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Study Masters(MS) In Canada: Top Universities, Courses, Requirements & More

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A master's degree can make you more competitive in the job market and open doors to new career opportunities. Many employers require or prefer candidates with master's degrees for higher positions. According to Erdura, over 8,07,000 international students are pursuing higher education in Canada.

Canada is a top destination for international students pursuing master's degrees. Canadian universities provide top-quality education and consistently rank in the QS World Universities Rankings every year. Due to this, graduates from these universities are highly sought-after employers not only in Canada but around the globe. This gives you the chance to work in a variety of fields and industries.

Yocket counselors with over a decade of experience can help you with everything, from university selection all the way to getting your visa. They will guide you every step of the way. Trusted by millions of Indian students, Yocket can help you achieve your academic goals. Book a session and learn how you can get into top Canadian universities for a Masters1

Table of Contents

Why Study Masters in Canada?

Student life in Canada is considered safe with low crime rates and a multicultural environment. These are just a few reasons for international students to study masters in Canada. Let us now go through the major reasons or benefits to consider while going for an MSc in Canada:

  • Canada is home to some of the top universities in the world that offer the best quality of education, research, and job opportunities. It is worth mentioning that 31 universities from Canada have made it to the QS World Ranking of 2024 list for their excellence and accomplishments. 
  • Canadian universities place special emphasis on research. They encourage students to explore and grow in all aspects of their course. The top research-centric universities in Canada include the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, etc.
  • The universities in Canada that offer masters programs charge an affordable fee for international students. Although the fee structure varies based on the program of study you choose, it is cheaper than US and UK universities. The average cost to study MSc in Canada is INR 12,13,900 to INR 54,62,300 annually.
  • The Canadian government offers various funding and support facilities to international students in the form of scholarships, fellowships, or grants. Besides, the student visa provides the eligibility to earn while studying in Canada for 20 hours/week.

Top 10 Universities in Canada for Masters 

Several universities offer the best MS courses in Canada. Each of them excels in terms of education, training, and research. To talk of the top universities, we have listed them below, along with their QS World University Ranking 2024 and annual average fee structure.

University Name 

QS World University Ranking 2024

Average Fees Per Year

University of Toronto 

21

INR 30,34,000 - INR 42,48,500 

McGill University

30

INR 18,20,000 - INR 42,50,000 

University of British Columbia

34

INR 19,42,000 - INR 54,62,000 

University of Alberta

111

INR 9,10,000 - INR 30,34,500

University of Waterloo

112

INR 18,20,000 - INR 37,62,000 

Western University

114

INR 18,30,000 - INR 54,90,000 

University De Montreal 

141

INR 12,13,900 - INR 30,34,900 

University of Calgary

182

INR 10,92,000 - INR 24,40,000

McMaster University

189

INR 15,17,800 - INR 42,48,000 

University of Ottawa

203

INR 12,20,000 - INR 27,45,000 

Suggested: Find out more about the top master’s universities in Canada

Top Course in Canada for Masters

From humanities, sciences, Engineering and management courses, the top universities in Canada for masters have it all. A list of the top master courses, their fee structure, and the popular universities in which they are offered are discussed below: 

Course Name 

Popular Universities 

Average Fees Per Year

Masters in Accounting

Queen’s University

York University

McGill University

INR 12,13,000 - INR 30,50,000 

Masters in Data Science

University of British Columbia

University of Toronto

HEC Montreal 

INR 24,27,000 - INR 39,65,000 

Masters in Business Administration (MBA)

University of Toronto

Queen’s University

McGill University

INR 24,27,000 - INR 6,05,900

Masters in Management 

University of Toronto 

University of British Columbia 

University of Calgary 

INR 18,20,900 - INR 36,60,000 

Masters in Environmental Science

University of Waterloo

University of Alberta

University of Toronto

INR 18,20,000 - INR 40,65,000 

Masters in Engineering

University of Toronto

McGill University

McMaster University

INR 21,24,000 - INR 40,65,000 

Masters in Psychology

University of Toronto

McGill University

Western University

INR 15,25,000 - INR 21,24,000

Finding a university that matches your preferences can be challenging. It's not just about college reputation, tuition fees, and program availability; it's also about accommodation, food, weather, and so much more.

