Canada is a country situated in the Northern part of North America. It has its capital as Ottawa. It is the World’s most educated country, with a 99% literacy rate.
It is the second largest country in the world after Russia. Also, its economy is ranked 10th in the world.
However, apart from its beautiful places such as Hudson Bay and Jasper National Park, Canada has some major benefits that make students choose Canada over other countries.
So, before deciding to study master's in Canada, you need to know the answers to some of the important questions that arise in the minds of applicants -
Why Pursue a Masters in Canada?
Before choosing Canada as an ideal country for your study, you need to know what benefits it will bring for you.
You should know why pursuing a Master's in Canada is good for you. So, let’s have a look at the benefits—
1. Multi-cultural Society:
- Canada prides itself on being a multicultural mosaic, with people from diverse backgrounds living harmoniously.
- According to Statistics Canada, over one-fifth (21.9%) of the Canadian population is foreign-born, representing numerous cultures and ethnicities.
2. High quality of life:
- According to the 2020 World Happiness Report, Canada ranks 11th globally for happiness, with factors such as healthcare, education, safety, and environment contributing to its high quality of life index
- Moreover, cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary frequently appear in lists of the world's most livable cities, offering students a comfortable and safe environment to pursue their studies.
3. Easy Visa Policies:
- According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), processing times for study permits vary depending on the country of residence, but the majority of applications are processed within weeks.
- Canada allows international students to work part-time during their studies and offers post-graduation work permits, providing opportunities for gaining valuable work experience.
4. Several Job Opportunities:
- Canada's strong economy and robust job market offer numerous opportunities for Master's graduates.
- According to Statistics Canada, the country's unemployment rate reached a record low of 5.4% in 2019, indicating a favorable job market.
- The average annual salary for professionals with a Master's degree in Canada ranges from approximately $60,000 to $90,000 CAD
5. Availability of scholarship:
The Government of Canada's International Scholarship Program provides opportunities for foreign students to study in Canada through various scholarship schemes.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships:- $50,000 CAD per year
- Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master's Program (CGS-M):- $17,500 CAD for one year
- University-specific Scholarships:- $5,000 to $50,000 CAD per year.
What are the General Eligibility Criteria for a One-Year Masters in Canada?
Masters degree helps in gaining an area of expertise and if the degree is for the duration of one year, it helps you in gaining more knowledge in less time.
So, before deciding to pursue a one-year Masters's Degree, you should know the general eligibility criteria that need to be fulfilled. The academic requirements for the eligibility for a Masters degree are:—
- A high school degree with an average Grade (3 on a scale of 4).
- Bachelor’s degree with an average score of 65-75%.
- Academic IELTS with a score of 6.0 for students who do not have English as their first language.
- Some universities also require a GRE/GMAT score of at least more than 300.
What is the Tuition Cost and Living Expenses in Canada?
The tuition cost in Canada depends on the university you apply to:-
Every individual should always have an idea before going for another country. The tuition costs differ from country to country annually.
The minimum amount needed for an individual to stay in Canada is around CAD$10,000 annually, which includes accommodation, food, phone, and miscellaneous expenses.
If a family member is visiting with you then his/her cost will be $4000. This includes the overall cost of the individual
EXPENSES CATEGORY | ESTIMATED COST (CANADIAN DOLLAR) Per month |
University Fees | $18,000(One year) |
Accommodation | $ 800 to $1,500 |
Food | $200 to $400 |
Transportation | $100 to $150 |
School Supplies | $500-$ 600 |
Utilities (bills) | $ 800- $1,200 |
Health Insurance | $ 600- $ 800 |
How to Get a Student Visa?
It is necessary to get a student visa before traveling to another country. If you are deciding to be a part of Canada’s student community, then you need a student visa. Without a student Visa, no student is allowed in another country for study. Therefore, you should know the important details and requirements in order to get the study permit.
First, to know the process you need to know the documents which are required -
- Proof of acceptance to the university where you have applied.
- Proof of your identity.
- Proof of financial support; that you have the minimum amount of money to live in Canada.
These are the necessary documents to get a visa permit, but you may also need –
- A letter of explanation as to why you want to go to Canada
- A certificate d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) issued by the Government of Canada if you want to study in Quebec.
Now, as you are aware of the documents which are required. Let’s know about the process of getting a student visa -
In order to get the visa, you need to fill the application form and submit it with the required documents and the next step is to wait for the result. The study permit for Canada costs $150.
The process of getting a visa does not take much time. The application process can be done while sitting at home at an online portal.
How to Get a Post-Study Work Permit?
A post-study permit is a permit to work after completing your education. For this process, some documents are also required, which are to be submitted with the application for a post-study work permit.
- Students must have completed 8 months of education from a Designated Learning Institution.
- A proof of having been qualified.
- Students should have maintained a full-time status.
- Graduated from one of the Canadian schools.
