Amongst the many courses to study in Canada, psychology holds a special place of prominence. As our lives get more busy and stressful, mental wellness is given utmost importance in today’s world. Psychology is the discipline that studies the human mind and contributes to making our lives better. Psychology courses in Canada equip learners with all the knowledge and training to serve mankind. Besides, the wide range of research that psychology universities in Canada specialize in helps the students' overall development to progress in their respective fields.
In this blog, we dwell at length on the psychology courses in Canada for international students, the best universities, admission process, requirements, fees and everything else you must be aware of.
Why Study Psychology in Canada?
Before pursuing any course you must be aware of its usefulness and long-term benefits. Let’s have a look at the perks of studying psychology courses in Canada:
- Canada is famous for its world-class universities. 8 universities in Canada are ranked in Maclean’s best psychology programs 2023 rankings.
- Canadian universities offer well-equipped lab facilities for students to conduct their research. Some of them include Centre for Clinical Research in Health (CCRH), Centre for Research in Human Development (CRHD),
- Renowned agencies like NSERC, CFI, SSRHC, etc fund research in various universities in Canada. On average the total funding is around 2 million dollars every year.
- Canadian psychology universities offer undergraduate and graduate degrees with honors/specializations on areas like Behavioural Science, Cognitive Science, Clinical and Health Research, etc. Colleges in Canada also various diploma programs in psychology too.
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Let us look into details at diploma in psychology in Canada:
PG Diploma in Psychology in Canada
As the scope of psychology in Canada and the rest of the world is increasing daily, study programs are equally in demand. Post graduate diploma in Psychology in Canada is offered by different colleges in Canada both as a full-time and part-time course. Each program specializes on a definite domain of psychology. To apply at colleges for psychology in Canada one must have completed a recognized Diploma or Degree program in relevant subjects.
Some top colleges offering psychology diploma courses in Canada are mentioned below:
1. Seneca College
2. Fanshawe College
3. Kelowna College of Professional Counselling
Seneca College
Diploma in psychology in Canada at Seneca college is offered under the program Autism and Behavioural Science Ontario Graduate Certificate. The program lays emphasis on the design and implementation of effective behavioural treatment plans according to the principles of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI).
Fanshawe College
Fanshawe College also offers Autism and Behavioural Science Ontario Graduate Certificate program in Canada. It aims to develop advanced knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and awareness of effective intervention techniques via two field placements and an academic study. Graduates establish expertise within the children’s sector and are prepared for various career opportunities.
Kelowna College of Professional Counselling
Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counselling at KCPC offers a variety of options to fit your career goals. It provides competency-based training in the major theories and techniques used to treat emotion, cognition, and/or behavior disorders. Professional counsellors, psychotherapists, etc. are some of the specializations here to choose from.
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Eligibility Criteria to Study Psychology Courses in Canada
Psychology courses in Canada eligibility depend on the program and university you choose. There are two levels of psychology courses in Canada for international students: undergraduate and post graduate. Let us see their requirements in details:
Undergraduate Programs
The two types of undergraduate programs for psychology in Canada namely BSc and BA in psychology. To apply for psychology courses in Canada after 12, it is compulsory for students to complete 10+2 exams from a recognized institution with an aggregate of 55% and above.
Post Graduate Programs
Psychology universities in Canada mostly offer an integrated masters and PhD in psychology. The nominal requirement for admission is a four year honours or major degree (B.A. or B.Sc.) with 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.
Apart from the above-mentioned ones, other psychology courses in Canada eligibility includes:
Language Requirements
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:
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.
Documents Required for Psychology Courses in Canada
Admission to psychology universities in Canada 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)
So, that was all about eligibility and requirements to study in Canada. Let us now move on to the admission process:
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Admission Process for Psychology Courses in Canada
A step by step guide to apply at different colleges for psychology in Canada is as follows:
- Finalize the course that you want to pursue and check for the best university offering that course.
- Visit the official university website and collect all data relating to eligibility and the admission process.
- Upload scanned copies of all the required documents (transcripts, CV, IELTS/TOEFL, CAEL scorecards)
- Fill the desired application form and pay the fee.
