Best Universities in Canada for Masters: Ranking & Fees
The Canadian government is easing study permit rules as the number of foreign students coming to the nation is growing. In addition, Canada provides valuable post-study work opportunities, enabling graduates to gain worthwhile international work experience in some of the world's fastest-growing sectors. With its booming job market, robust economy, and favorable immigration channels, Canada provides the platform for students to establish a prosperous career and future. The majority of graduate students opt to become permanent residents of Canada under post-graduate work permit (PGWP) program after studying in Canada.
This Story also Contains
- Masters in Canada Highlights
- Top Universities in Canada for MS 2025
- Top Specialisations in Canada Universities for MS
- Entry Requirements for MS in Canada
- Best Universities in Canada for Masters Entry Requirements
- Cost of MS in Canada
- After MS in Canada
As per canada.ca, the total expense of postgraduate programs in Canada is approximately INR 13 Lakh. Living expenses in Canada are also approximately CAD 13 Lakh annually. In addition to budget figures, students will also have to figure out visa expenses. This article emphasizes the top universities in Canada for a master's degree, the cost of MS in Canada, eligibility criteria, and so on.
Masters in Canada Highlights
Particulars | Information |
Total Cost of MS in Canada | 9 lakhs–30 lakhs |
Duration of MS in Canada | 1 or 2 Years |
Types of MS Degrees | MA, MSc, MEng, MBA, and MMgt |
Top MS Specialisations | Computer Science, Management, Engineering, Biology, Energy, Education, etc. |
Exams Required | English Proficiency: IELTS/TOFEL/PTE |
Admission Intakes | 3 (Except MBA) |
Top Universities in Canada for MS 2025
University Name | QS 2025 | THE 2025 | Average Tuition Fees (approx.) in INR |
25 | 21 | 15-39 Lakh | |
29 | 45 | 16.3-39.6 Lakh | |
University of British Columbia | 38 | 41 | 3.6-20.6 Lakh |
96 | =116 | Variable* | |
115 | =163 | 24.67-36.98 Lakh | |
=120 | 201-250 | 25.8-35 Lakh | |
=159 | 125 | 8.12-10.73 Lakh | |
=198 | 201-250 | 4.87 Lakh | |
=176 | =116 | 25.93 Lakh | |
189 | =191 | 22.85 Lakh |
*Students are encouraged to visit official website to get tuition fee estimates
Top Specialisations in Canada Universities for MS
MS Specialisation | Top Universities in Canada |
MS in Computer Science & Engineering | University of Toronto | University of Waterloo | University of Montreal |
MS in Health Science | University of Toronto | McGill University | University of British Columbia |
MBA | University of Toronto | University of British Columbia | University of Montreal |
MS in Biology | University of Toronto | McGill University | University of British Columbia |
MS in Mathematics | University of Toronto | University of British Columbia | McGill University |
Entry Requirements for MS in Canada
Entry requirements for best universities in Canada for masters vary depending on the university, and competition. Prospects must know the entry criteria for the desired universities before application. Applications that do not meet entry requirements will not be considered. The best universities in Canada for Masters generally have higher criteria. They may use additional criteria such as work experience to filter applicants.
Best Universities in Canada for Masters Entry Requirements
Completing a bachelor’s degree is mandatory to apply for the best universities in Canada for masters. Diploma or certificate courses may also be accepted with sufficient work experience. While IELTS or TOEFL are accepted ELP tests, it is also possible to study in Canada without IELTS. Pearson Test of English is also accepted as proof of English language proficiency in the best universities in Canada for masters.
