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 Canada Universities for MS ranges from INR 11.11 lakhs to 16.6 lakhs.
Application deadlines of the Canadian Universities for MS course is October – January to submit the applications; the admission is finalized by May. You will need to have a 4-year bachelor’s degree (65%-86% aggregate), 6.5 or more IELTS score, GRE scores (required for top universities), and LORs to get admission to MS courses in Canada. After Masters in Canada, you can look from a pool of Jobs in Canada and make an average annual salary of 169,000 CAD (INR 93 lakhs).
Students pursuing masters in Canada 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), MBA in Canada and others. Pursuing any of these degrees. The costs of each type of master's course will vary drastically depending on where you wish to study. There are plenty of MS in Canada Scholarships to help you pay tuition fees and cost of living.
Popular MS Specializations:
Table of Contents |
Top Universities for MS in Canada
With over 96 public Canada universities for MS and 15,000+ study programs, Popular Universities in Canada for Masters offer various programs. The table below shows top universities in Canada for MS according to QS world rankings 2023.
University | Popular Program | Tuition Fees in CAD |
---|---|---|
McGill University | MS in Computer Science | 27,010 |
Western University | MS in Management | 72,000 |
University of Toronto | MS in Computer Science | 30,120 |
University of British Columbia | MS in Computer Science | 9,500 |
University of Alberta | MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 8,874 |
McMaster University | MS in Computer Science | 17,094 |
University of Montreal | Master of Science in Nursing | 28,119 |
University of Waterloo | MS in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 23,088 |
Queen's University | MS in Computing Science | 38,781 |
University of Ottawa | Ms of Computer Science | 26,871 |
University of Calgary | MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 8,242 |
Dalhousie University | Master of Computer Science | 10,341 |
Simon Fraser University | MS Computing Science | 6,075 |
University of Victoria | MS in Psychology | 7,920 |
York University | MS Computer Science | 18,825 |
University of Saskatchewan | MS Finance | 13,575 |
Concordia University | Master of Computer Science | 28,732 |
University of Quebec | MS in Computer Science | 38,340 |
University of Guelph | MS in Computer Science | 13,674 |
Carleton University | Master of Computer Science | 41,500 |
University of Manitoba | MS Computer Science | 18,969 |
University of New Brunswick | MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 13,707 |
Memorial University of Newfoundland | MS in Management | 9,700 |
Note: If you wish to study a short-term course in Canada at a postgraduate level, you can opt for PG Diploma in Canada instead of a Masters's program.
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 Master 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 INR) |
---|---|---|
MS Software Engineering | McMaster University, University of Calgary, Western University, Concordia University, University of Regina | 13.35 lakhs- 49.74 lakhs |
Masters in Nursing | U of T, McMaster University, McGill University, UAlberta, UBC | 0.92 lakhs- 42.47 lakhs |
Masters in Computer Science | U of T, University of Waterloo, UBC, McGill University, UAlberta | 42.46 lakhs- 54.60 lakhs |
Masters in Finance | UToronto, UBC, McGill University, Queen's University, Universite de Montreal | 18.21 lakhs- 48.53 lakhs |
Why Study MS in Canada?
- World-class Universities- According to QS World University Rankings(2023), there are eight 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 ranges from 30,000 CAD-55,000 CAD. Studying master's in Canada is comparatively more affordable than pursuing MS in 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 a survey by the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE), approximately 60% of international students desired to stay back after Master in Canada.
- Immigration and Visa Process- Immigration in Canada is more welcoming than in another study 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 their 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 | 21% | Master of Law |
University of British Columbia | 32% | Master in Computer Science |
McGill University | 29% | M.Sc Computer Science |
McMaster University | 17% | Masters in Economics |
Universite de Montreal | 22% | Masters in Statistics |
University of Alberta | 26% | MEng Engineering Management |
University of Ottawa | 19% | Master of Computer Science |
University of Waterloo | 20% | Master of Mathematics |
Western University | 20% | MS in Management |
University of Calgary | 19% | Master in Electrical Engineering |
MS in Canada Application Deadlines
University | Deadline (Tentative) |
---|---|
University of Toronto | January 31, 2023 |
University of British Columbia | Program Specific |
McGill University | September Sem- December 15, 2022 | January Sem- July 15, 2023 |
McMaster University | December 8, 2022 |
Universite de Montreal | Fall and Summer- February 1, 2023 |
University of Alberta |
May admission- March 1, 2023 |
University of Ottawa | Fall- March 1, 2023 Winter- August 1, 2023 |
University of Waterloo | February 1, 2023 |
Western University | March 1, 2023 |
University of Calgary | July 1, 2023 |
Applying for Masters 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 admission early and preferably submit their admission applications by the month of January.
Eligibility for Masters in Canada
To be eligible for admissions in Master 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 GMAT or 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 instruction. This majorly depends on the province you are in (for instance, Quebec). As proof of French proficiency, students must clear TEF or DELF.