The duration of post-study permit depends on the duration of your program in which you were enrolled. The program should always be of 8 months or more otherwise the post-study permit will not be granted. If the program is for 12 months then the post-study work permit will also be of the duration of 12 months.
What are the Employment Opportunities in Canada?
The Government of Canada provides a job portal online for the students to investigate jobs according to their desire.
Other than employment opportunities, a student is also protected under the laws of the Government of Canada which are -
MINIMUM WAGE LABELS:-
- As of January 2022, the federal minimum wage in Canada is $15.00 per hour.
- Workers who are paid below the minimum wage are entitled to file complaints with the appropriate authorities.
HEALTH SAFETY STANDARDS:-
- The law of Health and safety standards outlines the general rights and responsibilities of the employer, the supervisor and the worker through an Act.
HOURS OF WORK:-
- An employee is liable to work for 8 hours in a day. This is the standard hours of work for every employee i.e., 40 hours in a week.
- Overtime pay is typically provided for hours worked beyond the standard workweek.
ANNUAL PAID VACATION:-
- After a year of completion of a job, every employee is entitled to get 2 weeks of vacation and after 5 years, the entitlement increases to 3 weeks.
So, if you are thinking of working in the country after completion of your study, you will have these benefits as well.
What are the Scholarships Provided?
Study Abroad in undoubtedly an expensive affair and students are on the constant lookout for tips on how to fund their study abroad education.
The scholarships provided by the Government of Canada are divided into three types of scholarships: fully funded scholarships, short-term exchange programs, and online study scholarships for Masters.
FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIP:-
Study in Canada scholarships: These scholarships are fully funded and cover the costs of tuition fees, living expenses, and return airfare.
- They are available for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs.
- The value of these scholarships ranges from CAD 7,200 to CAD 60,000, depending on the duration and level of study
SHORT TERM EXCHANGE PROGRAM:-
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED): These scholarships are aimed at mid-career professionals from ASEAN member states.
- They cover the costs of travel, living expenses, and participation in a short-term exchange program in Canada. The scholarship value is up to 10,000.
- Canada-CARICOM Faculty Leadership Program: It covers the costs of travel, accommodation, and program fees. The scholarship value is up to CAD 10,000.
- Canada-Chile Leadership Exchange Scholarship: This scholarship enables Chilean students to study or conduct research in Canada.
- It covers the costs of travel, living expenses, and program fees. The scholarship value is up to CAD 10,000.
- Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program: The scholarship covers the costs of travel, living expenses, and program fees. The value varies depending on the length and nature of the exchange.
- Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program: This program offers scholarships to students from Latin American and Caribbean countries for short-term exchange programs in Canada. It covers the costs of travel, living expenses, and program fees.
- The scholarship value is up to CAD 7,200.
ONLINE STUDY SCHOLARSHIPS:-
- Canada-CARICOM Virtual University Scholarships Program: These scholarships support students from CARICOM countries pursuing online studies in Canada.
- They cover the costs of tuition fees and study materials. The scholarship value is up to CAD $10,000.
Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Scholarship Value |
---|---|---|
Study in Canada scholarships | Fully Funded | CAD 7,200 - CAD 60,000 |
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) | Short Term Exchange | Up to CAD 10,000 |
Canada-CARICOM Faculty Leadership Program | Short Term Exchange | Up to CAD 10,000 |
Canada-Chile Leadership Exchange Scholarship | Short Term Exchange | Up to CAD 10,000 |
Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program | Short Term Exchange | Varies |
Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program | Short Term Exchange | Up to CAD 7,200 |
Canada-CARICOM Virtual University Scholarships Program | Online Study | Up to CAD $10,000 |
The Top 10 Universities
There are many universities that provide one-year master's and employer's decision programs. It is important to know which universities are the top universities, as your qualification from a prosperous university influences the decision of an employer.
Therefore, the top universities in Canada are :-
1. University of Toronto
This university was founded in 1827 as King’s College. The university offers various programs and courses. It is situated in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and it ranks at 23 in the global ranking chart.
Its tuition fee for international students costs around CAD$21,560 to CAD$64,810. It provides scholarships named Lester B. Pearson scholarships to outstanding students.
The amount of these scholarships helps cover the tuition cost, books, incidental fees, and full residential support.
2. McGill University
McGill University was founded in 1821. It is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and ranks 35th in the Global Ranking Chart. The tuition fee for a master's degree at this university costs around $18,110 – $48,747.
The scholarships provided by the universities are various, such as the Trudeau Foundation Scholarship. McGill provides various funding opportunities to students to help them fund education.
3. University of British Columbia
The University of Columbia was established in 1908, with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia. It ranks 51st in the Global Ranking Chart.
Studying a Masters program in this university can cost approximately $944.5 per year. The university provides a number of scholarships such as SERB-UBC Scholarship, Zonta International’s Amelia Earhart Fellowship and many more.
4. University of Alberta
The university was founded in the year 1908 by Alexander Cameron Rutherford. The university is located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The university ranks 113 in the Global Ranking Chart.
