Best Universities in Canada for Masters: Ranking & Fees

Best Universities in Canada for Masters: Ranking & Fees

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Apr 28, 2025 04:02 PM IST

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
  1. Masters in Canada Highlights
  2. Top Universities in Canada for MS 2025
  3. Top Specialisations in Canada Universities for MS
  4. Entry Requirements for MS in Canada
  5. Best Universities in Canada for Masters Entry Requirements
  6. Cost of MS in Canada
  7. After MS in Canada
Best Universities in Canada for Masters: Ranking & Fees
Best Universities in Canada for Masters: Ranking & Fees

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


Standardised: GMAT/GRE


Competitive: LSAT/MCAT

Admission Intakes

3 (Except MBA)

Top Universities in Canada for MS 2025

University Name

QS 2025

THE 2025

Average Tuition Fees (approx.) in INR

University of Toronto

25

21

15-39 Lakh

McGill University

29

45

16.3-39.6 Lakh

University of British Columbia

38

41

3.6-20.6 Lakh

University of Alberta

96

=116

Variable*

University of Waterloo

115

=163

24.67-36.98 Lakh

Western University

=120

201-250

25.8-35 Lakh

University of Montreal

=159

125

8.12-10.73 Lakh

University of Calgary

=198

201-250

4.87 Lakh

McMaster University

=176

=116

25.93 Lakh

University of Ottawa

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.

  • 3/4 Year bachelor's degree in a related field.

  • English Language proficiency scores of IELTS/TOFEL/PTE.

  • GMAT/GRE scores.

  • Work experience (1-3 years) may be required for some universities.

  • Approved Canada student visa.

  • Proof of financial support.

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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.

Also Read:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best master courses in Canada?

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.

2. Is Canada cheap for Masters?

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.

3. How much Canadian student visa costs?

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).

4. What are the entry requirements to study Masters in Canada?

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.

5. Are there scholarships available to study masters in Canada?

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.

6. What is the best intake in Canada to study master's?

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.

7. What exams are required for Indian students to study Masters in Canada?

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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After completing a BSc in Biochemistry, you can pursue various courses in Canada such as MSc in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or Clinical Research. These programs offer advanced knowledge and open opportunities in research, healthcare, and industry.

Hello,

Yes, you can pursue MD in Radiology in Canada after completing a B.Sc. in Radiology, but you need to complete a recognized medical degree (like MBBS) first. After that, you must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and complete a residency in radiology. Alternatively, you can explore postgraduate diploma or master’s programs in medical imaging or radiology if you wish to specialize without an MD.

Hope this helps you,

Thank you

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hi ,

yes , you can pursue undergraduate degree in AI ML in Canada with 65% in 12th grade , bit your options may be limited since many top universities require a minimum of 75-70% , however with some colleges or universities with flexible admission requirements may accept you .

eligibility criteria for AI /ML in Canada

academic requirement - Most top universities require 70-80% in 12th PCM for direct admission.Some colleges/universities accept students with 60-70% in 12th PCM.

English proficiency test -

(if your schooling was in English, some institutions may waive this)

  • IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL: 80 – 90 (iBT)
  • PTE: 50+

mathematics requirement

Since AI & ML are math-heavy, having good grades in Math (especially Calculus) will strengthen your application.


hope this helps


Hi Madhvi,

With 42% in 12th, admission to universities in Canada can be challenging, as most require at least 50-60%. However, you still have options:

  1. Diploma Programs – Some colleges like Seneca, Humber, or Centennial offer diploma courses with flexible entry requirements.

  2. Foundation Programs – You can take a pathway course in Canada to improve your academic profile before entering a degree program.

  3. Private Colleges – Some private institutions accept lower percentages, but research them well before applying.

  4. Improve Academics – Consider reappearing for 12th exams or taking additional certification courses to boost your profile.

Also, ensure you meet the IELTS/TOEFL score requirements for student visas.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

After completing a BBA in Finance, top programs in Canada include MBA (Finance), Master of Finance, Master in Financial Analytics, CFA certification, or PG diplomas in Financial Planning, Investment Banking, and Risk Management. Choose based on career goals, budget, and university reputation.

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