Masters in Canada - Application, Eligibility, Universities, Post-study options

Why Pursue A Masters In Canada

Here are some top reasons to study masters in Canada:

• According to QS World University Rankings (2025), there are nine Canadian universities that are among the top 200 universities in the world.

• International students can do a master's degree in various subjects such as IT, engineering, medicine, management, finance, architecture, business administration, nursing, design, etc.

• The tuition fee for a master's degree in Canada ranges from 30,000 to 55,000 CAD. The tuition fee is lesser compared to the cost of doing MS in the USA.

• There are finding options in the form of fellowships and scholarships to do master's courses in the US.

• More than 60% of international students doing a master's course in Canada desire to stay back due to post-study work options.

• Students can apply for a post-graduation work permit and subsequently a PR visa after completing their master's degree in Canada.

• Masters students in Canada can make use of the various research opportunities in Canada in areas such as clinical medicine, biology, IT environmental sciences, business, economics etc.

Duration of a Master's Degree in Canada

Master's degrees in Canada are called ‘grad programmes’ or ‘postgraduate programmes’. The master’s courses include Masters of Arts (MA) or Master in Science (MSc or MS) or Master of Engineering (MEng) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). The duration of a master's degree in Canada is one or two years. Apart from lectures and tutorials, a master's course will include site visits, group work and projects. The course may also include a dissertation or a consultancy project. Courses for masters in Canada usually begin in September each year.

Some universities in Canada also provide the cooperative education option where students can get hands-on experience through a paid placement in their field of study when doing MS in Canada. This is available for most subjects. It is conducted in collaboration with employers who take in qualified students for specialized projects and later hire them for full-time jobs in their firms. These internships to study masters in Canada usually last between two to four months. To apply for this option students must register as co-op students and also have a high GPA. Students will have to apply for a co-op study permit instead of a normal study permit.

Eligibility for Masters in Canada

Here are the eligibility requirements for a masters in Canada

• A minimum GPA score of 3.0 or 4.0 in an undergraduate course or its equivalent in a related field of study.
• Valid GMAT or GRE scores based on the field of study.
• The minimum GMAT score is 550 while the minimum GRE score is 140 in verbal and 150 in quantitative analysis.
• Proof of English language proficiency in exams such as TOEFL and IELTS or PTE.
• Some master's programs such as an MBA require 1 to 3 years of work experience.
• Masters programs taught in French require students to clear exams such as TEF or DLEF.

Documents Required for Studying Master's in Canada

• Completed admission application form
• Copies of academic transcripts and certificates
• Resume or CV
• LORS or references
• SOPs or personal statements
• GRE and GMAT scores
• Scores of language proficiency tests
• Proof of payment of non-refundable application fee
• Copy of passport
• Proof of getting a scholarship

Top Universities in Canada for Master's Courses

Universities in Canada offer a wide range of postgraduate programs in various subjects. The table below lists some of the top universities offering a master's course in Canada.

Top Universities for Master's Courses in Canada

Top Master's Course in Canada

• Engineering

• Computer science

• Data Science

• Business Analytics

• Architecture

• MBA

• Physiotherapy

• Psychology

• Cyber Security

• Machine Learning

• Human Resource

• Biotechnology

• Cloud Computing

Cost of a Master's Course in Canada

The cost of a masters course in Canada for Indian students varies based on the university and the course. On average, masters in Canada cost will be between 30,000 to 55,000 CAD. However when compared to other popular study abroad destinations such as the US or the UK masters in Canada fees is cheaper. Likewise, courses in arts and humanities subjects tend to cost less than popular master's courses such as engineering, architecture or business administration.

Scholarship for Master's Courses in Canada

International students can apply for scholarships for masters in Canada offered by the universities and the Canadian government. Here is a list of some popular scholarships for masters in Canada:

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship

3. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program

4. President's Scholarship for World Leaders

5. International Leader of Tomorrow Award

6. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)

7. The Seneca Renewable Entrance Scholarship of Merit for International Students

8. Assist-on Scholarship

9. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

10. Fonds de recherche du Québec Scholarships and Grants

11. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

You might also like to read

• Canada student visa
• Living costs in Canada
• Most affordable universities in Canada
• Top Universities in Canada

Post Study Work Opportunities in Canada After Completing a Master's Degree

Once a student completes a master's degree in Canada he will be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) where he can work in Canada for a period that is equivalent to the length of their study programme. Once he gains a minimum period of 12 months of work experience he can apply for migration to Canada as a skilled worker under the Canadian Experience Class or CEC. A student can also apply for a temporary work visa based on his industry or profession.