But this search can be easy and efficient with Yocket College Finder. This AI tool provides you with a list of universities based on your preferences and profile. So, why wait? Get started with Yocket College Finder today!

Now that we are aware of the top universities and courses in Canada, let's discuss their eligibility criteria:

Eligibility to Study Masters in Canada

To apply for masters programs in Canada, you must fulfill certain eligibility criteria. The requirements vary depending on the type of course and university you choose. However, some of the essential requirements to study MS in Canada for Indian students are as follows: 

  • Undergraduate degree
  • English language proficiency test
  • GMAT/GRE scores
  • Work experience
  • Passport and Visa

Suggested: Masters in Psychology in Canada

Undergraduate Degree

An undergraduate degree in the relevant field from a recognized institution is one of the most important requirements to pursue master courses in Canada. The top universities ask for a minimum 6.0 or above CGPA undergraduate score to get admission to their masters-level programs.

English Language Proficiency Test

For masters in Canada for Indian students or other non-English speaking countries, qualifying for an English language proficiency test is a must to study MS in Canada. The tests accepted by top master colleges in Canada are IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAEL, etc. The tests and their respective scores again vary across universities and courses, but the average scores range from 

  • 6.5 - 7.5 for IELTS
  • 85 - 90 for TOEFL
  • 55 - 65 for PTE
  • 60 - 70 for CAEL

GMAT/GRE Scores

Another eligibility criteria for masters in Canada is GMAT and GRE scores. This is specifically for courses like MBA, MIM, MSc Finance, and so on. The GMAT score to pursue the best courses for masters in Canada from the top universities is 650 and above. 

Work Experience

Most master's programs in Canada require relevant work experience to get admission. It is mainly essential for expert-level courses such as MBA in Canada. However, some master's courses don’t require mandatory work experience. You may check the university’s official website to gather this information. 

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. Do keep in mind to apply for your Canada student visa at least 3 months prior to the expected date of travel.

Documents Required for MSc in Canada

Here is a list of the documents you need to submit while applying for MS courses in Canada:

Related Discussion: What is the age limit for pursuing a master's degree in Canada?

How to Apply for Masters in Canada? 

Autumn and winter are the most popular intakes for masters in Canada for Indian students. Hence, you must be aware of the application process to avoid any confusion during the time of admission.

A step-by-step guide to applying for MS in Canada is as follows:

  • Finalize the master’s course in Canada that you want to pursue and check for the best university offering it.
  • 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, GMAT scorecards, etc.)
  • Fill out the desired application form and pay the fee. 
  • You may be asked to sit for a virtual interview for certain courses. Take it as an opportunity to display your soft skills and knowledge. 
  • 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.

When deciding on MS abroad, the costs can be a major concern. Check out this video on how to study MS in Canada for under CAD 25,000.

How Much Does it Cost to Study Masters in Canada?

The master’s cost in Canada depends upon the course and university you choose. Your type of lifestyle, choice of accommodation, and the city also come into consideration. However, you may cut your costs by planning your budget wisely. For that, you may explore the availability of well-funded scholarships, look for cheap accommodations, or use your student card to get discounts at different places. All these help keep your master's in Canada under a decent budget.

The overall cost of studying in Canada can be divided into two categories tuition fees and the cost of living.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee in Canada differs for domestic and international students. For international students, the fee is higher. Other than the tuition fee, international students in Canada also need to pay some other charges for student services and other school-related activities. The average fees for MS in Canada is INR 12,13,000 to INR 54,62,000 annually.

Cost of Living

The cost of living for international students in Canada depends on their lifestyle. You can assume the average cost of living to be around INR 6,07,000 - INR 7,28,000 per year. If you choose to live in on-campus accommodation, the rent is around INR 1,82,000 - INR 4,55,000, while off-campus accommodation costs around INR 4,85,000 - INR 5,46,000 per year.

