Masters (MS) in Canada

 

Masters Courses in Canada Overview

A master’s degree is earned after completion of an undergraduate degree (BA or BS). Master of Science is a master’s degree typically awarded in the field of sciences, engineering, and medicine. Some universities offer the degree for postgraduate studies in social sciences and management as well in subjects like finance, marketing, economics, Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management and more.

Students who want to pursue research to gain in-depth knowledge in the field of their interest can apply for Ph.D. programs. A full-time Ph.D. program in Canada will take five or more years to complete with thesis and projects.

 

Eligibility Criteria for MS Program in Canada:

Before applying for MS courses in Canada aspirants have to take certain standardised entrance exams/tests to qualify. The tests are designed to gauge the aptitude of applicants for their chosen programs based on subject knowledge and language skills.

IELTS– International English Language Testing System / TOEFL– Test of English as a Foreign Language

GRE– Graduate Record Examination

Both TOEFL and IELTS, test English language skills based on Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The score validity period for TOEFL and IELTS is of 2 years. TOEFL iBT scores>90-100 and IELTS score of 7.5 is preferred by top universities to be considered for MS admission in Canada.

There are some universities in Canada that may not require a GRE score, however, it is advisable to take the test as it will enhance the applicant’s profile while applying to the reputed universities.

GRE general tests on GRE Verbal Reasoning, GRE Quantitative Reasoning and GRE Analytical Writing and GRE subject test gauges knowledge of a particular field of study like Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology. If an applicant has her/his bachelor’s degree outside Canada it is recommended to take the GRE.

Some universities in Canada specify a minimum GRE score to qualify for a program, while others don’t. They take a more holistic approach while deciding on applications. The admission panel in such cases gives academic and non-academic parameters equal weightage.

Apart from these entrance exam scores, to apply for MS courses academic transcripts, letters of reference, and an essay or statement of purpose stating why you want to pursue the degree, will have to be submitted.

 

Intake & Application Deadlines for MS in Canada

Autumn and winter intakes are most popular among international students.

Universities have:
Autumn intake in September
Winter intake in January
Some universities may have a spring intake in May.

The deadlines are set by the universities and are typically 6-9 months before the commencement of a program. It is advisable to apply as early as possible to have enough time for all the preparations required and proper submissions of documents.

Know more about the Upcoming Intakes to Study in Canada.

 

Tuition Fees to Study Masters in Canada

The tuition fee for MS in Canada will primarily vary on the course type, its duration, college type, and location. Generally, the MS course duration is of 2 years. Some courses may be completed in 1.5 years.

On an average tuition fee per annum for:
Full-time program can range from 16,000-50,000
Some courses like medicine-related can be more expensive than others.

Scholarships on a merit basis are available to support students with their studies in Canada. A few of them are Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, McGill University Scholarships, and Student Aid, Ontario Graduate Scholarship and President’s Scholarship for World Leaders. Each one of them has its own eligibility criteria. Students are advised to understand the requirements carefully before applying.

Know more about the Entry Requirements for Canadian Universities.

Why Choose to Study Masters in Canada?

Internationally Recognized Degrees

Canadian colleges and universities have and continue to receive international recognition in the annual rankings of top universities across the world. MS degrees from Canadian universities are recognised world-over. Students completing their Master’s degrees from top-ranking Canadian universities find easy placements with big multinational companies.

 

High Quality of Education

Canadian higher education system is known for its high academic standards and research-oriented programs. The programs taught here are designed according to the future needs of the industries and economy. Canadian professional-regulatory bodies like that of in the fields of Nursing, Architecture, and Engineering participate in the establishment and review of post-secondary curriculum standards at the provincial and national levels.

 

Advanced Technology

The Canadian government is extensively focused on Innovation and research. Canada is known to be one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world. It is known for a high rate of technology adaption and has a strong cyber-security industry with expertise in cryptography and artificial intelligence. Canada is quickly becoming a global hub for blockchain technology. Universities in Canada have some of the best research-oriented master’s programs in the world.

 

Post Study Opportunities

Canada is known to be one of the most immigration-friendly nations in the world. Students after completing their studies can stay up to three years to find employment in Canada. Applying for PR in Canada with local education and work experience increases the chances of acceptance manifold.

 

Popular Courses to Study Masters in Canada

• Mathematics & Computer Sciences
• Artificial Intelligence
• Physical & Life Sciences
• Civil Engineering & Construction
• Healthcare
• Education
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Mechanical Engineering
• Pharmacy
• Engineering
• Psychology

 

Top Universities in Canada for MS

According to the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings following are the top universities for MS programs in Canada:

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto (UofT), offers over 200 postgraduate degree programs. With a longstanding reputation for innovation and research, it counts five Canadian prime ministers among its former students and associations with 10 Nobel laureates.

 

University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global center for teaching, learning, and research, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. UBC has two campuses — one in Vancouver and the other in Kelowna. UBC researchers work with industry, university, and government partners to advance knowledge and create countless new products, treatments, and services.

 

McGill University

McGill University is the oldest university in Montreal with 11 faculties and schools. McGill has an alumni network of roughly 250,000 that consists of 12 Nobel Prize winners and 140 Rhodes Scholars, more than any other university in the country.

