Master's programs in Canada for international students
- Advantages of Master's Programs in Canada
- Formats and Levels of Master's Programs in Canada
- Top Universities for Master's Programs in Canada
- How to Apply for Master's Programs in Canada
- Documents for Master's Program Admission in Canada
- Language of Instruction and Preparation for Master's in Canada
- Cost of Master's Programs in Canada
- Scholarships and Grants for Master's Programs in Canada
- Career Prospects After Master's in Canada
- Frequently Asked Questions
Master of Arts - French Studies
Memorial University of NewfoundlandThe MA in French Studies focuses on the French language as well as francophone culture and literatures from around the world. Our programme emphasises literary history, criticism, and theory, which give an excellent foundation for completing French studies in a PhD programme at any prestigious university…
Master of Arts - Gender Studies
Memorial University of NewfoundlandThe Master of Gender Studies degree allows students to critically analyse how gender impacts our identities, social interactions, and world at an advanced level. Students will integrate frameworks for thinking about power relations and how those ties are shaped and challenged by intersecting constructs…
Master of Arts - Geography
Memorial University of NewfoundlandGeography has been taught at Memorial since 1946 and was promoted to full department status in 1960. The MA and MSc degrees were introduced in 1970, and the PhD degree was added in 1992. Our mission statement is to cultivate a spirit of inquiry about the geography of the world around us through our…
Master of Arts - German Language and Literature
Memorial University of NewfoundlandThe major goal of a university education is to enable citizens to reason, analyse, problem-solve, and communicate in a world of cultural variations. The Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at Memorial University understands that a wide range of personal and professional experiences…
Master of Health Ethics
Memorial University of NewfoundlandThe Master of Health Ethics degree programme will prepare students to recognise and understand ethical challenges in health care and the life sciences, as well as to offer solutions to these issues as they occur in clinical, research, and policy contexts. Students will obtain a fundamental understanding…
Master of Arts - History
Memorial University of NewfoundlandMemorial University provides unique chances for history study. The St. John's campus fosters innovative and interdisciplinary research by housing the Maritime History Archive, the Folklore and Language Archive, the Centre of Newfoundland Studies, and various other research collections. Our faculty…
Masters of Human Kinetics and Recreation
Memorial University of NewfoundlandIn 2005, the MSc (Kinesiology) programme began. Throughout its history, many master's students have gone on to doctoral programmes. During that time, graduate students wrote or co-wrote more than 200 peer-reviewed articles. The laboratories are well-equipped, including, but not limited to, 5 data…
Master of Philosophy - Humanities
Memorial University of NewfoundlandStudents in the Humanities can expect to be exposed to a wide range of representative problems in human culture's history and contemporary scene; educated in significant methods and modes of interpretation that apply to a wide range of such problems; and engaged in an ongoing discussion about major…
Masters of Human Kinetics and Recreation - Kinesiology
Memorial University of NewfoundlandIn 2005, the MSc (Kinesiology) programme began. Throughout its history, many master's students have gone on to doctoral programmes. During that time, graduate students wrote or co-wrote more than 200 peer-reviewed articles. The laboratories are well-equipped, including, but not limited to, 5 data…
Master of Arts - Linguistics
Memorial University of NewfoundlandThe Department of Linguistics emphasises data-driven, theoretically informed work into aboriginal languages, linguistic diversity and change, and language learning. Our graduate programmes start with a strong theoretical foundation (phonology, syntax, morphology, etc.) and expand from there. From…
Advantages of Master's Programs in Canada
Canada holds leading positions among countries offering quality higher education for international students. Master's programs in Canadian universities combine high academic standards, innovative teaching approaches, and international recognition of diplomas.
Key advantages:
- Internationally recognized diploma accepted worldwide.
- Stable and safe country with high standard of living.
- Modern research centers and laboratories.
- Opportunity to combine studies and practical experience.
- Wide choice of specialties and languages of instruction.
- Right to work during studies and after program completion.
- Immigration opportunities through education.
Formats and Levels of Master's Programs in Canada
Master's programs in Canada vary in structure and academic focus. Main formats:
- Course-based Master's (applied programs) — focused on professional training, include lectures, seminars, projects.
- Research-based Master's (research programs) — involve conducting scientific work and writing a thesis.
- Professional Master's (practice-oriented programs) — designed to acquire specific skills for work in particular industries.
Standard duration of study:
- 1-2 years for most programs.
- Some technical and medical programs may last longer.
