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:

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. 

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
July admission- May 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.
  • 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: 

Tuition Fees for MS in Canada for Indian Students

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.

Cost of Living in Canada

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.

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.