Entry Criteria of Best Universities in Canada for Masters
University Name | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | GPA in Bachelor’s Degree |
University of Toronto | 7.0 with no component below 6.0 | 93 | 73%-76% |
McGill University | 6.5 | 86 | 3.0 or 4.0 on 4.0 scale (~83-86%) |
University of British Columbia | 6.5 | 90 | Minimum 65% |
University of Alberta | 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each component | 90 with minimum 21 in each section | GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 Scale (85%) |
University of Waterloo | Overall 7.0 (Minimum 25 in Writing and Speaking) | Overall 90 (25 in Writing and Speaking) | First Class; 8/10 (Very Good) |
Western University | 6.5 | 86 | 70% in the last two years of bachelor degree |
University of Montreal | 6.5 | - | 3.0 GPA on 4.3 scale (82%) |
University of Calgary | 6.5 | 86 | 3.0 GPA (92%) |
McMaster University | 6.5 | 92 | 77% or B+ Grade in Bachelor’s degree |
University of Ottawa | 7.0 | 100 | GPA of 3.0 or 70% in Bachelor’s degree |
Cost of MS in Canada
Before planning to go to Canada, maintaining a sufficient bank balance, and proving the same to immigration officers to get a student visa permit for Canada are key steps. While tuition fees, and living costs– food, boarding, lodging, socialising, clothing, etc– are major expenses after arriving in Canada, the costs of obtaining a study permit, travel, and health insurance must also be considered. The estimates for respective costs are given below.
Costs Before Arriving in Canada
Type of Expense | One Time Cost |
University Application Fees | CAD 75-CAD 100 |
Study Visa Canada | CAD 150+CAD 85 (Biometric fees) |
Airfare | CAD 1,000 – CAD 1,500 |
Health Insurance | CAD 750/Year |
After Arriving in Canada
Particulars | Cost (Monthly) |
Accommodation (Off-Campus) | CAD 550 |
Accommodation (On-Campus) | CAD 1,611 |
Food Cost | CAD 720 |
Utility Cost | CAD 180 |
Transportation | CAD 100 |
Entertainment | CAD 60 |
Groceries | CAD 64 |
Clothes | CAD 133 |
Total Cost of Living (Off-Campus) | CAD 1,807 |
Total Cost of Living (On-Campus) | CAD 2,868 |
Annual Cost of Living | CAD 21,684 |
Source: Unofficial
After MS in Canada
It is possible to return to home country and pursue related professions. There is no job security after graduating from the best universities in Canada for masters as the degrees are globally accepted. Most international students choose to work after study in Canada and become permanent residents. If students are looking for the best careers they must choose the highest paying courses in Canada. The maximum duration of a work permit after study in Canada depends on the duration of the course. The maximum duration of a work permit is 3 years, while a minimum of 2 years of stay is required to get PR In Canada.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the best master courses in Canada?
A:
Degrees in Computer science, information technology, Medicine, Engineering, Health, Life Sciences, Management, and Nursing are some of the highest-paying master's courses in Canada for 2025-2026.
Q: Is Canada cheap for Masters?
A:
Doing a Masters in Canada is cheaper than in the USA, but costlier compared to India. On average a graduate degree costs around ₹13 L according to canada.ca. Living costs add up to another ₹13L. However, the ROI of doing a masters in Canada is 400% high.
Q: How much Canadian student visa costs?
A:
Canada study permit costs CAD 235 (₹14,172) including biometric costs. In this, Canada student visa cost is CAD 150 (₹9,046), and biometric costs are CAD 85 (₹5,126).
Q: What are the entry requirements to study Masters in Canada?
A:
Common entry requirements for masters programs in Canada are:
3/4 Year bachelor's degree in a related field.
English Language proficiency scores of IELTS/TOFEL/PTE.
Work experience (1-3 years) may be required for some universities.
Approved Canada student visa.
Proof of finances.
Q: Are there scholarships available to study masters in Canada?
A:
Yes. One of the advantages of studying in Canada is adequate financial support from universities to eligible students. Up to full-tuition coverage costs can be obtained in the form of university-based scholarships for international students.
Q: What is the best intake in Canada to study master's?
A:
Fall intake in Canada or September intake is the best intake to apply for master's programs in Canada as most programs are available. However, competition is also high. So apply as early as possible.
Q: What exams are required for Indian students to study Masters in Canada?
A:
Indian students have to submit English language proficiency scores along with GRE scores. GMAT is required for an MBA. LSAT for law courses and MCAT for medical courses are also mandatory for top universities in Canada.
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