MS in Canada
A Master's degree is a life-changing decision, and Canada is an amazing destination for ambitious students. Known for its exceptional quality of life, Canada ranked third globally in 2022. The country offers an educational experience that is both enriching and globally recognized. Beyond academic excellence, it embraces diversity and provides a safe and welcoming environment for international students. Let's delve into why pursuing a Master's degree in Canada can be a transformative experience for international students.
On this page, we are covering:
- Why Study MS in Canada
- Top Universities in Canada for MS
- In-Demand MS Courses in Canada
- Cost of Studying and Living in Canada
- Career Prospects after MS in Canada
- Scholarships For Master’s in Canada
- Requirements & Eligibility Criteria for MS in Canada
- Deadline for MS Applications in Canada
- Timeline for Master's Application for Canada
- Work Permit for MS Students in Canada
- Visa Requirements for International Students in Canada
- FAQ’s
Why Study MS in Canada?
Compared to colleges and universities in Australia, the U.K., and the U.S., Canadian institutions generally have lower tuition fees. This affordability, coupled with the high quality of education, makes Canada an attractive choice for aspiring Master's students. With seven institutions ranked in the top 200 globally (Times Higher Education, 2023), Indian students who choose to study in Canada can expect a world-class education that nurtures intellectual growth.
Moreover, Canadian universities offer numerous scholarships and part-time work opportunities to international students. These opportunities help offset tuition costs and enhance employability upon graduation. A study revealed that 60% of international students employed during or after their studies became landed immigrants within a decade of obtaining their first study permit (Statistics Canada, 2021). Canada's favourable immigration policies provide opportunities for graduates to pursue long-term careers and establish a life in this welcoming country.
Finally, the rich cultural tapestry of Canada translates into inclusive classrooms and vibrant communities, offering students an opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain a deeper appreciation for different perspectives.
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Below are the top universities in Canada with their QS World University Rankings of 2023.
- McGill University
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- Université de Montréal
- McMaster University
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- University of Ottawa
- University of Calgary
- Queen's University at Kingston
- Dalhousie University
- Simon Fraser University
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Canada offers several Master’s degrees that are popular among Indian students. Some of these are listed below:
- Master of Accounting
- Master of Data Science
- Master of Information Technology
- Master of Finance
- Master of Agriculture
- Master of Management
- Master of Environmental Science
- Master of Engineering (Construction, Mechanical, Electrical)
- Master of Psychology
- Master of Human Resource Management
Cost of Studying and Living in Canada
In Canada, the average annual cost for a bachelor's degree is between CAD 12,000, which is about INR 6,46,000, and CAD 30,000, equivalent to INR 16,15,000. While programs in the humanities, business, and management may cost anywhere from CAD 5,500 (INR 2,96,000) to CAD 6,500 (INR 3,50,000), engineering and medicine degrees cost approximately CAD 22,000, which is equivalent to INR 11,69,000 per year.
The cost of living in Canada varies in each city, with larger cities such as Toronto and Vancouver generally being more expensive than smaller cities. From tuition fees and rent to transportation and food, there are a variety of expenses that international students should account for when budgeting for their studies. Here we provide an overview of the cost of living in Canada for international students:
Expenses |
Costs* |
Average tuition fee |
CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 per year |
Accommodation |
CAD 400 to 600 per month |
Public Transport |
CAD 40 - 100 per month |
Grocery and Food Costs |
CAD 200 CAD - 300 per month |
Internet |
CAD 30 – 50 |
Miscellaneous |
CAD 600 – 700 |
*These are just general estimates, and your actual costs may vary as per your location and other factors.
Additionally, knowing about province-wise breakdown for accommodation can also help you plan your budget for studying in Canada.
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The average base salary for Master’s graduates in Canada is C$68k/ year. Below are some popular jobs in Canada for individuals who earn a Master’s degree from here:
Job Title |
Salary Range |
Average Salary |
Software Developer |
C$53k - C$97k |
C$71,775 |
UX Designer |
C$45k - C$80k |
C$59,178 |
Sr. Software Engineer / Developer / Programmer |
C$76k - C$132k |
C$101,398 |
Data Analyst |
C$53k - C$88k |
C$68,493 |
Marketing Coordinator |
C$46k - C$74k |
C$58,060 |
Marketing Manager |
C$58k - C$103k |
C$78,540 |
Program Manager, Engineering |
C$57k - C$101k |
C$76,474 |
Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) |
C$48k - C$90k |
C$66,003 |
Research Analyst, Operations |
C$42k - C$87k |
C$60,455 |
Senior Business Analyst |
C$81k - C$123k |
C$100,323 |
Scholarships For Master’s in Canada
Scholarships in Canada can provide partial or full financial support for tuition, books, and other educational expenses to international students. These programs are designed to help international students gain the necessary qualifications and experience to find secure employment.
Types of Scholarships in Canada
- Government-funded Scholarship: These scholarships are designed to make higher education in Canada more accessible and allow students to complete their studies without financial burden. Some of the government-funded scholarships include the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, and the Vanier Graduate Scholarships.
- Non-governmental Scholarships: These scholarships are provided by private companies, organizations, and individuals, and can range from small awards to full tuition and living costs. Examples include the Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships, and the Anne Vallee Ecological Fund.