Checkout: Eligibility for MS in USA for Indian Students
IELTS Requirement 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:
University | IELTS Score |
---|---|
University of Toronto | 6.5 |
University of British Columbia | 6.5 |
McGill University | 6.5 |
McMaster University | 7.0 |
Universite de Montreal | 6.5 |
University of Alberta | 7.0 |
University of Ottawa | 6.5 |
University of Waterloo | 7.0 |
Western University | 6.5 |
University of Calgary | 6.5 |
Requirements for MS in Canada
As part of the application package, students must submit the following documents for admission to Master 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
- Scores of standardized tests to study in Canada include
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Language proficiency (English/French)
- Payments of non-refundable application fee.
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of scholarship or funding
Also Check:
Masters in Canada Costs
The costs involved in studying abroad require international students to estimate their financial budgets before starting the process. The cost of studying Master in Canada includes one-time payable pre-arrival costs, tuition fees as well as living costs.
Tuition Fees for MS in Canada for Indian Students
Average annual tuition fee of masters in Canada for indian students is discussed below:
University | Average Tuition in CAD/Year | Average Tuition in INR/Year |
---|---|---|
University of Toronto | 45,110 | 27.3 lakhs |
University of British Columbia | 40,450 | 24.48 lakhs |
McGill University | 32,990 | 19.97 lakhs |
McMaster University | 43,575 | 26.37 lakhs |
University of Montreal | 46,430 | 28.1 lakhs |
University of Alberta | 33,530 | 20.29 lakhs |
University of Ottawa | 30,190 | 18.27 lakhs |
Simon Fraser University | 39,295 | 23.78 lakhs |
University of Waterloo | 22,804 | 13.8 lakhs |
Western University | 17,300 | 10.45 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:
Expense | Cost of Living in Canada in CAD | Cost of Living in Canada in INR* |
---|---|---|
Books and Material (yearly) | Up to 1,665 CAD | Up to 1 lakh |
Health Insurance (monthly) | 550- 915 CAD | 33,000 to 55,000 |
Food (monthly) | 250 CAD | 15,000 |
Transport (monthly) | 30- 65 CAD | 2,000-4,000 |
Entertainment (monthly) | 135 CAD | 8,000 |
Phone & Internet (monthly) | 30 CAD | 2,000 |
Also Check: 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.
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 |
Wondering how to get a scholarship to study in Canada from India?
Watch the video below to find an answer to all your questions and clear your doubts:
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.
- Salaries of Computer Science graduates in Canada are among the highest-paid.
- 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.
Jobs after MS Specializations in Canada
Specialization | Job Profile | Average Salary |
---|---|---|
MS in Computer Science in Canada | Computer Systems Engineer | 64,698 CAD (39.51 lakhs INR) |
Systems Designer | 77,870 CAD (47.43 lakhs INR) | |
Computer Engineer | 76,784 CAD (46.77 lakhs INR) | |
MS in Electrical Engineering in Canada | Electronics Engineer | 71,003 CAD (43.25 lakhs INR) |
Electrical Design Engineer | 76,185 CAD (46.41 lakhs INR) | |
Electrical Engineer | 80,569 CAD (49.07 lakhs INR) | |
MS in Civil Engineering in Canada | Structural Engineer | 78,264 CAD (47.67 lakhs INR) |
Construction Engineer | 92,851 CAD (56.55 lakhs INR) | |
Civil Engineer | 73,197 CAD (44.58 lakhs INR) | |
MS in Mechanical Engineering in Canada | Mechanical Engineer | 77,209 CAD (47.03 lakhs INR) |
Building Systems Engineer | 86,388 CAD (52.62 lakhs INR) | |
Project Mechanical Engineer | 94,282 CAD (57.42 lakhs INR) | |
MS in Data Science in Canada | Database Administrator | 79,161 CAD (48.21 lakhs INR) |
Database Analyst | 74,417 CAD (45.32 lakhs INR) | |
Database Manager | 79,281 CAD (48.29 lakhs INR) |
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 | Top Employers | Average Salary (in CAD) | Average Salary (INR) |
---|---|---|---|
Montreal | CGI Group | Bell Canada | McGill University | Ubisoft Entertainment Inc. | 190,000 | 1.15 crore |
Toronto | RBC Bank | Deloitte | CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce) | TD Canada | 189,000 | 1.15 crore |
Winnipeg | Birchwood Automotive Group | Bison Transport Inc. | Qmetrix | 175,000 | 1.06 crore |
Ottawa | Shopify | IBM Canada Ltd | Ciena Corp | Canada Post Corporation | 181,000 | 1.10 crore |
Calgary | Suncor Energy Inc. | ATB Financials | Alberta Health Services | Canadian Natural Resources Limited | 178,000 | 1.08 crore |
Richmond | FLIR Systems Inc. | Whitewater West | Layfield Group | 152,000 | 92.58 lakhs |
Brampton | Loblaw’s Company Limited | Rogers Communication Ltd. | Maritime Ontario | Region of Peel | 173,000 | 1.05 crore |
Mississauga | Hatch | SOTI | RBC Bank | TJX Companies Inc. | Baylis Medical Company | 179,000 | 1.09 crore |
Vancouver | Amazon.com Inc. | Telus Corporation | StemCell Technologies | Lululemon Athletica Inc. | 181,000 | 1.10 crore |
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 Masters 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 | Average Annual Salaries (CAD) | Average Annual Salaries (INR) |
---|---|---|
CS-IT | 62,000 | 37.76 lakhs |
Electrical Engineering | 75,000 | 45.68 lakhs |
Civil Engineering | 48,000 | 29.23 lakhs |
Mechanical Engineering | 50,000 | 30.45 lakhs |
Data Science & Machine Learning | 65,000 | 40 lakhs |
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.
