Conditions for studying a master’s degree in Canada
If you would like to learn more about studying for a master's degree in Canada, this page covers basic information about universities, costs, and the best graduate programs offered by Canadian universities.
Advantages of studying a master's degree in Canada
Canada, with nearly 190000 international students, is a major global player in higher education.
Its popularity with international students is no surprise – Canada makes a lot of sense for graduate students looking for a great country to study for their Masters.
Here are some of the best reasons to consider a Masters in Canada this year:
- More than 200 nationalities are represented by Canada's student body, and Canadian society is one of the most diverse in the world.
- Higher education in Canada has high levels of government spending, placing it near the top of OECD countries in terms of state support for higher education.
- Canada offers the opportunity to learn a new language or improve your existing skills through two official languages (English and French) and a number of cultures.
- If you are unable to remain in Canada after completing your studies, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit, which allows you to work in the country for the same duration as your program.
- The standard of living in Canada is very high, and the nation as a whole is a safe and stable environment to study.
Costs of studying for a master’s degree in Canada
The cost of master's in Canada programs ranges from 13000 to 20000 CAD.
Medicine, dentistry, architecture, and business specializations in Canada may be higher than the previous amount,
There are many funding opportunities for international students in Canada as well Canadian Scholarships Offered by universities to attract talented graduate students abroad.
Conditions for studying a master’s degree in Canada
- The cumulative bachelor's GPA is 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
- Submit your Graduate Admissions Test (GMAT) or GRE score.
- Proof of proficiency through an English language test such as TOEFL or IELTS.
The 10 best Canadian universities to study a master’s degree in Canada
Trent University in Canada
- Classification: Public university
- Preparatory year: There is no preparatory year at this university
- Expected installments: Installments range from 12000 to 18500 dollars
- Conditional Admission: This university usually gives conditional admission
- Required language certificates: English TOFEL, English Iltes
Learn about the university details here
McGill University in Canada
- Classification: Public university
- Preparatory year: This university has a preparatory year
- Expected installments: between 19505 and 55621 US dollars
- Conditional Admission: This university usually gives conditional admission
- Required language certificates: English TOFEL, English Iltes, French TCF
Learn about the university details here
Concordia University in Canada
- Classification: Public university
- Preparatory year: This university has a preparatory year
- Expected installments: between $19000 and $33000
- Conditional Admission: This university usually gives conditional admission
- Required language certificates: English TOFEL, English Iltes
Learn about the university details here
University of Alberta in Canada
- Classification: Public university
- Preparatory year: There is no preparatory year at this university
- Expected installments: between $14500 and $23300
- Conditional Admission: This university does not usually give conditional admission
- Required language certificates: English TOFEL, English Iltes
Learn about the university details here
University of British Columbia in Canada
- Classification: Public university
- Preparatory year: There is no preparatory year at this university
- Expected installments: between 15000 and 36000 US dollars
- Conditional Admission: This university usually gives conditional admission
- Required language certificates: English TOFEL, English Iltes
Learn about the university details here
University of Winnipeg in Canada
- Classification: Public university
- Preparatory year: This university has a preparatory year
- Expected installments: between $8000 and $17000
- Conditional Admission: This university usually gives conditional admission
- Required language certificates: Admission can be given without language certificates
Learn about the university details here
University of Saskatchewan in Canada
- Classification: Public university
- Preparatory year: This university has a preparatory year
- Expected installments: between $1360 and $3000
- Conditional Admission: This university usually gives conditional admission
- Required language certificates: English TOFEL, English Iltes, admission can be given without language certificates
Learn about the university details here
University of Sherbrooke in Canada
- Classification: Public university
- Preparatory year: This university has a preparatory year
- Expected installments: between $25000 and $38000
- Conditional Admission: This university usually gives conditional admission
- Required language certificates: English TOFEL, English Iltes
Learn about the university details here
Laval University in Canada
- Classification: Public university
- Preparatory year: This university has a preparatory year
- Expected installments: between $24000 and $27000
- Conditional Admission: This university usually gives conditional admission
- Required language certificates: French TCF
Learn about the university details here
Memorial University in Canada
- Classification: Public university
- Preparatory year: This university has a preparatory year
- Expected installments: between $11460 and $38000
- Conditional Admission: This university usually gives conditional admission
- Required language certificates: English TOFEL, English Iltes
Learn about the university details here
Obtaining admission to a Master's degree in Canada
The process of applying for admission to study in Canada is similar to that of other countries. You will need to submit the required documents to Canadian universities
- A completed application form, often submitted online
- A certified copy of your qualifications and transcripts
- Biography
- Proof of English and/or French language proficiency, depending on the program you are applying for
- References/letters of recommendation
- Motivation letter/personal statement
- If you completed post-secondary education outside Canada, you may have to undergo an assessment to determine the Canadian equivalent of your qualifications and to verify the academic documents you provided. You will have to pay an international credential assessment fee, unless you already have a third-party international credential assessment report.