- Institutional Scholarships: Institutional scholarships are offered by the colleges and universities themselves, and often depend on the student's academic performance. Some universities offer scholarships to students with high grades, while others offer grants the same to those with financial need. The University of Toronto, Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships, and the York University International Student Scholarships are a couple of examples of institutional scholarships in Canada.
Requirements & Eligibility Criteria for MS in Canada
While it is important to check each university's website for specific admission requirements, here are general eligibility requirements to secure your seat in a Master’s program in the Canada:
- Bachelor’s degree with good grades
- Internship certificate/s or work experience, though not mandatory at some universities
- Valid GRE scores, if required by your university
- English language proficiency scores – IELTS or PTE.
- Detailed resume
- Letters of Recommendation.
- Statement of Purpose and/or other admission essays
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Fall Intake (Primary Intake: September – December): The most popular intake season is the Fall semester, which is the primary intake and typically runs from September to December. You will be able to choose from a large pool of full and partial scholarships. However, it is quite competitive to get admission and scholarship during this intake due to a large number of applications.
Spring/Winter Intake (Secondary Intake: January – April): The competition for admission and scholarship is low during this intake. Moreover, with fewer students in the classroom, you can receive more individualized attention from your professors, ensuring you get the most out of your studies.
Timeline for Master's Application for Canada
Generally, it is advisable to start the application process approximately 12 to 18 months before the intended program start date. Here is a general Master’s degree timeline:
- Allocate 1-4 weeks for passport application and processing.
- Plan for 2-8 weeks to prepare for and take the IELTS exam.
- Allow 4-10 weeks for GRE preparation and test-taking.
- Give yourself 1-3 weeks to write and refine important application components like CV, SOP, and LOR.
- Submit your applications 1-2 weeks before the deadline.
- Await the first admission decision.
- Begin the loan process 3-6 weeks before the program starts.
- Obtain travel insurance in 15-30 minutes.
- Reserve your flight in 15-30 minutes.
- Plan for 2-6 weeks for visa application and processing.
- Obtain prepaid cards within 1-3 days.
- Schedule and complete a health checkup in 1-2 days.
- Allow 1 week for shopping and gathering necessary items.
Remember, starting early is crucial, but even if you're slightly behind, completing tasks before the application deadline is manageable.
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After completing your studies in Canada, you may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to stay in Canada and find temporary employment. The duration of your program determines how long your PGWP will be active.
Your PGWP will be valid for the same length as your study program if it is less than 8 months. However, if your program was at least eight months, but less than two years, then you will be granted a PGWP valid for up to the same length as your study program. Similarly, if your program was two years or longer, you may get a PGWP that is valid for three years. In addition, if you completed more than one program while in Canada and each of these programs is PGWP-eligible and at least 8 months in length, you may be able to combine the length of each program to get a longer PGWP. You are ineligible for a PGWP if you have previously obtained one after completing an earlier program of study.
Ensure that your passport is valid for the entirety of your eligibility period. If your passport expires before your PGWP, you will be issued a PGWP that is valid until your passport expires, and you will be told if you need to extend its validity to get its full validity.
Visa Requirements for International Students in Canada
Once you’ve completed the application, it is important to submit your application for a study permit as soon as possible. This is because the Canadian government has a backlog of study permit applications, which might delay certain applications. If you want to study in Canada, you will need to prove that you have at least a certain amount of money in your bank. The fee for a Canadian student visa is around CAD 150, or nearly 9000 INR. Some visa requirements that may be part of the eligibility criteria for a Canada study permit include academic requirements, an offer letter from the institution, language proficiency, financial requirements, the Immigration Medical Examination (IME), passport-size photographs, a health insurance policy, valid travel documents, and so on. In addition to this, you must also have enough money to get to and from your home country, as well as enough money to support yourself during this time.
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For most Master's programs in Canada, work experience is not a mandatory requirement. However, having relevant work experience can enhance your application and make you a more competitive candidate, especially for certain specialized programs. It demonstrates practical knowledge and can be advantageous during the admissions process.
Most Canadian universities typically require two to three Letters of Recommendation (LORs) as part of the application process for MS programs.
Typically, a Master's degree in Canada takes two years to complete.
On average, international students can expect CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 or more per year. Additionally, you'll need to consider living expenses, which can vary depending on the city or province you study in.
Yes, a CGPA of 7.0 on a scale of 10 is generally considered competitive for admission to most Master's programs in Canada.
You will typically need to submit all your academic transcripts from your previous institutions. Most universities require official transcripts directly sent from the issuing institution to the university's admissions office.
To apply for MS in Canada from India, research the universities and programs that interest you, and check the admission criteria, English language proficiency requirements, and other prerequisites for your chosen program. Gather all the required documents requested by the university and apply through the university's online application portal or through relevant application platforms.
GRE is generally not a required component of the MS application process in most Canadian universities. However, some specific programs or institutions might request GRE scores.
Yes, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are accepted by some Canadian universities for MS admissions.
Yes, there are various scholarships and financial aid options available for international students pursuing MS programs in Canada.
Having backlogs can affect your MS application, as it may raise concerns about your academic performance and readiness for the program. Each university has its own policies regarding backlogs. It's best to address any academic issues in your SOP and emphasize your strengths to demonstrate your potential for success in the program.
Yes, Canada is a good choice for pursuing MS in Mechanical Engineering. Canadian universities are known for their strong engineering programs and research opportunities.