- Go through an interview with the respective university directors. This is a great opportunity to display your soft skills and presence of mind.
- Once you receive the conditional offer letter after clearing your interview, you may book your seat at the particular university.
- Pay your deposit by agreeing to the terms and conditions of the university. The deposit here is non-refundable.
Cost of Studying Psychology Courses in Canada
The fees for psychology colleges in Canada depend on a number of factors. 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 8,000 to CAD 25,000 per year.
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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 year. It covers all amenities like housing, food, travel, stationery, recreational activities, etc.
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Top Psychology Universities in Canada
Psychology courses in Canada for Indian students are offered by some highly ranked universities. Some of the best universities to study psychology in Canada are:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Alberta
Let’s discuss each of these universities one by one:
University of Toronto
One of Canada's best universities for psychology is the University of Toronto. In 1889, James Mark Baldwin established the first experimental psychology laboratory to train researchers and generate new knowledge. Today, UT's Department of Psychology offers undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology, where research plays a vital role. The programs are available for students from both Arts and Science streams.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
34 |
QS Subject Ranking 2022 |
15 |
Programs Offered |
BSc in Psychology, PhD in Psychology |
Average Fees Per Year |
10,000 CAD - 22,000 CAD |
McGill University
McGill University offers different psychology courses in Canada for Indian students. The Department of Psychology here is amongst the oldest centres to study psychology in Canada. Although the department was officially founded in the year 1922, the courses have been offered since 1850s. The internationally acclaimed teaching and research at McGill University attract the brightest students and faculty from around the world.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
31 |
QS Subject Ranking 2022 |
31 |
Programs Offered |
BA in Psychology, BSc in Psychology, PhD in Clinical Psychology, PhD in Experimental Psychology |
Average Fees Per Year |
8,000 CAD - 26,000 CAD |
University of British Columbia
Psychology in Canada at University of British Columbia is among the world's strongest departments. The various undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology at UBC include eight sub-disciplinary specializations. They are Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical, Developmental, Cognitive Science, Health, Quantitative Methods, Learning Enhancement and Social/Personality.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
47 |
QS Subject Ranking 2022 |
16 |
Programs Offered |
BA in Psychology, MA-PhD in Psychology |
Average Fees Per Year |
12,000 CAD - 25,000 CAD |
Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University's largest department offers psychology courses in Canada for international students. At the UG level, it offers the BA and Honours BA in Psychology and a joint major, minor and extended minor in Psychology for students pursuing a degree in another discipline. At PG level it offers a unitized MA and a PhD degree in six core areas of Psychology.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
328 |
QS Subject Ranking 2022 |
151- 200 |
Programs Offered |
BA in Psychology, MA-PhD in Psychology |
Average Fees Per Year |
5,000 CAD - 30,000 CAD |
University of Alberta
While discussing best colleges for psychology in Canada,https://yocket.com/universities/university-of-alberta-edmonton-2999 University of Alberta is worth mentioning. The Department of Psychology here offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses covering foundational and current emerging topics. The department emphasises research that different provincial, national and international grant agencies fund.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
110 |
QS Subject Ranking 2022 |
151 - 200 |
Programs Offered |
BA/BSc in Psychology, MA/MSc in Psychology, PhD in Psychology |
Average Fees Per Year |
8,000 CAD - 20,000 CAD |
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Jobs After Pursuing Psychology Courses in Canada
As the scope of psychology has been widening in today’s world, so is the job requirements. Graduates in psychology in Canada find employment opportunities in reputed positions of the health sector. Some popular jobs and their salaries are mentioned below:
Job Title |
Average Salary Per Hour |
Virtual Psychotherapist |
80 CAD - 100 CAD |
Child and Youth Counsellor |
30 CAD - 50 CAD |
Behavior Care Support Assistant |
30 CAD - 50 CAD |
Clinical Research Coordinator |
20 CAD - 30 CAD |
Behavioural Interventionist |
15 CAD - 25 CAD |
Psychology courses in Canada pave the way for a prosperous career in public health and mental well-being. To analyze the information above and make your choice. For further assistance, get in touch with our Counsellors at Yocket now!