 

McMaster University

McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities consistently ranked in the world’s top 100, McMaster has a proud tradition of academic and research excellence, evidenced by the achievements of the best and brightest whose ranks include three Nobel Prize winners, global business leaders, technological innovators, prominent politicians, public intellectuals, philanthropists and performers.

 

University of Montreal

The University of Montreal is a leading research university with its affiliated schools, Polytechnique Montreal (engineering), and HEC Montreal (business), it also one of the largest universities in North America. Many renowned laboratories were born at the University of Montreal, including MILA, the world’s leading university research center in deep learning; the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), one of the most productive in its domain; and the Centre de recherche en droit public (CRDP), the most comprehensive public-law research center in Canada.

 

Top Universities for Masters in Canada by International Student Percentage

Following are the top universities in Canada for MS along with their international student percentage:

Average Median Salaries for MS Graduates in Canada

Engineering-$75,989
Finance-$70,546
Information Technology-$80,543
Construction & Maintenance-$56,004
Childcare & Education-$51,149
Accounting, Administration -$50,147
Legal-$83,836
Sales & Marketing-$63,716
Healthcare & Social Services -$66,636

 

Top Industries to Choose in Canada

• Health care and social assistance
• Finance
• Blockchain
• Banking and insurance
• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Scientific and technical services
• Manufacturing
• Construction

Source: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/start

 

Top Canadian Employers

According to Forbes following are the top employers in 2023:

• Cisco Systems, Toronto
• Ubisoft, Montreal
• University of Guelph, Guelph
• University of Toronto, Toronto
• Canadian Mental Health Association, Toronto
• Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Toronto
• Coca-Cola Bottling Limited, Toronto
• Laval University, Québec
• Hydro-Québec: Montreal

 

Student Visa Requirement to Study in Canada

A study permit is required for all international students who wish to Study Abroad and study in Canada for more than 6 months.

A Study Permit is valid for the duration of a student’s program. Additionally, a student may also require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for the duration of their studies.

In addition, to get admission to a Canadian university, applicants are required to prove their financial ability to pay for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation at the end of their program. Applicants should have no health issues and no criminal record.

 

Post Study Stay Back Options in Canada

International students who complete their post-secondary education in Canada may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, or PGWP, in order to gain Canadian work experience.

The PGWP allows eligible international graduates to work in Canada after their studies for a period of up to three years.

The Government of Canada provides the Post-Graduation Work Permit to international students to retain them as skilled workers. The program provides an open work permit, which allows international graduates to work for any Canadian employer in any industry. Government policies are geared towards making it easy for students to apply for PR in Canada, when applicable.

Popular Masters Programs in Canada

MS programs in Canada involve site visits, projects, and group work in addition to standard lectures and tutorials. Students have a variety of degree options to choose amongst the most affordable universities in Canada for MS. They must, however, consider other factors such as program availability, placement, and rankings, among others.

Following is the list of the most popular MS programs in Canada
• MBA
• MS Software Engineering 22,000- 82,000
• Masters in Nursing
• Masters in Computer Science
• Finance

 

Major Specializations of MS in Canada

MS in Computer Science

It is a popular field to study in Canada that will boost your employment possibilities significantly. Leading Canadian universities provide full-time programs lasting 1.5 to 2 years, and over 40 colleges are well-known for their world-class master’s degrees in computer science.

 

MS in Electrical Engineering

By pursuing MS in Electrical Engineering in Canada, you will get classroom-based teaching and laboratory-based research exposure. Leading institutions create educational excellence and professional chances during the program, which lasts between one and two years.

 

MS in Data Science

If you enjoy working with numbers, a master’s degree in data science is the ideal way to boost your career. It is a discipline that involves data cleansing, preparation, and analysis that will give you exposure to analytics expertise while assisting all businesses with database management.

 

MS in Mechanical

Most of Canada’s top universities provide a 1-2 year mechanical engineering curriculum that teaches design, production, maintenance machines, materials, energy, and other topics.

 

 

MS in Canada Application Deadlines

 

Applying for MS in Canada

Applying for MS admissions in Canada can be difficult because the number of candidates outnumbers the number of spots available. Academic semesters typically begin in September, but certain universities may have multiple start dates. It is always suggested for overseas students to apply for admissions early, preferably by the month of January.

 

Requirements for MS in Canada

Here are some of the documents you need to submit while applying for Masters Courses in Canada:

• Complete Application form
• Copy of academic transcripts (Certified)
• Certificates from previous educational institutions attended
• Resume
• Letter of Recommendation
• Personal statements
• Application fee
• Copy of Passport
• Proof of scholarship or funding
• GRE/GMAT scores
• Language proficiency (English/French)

 

English Requirements for MS in Canada

An international student would need to show proof of proficiency in English for pursuing MS courses in Canada. The ELP test scores required will vary from program to program; however, the general scores at top Canadian universities offering master’s degrees are as follows:

• IELTS: 6.5-7.0
• TOEFL: Above 90

 

Application Process for MS in Canada

It may be challenging to choose among the top universities in Canada for MS that provide high-quality education while keeping their high standards. Applying for MS courses in Canada may appear to be difficult, but it is not. With great counseling and early efforts, you’ll be able to make things go smoothly. To get MS admission in Canada here are some steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Conduct extensive study about various specializations offered at various Canadian colleges.

