Conditions for Studying Master’s in Canada
To study a master’s in Canada, you need a bachelor’s degree, language proficiency, and must meet academic and age requirements. Tuition ranges from CAD 20,000–30,000/year, with top programs reaching CAD 80,000. Living costs average CAD 1,400/month.
Students can work 20 hours/week, apply for scholarships, and gain job opportunities post-graduation. Top universities like University of Toronto and UBC offer programs in IT, business, and healthcare. Study time counts toward permanent residency, with eligibility after 3–5 years and 730 days of physical presence.
Malekpour Institute with years of experience in immigration matters and the successful acquisition of thousands of visas for immigration to Canada, has provided and published this information regarding the conditions for studying in Canada at the undergraduate level. The opportunity for a free initial consultation is available for you, and by calling the institute, you can obtain free advice.
Conditions for Studying Master’s in Canada
Studying at the master’s level is one of the popular educational stages worldwide that provides more opportunities to specialize in a specific field and acquire advanced skills. The admission conditions for Canadian universities at the master’s level vary depending on the country and the university, but in general, the requirements for applying for a master’s program in Canada include:
- Bachelor’s Degree
Holding a valid bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or higher education institution is the main prerequisite for admission to the master’s level. The bachelor’s major must be related to the field you wish to study.
- Language Certificate
Each university in Canada has its own language requirements. However, the minimum language proficiency required is usually as follows:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6 in each skill
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with a minimum score of 22 in each skill
- Academic Record and Resume
Universities typically pay special attention to the academic records and backgrounds of applicants. Having a strong resume that includes articles, research projects, and related activities can help your admission.
- Age Requirements
From the perspective of the Canadian immigration department, there is no age limit for studying in Canada. However, for seeking admission for studies in Canada at the master’s level, it is preferable that your age be between 25 and 32 years.
Benefits of Studying Master’s in Canada
Studying for a master’s degree in Canada offers many advantages that make this country a popular destination for international students. Below are some of the main benefits of studying at this level in Canada:
- High quality of education
- Variety of study fields
- Research and innovation opportunities
- Possibility of receiving scholarships and financial aid
- Work permit during studies and after graduation
- Security and high quality of life
- Permanent residence opportunities
- Development of language skills
Required Language Proficiency for Master’s Studies in Canada
For studying at the master’s level in Canada, the presentation of various documents is essential, which universities and higher education institutions request to assess the academic and professional qualifications of international students. Each university may specifically require different documents, but generally the following are necessary for admission:
- Previous academic qualifications
- Academic transcripts
- Financial certificates
- Application fee
- Language certificate
- Recommendation letters
- Motivation letter
- Copy of passport
Steps to Obtain Admission for Master’s Studies in Canada
Obtaining admission for master’s studies in Canada includes steps that must be followed carefully and with detailed planning. These steps may vary depending on your chosen university and program, but generally, the steps to obtain admission for master’s studies in Canada include:
- First, visit the university’s website and create an account in the Apply section related to the graduate department.
- Enter your personal information including your first name, last name, address, phone number, and any other requested details.
- Specify your desired field of study and semester.
- Enter your academic records, work experience, research activities (if any), and your language test score.
- Provide the details of two or three of your professors along with their academic email addresses.
- If possible, upload all the required documents in the application.
- Finally, enter your bank card information and submit the application.
- After submitting the application, you will receive an application number. This number is very important for future communications with the university.
- Wait for the application to be reviewed and the result to be announced.
- After receiving the acceptance letter, you must officially translate your documents and transcript from your university in and send them to the Canadian university according to the deadline specified by the university.
Top Universities in Canada for Master’s Programs
Canada, as one of the popular educational destinations in the world, has reputable and quality universities for master’s programs. Below are some of the top universities in Canada that are recognized for master’s degrees:
| University Name | QS World Ranking 2025 | Website |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 25 | www.utoronto.ca |
| McGill University | 29 | www.mcgill.ca |
| University of British Columbia | 38 | www.ubc.ca |
| University of Alberta | 96 | www.ualberta.ca |
| University of Waterloo | 115 | www.uwaterloo.ca |
| Western University | 120 | www.uwo.ca |
| Université de Montréal | 159 | www.umontreal.ca |
Best Master’s Programs in Canada
Study immigration to Canada at the master’s level offers various options, and some fields are particularly popular and have good job markets in this country. Below are some of the best master’s programs in Canada:
- Computer Science & IT
With the advancement of technology and the increasing demand for IT specialists, fields related to computer science, data mining, and cybersecurity are highly regarded.
- Engineering
Engineering fields such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and software engineering are always welcomed by the job market due to the need for skilled engineers across various industries.
- Business Administration
MBA programs in Canadian universities, especially in the areas of human resources management, marketing, and entrepreneurship, are in high demand, and graduates from these programs usually have good job opportunities.
- Health & Medical Sciences
Programs related to medicine, pharmacy, and public health are of special importance due to the increasing demand for healthcare services.
- Life Sciences & Biotechnology
These programs, particularly in the areas of drug research and the development of new treatments, are highly regarded and have a good job market.
- Social Sciences & Humanities
Fields like psychology, sociology, and political science are popular due to the need for professionals in these areas and their importance.
