MS in Canada is a 1-2 year postgraduate program offered as an academic or a professional degree. An MS in Canada is either a course-based program or a thesis-based program for higher studies in Canada. However, there are some Canadian universities offering it as a mixture of two. The average tuition fee for graduate studies in Canada ranges from 20,000 CAD to 30,000 CAD annually. For Indian students, the cost of Masters in Canadian universities ranges from 11.11 lakhs to 16.6 lakhs INR.
Admission deadlines for Canadian universities offering MS courses usually lie within October-January (may vary with the university). You will need to have a four-year bachelor’s (65%-86% on average), IELTS score (6.5 or more/other equivalents), GRE scores (required for top universities), and LORs to get admission to MS courses in Canada. With successful completion of an MS, you can look from a pool of jobs in Canada and make an average annual salary of 169,000 CAD (93 lakhs INR).
Students pursuing a master’s course from Canadian universities are awarded the qualification of Masters of Science (MSc) or Masters of Arts (MA). Apart from these, students also have options for specialist master’s degrees such as Master of Fine Arts(MFA), Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Business Administration (MBA), etc. Pursuing any of these degrees. The costs of each type of master’s course will vary drastically depending on where you wish to study. To help you with the expenses involved there are plenty of scholarships offered to master’s students in Canada.
Top Universities for Masters in Canada
With over 96 public universities in Canada and 15,000+ study programs, top universities in Canada offer various master’s programs. The table below shows top-ranking universities in Canada according to THE along with one of the most popular MS programs.
| University | THE Rankings 2022 | Annual Tuition Fee (in CAD) | Brochures |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto (U of T) | 34 | 37,897 | Download Brochure |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | 37 | 8,592 | Download Brochure |
| McGill University | 44 | 18,110 | Download Brochure |
| McMaster University | 80 | 17,093 | Download Brochure |
| Universite de Montreal | 88 | 24,558 | Download Brochure |
| University of Alberta | 125 | 9,465 | Download Brochure |
| University of Ottawa | 162 | 25,718 | Download Brochure |
| University of Waterloo | 201-250 | 14,084 | Download Brochure |
| Western University | 201-250 | 117,500 | Download Brochure |
| University of Calgary | 201-250 | 14,538 | Download Brochure |
If you wish to study a short-term course in Canada at a postgraduate level, you can opt for PG diploma courses in Canada instead of Masters programs.
Popular Masters in Canada
MS in Canada includes not only the traditional lectures and tutorials but also site visits, projects, and group work. Most of the master programs include dissertations making up most of the course credit. With several degree options, students tend to choose the most affordable universities for MS in Canada. However, they must also keep in mind other criteria such as availability of program, placement, rankings, etc. The table below shows the popular masters in Canada along with some of the top-ranking universities offering those programs:
| Popular Masters Program | University | Estimated Full Tuition Fee (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | U of T, McGill University, UWO, Queen’s University, York University | 45,000- 125,000 |
| MS Software Engineering | McMaster University, University of Calgary, Western University, Concordia University, University of Regina | 22,000- 82,000 |
| Masters in Nursing | U of T, McMaster University, McGill University, UAlberta, UBC | 15,000- 70,000 |
| Masters in Computer Science | U of T, University of Waterloo, UBC, McGill University, UAlberta | 70,000- 90,000 |
| Finance | UToronto, UBC, McGill University, Queen’s University, Universite de Montreal | 30,000- 80,000 |
Why Study MS in Canada?
- World-class Universities- According to QS World University Rankings(2020), there are seven Canadian universities that are among the top 200 universities in the world.
- Specialization Chances- A MS degree is offered in a number of study fields such as medicine, IT, engineering and technology, finance, management, business administration, architecture, nursing, design, etc.
- Affordability- Tuition fee in Canada is the lowest among the English-speaking countries. Studying master’s in Canada (30,000 CAD-55,000 CAD) is comparatively more affordable than pursuing MS in the USA (35,000 CAD- 82,000 CAD annually) or Australia.
- Funding Options- Around 70% more funds and scholarships are offered to students in the form of scholarships, fellowships, etc. as compared to the USA.