Top Universities for Master's Programs in Canada
| University Name | Program | Cost for International Students per Year | World Ranking (QS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Master of Engineering, MBA | from 35,000 CAD | 21 |
| University of British Columbia | Master of Computer Science | from 30,000 CAD | 34 |
| McGill University | Master of Public Health, MBA | from 29,500 CAD | 30 |
| University of Alberta | Master of Science, MBA | from 20,000 CAD | 111 |
| University of Montreal | Master of Law, Master of Finance | from 19,000 CAD | 141 |
| Western University | Master of Data Analytics | from 27,000 CAD | 114 |
| University of Waterloo | Master of Mathematics, Engineering | from 28,000 CAD | 112 |
*Cost may vary depending on program and faculty.
How to Apply for Master's Programs in Canada
Application stages:
- Choosing a university and program.
- Checking applicant requirements.
- Gathering necessary documents.
- Taking international exams (if required).
- Submitting online application through university website.
- Paying application fee.
- Receiving university decision.
- Obtaining visa and preparing for relocation.
The application process begins 8-12 months before studies start.
Potential application difficulties:
- High competition for popular programs, especially at top universities.
- Need to confirm language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, DALF) at required level.
- Some programs require GMAT or GRE, which requires serious preparation.
- Requirements for academic CV, motivation letter and recommendations can be very strict.
- Need to provide samples of academic works or projects (if required by program).
Study Permit (Visa) difficulties:
- Need to prove sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Medical examination.
- Visa process may take 8 to 16 weeks, sometimes longer.
- Visa refusal possible with insufficient evidence or documentation errors.
Therefore it's important to prepare documents in advance and consider all requirements of both universities and Canadian immigration authorities.
Documents for Master's Program Admission in Canada
Standard list of documents for Master's admission in Canada includes:
- Bachelor's diploma and transcript with grades.
- Academic CV.
- Motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters (usually 2).
- Language exam certificates (IELTS/TOEFL, DELF/DALF).
- GMAT or GRE results (if required by program).
- Portfolio (for creative specialties).
- Samples of academic or professional works (if required).
Language of Instruction and Preparation for Master's in Canada
Master's studies in Canada are conducted in:
- English (main language at most universities).
- French - at Quebec universities and some bilingual institutions.
For students with insufficient language level, preparatory programs are available:
- Pre-Master's — academic English/French courses and introduction to university environment.
- Preparatory programs in core subjects.
Such courses help with adaptation and successful start of main Master's program.
Cost of Master's Programs in Canada
Cost range:
- Tuition: from 18,000 to 45,000 CAD per year.
- Housing: 800-1,500 CAD per month.
- Food: 300-600 CAD per month.
- Transportation: 100-150 CAD per month.
- Medical insurance: 600-900 CAD per year.
Final expenses depend on province and student's lifestyle.
Scholarships and Grants for Master's Programs in Canada
Scholarship examples:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships — up to 50,000 CAD per year, for outstanding students.
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship — from 5,000 to 15,000 CAD.
- Université de Montréal Exemption Scholarship — partial tuition waiver.
- McGill Entrance Scholarships — financial support upon admission.
- UBC International Graduate Scholarships — merit-based scholarships.
Award criteria:
- High academic performance.
- Relevance to research topics.
- Language level.
- Timely application.
Deadlines — mainly from September to January.
Career Prospects After Master's in Canada
After completing Master's program, international graduates can obtain Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — work permit in Canada for up to 3 years. PGWP allows official employment at any Canadian company, gaining professional experience and increasing chances for subsequent immigration through federal or provincial programs.
Master's in Canada opens doors to well-paid jobs and promising careers. In-demand fields:
- Information technology.
- Engineering.
- Finance and business administration.
- Healthcare and biotechnology.
- Law and international relations.
- Ecology and climatology.
Major employers:
- Google Canada, IBM, Microsoft.
- Bombardier, SNC-Lavalin.
- Canadian banking sector (RBC, TD Bank).
- Pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
- Consulting agencies.
Many graduates remain in Canada thanks to post-study work permit and immigration opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can international students work while studying Master's in Canada?
Yes, allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full-time during holidays.
2. Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory for Master's admission in Canada?
Yes, if instruction is in English and you're not from English-speaking country.
3. How long does Master's in Canada last?
Programs last from 1 to 2 years.
4. Is there opportunity for full funding of Master's studies in Canada?
Yes, especially for research programs and through scholarship competitions.
5. Which Master's programs are most popular in Canada?
IT, engineering, business, finance, biotechnology and ecology.
6. What are portfolio requirements for creative specialties in Master's in Canada?
Work samples, projects, publications demonstrating creative and professional skills.
7. Can one stay in Canada after completing Master's in Canada?
Yes, possible to obtain work permit and apply for immigration programs.
8. What is PAL and is it needed?
PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) — confirmation from Canadian provincial authorities, required for some international students when applying for Study Permit.