The tuition fee costs around $18,000. The university provides to you various scholarships such as Master’s Entrance Scholarship.
5. Universite de Montreal
The university was founded in 1878. It is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The university ranks 137 in the Global Ranking.
The university’s tuition fee costs around $27,300 per year. The university provides ample opportunities for funding by giving students to participate in scholarships.
6. McMaster University
The university was founded in 1890 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It ranks at 140 in the global Ranking Charts. The tuition for a master's Program costs around $5,698.74 per term.
The scholarships provided are Alan Nolet's Physiotherapy Academic Grant, Dr.Susan E French's Nursing Bursary, McMaster General Bursary, and many more. The scholarship amount can be up to $20,000 or more.
7. University of Waterloo
The university was established on 4 April 1956. It is located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The university ranks 173 globally.
The tuition fee for a master's program costs around $8,020 for full-time and $4,020 for part-time.
The university provides many scholarships, such as the University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship, which provides $1,000 per term for up to three terms.
8. Western University
The university was established in 1878 in London, Ontario, Canada. It ranks 211 in the Qs global ranking chart.
The tuition fee for the master's course is around $23,352. The university provides various internships for practical knowledge.
9. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary was founded in 1944 as the Calgary branch of the University of Alberta, which was founded in 1908. The tuition fee for the master's program is around $8,081.
The university's scholarships are Vanier Scholarships and the Graduate Award Competition, which amount to $50,000.
10. Queen’s University
Queen’s University was established in 1842 with 13 students and one professor in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The university’s tuition fee for master's programs is around $12,927.45.
This university also provides ample scholarships, such as the Queen Tri-Agency Recipient Recognition Awards, The Arthur B. McDonald Prize for Academic Excellence (AEA), and many external scholarships.
UNIVERSITIES | PROGRAM | FEES(approx) | SUBJECTS | PROFESSORS | CLUBS | FAMOUS ALUMNI |
University of Toronto | MBA | CAD$21,560 - CAD$64,810. | Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Operations |
Prof. Roger Martin, Prof. Anita McGahan |
Rotman Commerce Women in Business, Rotman Entrepreneurship |
Michael Lee-Chin (Business Magnate), Margaret Atwood (Author) |
McGill University | MSc in Computer Science | $18,110 – $48,747. | Advanced Algorithms, Machine Learning, Data Science |
Prof. Yoshua Bengio, Prof. Joelle Pineau |
McGill Robotics, Data Science Initiative, Women in Computer Science |
Leonard Cohen (Singer-Songwriter), Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister) |
University of British Columbia | MEng in Civil Engineering | $944.5 per year. | Structural Engineering, Transportation Planning |
Prof. Susan Tighe, Prof. Nemkumar Banthia |
UBC Engineering Undergraduate Society, Civil Club |
Kim Campbell (Former Prime Minister), David Suzuki (Scientist) |
University of Alberta | MFin | $18,000 | Corporate Finance, Investment Management |
Prof. Jack Mintz, Prof. Kyle Siegrist |
Alberta Finance Students' Association, Investment Club |
Jim Prentice (Former Premier), Rachel Notley (Politician) |
Montreal | MA in Economics | $27,300 per year. | Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Game Theory |
Prof. Pierre Fortin, Prof. Marcel Boyer |
Economics Society, Finance and Investment Society |
Pierre Trudeau (Former Prime Minister), Xavier Dolan (Director) |
McMaster University | MPA | $5,698.74 per term | Public Policy Analysis, Program Evaluation |
Prof. Karen Bird, Prof. Peter Graefe |
Public Policy and Administration Student Association | Sheila Copps (Politician), John Roberts (Journalist) |
University of Waterloo | MSc in Computer Science | $8,020 (full-time) | Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering |
Prof. Raouf Boutaba, Prof. Joanne Atlee |
Computer Science Club, Women in Computer Science |
Mike Lazaridis (Co-founder of BlackBerry), Tom Jenkins (Entrepreneur) |
Western University | MEng in Mechanical Engineering | $23,352 | Advanced Materials, Energy Systems |
Prof. John Luxat, Prof. Javad Mostaghimi |
Engineering Society, ASHRAE Student Branch |
David Onley (Former Lieutenant Governor), Joe Fontana (Politician) |
Queen’s University | MJ | $8,081 | Journalism Ethics, Multimedia Reporting |
Prof. Dwayne Winseck, Prof. Stephen Ward |
Queen's Journal, Golden Words (Satirical Newspaper) |
Peter Mansbridge (Journalist), Jim Cuddy (Musician) |
Conclusion
Canada is among the top countries that provide a sound education system. Its beautiful scenic beauty also provides individuals with the best universities with affordable tuition fees.
Students who study in this country will likely achieve a wholesome experience. The Government of Canada highly supports the student community and, therefore, provides the best scholarships for students. Canada can be a perfect choice if you are looking for an affordable country. Canada provides many benefits, so it’s good to go for a one-year master's Program.