Study in Canada for a Master’s Degree in 2024
While you may be nervous about making plans to study in Canada because of the recent student visa cap, we have good news! The study permit cap does not affect prospective master’s and doctoral student applications! As a Master’s student, you can also apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit of up to three years – another recent update this year!
Despite the visa setbacks, Canada continues to be a popular choice among students as one of the best places for higher education. With a total of 31 Canadian universities in the QS World University Rankings, it is no surprise that you can get a world-class postgraduate education here. Excellent universities, world-class campuses, hands-on learning experience, high graduate employability, and more, make Canada a great choice for future Master’s students!
Why Get a Master’s Degree in Canada?
First things first, Canada is great for all levels of education. Master’s degrees are no exception. There are many compelling reasons why you should consider making Canada your #1 choice for your postgraduate education. These range from the best education to the country’s excellent standards of living.
Top Universities
Canada is a popular destination for ambitious international students. Last year, the country was hosting more than a million international students. A big reason driving such a huge number of people to study in Canada is the quality of education in Canadian universities. Many of its universities rank among the best in the world across several factors. Choosing a Master’s degree from one of these top-ranking universities translates to qualifications with global recognition.
| University | QS World University Ranking 2024 |
| University of Toronto | #21 |
| McGill University | #30 |
| University of British Columbia | =34 |
| University of Alberta | #111 |
| University of Waterloo | #112 |
| Western University | #114 |
| University of Calgary | #182 |
| McMaster University | =189 |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | #209 |
| Dalhousie University | #298 |
Canadian universities enjoy high graduate employability ratings because they build their programs in response to industry trends and needs. This means that by the time you graduate, you possess the skills and knowledge in demand in the local and global workplace. Right away, a Canadian degree gives you a huge career advantage thanks to these universities’ high standards of academic excellence.
Research Centered Programs
Canadian universities publish world-leading research every year. In fact, the U15 universities – Canada’s 15 leading research universities – conduct around CAD 8.5 billion worth of research every year. Research is a big part of Master’s education and the U15 members collectively train almost 60% of the country’s full-time graduate students. These universities are responsible for 83% of all contracted private-sector research in the country and hold 81% of all Canadian university patents.
Below are the members of Canada’s U15 coalition of research universities:
• University of Alberta
• University of British Columbia
• Dalhousie University
• University of Calgary
• Université Laval
• University of Manitoba
• McGill University
• McMaster University
• Université de Montréal
• University of Ottawa
• Queen’s University
• University of Saskatchewan
• Western University
• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo
The research culture in Canada is thriving and contributes regularly in many important fields. The annual research output of Canada exceeds the average in some of the most developed and resourceful countries in the world. Master’s degrees in Canada offer great opportunities to become a part of this research community.
Part-Time Work
Part-time work is a great perk to consider when deciding to study in Canada. As you enroll in your Master’s program in Canada, you will need a student visa for the duration of your stay. And as a student visa holder, you can work part-time alongside your studies! This is a great advantage if you’re looking for ways to cover your finances while in Canada. Wages for part-time jobs can vary between CAD 13 to CAD 25 per hour for international students.
Co-Op Programs
Your Master’s program may include co-op or co-operative education. Programs like these include real-world work experience as part of your curriculum! Yes, you earn credits as you take on a professional role in an organization or field relevant to your program. This helps you elevate your learning in the classroom with practical experience. As a result, you develop the hands-on skills that employers are looking for, as well as professional connections that can help you nab a job after graduation.
Work Permit After Course Completion
Canada also encourages Master’s students to work in the country after they finish their courses. Canadian universities take care to uphold high education standards, including by aligning curricula with the most in-demand and up-to-date skills and expertise. The Canadian government is, as a result, keen to integrate graduates with those skills and expertise into their workforce!
You can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit of three years if you choose to study in Canada for your Master’s degree. Before 2024, the length of the PGWP depended on the duration of your program. Now, Master’s students can enjoy longer PGWPs and opportunities to integrate into the Canadian workforce!
Affordability
One of the most attractive parts of a Master’s degree to study in Canada is the relative affordability. Many international students hesitate to complete their bachelor’s degree abroad because of the total cost. However, rather than 3-4 years of tuition fees, a Master’s degree can last between 1-2 years. Study costs in Canada for Master’s students are on average around CAD 22,061 per year. In comparison, the average annual undergraduate fee in Canada is upwards of CAD 38,000 per year.