- Job Opportunities- According to the Labour force survey data, between March 2009 and March 2019, about 1.8 million new jobs were created for university graduates. Students can find some of the high paying jobs in Canada after graduation.
- Immigration and Visa Process- Immigration in Canada is more welcoming than other studies abroad destinations. Students looking for a PR can apply for a post-graduation work permit.
- Work-while Studying- While studying, international students can apply for various part-time employment options to gain valuable work experience and also earn to at least be able to cover the living expenses.
- Global Leader in R&D- Canadian universities perform 40% of R&D work spending over 13 billion CAD. Major research opportunities in Canada are in areas of clinical medicine; biology; information & communication technologies; agriculture; fisheries & forestry; earth and environmental sciences; and economics & business.
Top Universities for Masters in Canada by International Student Percentage
| University | International Students | Popular Program |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto (U of T) | 21% | Master of Law |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | 32% | Masters in Computer Science |
| McGill University | 29% | MSc or MEng Mining Engineering |
| McMaster University | 17% | Masters in Economics |
| Universite de Montreal | 22% | Masters in Statistics |
| University of Alberta | 26% | MEng Engineering Management |
| University of Ottawa | 19% | MA in Political Science |
| University of Waterloo | 20% | Master of Mathematics |
| Western University | 18% | MBA |
| University of Calgary | 19% | Masters in Electrical Engineering |
MS in Canada Application Deadlines
| University | Deadline |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto (U of T) | January 13 |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | January 15 |
| McGill University | January 15 |
| McMaster University | July 2 |
| Universite de Montreal | Fall and Summer- February 1 Winter- September 1 |
| University of Alberta | September admission- July 1 January admission- November 1 May admission- March 1 July admission- May 1 |
| University of Ottawa | Fall- March 1 Winter- August 1 |
| University of Waterloo | February 1 |
| Western University | September admission- February 1 January admission- July 1 May admission- October 1 |
| University of Calgary | Spring- March 1 Summer- May 1 Fall- July 1 Winter- November 1 |
Applying for MS in Canada
Applying for admissions in Canada can be competitive as the number of applicants far exceeds the actual number of accepted admissions. Academic sessions start in the month of September, however, few universities might also have several start dates. It is always advisable that international students must apply for admissions early and preferably submit their admission applications by the month of January.
Eligibility for Masters in Canada
To be eligible for admissions in MS in Canada, an applicant must:
- have a minimum GPA often 3.0/4.0 (equivalent to 65- 70%) or its equivalent international UG degree in a related field of study.
- provide test scores such as GMATor GRE, depending on the program of choice.
- Minimum GMAT scores required: 550
- Minimum GRE scores required 140 in verbal. 150 in quantitative
- Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or other equivalent exams.
- Few master’s programs (such as business/ management) also require 1-3 years of work experience.
NOTE: Although most master’s programs are taught in English, some of them might have French as the language of instructions. This majorly depends on the province you are in (for instance, Quebec). As proof of French proficiency, students must clear TEF or DELF.
English Requirements for MS in Canada
International students from non-native English-speaking countries are required to submit proof of English language proficiency. The minimum scores requirements of ELP test would vary depending on the program, however, the general scores at top universities offering masters in Canada are
- TOEFL (iBT): 90+
- IELTS: 6.5-7.0
Requirements for MS in Canada
As part of the application package, students must submit the following documents for admissions to MS in Canada:
- A completed admission application form
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates from all educational institutions attended
- CV/Resume
- References or Letters of Recommendation
- Personal statements/writing samples
- Payments of non-refundable application fee.
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of scholarship or funding
MS in Canada Costs
The costs involved in studying abroad requires international students to estimate the financial budgets before starting the process. The cost of studying MS in Canada includes one-time payable pre-arrival costs, tuition fee as well as living costs.
