- The University of New Brunswick's one-year Master of Applied Cybersecurity charges international program fees of about CAD 28,335 for 2026-27, confirmed on its official fee schedule
- Concordia's international engineering and computer science graduate tuition is roughly CAD 795 per credit for 2026-27
- Ontario Tech University's Master of Information Technology Security runs 24 months
- International graduates can work in Canada on a post-graduation work permit of up to three years.
Why Study MS in Cyber Security in Canada?
Canada offers world-class universities, strong post-study work options, and a growing cybersecurity job market driven by rising demand for security professionals. International graduates benefit from affordable tuition relative to peer countries, a high quality of life, and clear pathways from a Master of Applied Cybersecurity or MITS toward Canadian work permits and permanent residence.
A master's in cyber security teaches students to design and implement security measures that protect the privacy, authenticity, and integrity of electronic data across banking systems, business networks, and personal devices. Canada combines respected programs with a welcoming immigration system, which makes it a popular destination for this field.
- Strong employment outcomes: cyber security is one of Canada's fastest-growing fields, with persistent talent shortages across banking, government, healthcare, and technology.
- High quality of life: Canada consistently ranks among the best countries in the world for living standards, attracting large numbers of international students each year.
- Financial value: Canadian tuition is generally lower than in comparable destinations, and many universities offer scholarships, assistantships, and part-time work options to help fund studies.
Which Are the Top Universities for MS in Cyber Security in Canada?
The leading options are the University of New Brunswick's Master of Applied Cybersecurity, Concordia University's MEng and MASc in Information Systems Security, and Ontario Tech University's Master of Information Technology Security. These programs blend applied labs, research, and industry projects, and are among the few dedicated cybersecurity master's degrees offered across Canada today.
Dedicated cybersecurity master's degrees are relatively rare in Canada, so applicants usually choose between a handful of specialised programs. The table below summarises the strongest options and their format.
| University (2026) | Programme | Degree | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Brunswick | Master of Applied Cybersecurity | Applied master's | 1 year |
| Concordia University | Information Systems Security | MEng / MASc | 2 years |
| Ontario Tech University | Information Technology Security (MITS) | Professional master's | 2 years |
University of New Brunswick
Run by the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity, the Master of Applied Cybersecurity (MACSec) is a one-year, three-semester program covering fall, winter, and summer terms. It is application-focused, with a bachelor's background in areas such as data structures, operating systems, computer architecture, and software engineering typically expected.
Concordia University
Concordia's Gina Cody School offers Information Systems Security as both a course-based Master of Engineering (MEng) and a thesis-based Master of Applied Science (MASc), each running about two years. Applicants usually hold a bachelor's degree in computer, electrical, or software engineering, or in computer science.
Ontario Tech University
Ontario Tech's Master of Information Technology Security (MITS) is a 24-month professional program and one of the first specialised IT security master's degrees in Canada. A general stream aligns with the CISSP body of knowledge, and a newer stream focuses on artificial intelligence in security.
Intakes in Canada explainedRead →What Are the Admission Requirements for MS in Cyber Security in Canada?
Most programs require a four-year bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field with a minimum B average, roughly a 3.0 GPA on a 4.3 scale or 73 to 76 percent. Applicants also submit English proficiency scores such as IELTS 6.5, plus a resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
- A relevant four-year bachelor's degree, usually in computer science, IT, or an engineering discipline.
- Minimum B average, equivalent to a GPA of about 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or 73 to 76 percent.
- Proof of English proficiency, for example IELTS 6.5 or an equivalent TOEFL or PTE score; some programs set higher thresholds.
- Supporting documents including a CV, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation; some programs may request GRE scores or a research proposal.
How Much Does an MS in Cyber Security in Canada Cost?
International tuition varies by university. The University of New Brunswick's Master of Applied Cybersecurity charges about CAD 28,335 in program fees for 2026-27, while Concordia bills international engineering and computer science students roughly CAD 795 per credit. Students should also budget for living costs, health insurance, and study-permit expenses on top of tuition.
| Programme (2026) | International Tuition (CAD) |
|---|---|
| UNB Master of Applied Cybersecurity | ~28,335 program fee (2026-27) |
| Concordia Information Systems Security | ~795 per credit (2026-27) |
| Ontario Tech Information Technology Security | Flat-fee program; confirm current rate with the university |
Beyond tuition, international students should plan for accommodation, food, transport, mandatory health insurance, and the cost of a Canadian study permit. Budgeting for one to two years of living expenses in advance helps meet proof-of-funds requirements for the visa.
What Scholarships Are Available for MS in Cyber Security in Canada?
Several scholarships help offset costs. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is worth CAD 15,000 for one year for eligible students at Ontario universities. Other options include (ISC)² graduate and women's cybersecurity scholarships, Aga Khan Foundation awards, and university-specific entrance and research funding. Most master's students combine scholarships with teaching or research assistantships and part-time work.
| Scholarship (2026) | Who It Supports | Value (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | Graduate students at Ontario universities | 15,000 per year |
| (ISC)2 Graduate / Women's Cybersecurity Scholarships | Cybersecurity master's students | Variable |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships | Postgraduate students in Canada | Variable (loan/grant) |
What Are the Job Prospects for MS in Cyber Security in Canada?
Cybersecurity is one of Canada's fastest-growing fields, with persistent talent shortages across banking, government, healthcare, and technology. Graduates work as security analysts, security architects, penetration testers, and IT security managers. A master's degree, combined with a post-graduation work permit of up to three years, gives international students strong pathways to Canadian employment and permanent residence.
Common roles for graduates include cyber security analyst, security architect, penetration tester, security consultant, and information security manager. Demand spans financial institutions, government agencies, healthcare providers, and technology firms, and Canadian work-permit rules make it easier for international graduates to gain local experience after finishing their studies.