Canadian Scholarships for Master’s Studies
Canadian scholarships at the master’s level provide excellent opportunities for international students to reduce their study and living costs and pursue their studies at reputable universities in this country. Canada offers a range of government, university, and private scholarships. Below are some of the most significant master’s scholarships in Canada:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
- Graduate Scholarships (CGS-M)
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- University-specific Scholarships
- Research Scholarships
- International Scholarships
- Private and Endowment Scholarships
Deadline for Admission for Master’s Studies in Canada
One of the conditions for admission to a master’s program in Canada is to act within the specified timeframe. Students who wish to study at universities in this country should ideally submit their application 8 to 12 months before the semester begins. If an individual intends to study in the summer semester, they must apply within the prescribed deadline based on the university in question.
Generally, summer semester registrations begin on January 1. To register for the winter semester, individuals must submit their application by September 1. Typically, the acceptance letter is emailed to the student about 1 to 2 months after the application is submitted.
Tuition Costs for Master’s in Canada
Tuition fees for a master’s in Canada range from CAD 20,000 to 30,000/year, with some programs—like medicine, dentistry, management, and law—costing up to CAD 80,000/year. Students can contact professors for scholarships or funding, which may cover part or all tuition costs, offering a valuable way to reduce study expenses in Canada.
In the table below, you can see the annual tuition costs for master’s studies in some of the top universities in Canada for the year 2025:
| University Name | Annual Tuition Fee |
| University of Toronto | 35,000 and 65,000 CAD |
| McGill University | 25,000 and 35,000 CAD |
| University of British Columbia | 40,000 and 80,000 CAD |
| University of Montreal | 22,000 and 35,000 CAD |
| University of Alberta | 20,000 and 45,000 CAD |
Cost of Living for Master’s in Canada
The cost of living in Canada depends on various factors such as lifestyle, the city or province of residence, type of accommodation, and other dependent factors, and varies from person to person. On average, the cost of living for one person, excluding housing, is estimated at around 1,447.5 Canadian dollars per month. This amount includes essential expenses such as food, transportation, and other daily needs.
Below is a list of essential living items in Canada along with their average prices. This information can help you better plan for your living costs.
| Item | Average Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $25.00 |
| McDonald’s combo meal | $15.00 |
| White rice (2 kg) | $10.20 |
| Eggs (12 count) | $4.92 |
| Monthly public transport pass (Toronto) | $156.00 |
| Monthly public transport pass (Vancouver) | $107.30 |
| Monthly internet (average) | $63.16 |
| 1-bedroom apartment in city center (average) | $1,894.00 |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center (average) | $1,464.67 |
Student Work While Studying Master’s in Canada
Master’s students in Canada who wish to work while studying can work limited hours while enrolled. For this purpose, students must receive a work permit, which is issued as a part-time work permit for university students. To obtain a work permit, students need to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Master’s students in Canada can work part-time (20 hours/week) during semesters and full-time during breaks, once enrolled full-time at a recognized university. Job opportunities include on-campus roles like library or teaching assistant, and off-campus roles in cafes, restaurants, or tutoring centers.
Job Opportunities after Completing a Master’s Degree in Canada
After completing a master’s degree in Canada, international students can take advantage of a wide range of job opportunities. One of the most significant benefits is the possibility of obtaining a work permit after graduation, which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years. In addition, graduates can find jobs in various industries including information technology, engineering, business management, life sciences, and healthcare. They may also apply for PhD in Canada.
Furthermore, there is the possibility of obtaining permanent residency through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Programs. Canada’s strong job market, demand for skilled labor, and supportive entrepreneurship programs make it an ideal destination for graduates.
Review of Dependent Visa for Master’s Students in Canada
The accompanying visa in Canada allows master’s degree students to bring their spouse and children with them during their studies. The student’s spouse can apply for an open work permit and work full-time in any job. The children can also attend schools in Canada and benefit from the educational system.
The documents required to apply for this visa include a passport, proof of family relationship, and the student’s acceptance letter from a Canadian university. This visa provides an opportunity to experience family life in Canada while enjoying job and educational benefits.
Conditions for Permanent Residency after Completing a Master’s Degree in Canada
Canada is known for its ease of obtaining permanent residency. An important point is that the years you spend as a master’s student in Canada count toward the necessary duration for obtaining permanent residency. On average, you can apply for permanent residency in Canada after 3 to 5 years of living in Canada. For this, you must have spent at least 730 days in Canada within a 5-year period. After obtaining permanent residency, you can apply for your Canadian passport.
Frequently Asked Questions about Studying Master’s in Canada
- How much does it cost to study for a master’s degree in Canada?
The estimated cost for a master’s degree in Canada ranges from 10,000 Canadian dollars to 80,000 Canadian dollars per year. Master’s studies in Canada are relatively affordable compared to other top destinations like the United States and the United Kingdom.
- Which programs in Canada provide the best master’s degrees?
Master of Law, Master of Arts, Master of Management, Master of Public Health, Master of Project Management, Master of Psychology, Master of Marketing, and Master of Economics are among the high-demand fields.
- Are there one-year master’s degrees available in Canada?
Yes, there are various top-ranking institutions in Canada that offer one-year master’s degree programs with a wide range of specializations.
- Who is eligible to study for a master’s degree in Canada?
To be eligible for master’s studies in Canada, individuals generally must have completed an appropriate bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution. Specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the university and program.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, pursuing a master’s degree in Canada offers international students top-quality education, work opportunities during and after studies, access to scholarships, and a diverse cultural experience. With options to bring family and a strong pathway to permanent residency, Canada is a top choice for graduate studies. For guidance, contact Malekpour Immigration Institute for a free consultation or complete the online request form.
