Canada ranks high for the highest number of international students pursuing an MS in different colleges and universities. The MS programs in Canada, mostly of 2-year duration, combine coursework, research, and technological innovations.
- Canada has more than 800,000 international students, including master’s and doctoral students.
- From 2024, the number of approved study permits annually has increased to 360,000, while in 2025, actual study permits issued are expected to be around 1,20,000.
Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Minimum Duration | 2 years |
| Specializations | Computer Science, Health Science and Engineering, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and many more. |
| Universities | Top universities for MS in Canada include:
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| Range of Tuition Fees |
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| Visa Requirements | Study Permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) |
| Best Cities for MS in Canada |
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| Eligibility |
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Top Universities Offering MS in Canada
Here are the top universities offering MS programs in Canada in varying subjects, with their ranking and popular specializations:
| QS World University Ranking 2026 | Name of University | Specializations |
| 27 | McGill University | Engineering and Computer Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering |
| 29 | University of Toronto | Computer Science, Chemical, Civil, and Electrical Engineering |
| 40 | University of British Columbia | Engineering, Health Sciences, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology |
| 94 | University of Alberta | Business, Engineering |
| 119 | University of Waterloo | Business, Engineering, Computer Science |
Why Study MS in Canada?
Canada is a top destination for international students seeking a Master’s degree as it is well known for experienced faculty, academic excellence, and a strong peer network. Here are some other factors to pursue an MS in Canada:
Wide range of specializations in different fields
Canadian universities offer MS specializations in different fields, including IT, Engineering, Business Management, Mathematics, and many other programs, as per students’ career goals.
World-class institutions ranking at the top levels in QS World University Rankings 2025-2026
Canada has globally renowned colleges and universities for MS, equipped with the latest state-of-the-art facilities and technologies, emphasizing practical knowledge strongly.
Post-MS Opportunities
Graduates can benefit from work permits of 2 to 4 years after completing their MS, which allows students to support the high-paying jobs in various sectors.
Affordable when compared to other countries
Compared to other top study destinations, the cost of pursuing an MS in Canada is relatively lower, making it a cost-effective choice for international students.
Multicultural ambience
Canada is home to diverse communities and cultures, and hence, students get a multicultural ambience.
Scholarships
Many Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students to help them finance their courses and meet other necessities.
Extensive international peer community
Canada offers an excellent international peer community, which is helpful for networking for students pursuing an MS or other kinds of higher education.
Admission Checklist for MS in Canada
| Requirements | Details |
| Application Form | Duly filled out the application form |
| Educational Certificate | Undergraduate degree certificate |
| Resume/CV | Detailed CV with academic, professional, and other achievements |
| Academic transcripts | Official transcripts from attended post-secondary institutions |
| Financial documents | Sponsorship letters, bank statements, Education Loan, etc. |
| Letters of recommendation | 2-3 letters from professionals or academic references |
| Statement of Purpose/Letter of Intent | Personal essay defining reasons for choosing MS in Canada, career goals, and aspirations |
| GPA | Minimum GPA ranging from 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale |
| GRE | A score of 310 or above |
| English Language Proficiency | For IELTS – 6.5 to 7.5
For TOEFL – 88 to 95 |
| Passport | Valid passport for international students |
Fees for MS in Canada
The fees for an MS in Canada vary depending on the University and course. Here is an estimate of the fees at the top universities offering these courses:
| Name of University | Fees in CAD |
| University of Toronto | CAD 40,000 – 70,000 |
| McGill University | CAD 32,000 – 50,000 |
| University of British Columbia | CAD 20,000 – 60,000 |
| University De Montreal | CAD 25,000 – 45,000 |
| University of Alberta | CAD 28,000 – 50,000 |
Eligibility for MS in Canada
You have to meet certain eligibility criteria to pursue an MS in Canada:
- A 4-year undergraduate degree in the subject, preferably with an Honours
- GMAT scores of 655 or GRE scores of 310 or above
- A minimum GPA ranging from 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale might be required
- Proof of English Language Proficiency with tests like IELTS or TOEFL, with the following score range
- For IELTS – 6.5 to 7.5
- For TOEFL – 88 to 95
- A valid passport and a required student visa
MS Intake and Admission Deadlines
| University | Intake Deadlines |
| University of Toronto | Applications open in October and deadlines vary from December 2025 to March 2026. |
| McGill University | 15th December 2025 – 1st January 2026 (dates vary according to MS specialization) |
| University of British Columbia | Application opens in October 2025, and common deadlines are around 1st December 2025 to 15th January 2026
(dates vary as per MS specialization) |
| University of Alberta | Application opens in October 2025, and common deadlines are around 1st December 2025 to 1st March 2026
(dates vary as per MS specialization) |
| University of Waterloo | Application opens in October 2025, and common deadlines are around 15 January 2026 to 1st March 2026(dates vary as per MS specialization) |
Scholarships for an MS in Canada
Funding for the MS in Canada can be obtained through different scholarships, most of which are granted on a merit basis. Some of the prominent ones are as follows:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Amount |
| National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) | Students in engineering or natural science disciplines (usually research-related courses)
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Approx CAD $13000 annually |
| Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan | For students from Commonwealth countries applying for Master’s or PhD programs or research | Tuition fees, living allowance, and travel |
Job Opportunities after an MS in Canada
Completing an MS in Canada opens doors to a wide range of career paths across government, academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Some of the key opportunities include:
- Government jobs for various positions in research, policy development, program management, and data analysis.
- Research and Academia as research analysts, research assistants, teaching assistants, etc.
- Entrepreneurship and startups for starting one’s venture with entrepreneurial skills and innovative ideas
- Industry positions as per the field of study, with roles like analysts, consultants, engineers, technical specialists, project managers, and so on.
- Internships support students to gain professional experience while studying. Helps build a strong network and increases employability in competitive industries.
Top Recruiters for MS in Canada
Leading recruiters for MS in Canada include:
| Recruiter Name | Field of Recruitment |
| Software Development, Technology, UX UI Design | |
| Ford | Automation Engineering |
| KPMG | AI Engineering |
| Scotiabank | AI Engineering, Information Security Analysis, Data Analysis |
| National Research Council Canada | Senior Instrumentation Engineering |
| IBM | Automation Engineering, Software Development, Machine Learning, Data Science |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Canada an ideal country for pursuing an MS?
Yes. Canada is a popular destination for international students due to its research-oriented MS programs, world-class universities, multicultural environment, and opportunities for work experience after graduation.
What is the duration of an MS in Canada?
The duration of an MS in Canada is 1-2 years. However, the duration might change depending on the university and the program chosen.
What are some of the best provinces for studying MS in Canada?
Every province and territory in Canada has some of the best universities and institutes offering MS programs. British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Toronto, and Montreal are some popular destinations with international students.
Is a post-graduate work permit available after an MS in Canada?
Yes, this is one of the best things about pursuing an MS in Canada. The country offers post-study work rights to international candidates. The Canadian work permit is valid for 2-3 years.
Is English language proficiency required for an MS in Canada?
Yes, to enroll in the MS program in Canada, a candidate has to prove proficiency in the English language by clearing the TOEFL or the IELTS exam and getting the required scores.