Suggested: Complete breakdown of Cost to Study Masters in Canada

So that was all about master costs in Canada. Let's move on to scholarships for masters in Canada for Indian students:

Scholarships For Masters in Canada

Funding your master’s degree in Canada can be made easy by acquiring different scholarships that offer good benefits. There are numerous scholarships for MS in Canada for Indian students, most of which are based on merit. They help students fund their studies and stay in Canada to a great extent.

Scholarship Name 

Awarded to

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

Students applying to programs of advanced study and research at the Masters and Ph.D. levels. 

Amount/ Benefit: Covers tuition fees, travel, and living allowance.

National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)

Meritorious students are pursuing Masters and PhD courses in natural science or engineering disciplines.

Amount/ Benefit: Up to INR 21,24,000 per year

University of Waterloo Scholarships

Fully-funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for undergraduate, master, and PhD studies.

Amount/ Benefit: Upto INR 6,10,000

Ontario Graduate Scholarships

All international students pursuing full-time and part-time graduate courses in Ontario with a first-class or equivalent in the qualifying exam.

Amount/Benefit: INR 9,10,000/ year

University Canada West Scholarships

They are funded scholarships for international students offered for undergraduate and master’s programs.

Amount/ Benefit: INR 6,07,000 for master’s and INR 12,14,000 for bachelor’s

McGill University Scholarships 

They are fully funded scholarships for international students offered to undergraduate, master's, and PhD students.

Amount/ Benefit: INR 5,15,000

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships

Students pursuing graduate programs at the University of Manitoba who demonstrate superior intellectual ability and academic accomplishments.

Amount/Benefit: INR 9,10,000/ year

Suggested: Complete Guide to MIM in Canada

Work Permit after Masters in Canada 

You will have 180 days to apply for a Canadian work permit after your master's, by the rules of the Government of Canada. To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, you must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Your MSc course in Canada must be at least 8 months in duration and offered by a recognized university. 
  • You must have studied full time for each academic session without any break in between to be eligible for Work Permit Canada after your master's. 

After 3 years of stay and work under the work permit, you may also be eligible for Canadian Permanent Residence status. A permanent work offer from a Canadian employer will categorize you under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and clear your path to getting PR in Canada. Having a PR allows individuals to apply for all kinds of job opportunities in Canada after their master's.

Jobs After Masters in Canada

Jobs After Masters in Canada

Once you have your work permit you may apply for different jobs after your MSc in Canada. Canada being one of the world's largest economies is a hub for employment opportunities. Some leading companies like Amazon, Apple, Deloitte, Microsoft, etc. offer job opportunities after a master's in Canada. Some popular jobs along with their average salaries are mentioned below:

Job Title 

Average Annual Salary

IT Analyst 

INR 45,51,000 - INR 57,65,000 

Social Worker

INR 36,81,000 - INR 48,55,000

Software Engineer

INR 48,55,000 - INR 60,08,900

Data Science Engineer

INR 55,83,000 - INR 63,72,000

Psychologist 

INR 27,31,000 - INR 45,51,000

Public Health Advisor

INR 33,55,000 - INR 51,58,000

From the Desk of Yocket

Canada is a world-renowned destination for international students seeking to pursue a master's degree. With its top-tier universities, a diverse range of programs, and affordable tuition fees, Canada offers a compelling choice for those looking to advance their careers and gain valuable international experience.

Whether you are interested in engineering, business, technology, or any other field, Canada has a university that can meet your needs. With their strong emphasis on research and innovation, Canadian universities are at the forefront of their respective fields, providing students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

Yocket counselors have been creating impactful outcomes with each application they work on. Dedicating an average of 350 hours per application, they are committed to helping you get into your dream university. We provide the materials and labor; you just have to join us on this journey. Connect with Yocket experts today!

Frequently Asked Questions for Masters in Canada

Is a masters degree in Canada worth it?

What is MS in Canada cost?

What are the requirements to pursue MS in Canada?

Can I study masters in Canada with scholarship?

What are masters in Canada required documents?

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