Masters in Psychology in Canada: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Scholarships & Jobs

Program Overview for Masters in Psychology in Canada

Universities in Canada offer both MA and MSc in psychology as graduate programs under different schools/faculties. Both are research-intensive programs, and students are expected to advance to the PhD in Psychology program after one or two years of study. All graduate programs in psychology are oriented towards a PhD degree. And, those only seeking an MA or MSc psychology in Canada are not encouraged for applying.

The psychology masters programs Canada are a continuation of BA/BSc in psychology and aim towards offering advanced knowledge and research opportunities for the learners. The master's curriculum is wisely curated to cover a wide range of topics and specializations. Some important ones include:

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Psychology in Canada

The eligibility for masters in psychology in Canada depends upon the programs and universities you choose. But the basic requirements remain the same. They include:

• Undergraduate Degree
• Language Requirement
• Passport and Visa

Let us now discuss each one of them in details:

Undergraduate Degree

The nominal masters in psychology requirement in Canada is a four year honours or major degree (B.A. or B.Sc.) with a minimum aggregate of 3.0. Some universities also ask for significant research experience. Such experience is usually obtained by completing an undergraduate research course, writing an undergraduate or Master's thesis, or working as a research assistant.

Language Requirement

The English proficiency test is mandatory for all international students to get admission to the universities of Canada. Minimum scores as per the tests are:

• IELTS – 6.0 - 7.0
• TOEFL – 97 - 100
• PTE - 68
• CAEL - 70

Suggested: IELTS Score for Canada Student Visa and Universities

Passport and Visa

A valid passport and student visa are a must for all international students to study any course at any university in Canada. Remember to apply for your visa at least 3 months before the expected travel date.

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Documents Required for Masters in Psychology in Canada

Admission to colleges in Canada for masters in psychology requires a set of documents. Some of the common document requirements are mentioned below:

• Transcripts of all educational qualification
• CV or Resume
• LOR or Letter of Recommendation
• SOP or Statement of Purpose
• Scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/CAEL
• Work experience certificate (if applicable)

 

Admission Process for Masters in Psychology in Canada

A step by step guide to apply at different MA psychology colleges in Canada is as follows:

1. Finalize the course that you want to pursue and check for the best university offering that course.
2. Visit the official university website and collect all data relating to eligibility and the admission process.
3. Upload scanned copies of all the required documents (transcripts, CV, IELTS/TOEFL, CAEL scorecards)
4. Fill the desired application form and pay the fee.
5. Go through an interview with the respective university directors. This is a great opportunity to display your soft skills and presence of mind.
6. Once you receive the conditional offer letter after clearing your interview, you may book your seat at the particular university.
7. Pay your deposit by agreeing to the terms and conditions of the university. The deposit here is non-refundable.

Cost of Studying Masters in Psychology in Canada

The fees for masters in psychology colleges in Canada depends on a number of factors. Broadly the overall cost can be divided into two categories: tuition fees and cost of living.

Tuition Fees

The cost to study psychology in Canada varies in accordance with the programs and universities you choose. On average, the psychology course fees across Canadian universities range from CAD 5,000 to CAD 20,000 per year.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Canada depends upon your lifestyle and preferences. An estimated cost for international students is CAD 900 - CAD 1500 per month. It covers all amenities like housing, food, travel, stationery, recreational activities, etc.

Suggested: Cost of Living in Canada for International Students

 

Best Universities in Canada for Masters in Psychology

Psychology masters programs Canada are offered by some of the top Canadian universities. Each university has its own set of specializations and well-designed curriculum. To talk of the top universities in Canada for masters in psychology, they include:

1. University of British Columbia
2. University of Alberta
3. Queen’s University
4. Simon Fraser University
5. Concordia University

Let us now go into details about each university now:

University of British Columbia

Masters in psychology in Canada for international students at University of British Columbia is a full-time 24-month program. The coursework requires a minimum of 30 credits including core courses, graduate statistics and breadth courses within the domain of psychology. Along with the compulsory courses the MA psychology students must also present their thesis findings at UBC’s PsychFest conference. 

QS World University Ranking 2023	47
QS Subject Psychology Ranking 2022	16
Programs Offered	MA-PhD in Psychology
Average Fees Per Year	9,200 CAD

University of Alberta

The MA/ MSc psychology in Canada at University of Alberta uses an apprenticeship model to train the students into skilled and independent researchers. A group of vigorous world-class faculty members mentors them. They groom the students to become distinguished professionals in their careers. Recent graduates hold successful positions in universities and colleges, branches of government, and industry.