- Your application will generally be evaluated by a central office to ensure that all minimum admission requirements are met. It is then sent to the college/school, which will assess the academic quality and suitability of your application for your preferred programme.
- If successful, you will receive a letter of acceptance, which you must be able to apply for a visa or scholarship (if applicable) and complete before enrolling.
The best master's programs in Canada
1. Study a Master’s degree in Computer Science in Canada
Canadian universities offer a wide range of computer science majors, from data science and robotics to cloud computing and business systems. All Computer Science programs cover a generous theoretical background along with many practical assignments, projects, research and even internship opportunities in IT companies.
Computer science graduates are in high demand in the job market. As the global development of technology shows no sign of stopping, this is a great option for your studies, with many full-time jobs in Canada waiting for the right computer science graduate.
2. Study a master’s degree in civil engineering in Canada
By enrolling in a civil engineering program at a Canadian university, you will gain experience in urban and environmental planning and learn to design bridges, highways, and buildings. Civil engineering degrees will teach you how to create solid building structures while also paying attention to aesthetic features.
3. Study a Master of Public Health in Canada
Good public health management, primary care and health prevention are Canada's top priorities, as one of the most advanced countries in the world in terms of quality of life. Therefore, you will have a lot to learn if you apply for a master's degree in public health at a university in Canada.
Master's degrees in public health include work placement with the Public Health Agency of Canada, public health units, the Department of Health, or the World Health Organization.
4. Study a Master’s in Finance in Canada
10- Canada has one of the fastest growing economies in the developed world, with a social market economy that combines an open and free market with a high level of social security. As a finance student, you will learn about financial systems around the world but also analyze and evaluate first-hand the advantages of Canada's economic system.
5. Study a Master’s in Human Resources Management in Canada
Canada prides itself on its highly skilled workforce and supports an inclusive labor market. Canada promotes equal employment opportunities, and has maintained the importance of providing support to minorities.
So studying Human Resource Management in Canada really seems like a safe bet. You will understand core business functions and learn valuable techniques to drive organizational results in volatile markets.
6. Study a master’s degree in mechanical engineering in Canada
By choosing a master's program in mechanical engineering at a university in Canada, you will experience a world-class education and benefit from conducting research in impressive, state-of-the-art laboratories. Faculty have been recognized for their excellent teaching and research achievements. You will acquire a range of valuable skills and gain insights into computer-aided vehicle engineering, composites or computational fluid dynamics and participate in numerous applied mechanics projects.
7. Study a master’s degree in pharmacy in Canada
Master's degrees in pharmacy offered by universities in Canada cover many specializations such as drug and vaccine delivery, medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, clinical pharmacy, or pharmacy education.
You will have access to state-of-the-art research laboratories, such as special rooms for organic synthesis, a cell culture facility, and pharmacy laboratories. Embark on an amazing mission to discover and develop new medicines and prepare for a fulfilling career in the pharmacy industry, government, academia, or other health professions.
8. Study a master’s degree in electrical engineering in Canada
Students who enroll in a master's degree in electrical engineering in Canada will get to combine general engineering knowledge with design projects and plenty of laboratory work. In addition to many courses focusing on electrical engineering principles, you will also take classes in economics, technical writing, or ecology to capture a real-life business and industry environment.
9. Study a master’s degree in psychology in Canada
The Master's degree in Psychology available at Canadian universities gives students interesting training opportunities. You can gain practical experience in local clinics and some universities have their own academic teaching hospital.
In your psychology program, you can learn more about behavioral neuroscience, child development and cognitive science. You will be taught by leading professionals with research expertise in language acquisition, gender roles or multiple personalities.
10. Study a Master’s degree in International Relations in Canada
As one of the most popular majors today, the Master's degree in International Relations is among the top 10 undergraduate degrees in Canada. International relations courses will address important and challenging topics such as global finance, international political economy, or humanitarian intervention.
Canada visa for master's students
To study a master's degree in Canada, you need to obtain a study visa. This will act as a student visa and allow you to live and study in Canada for the duration of your studies. You can apply for a Canadian study permit online, or through the visa application center at the Canadian embassy in your country.
- Before applying for a study permit, you need a firm offer from a Canadian university (as stated in your letter of acceptance into the master's programme). You must not have any criminal record and be able to prove that you are in good health.
- You also need to provide proof of financial support, such as bank statements and scholarship award letters, to show that you can afford the tuition fees, living expenses and a return ticket to your country.
Work while studying for a master's degree in Canada
Canada offers a number of job opportunities after graduation, and the country's immigration policy aims to retain international talent. Completing a Canadian master's degree may make you eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit, allowing you to work in Canada for a period equal to the length of your program of study.
Once you have at least 12 months of full-time (or part-time equivalent) skilled work experience in Canada, you can then begin your application to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker under the Canadian Experience Class. Please note that any work experience gained while students counts for this amount.
There is also a group of Temporary work visas Which are aimed at people in specific industries and professions, which you may be able to apply for.