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 Masters and doctorate students.
- From 2024, the number of approved study permits annually has increased to 360,000. The numbers will be reassessed for 2025.
Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Minimum Duration | 2 years |
| Specializations | Health Science, Computer Science and Engineering, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and many more. |
| Universities | Top universities for MS in Canada include:
· University of Toronto · McGill University · University of British Columbia · University of Alberta · University of Waterloo |
| Range of Tuition Fees | CAD 15,000 – CAD 60,000 per year (Approx INR 9.0 lakh – 36.0 lakh) |
| Visa Requirements | Study Permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) |
| Best Cities for MS in Canada | · Montreal
· Vancouver · Toronto · Calgary · Winnipeg |
| Eligibility | · 4-year undergraduate degree in the subject, preferably with an Honours
· GMAT or GRE scores of 600 or above · A minimum GPA ranging from 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale · Proof of English Language Proficiency For IELTS – 6.0 to 7.5 For TOEFL – 85 to 90 |
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 2024 | Name of University | Specializations |
| 21 | University of Toronto | Architectural Studies, Computer Science, Chemical, Civil and Electrical Engineering |
| 30 | McGill University | Engineering and Computer Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering |
| 34 | University of British Columbia | Cell and Developmental Biology, Health Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
| 111 | University of Alberta | Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Agricultural Food and Nutritional Science |
| 112 | University of Waterloo | Physics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics |
Why Study MS in Canada?
Experienced faculty, academic excellence, and extensive peer community make Canada an ideal destination for pursuing an MS. Here are some other factors to pursue an MS in Canada:
A vast array of specializations in different fields
Canadian universities offer MS specializations in different fields, including IT, Engineering, Business Management, Mathematics, and many more.
World-class institutions ranking at top levels in QS World University Rankings 2025
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 galore
Post MS completion, candidates can grab jobs in various sectors with lucrative pay packages with a work permit of 2-4 years.
Affordable when compared to other countries
When compared to other countries, the cost of pursuing an MS in Canada is lower.
Multicultural ambience
Canada is home to diverse communities and cultures, and hence, students get a multicultural ambience.
Scholarships
Various Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students to help them finance their courses and meet other necessities.
Extensive international peer community
Canada boasts of an excellent international peer community, which is helpful for networking for students pursuing MS or other kinds of higher education.
Admission Checklist for MS in Canada
| Requirements | Details |
| Application Form | Duly filled-up 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, 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 600 or above |
| English Language Proficiency | For IELTS – 6.0 to 7.5
For TOEFL – 85 to 90 |
| Passport | Valid passport for international students |
Fees for MS in Canada
The fees for MS in Canada vary depending on the course. Here is an estimate of the fees at the top universities offering these courses:
| Name of University | Fees in CAD | Approx fees in INR |
| University of Toronto | CAD 35,000 – 65,000 | INR 21 lakh – 39 lakh |
| McGill University | CAD 25,000 – 35,000 | INR 15 lakh – 21 lakh |
| University of British Columbia | CAD 40,000 – 80,000 | INR 24 lakh – 48 lakh |
| University De Montreal | CAD 22,000 – 35,000 | INR 13.2 lakh – 21 lakh |
| University of Alberta | CAD 20,000 – 45,000 | INR 12 lakh – 27 lakh |
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 or GRE scores of 600 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 – 6.0 to 7.5
- For TOEFL – 85 to 90
- A valid passport and required student visa
MS Intake and Admission Deadlines
| University | Intake Deadlines |
| University of Toronto | Applications for Fall 2026 will open in October 2025. Applications for Fall 2025 are closed. |
| McGill University | 15th December 2024 – 1st January 2025 (dates vary according to MS specialization) |
| University of British Columbia | For May 2025 intake – 1st December 2024 to 3rd January 2025
For September 2025 intake – 1st December 2024 to 15th January 2025 (dates vary as per MS specialization) |
| University of Alberta | 1st July for September admission
1st November for January admission 1st March for May admission 1st May for July admission |
| University of Waterloo | 1st February for September admission
1st June for January admission for the following year 1st October for May admission for the following year |
Scholarships of MS in Canada
Funding for the MS in Canada can be done with 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) | For students pursuing Masters and PhD in Canada in Engineering or Natural Science disciplines
|
Approx INR 21,24,000 annually |
| Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan | For students applying to advanced studies and research at Masters and PhD levels | Tuition fees, living allowance and travel |
Job Opportunities after MS in Canada
Here are some job opportunities that open up for students after completing their MS in Canada.
- 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 field of study with roles like analysts, consultants, engineers, technical specialists, project managers, and so on.
- Internships and co-op programs for work experience for building a professional career
Top Recruiters for MS in Canada
Leading recruiters for MS in Canada include:
| Recruiter Name | Field of Recruitment |
| Software Development, Technology, UX UI Designing | |
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Canada an ideal country for pursuing an MS?
Yes, if you are looking to pursue an MS in a foreign country, you can choose Canada. The country has universities offering research-based MS programs in different subjects.
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 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 2-4 years.
Is English language proficiency required for an MS in Canada?
Yes, to enroll in an 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.
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