Master of Arts (MA) in Canada is a 1-2 year postgraduate program that offers advanced study in a specific field of arts and humanities. Canada is home to some of the top universities in the world offering a wide range of MA programs in various disciplines such as history, literature, linguistics, psychology, and more. To be eligible for admission to MA in Canada, applicants need to have a 4-year bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with a minimum overall aggregate of 75-85%. Other requirements include a statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation, minimum IELTS score of 6.5-8.0 or TOEFL equivalent score of 86-100.

The top universities for MA in Canada charge an average tuition fee ranging from 7,000 CAD to 27,000 CAD (4 lakhs-16 lakhs INR) per year. Some universities may also offer scholarships and bursaries to help offset the cost of tuition. It's important to research and budget accordingly as these costs can add up quickly, and international students may also need to factor in additional costs such as cost of living in Canada, visa fees, health insurance, and travel expenses. Additionally, students may need to look for part-time jobs in Canada or find alternative sources of funding to cover the costs of their education.

After completing MA in Canada, graduates can expect to have access to a wide range of job opportunities in various industries, including education, research, marketing, public relations, and more. Some of the top employers in Canada for MA graduates include government agencies, non-profit organisations, universities, and private corporations. On average, graduates of MA in Canada can expect to earn a salary of 63,000 CAD (39 lakhs INR) per annum.

MA in Canada: Highlights

Degree Types Master of Arts (MA)
Course Duration 1-2 years
Program Types Full-Time | Part-Time
Admission requirements Bachelor’s (hons) degree from an accredited university
Percentage Required 75-85%
Documents Required SOP | LOR | Updated Resume/CV | Portfolio (in some programs)
English Proficiency IELTS: 6.5-8.0 | TOEFL: 86-100+
Tuition Fee 7,000-27,000 CAD (4 lakhs-16 lakhs INR)
Average Salary 63,000 CAD (39 lakhs INR)
Top Employers EY | KPMG | Deloitte | Shopify

MA in Canada: Top Specializations

Here are some popular specialisations for Master of Arts (MA) in Canada (according to US News), along with the top universities offering that specialisation:

Top MA specialisations in Canada Top Universities
MA in Criminology University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, Simon Fraser University, Toronto Metropolitan University
MA in Economics University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, McMaster University
MA in English University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University, York University
MA in History McMaster University, University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, Queen’s University
MA in Political Science University of Toronto, McMaster University, Queen’s University, Laval University
MA in Psychology University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Waterloo

MA in Canada: Top Universities

The top universities offering MA in Canada, along with the application deadlines and tuition fees are tabulated below:

Top Universities Popular Program Application Deadline Tuition Fee (CAD)
University of Toronto MA in English December 19, 2022 (applications closed) -
McGill University MA in Economics January 15, 2023 (applications closed) 27,010
University of British Columbia MA in Psychology December 1, 2023 9,500
York University MA in Economics February 15, 2023 12,550
University of Alberta MA in Economics February 1, 2023 (applications closed) 8,557
Concordia University MA in English January 15, 2023 (applications closed) 20,994
Western University MA in English January 15, 2023 (applications closed) 19,362
McMaster University MA in History Rolling 11,936
University of Calgary MA in Economics January 15, 2023 (applications closed) 21,590
University of Victoria MA in Political Science January 15, 2023 (applications closed) 7,920
Simon Fraser University MA in Criminology February 1, 2023 (applications closed) 9,115

Why study MA in Canada?

  • Some of the top universities for MA in Canada such as University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University are among the top 50 universities in the world, as per the QS World University Rankings 2023, and are also ranked among the top 50 universities in the world for Arts and Humanities as per the Subject Rankings 2023
  • Pursuing MA in Canada is much more affordable than pursuing this degree in other countries such as MA in USA and MS in UK.
  • The average salary after MA in Canada is 63,000 CAD (39 lakhs INR) which can go as high as 85,000 CAD (52 lakhs INR) to 110,000 CAD (68 lakhs INR) per year, depending on the experience.
  • The graduate employability rate of graduates after Masters in Canada stands at 75%.
  • The unemployment rate of Canada as of 2022 is 5.29%, which represents abundant job opportunities for graduates.