Living Standards
Canada is known for its excellent living standards. Such is also true for international students in Canada. You will enjoy many facilities and comforts that make your life easier. With lower crime rates, many international students and their families take reassurance in the safety and security of choosing to study in Canada. With the country’s best student cities being metropolitan and multiethnic hubs – Toronto, for example, is one of the most diverse cities in the world – you will experience a cultural mosaic alongside other international students.
Best Master’s Programs in Canada
One of the biggest decisions you will make when choosing to study in Canada is deciding what to study. You will find a large variety of Master’s programs you can choose from in Canadian universities. Your choice of program will depend partly on your undergraduate degree as well as your future goals and plans. For example, are you hoping to build your specialization in your current field or are you hoping to transfer into a different field of specialization? Are you thinking of branching into research, or do you want to boost your professional opportunities by taking a specialist Master’s program?
Master’s degrees are specialist courses that go into greater technical depth and detail than a bachelor’s degree. These programs can help you climb the corporate ladder, access higher pay grades, change career fields, and more.
Here are some of Canada’s best options for Master’s programs:
Arts and Humanities
| University | QS World University Ranking in this Subject |
| University of British Columbia | 18 |
| University of Montreal | 117 |
| York University | 157 |
Computer Science & Information Technology
| University | QS World University Ranking in this Subject |
| University of Waterloo | 21 |
| University of Alberta | 110 |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 162 |
Health, Medicine & Psychology
| University | QS World University Ranking in this Subject |
| McMaster University | 55 |
| University of Calgary | 113 |
| Western University | 192 |
Business, Management & Entrepreneurship
| University | QS World University Ranking in this Subject |
| McGill University | 47 |
| Western University | 67 |
| University of Montreal | 75 |
Engineering, Automation, and Technology
| University | QS World University Ranking in this Subject |
| University of Waterloo | 40 |
| University of Alberta | 100 |
| University of Calgary | 143 |
Architecture, Construction, and Planning
| University | QS World University Ranking in this Subject |
| University of Toronto | 39 |
| University of British Columbia | 43 |
| University of Waterloo | 101-150 |
How to Apply
If you’re sold on studying for a Master’s degree in Canada, the next step is to research the right programs and prep for application! Application requirements will vary from university to university, and program to program. For example, you may need test scores for the GMAT for an MBA, or GRE test scores for other subjects. Some research-based programs may ask you to submit a research proposal outlining the academic inquiry you plan to pursue as a Master’s program. Others may ask for relevant work experience in your field.
A general idea of the components of an application for a Master’s degree in Canada are:
English Proficiency: A minimum of 6.5 overall in the IELTS (or equivalent) is usually an admissions requirement for most universities in Canada. Some universities will set minimum score boundaries for individual sub-sections of the test as well.
Educational Experience: A minimum of 16 years of education, which includes a recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, is usually the requirement. Bachelor’s programs at Canadian universities are typically 4 years long. Some universities accept 3-year undergraduate courses as well, as long as your qualification translates into an equivalent higher education Canadian qualification. Some universities also ask for a minimum CGPA.
Statements of Purpose: This written statement can be an outline of your motivations to study this program, an outline of your research plans, an expression of why you are a good candidate for the program or all of the above. Take note of the university’s requirements for this statement and take the time to work on an excellent and original piece. Your SOP is a chance to make yourself stand out as a candidate beyond your grades and work experience. Be sure to keep your SOP relevant to your studies and follow any guidelines that the university sets out.
Referral Letters: Master’s programs typically ask for at least two letters of reference. These may be from academic instructors or employers. Letters of reference or recommendation (LOR) are endorsements of your suitability as a candidate for your target university from a professional who knows your capabilities well.
Other Requirements: You may be asked for a CV outlining your academic and professional endeavors. Additional requirements could include portfolios (for subjects like architecture and design), test scores for exams like the GMAT and GRE, etc.
Rounding Up
Choosing to study in Canada for a Master’s degree might be the perfect way to kickstart your career. Not only does the country offer world-class postgraduate programs, but its recent policy updates indicate the country’s own interest in welcoming postgraduate students! A Canadian Master’s degree can help you level up your professional opportunities, not just in the country but globally. After all, Canadian universities are highly responsive to real-world trends and industry demands. As a result, your programs adapt to make sure you graduate with the relevant skills and tools to succeed in your career.