QS World University Ranking 2023	110
QS Subject Psychology Ranking 2022	151 - 200
Programs Offered	MA/MSc in Psychology, PhD in Psychology
Average Fees Per Year	8,700 CAD

Queen’s University

Queen’s University’s Department of Psychology offers MSc in psychology leading to a PhD specializes in four important areas - Clinical, Cognitive, Neuroscience, Developmental and Social-Personality. Apart from them, the focus is laid upon fundamental research and discovery, clinical skills and intensive training. The goal here is to prepare the learners for a variety of career settings in the field of psychology.

QS World University Ranking 2023	246
QS Subject Psychology Ranking 2022	151 - 200
Programs Offered	MSc - PhD in Psychology
Average Fees Per Year	12,900 CAD

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University is amongst the best universities in Canada for masters in psychology. Typically, the students admitted at MA psychology in Canada at SFU have honors or major degrees in psychology with a strong knowledge base. They have prior experience in psychological methodology and statistical analysis. Besides the general graduate psychology program, Clinical Psychology is another graduate program offered here.

QS World University Ranking 2023	328
QS Subject Psychology Ranking 2022	151 - 200
Programs Offered	MA - PhD in Psychology
Average Fees Per Year	5,800 CAD

Concordia University

The MA psychology in Canada at Concordia University is a research-based program that advances into PhD after one or two years of study. The graduate department of psychology here mainly focuses on four main areas of research of which students need to choose one. They are: Behavioural Neuroscience, Clinical and Health Research, Cognitive Science, and Human Development and Developmental Processes.

QS World University Ranking 2023	551 - 560
Programs Offered	MA - PhD in Psychology
Average Fees Per Year	20,700 CAD

Suggested: Best universities for masters in Canada!

 

Scholarships for Masters in Psychology in Canada

Masters in psychology scholarships in Canada are a great way to fun your studies. Let us know more about some of them in details:

Scholarship Name	Awarded To
Graduate Entrance Scholarship (GES)	MA students at University of British Columbia displaying outstanding performance during the application process. Educational transcripts and LOR and research activities are most taken into account. Amount/ Benefit: 17,500 CAD for Year 1
International Tuition Awards (ITA)	Meritorious non- Canadian who are registered full-time in a master’s or doctoral program at University of British Columbia. Amount/ Benefit: Upto 3,200 CAD
Horace O. Frosty Steer Award in Psychology	Graduating student in the St. George PSY Specialist or Major programs or the Research Specialist who enrolls in an approved graduate program in Psychology at the University of Toronto, concentrating in the area of problems of children. Amount/ Benefit: 3,000 CAD - 4,000 CAD/ Year

Suggested: Know Best Masters Scholarships in Canada

 

Jobs After Masters in Psychology

Masters in psychology in Canada equip the students with the necessary skills to grow in their career. The graduates land in various well-paid positions across the world. Some popular jobs and their average salaries are mentioned below:

Job Title	Average Salary per hour
Mental Health Counsellor	35 CAD - 45 CAD
Virtual Psychotherapist	80 CAD - 100 CAD
Child and Youth Counsellor	30 CAD - 50 CAD
Advisor, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support	35 CAD - 50 CAD
Behaviour Consultant	38 CAD - 45 CAD

Suggested: Jobs for International Students after Studying in Canada

Masters in psychology in Canada are for those wishing to upgrade their knowledge on psychological issues and contemporary topics. For that, a Bachelors in Psychology is a must to help you build the foundational base on the same. To seek assistance on this, speak to our Yocket counsellors today.  

 

Frequently Asked Questions for Masters in Psychology in Canada

Ques: What are the requirements for masters in psychology in Canada?

Ans. To pursue MA in psychology at different universities in Canada one must have an undergraduate degree with an aggregate of 3.0 along with an IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or CAEL scorecard. Valid passport and visa are also important requirements for the same.

Ques: Which universities offer scholarships for masters in psychology in Canada?

Ans. Canadian universities like Concordia University, University of Alberta, University of British of Columbia, etc. offer graduate scholarships for psychology in Canada.

Ques: What are the universities for masters in psychology in Canada?

Ans. Apart from the ones discussed above, other universities in Canada for masters in psychology are:

• McGill University
• University of Ottawa
• University of Windsor