What are the Admission Requirements for MA in Canada?

Admission to MA in Canada usually requires a bachelor's (hons) degree and may also involve language proficiency tests, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. A detailed breakdown of the basic requirements for MA in Canada is explained in the section below:

Top Universities Admission Requirements Additional Requirements
University of Toronto Bachelor’s (hons) degree in English | 2 LOR | SOP | Writing Sample TOEFL: 100 | Overall aggregate of 80-85%
McGill University Bachelor’s (hons) degree in Economics | Personal Statement | GRE Scores IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL: 86
University of British Columbia Bachelor’s (hons) degree IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL: 90 | Overall aggregate of 76%
York University Bachelor’s (hons) degree in Economics | 3 LORs IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL: 90 | Overall aggregate of 80-85%
University of Alberta Bachelor’s (hons) degree in Economics | 3 LORs | Updated Resume/CV | GRE Scores (min. 80% in quant) IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL: 92 | Overall aggregate of 80-85%
Concordia University Bachelor’s (hons) degree in English | Portfolio IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL: 90 | Overall aggregate of 80%
Western University Bachelor’s (hons) degree in English IELTS: 8.0 | TOEFL: 109
McMaster University Bachelor’s (hons) degree in History | 2 LORs IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL: 92
University of Calgary Bachelor’s (hons) degree in Economics | 3 LORs IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL: 86 | Overall aggregate of 80-85%
University of Victoria Bachelor’s (hons) degree in Political Science | 2 LOR | Statement of Intent IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL: 90 | Overall aggregate of 80%
Simon Fraser University Bachelor’s (hons) degree | SOP | LOR IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL: 92 | Overall aggregate of 80-85%

MA in Canada: Eligibility Criteria

A majority of the following given requirements are common with most of the Canadian universities that offer MA in Canada:

  • A bachelor's(hons) degree with 75-80% is mandatory for pursuing MA in Canada
  • Where to Apply for MA in Canada?: Official website of the respective Canadian University.
  • Supporting Documents: The following documents must be attached along with the application:
    • High school mark sheets, transcripts, and degrees.
    • Statement of Purpose (SOP): Stating how pursuing an MA degree will help the candidate achieve their goals.
    • Curriculum Vitae: Updated and recent CV mentioning the applicant’s overall GPA, grades, education level, and professional or research experience.
    • References: 2-3 references from academicians or professionals having closely worked with the applicant.
  • Test Scores for Admission to MA in Canada include:
    • Standardised Test Scores: GRE scores
    • English Language Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS- 6.5 to 8.0 | TOEFL- 86-100
  • Valid Passport
  • Student Visa

How much does it Cost to Study MA in Canada?

The cost MA in Canada varies depending on several factors such as the university, location, and program of study. On average, tuition fees for MA in Canada can range from 7,000 CAD to 27,000 CAD (4 lakhs-16 lakhs INR) per annum. In addition to tuition fees, students need to consider the cost of living in Canada, which can vary depending on the city. On average, the cost of living in Canada can range from 1,500 to 2,500 CAD (92,000-1.53 lakhs INR) per month, including housing, food, transportation, and other expenses. This cost may be higher in large cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, and lower in smaller cities and towns. The following section provides a comprehensive breakdown of these costs:

MA in Canada: Tuition Fee

The tuition fees for MA in Canada in some of the top universities is as follows:

MA in Canada
Top Universities Tuition Fee (CAD) Tuition Fee (INR)
McGill University 27,010 16.62 lakhs
University of British Columbia 9,500 5.84 lakhs
York University 12,550 7.72 lakhs
University of Alberta 8,557 5.26 lakhs
Concordia University 20,994 12.92 lakhs
Western University 19,362 11.91 lakhs
McMaster University 11,936 7.34 lakhs
University of Calgary 21,590 13.29 lakhs
University of Victoria 7,920 4.87 lakhs
Simon Fraser University 9,115 5.61 lakhs