Pre-arrival Costs to Canada
These pre-arrival costs include fees for admission application, registration for standardized exams, visa to study in Canada, airfare, etc. These estimated expenses are:
| Expenses | Cost (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Fee | 220 – 345 |
| IELTS Fee | 250 |
| PTE Fee | 250 |
| GRE Fee | 280 – 320 |
| GMAT Fee | 345 |
| Application Fee | Varies |
| Student visa* | 150 + 85 |
| Airfare | 450 – 1400 |
*Studnet Visa fees- Study Permit Application+ Biometric Fee
Tuition Fees for Masters in Canada for Indian Students
| Program | Fess Range (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 (avg) |
| M.Arch | 5-27 Lakhs |
| Masters in Computer Science | 36- 42 Lakhs |
| Masters in Civil Engineering | 14-21 Lakhs |
| Masters in International Business | 15-37 Lakhs |
| Masters in Health Administration | 11 Lakhs |
Cost of Living in Canada
The cost of living in Canada is around 2% lower than the USA. However, a few states might have much lower expenses. The monthly accommodation fee varies depending on the Canadian province. The average monthly accommodation cost around 850 CAD- 1,000 CAD annually.
Other living expenses include costs spent on food, transportation, books and supplies, etc. These estimated expenses are:
| Expenses | Monthly Costs (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | 327 |
| Food and Groceries | 250- 300 |
| Transportation | 100- 250 |
| Other Miscellaneous Expenses | 150- 300 |
The chart below shows the estimated minimum and maximum monthly accommodation fees at best Canadian cities for international students.
MS in Canada with Scholarships
To fund their studies in Canada, students can apply for various scholarships to study in Canada. These include scholarships awarded by universities, the government of Canada, private organizations and agencies, etc. These scholarships help students to take care of the tuition fee as well as the living expenses in many cases.
Looking for Admissions here? or need Help?Register Now
The table below shows some of the scholarships available to international students pursuing Masters in Canada:
| Scholarship | Awarded to | Scholarship Amount (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | graduate students at universities in Ontario | 10,000- 30,000 |
| Graduate Entrance Scholarship | students enrolled in Masters in Taxation program at University of Waterloo | 3,500 |
| JN Tata Endowment Scholarship | Indian students looking for studies abroad | 1,832- 18,315 |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | students from developing countries covering tuition & living expenses | Varies |
| Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship | full-time students enrolled in a thesis-based master’s program at UBC | 5,000 |
| International Entrance Awards | students enrolled in an MBA program at McGill University | Up to 20,000 |
| Graduate Scholarship | students enrolled in a masters program at University of Waterloo | 1,000 |
| Hira and Renu Ahuja International Graduate Scholarship | full-time graduate enrolled in a masters program at University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering | 20,000 |
| Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) | full-time students of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at University of Manitoba | 14,000 |
| Master’s Entrance Scholarship | full-time graduate student at UAlberta in the form of a stipend | 17,500 + 10,000 |
| Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship | students enrolled in a research-based graduate program at UAlberta | 26,000 |
Financial Aids in Canada for Masters in Canada
Apart from these scholarships, international students can also opt for other financial aid options, these include:
- Education loans- Students can opt for education loans provided by various banking institutions, non-banking financial corporations, etc. Few of the popular loans to study in Canada include HDFC Credila, ICICI Canada GIC program, SBI Ed Vantage Education Loan, etc.
- Work-Study- International students can opt for various work-study options and can work up to 20 hours during sessions and full-time nursing vacations. Some of the options for work-study in Canada include-
- Co-op program (co-operative education)- Several Canadian universities offer Master through co-op programs. This refers to alternate periods of academic study and work experience where students are paid for their work experience.
- Internships- Includes paid or unpaid, work experience for academic credit or better placements.
- Other opportunities include applied research projects, professional practicum and volunteering.
Jobs after MS in Canada
Friendly immigration policies and the easy availability of work permits for Canada make it a popular destination among graduates looking for career opportunities abroad. The scope after completion of MS in Canada highly depends on the choice of program.
- Healthcare and medical industry is the third largest with the most number of employment options.
- There is a high demand for law graduates in Canada with lawyers earning about 72,000 CAD annually.
- Master degree graduates are able to earn 29% more than bachelor graduates.
- Employees in Canada observe a salary increase of about 9% every 15 months.