Step 2: English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and CAEL must be taken for pursuing an MS degree in Canada.

Step 3: In order to avoid last minute rush it is recommended to apply as soon as possible. You must complete the application form and submit all required documents.

Step 4: After submitting the application form and all the documents required you must wait for the university to contact you. You can accept or decline the university offer after receiving it, and then proceed to the payment process.

Step 5: This is the final step where you must apply for the student visa, book flight tickets, and attend a pre-departure briefing session.

 

MS in Canada Costs

Pre Arrival

 

Tuition Fees to Study Masters in Canada for Indian Students

 

Cost of Living in Canada

The cost of living in Canada is around 2% lower than in the USA. The monthly accommodation fee varies depending on the Canadian province. The average accommodation cost around 850 CAD- 1,000 CAD annually.

Other living expenses include costs of food, transportation, books, and supplies, etc. These estimated expenses are:

 

MS in Canada with Scholarships

Here are some masters scholarships in Canada:

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship
• Graduate Entrance Scholarship
• JN Tata Endowment Scholarship
• Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
• Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship
• International Entrance Awards
• Graduate Scholarship
• Hira and Renu Ahuja International Graduate Scholarship
• Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
• Master’s Entrance Scholarship
• Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship

Here are some masters scholarships in Canada:

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship
• Graduate Entrance Scholarship
• JN Tata Endowment Scholarship
• Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
• Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship
• International Entrance Awards
• Graduate Scholarship
• Hira and Renu Ahuja International Graduate Scholarship
• Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
• Master’s Entrance Scholarship
• Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship

 

Financial Aids in Canada for Masters in Canada

Apart from the scholarships mentioned above, international students can also choose other financial aid options such as:

Education Loans

Students can apply for school loans from a variety of financial entities, including banks and non-banking financial corporations. HDFC Cedilla, ICICI Canada GIC program, and SBI Ed Vantage Education Loan are some of the most popular loans for studying in Canada.

 

Work-Study

International students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during their semesters and can also work full-time during their vacations.

 

Jobs After MS in Canada

Canada is a popular destination for graduates looking for work opportunities abroad due to its welcoming immigration policies and easy availability of work permits. The employment opportunity after completing a master’s degree in Canada significantly depends on the curriculum chosen.

• Computer Science graduates receive the highest paid jobs in Canada.
• Along with a good number of employment opportunities medical and healthcare industry is the 3rd largest industry in Canada.
• Law graduates in Canada receive an annual package of 72,000 CAD
• MS graduates receive an annual package that is 29% higher than UG graduates
• In Canada, after every 15 months, there is a 9% hike in salary.

 

Salaries by Cities for Master’s Degree in Canada

 

Top-Paying Sectors After Masters in Canada

• CS-IT
• Electrical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Data Science & Machine Learning

 

MS in Canada Without GRE

Here are some universities in Canada that accept students without GRE scores:
• Brock University
• Carleton University
• Concordia University
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Laval University
• University of Manitoba
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Laurentian University
• University of New Brunswick
• University of Prince Edward Island

 

MS in Canada Without IELTS

Here are some universities in Canada that accept students without IELTS scores:

• University of Saskatchewan
• Brock University
• Carleton University
• University of Winnipeg
• University of Regina
• Memorial University
• Concordia University
• Seneca College
• University of Regina
• Okanagan College

 

Student Life in Canada

Studying in Canada will not only open opportunities for your profession, but it will also be a fantastic life experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. The experience of coming in a new nation can be stressful. Most universities and colleges, on the other hand, provide excellent orientation programs to help you meet new people and adjust to student life in Canada. You will have unique possibilities to learn and grow no matter where you choose to finish your education in Canada. From trade skills to medical degrees, Canada has a wide range of study options.

 

MS in Canada vs MS in USA

 

Quick Facts to Know

Student Partner Program

The Canadian government made special provisions for Indian students under the Student Partners Program in 2009.  The Student Partners Program (SPP) is an administrative framework developed between Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to streamline the visa application process for international students studying in Canada from India and now China as well.

 

Selecting the Right University

Generally, aspirants go by a few parameters only to decide on universities to apply to. However, there are a number of points to be considered before making the decision. Apart from university rankings, other factors such as eligibility criteria, one’s own academic performance, and professional records, location, placement record of the universities, support for international students, tuition fees, scholarships, faculty, and many more factors count. With the right information, students find it easy to choose the universities that best suit their needs.

 

Submitting a Well-Written Essay

Students find an essay part in the application most challenging. It is meant for the admission panel to understand more about the students applying to the university, for them to make a decision on their suitability for a particular program. An essay submitted with grammatical mistakes, poor English and incomplete information will most likely get rejected. To avoid taking the risk, it is recommended to share a professionally written essay making it easier for the admission officers to comprehend it.