Cost of Living in Canada

The estimated expenditure and cost of living in Canada for an international student is around 1,987 CAD (1.19 lakhs INR)

Expense Type Average Cost (CAD) Cost Equivalent (INR)
Accommodation 1,037 62,465
Food 290 17,471
Transport 107 6,446
Internet 80 4,819
Books and Supplies 163 9,818
Miscellaneous 310 18,673

Also Check Out: Student Accommodation in Canada

Cost of Living in Canada

MA in Canada: Scholarships

Are there any Scholarships or bursaries available for MA in Canada?

While studying abroad in Canada, it's important to note that scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid may be available to help offset the cost of studying for MA in Canada. Students are advised to research and apply for funding opportunities as early as possible to maximise their chances of obtaining financial support. Following are some of the popular scholarships in Canada for international students:

Scholarship Awarding Institution Eligibility Awards
Canada Graduate Scholarships Government of Canada Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall aggregate of 75% | research potential | relevant work experiences 17,500 for 12 months
Ontario Graduate Scholarship Canadian Universities Enrolled full-time 15,000-30,000
McCall MacBain Scholarship McGill University Enrolled in full-time masters or second-entry professional undergraduate programs Full tuition and fees coverage | Stipend of 2,000 CAD per month
Global Opportunities Awards Western University Academic merit | Experience 1,000-2,000 CAD
Richard A. Freund International Scholarship Government of Canada Academic Merit Up to 5,000 CAD
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Government of Canada - Variable loan amounts
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Government of Canada International women enrolled in Canadian Universities 12,500

MA in Canada: Placements

The job prospects after MA in Canada can vary depending on the field of study and the individual's qualifications and experience. However, in general, a Master of Arts degree can provide graduates with a competitive edge in the job market, helping them to pursue advanced careers in their chosen field.

Some common industries for graduates with a Master of Arts in Canada include education, government, non-profit organisations, marketing and communications, arts and cultural organisations, and consulting. Graduates may also find opportunities in fields such as human resources, project management, public relations, research, and more.

Some of the most in-demand jobs after MA in Canada are as follows:

MA in Canada Job Roles and Salaries
Job Roles Average Annual Salary (CAD) Salary Equivalent (INR)
Marketing Manager 59,000 36.32 lakhs
Economist 71,000 43.70 lakhs
Operations Manager 70,000 43.09 lakhs
Human Resources Manager 81,000 49.86 lakhs
Psychotherapist 69,000 42.47 lakhs
Project Manager 67,000 41.24 lakhs
Event Coordinator 48,000 29.54 lakhs
Management Consultant 91,000 56.02 lakhs
Sales Manager 67,000 41.24 lakhs
Art Director 68,000 41.86 lakhs
Fundraiser 52,000 32.01 lakhs
Technical Writer 61,000 37.55 lakhs
Communications Coordinator 47,000 28.93 lakhs
Non-Profit Program Manager 59,000 36.32 lakhs
Research Analyst 53,000 32.62 lakhs
Museum Curator 46,000 28.31 lakhs
Public Service Manager 61,000 37.55 lakhs

Explore:

MA in Canada v/s MA in USA

In this section, we will compare and contrast the tuition fees, job opportunities, cost of living, and other factors to help you make an informed decision about pursuing Master of Arts (MA) in Canada or USA. Whether you are looking for a challenging academic experience or a stepping stone to a fulfilling career, an MA in Canada or USA can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