Salaries by Cities for Masters in Canada
Calgary, Toronto, Quebec, Montreal, etc. are some of the high-paying cities. The table below shows the average city-wise annual salaries in Canada.
| City | Average Salary (in CAD) | Top Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal | 190,000 | CGI Group; Bell Canada; McGill University; Ubisoft Entertainment Inc. |
| Toronto | 189,000 | RBC Bank; Deloitte; CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce); TD Canada |
| Winnipeg | 175,000 | Birchwood Automotive Group; University of Manitoba; Bison Transport Inc.; Qmetrix |
| Ottawa | 181,000 | Shopify; IBM Canada Ltd; Ciena Corp; Canada Post Corporation |
| Calgary | 178,000 | University of Calgary; Suncor Energy Inc.; ATB Financials; Alberta Health Services; Canadian Natural Resources Limited |
| Richmond | 152,000 | FLIR Systems Inc.; Whitewater West; Layfield Group |
| Brampton | 173,000 | Loblaw’s Company Limited; Rogers Communication Ltd.; Maritime Ontario; Region of Peel |
| Mississauga | 179,000 | Hatch; SOTI; RBC Bank; TJX Companies Inc.; Baylis Medical Company |
| Vancouver | 181,000 | UBC; Amazon.com Inc.; Telus Corporation; StemCell Technologies; Lululemon Athletica Inc. |
ROI for MS in Canada
What can affect the choice of a student is the returns offered by a university on the program he/she wishes to pursue. The average salaries after masters in Canada from top universities are listed below:
| University | Salary (CAD/year) |
|---|---|
| Ryerson University | 90,000 |
| McGill University | 149,000 |
| University de Montreal | 150,000 |
| University of Alberta | 77,000 |
| U of T | 120,000 |
| University of Calgary | 119,000 |
| University of Waterloo | 97,000 |
The chart below depicts the average return on investment for some of the popular master’s courses in Canada.
Work Permit after Masters in Canada
Students looking for global studies are turning towards Canada for higher education. One of the important factors being friendly policies to get a work permit for Canada. Graduates from top Canadian universities are able to secure a 3-year work permit which then roles into permanent residency. With a long history targeting highly skilled immigrants, about 65% of international candidates in Canada had a master’s degree in 2017.
- Students pursuing a MS in Canada can apply for a Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- PGWP is an open work permit, allowing students to work for any company in Canada.
- Its validity depends on the length of the educational program. The maximum duration for PGWP is three years.
- To be eligible, a student must apply for a post-graduation work permit within 180 days of completing their program and obtaining transcripts.
Top-paying Sectors after Masters in Canada
Some of the popular sectors to explore after completing your MS from Canada are:
| Sector | Salaries (CAD/year) |
|---|---|
| CS-IT | 62,000 or more |
| Electrical Engineering | 75,000 or more |
| Civil Engineering | 48,000 or more |
| Mechanical Engineering | 50,000 or more |
| Data Science & Machine Learning | 65,000 or more |
After studying and some work experience in Canada, international candidates can apply for permanent residency or PR in Canada. As permanent citizens, candidates tend to get most of the social benefits as citizens of Canada, can work or study anywhere in Canada, and can even apply for Canadian citizenship.
According to reports by CBIE (Canadian Bureau for International Education), the total number of international students has increased by 82% over the past five years. Thus, making Canada the world’s third-leading study abroad destination after the USA and Australia. According to reports, 34% of these international students were from India alone.
Canada has a multicultural society providing ample opportunities to support young talents. If you have the requisite passion for pursuing an MS in Canada, the country offers significant returns for all your investments, helping you to reach your goals. You can also further your opportunities and horizons by continuing your studies after your master’s and planning a Ph.D. from Canada.
FAQs
Ques: What are the admissions requirements for Indian students looking for a MS in Canada?
Ques. Do I have to speak both English and French in order to get accepted to a university for Masters in Canada?
Ques. How long does it take to get a masters in Canada?
Ques. How much does Masters in Canada cost?
Ques. Where can I look for scholarships in order to study MS in Canada?
Ques. Can international students pursuing a master’s in Canada work part-time?
Ques. What are the best paying Masters in Canada?
Ques. Is Canada good for masters?
Ques. Can I work after studying Masters in Canada?
Ques. Is it easy to get jobs after Masters in Canada?
Ques. Do Masters students in Canada get paid?
Ques. Is Masters in Canada free?
Ques. Is it better to study in US or Canada?
