

Masters in Industrial Engineering, Canada

The study of Industrial engineering is used to improve the efficiency of engineering processes and the quality of resulting products. 

Students studying this subject use the technical skills of students to understand the functioning of various engineering structures and how to apply business knowledge to increase productivity.

Top colleges offering master’s in industrial engineering in Canada are:

  1. Ryerson University
  2. Dalhousie University
  3. University of Windsor
  4. University of Toronto
  5. Concordia University
  6. Saint Mary’s University
  7. University of British Colombia
  8. University of Calgary

Masters in Canada vs USA

Master’s in CanadaMaster’s in USA
The average tuition fee in Canadian college is about CAD$ 20,000 and average expenses of an individual are about CAD$ 10,800 for a year.Tuition fees for Masters in USA is about $15,000 – 60,000 per year and the cost of living is about $10,000 – $15,000 per year.
Various Canadian Universities offer financial aids like Student loans, Student grants, Educational savings, Scholarships and other Financial assistance to students on the basis of their skill and talent.Although expenses and tuition fees are very high in the US, there are also many scholarships, student grants to avail from.
The Canadian Post Graduation Work Visa allows students graduating from any post-secondary institute to work post studying for up time period depending on the duration of their course to a maximum of three years.Students who want to stay in the US to gain practical knowledge in their subject, have the option to do so through OPT which is a temporary employment permission that allows students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study for a 12-month period.
Some of the most sought-after positions in Canada are jobs like nurse practitioner, programme analyst, teacher, pharmacist, financial manager, construction manager etc.Some of the top jobs in USA are jobs in fields like management, advertising, finance, dentistry, software engineer etc.
Compared to other countries, getting PR in Canada is very easy. One can apply for Permanent Residency under the Canadian Experience Class.Permanent residency option is available, but it is a very long-drawn, slow and complicated process. It requires the person applying for it to reside in the US for at least five years on the grounds of employment.

Masters in Canada vs Australia

Masters in CanadaMaster’s in Australia
Tuition cost in Canada for master’s is $15,000 - $35,000 per year.Tuition cost in Australia is between $20,000 to $37,000 per year.
Canadian Visa has to be applied for the post-graduation work permit within 90 days of finishing the studies and it costs $150 to apply for this visa.Australian student visa is not granted in the form of a sticker and it costs $ 535 to apply for this visa.
The Canadian Post Graduation Work Visa allows students graduating from any post-secondary institute to work post studying for up time period depending on the duration of their course to a maximum of three years.Students who have completed master’s degree may be eligible to apply for a two-year post-study work visa.
Some of the top jobs in Canada are like nurse practitioner, programme analyst, teacher, pharmacist, financial manager, construction manager etc.Top jobs in Australia include education, medical services, hospitality industry, computer system design, accounting etc.
Since Canada is sparsely populated, there is a shortage of highly skilled employee and that is why getting PR in Canada is very easy.Due to the complicated process, the PR permit may take some time to get approved, however it is possible to get Australian citizenship.

PR After Masters in Canada

To qualify for CEC, one should have 2 years of studies and work for 1 or 2 years. There are several permanent resident categories including the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Provincial Nominee Program.

FAQs

How much does a Master’s in Canada cost?

Ans. In the academic year 2020-21, a Master’s degree would cost anywhere in between CAD $2500 – CAD $18000 depending on the university and the program you select. If students exceed the normal duration of their course, they may be charged a continuing fee for an additional number of years of registration. 

Is a Master’s degree worth it in Canada?

Ans. Yes, it is totally worth getting a Master’s degree in Canada because of a number of reasons:
 A degree from a top Canadian university would be recognized and accepted globally. 
The cost of studying in Canada is also affordable and not heavy on your pocket. 
The Canadian education system is one-of-a-kind with a method-based teaching format. 
There are abundant employment opportunities for students. 
Canada has a welcoming and accepting culture which makes it easier for candidates to work here.

✅ How many Backlogs are allowed in Masters in Canada?

Ans. Universities in Canada accept backlogs to an extent. Different Universities follow different rules related to backlogs. Some universities only look at the last two years when calculating the final GPA whereas some universities accept students with less than 3 backlogs provided that they demonstrate strong academics before and after the backlogs.

Which Master’s degree is most valuable in Canada?

Ans. Canadian universities have a great reputation in the world market. Hence, students find it easier to get well-paying jobs in top companies. The master’s courses that are most valuable and provide students opportunities to get the highest paying jobs include MBA, Engineering, Information Technology and Finance. 

Can I study for free in Canada?

Ans. There are certain public high schools that provide free education to residents of the country. School fees for international students can range anywhere from CAD 8000 – CAD 14000 annually. 

How long does a Master’s degree take in Canada?

Ans. A Master’s degree requires a year or two of study after completion of a Bachelor’s degree. Ph.D. and doctoral degrees require 3 – 5 years of study including a thesis. 

How much CGPA is required for Masters in Canada?

Ans. As per the requirements in Canada, the minimum GPA should be 3-4 out of 5. In Indian Education terms, it rounds off to 70-80% or 7-8 CGPA.

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About the Author & Expert

Avatar

Rachit Agrawal

Author • MBA • 20 Years

Rachit believes in the power of education and has studied from the top institutes of IIIT Allahabad, IIM Calcutta, and Francois Rabelias in France. He has worked as Software Developer with Microsoft and Adobe. Post his MBA, he worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group across multiple geographies US, South-East Asia and Europe.

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