Parameters MA in Canada MA in USA
Program Master of Arts (MA) Master of Arts (M.A.)
Top Courses MA in English | MA in Economics | MA in Psychology | MA in Criminology MA in Anthropology | MA in Journalism | MA in Philosophy | MA in History | MA in Design
Duration 1-2 years 1.5 - 2 years
Program Mode Full-time, Part-time Full-time, Part-time
Average Tuition Fee 7,000-27,000 CAD (4 lakhs-16 lakhs INR) 35,000 USD to 55,000 USD (28.96 lakhs to 45.52 lakhs INR)
Top Universities University of Toronto | University of British Columbia | McGill University | University of Alberta | McMaster University Harvard University | Stanford University | Cornell University | Yale University | Columbia University | University of Pennsylvania
Average Salary 63,000 CAD (39 lakhs INR) 68,000 USD (56.28 lakhs INR)
Monthly Cost of Living 1,987 CAD (1.19 lakhs INR) 2,448 USD (2 lakhs INR)
Top Recruiters EY | KPMG | Deloitte | Shopify Accenture | The Walt Disney Company | Amazon | Microsoft | Facebook | The Boeing Company

MA in Canada offers a diverse range of specialisations, providing students with a well-rounded education in the arts and humanities. The curriculum of an MA program in Canada is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills in their chosen field. The popularity of MA programs in Canada among international students is testament to the quality of education and the opportunities available in this diverse and inclusive country. With a strong emphasis on research and practical skills, MA graduates are well equipped for a range of careers, both within and outside their field of study.

FAQs

Ques: What is MA degree in Canada?

Ans: MA in Canada is a postgraduate degree program in the arts and humanities that typically lasts for 2 years, although some programs may take longer or shorter depending on the university and the area of study.

The curriculum for an MA program in Canada includes a combination of coursework, research, and practical experience. Students may be required to complete coursework in their area of specialisation, as well as elective courses in related fields. In addition, students will likely be required to complete a thesis, research project, or capstone experience in order to demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter.

Ques: How many years is MA in Canada?

Ans: Master of Arts (MA) in Canada is a 1-2 year postgraduate program that offers advanced study in a specific field of arts and humanities

Ques: How much does it cost to study MA in Canada?

Ans: The cost MA in Canada varies depending on several factors such as the university, location, and program of study. On average, tuition fees for MA in Canada can range from 7,000 CAD to 27,000 CAD (4 lakhs-16 lakhs INR) per annum. In addition to tuition fees, students need to consider the cost of living in Canada, which can vary depending on the city. On average, the cost of living in Canada can range from 1,500 to 2,500 CAD (92,000-1.53 lakhs INR) per month, including housing, food, transportation, and other expenses.

Ques: What are the top universities offering MA programs in Canada?

Ans: The top universities for MA in Canada are as follows:

  • University of Toronto
  • McGill University
  • University of British Columbia
  • York University
  • University of Alberta
  • Concordia University
  • Western University
  • McMaster University
  • University of Calgary
  • University of Victoria
  • Simon Fraser University

Ques: What career opportunities are available for MA graduates in Canada?

Ans: The job prospects after MA in Canada can vary depending on the field of study and the individual's qualifications and experience. However, in general, a Master of Arts degree can provide graduates with a competitive edge in the job market, helping them to pursue advanced careers in their chosen field. Some common industries for graduates with a Master of Arts in Canada include education, government, non-profit organisations, marketing and communications, arts and cultural organisations, and consulting. Graduates may also find opportunities in fields such as human resources, project management, public relations, research, and more.

Ques: What is the average salary for MA graduates in Canada?

Ans: The average salary after MA in Canada is 63,000 CAD (39 lakhs INR) which can go as high as 85,000 CAD (52 lakhs INR) to 110,000 CAD (68 lakhs INR) per year, depending on the experience.

Ques: What is the cost of living like in Canada for MA students?

Ans: The estimated expenditure and monthly cost of living in Canada for an international student is around 1,987 CAD (1.19 lakhs INR). The detailed breakdown is given below:

Expense Type Average Cost (CAD) Cost Equivalent (INR)
Accommodation 1,037 62,465
Food 290 17,471
Transport 107 6,446
Internet 80 4,819
Books and Supplies 163 9,818
Miscellaneous 310 18,673