Canada has a multicultural society providing ample opportunities to support young talents. If you have the requisite passion for pursuing an masters 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.
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.
Also Explore: MS in Canada v/s MS in USA
FAQs
Ques: What are the admissions requirements for Indian students looking for a MS in Canada?
Ans. For entry into a master's program in Canada, Indian students are required to provide proof of 16 years of studies (10+2+4). Students with a 3 year UG degree might need to complete a 1-year diploma before applying to a master's in Canada. However, there are a few universities that also accept 3 years of UG degree. The general score requirements for Indian students are:
- a GPA of 3.0/4.0 in a UG degree. This is equivalent to about 65-70% according to Indian standards.
- scores of standard tests- GRE or GMAT.
- proof of language requirements- English proficiency through IELTS (with minimum 6.5) or TOEFL (with minimum 90) or French proficiency through TEF or DELF.
- a 1-3 year work experience (for a few programs).
Ques. Do I have to speak both English and French in order to get accepted to a university for Masters in Canada?
Ans. No. If your target province is an English-speaking province, proof of English language proficiency is required while for French-speaking provinces, proficiency in the French language is required.
Ques. How long does it take to get a masters in Canada?
Ans. A full-time master's in Canada is a 1-2 year program at universities in Canada. However, part-time master's programs can take about 2-6 years and can be completed in the form of online classes, evening modules, or as a distance learning program.
Ques. How much does Masters in Canada cost?
Ans. The tuition fees for masters in Canada is 20,000- 30,000 CAD annually at top Canadian universities.
Ques. Where can I look for scholarships in order to study MS in Canada?
Ans. There are a number of scholarship opportunities for international students willing to study masters in Canada. Students can apply for university-specific scholarships, government-funded international scholarships, scholarships awarded by private agencies or organizations, etc. For some scholarships for Masters in Canada, you can Click Here.
Ques. Can international students pursuing a master's in Canada work part-time?
Ans. Yes, international students can work for 20 hours a week during course sessions. Also, during vacations, they can work full time.
Ques. What are the best paying Masters in Canada?
Ans. Some of the highest paying masters in Canada are Finance (106,000 CAD); Pharmacy (103,000 CAD); Accounting (102,000 CAD); Business (100,000 CAD); Law (98,000 CAD); Nursing (95,000 CAD) ; CS (92,000 CAD), etc.
Ques. Is Canada good for masters?
Ans. Canada is an increasingly popular study abroad destination for international students because of a number of reasons. Some of the popular reasons include- high standard of education, top-ranking universities, safety and cultural tolerance, dual language education- English & French, affordability, friendly immigration policies, etc.
Ques. Can I work after studying Masters in Canada?
Ans. After the completion of MS in Canada, students can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to be eligible for working in Canada. The permit is valid for 8- 36 months.
Ques. Is it easy to get jobs after Masters in Canada?
Ans. According to reports by Statistics Canada, there was a 10% increase in job vacancies in the first quarter of 2019. There were 433,000 job vacancies for students. This shows that there are ample amount of opportunities for students after their studies in Canada. In 2019, the average hourly wage in Canada was 27.83 CAD.
Ques. Do Masters students in Canada get paid?
Ans. Usually, students are not offered any specific stipend. However, if you have applied for TA (teaching assistantship) or RA (research assistantship), you can be a specific stipend, which varies in the amount as per university and faculty you choose.
Ques. Is Masters in Canada free?
Ans. Masters in Canada for international costs as low as 11 lakhs. No university offers tuition-free courses in Canada. You can look for cheaper universities in Canada to lower the overall expense. As an international student, you will not only have to take care of the tuition but also the costs like accommodation, travel, exams, etc, which further adds to the expenses.
Ques. Is it better to study in US or Canada?
Ans. Though the US comes with a reputation of being one of the best countries to study abroad, the cost involved in studying in the US is sky-rocketing. Additionally, the country has some strict immigrant laws that can make it difficult to find a job and stay-back in US, this is where Canada stands-out with its affordable globally ranking universities and immigrant-friendly policies.