2 year masters programs in canada for international students

Home to one of the best education systems in the world, Canada prides itself on having exceptionally high academic standards when it comes to postgraduate study. With top schools in all provinces, the master's degree you earn in Canada is guaranteed to be of international value, putting you in a prime position to enter competitive job markets in both your home country or around the world, whatever your chosen career path may be.

Canada continually comes on top of international rankings for indexes of government transparency, environmental sustainability, civil liberties, quality of life and of course higher education! Many annual reports on global education reveal that Canada has the world's highest proportion of college graduates, and it's market for international students is estimated to be worth billions of dollars. The country is also renowned as a leader in the battle against climate change, and has some of the cleanest air and water on the planet.

Canadians are well known for their welcoming attitude towards foreign visitors, and in being a nation comprised of both French and English speakers, there is a natural appreciation of different languages. Without doubt, Canada is a friendly and beautiful place that is bound to grip you with its unrivaled natural spectacles, great higher education opportunities and of course delicious maple syrup!

Master's degrees in Canada

There are two types of master's degrees available in Canada: taught master's degrees and research master's degrees. Taught master's degrees have a set of program courses that lead to a master's degree in the participants respective subject area, such as Master of Science or Master of Arts. On the other hand, research master's degrees are flexible, and can be based in whatever you wish to focus your studies on, of course within the conditions set by your program leader. Doing your master's degree in Canada provides you with the perfect opportunity to balance research and theoretical based practical work.

Popular fields of study in Canada

The master's degrees offered in Canada are wide-ranging, and can vary from subjects like chemistry and astronomy to commerce, media studies and fine art. However, some of the most popular master's degrees international students tend to pursue in Canada are business and economics, natural science, biological and life science, law and regulation, or engineering and technology.

Entry requirements and application procedures

The minimum qualification requirement for participating in postgraduate programs in Canada is an appropriate undergraduate degree. Other things students are likely to need are: two reputable college letters of reference and simple qualifications depending on the university you choose.

All international students in Canada must have good test scores with regards to a recognized English language proficiency test. Need to brush up on your English or attain a qualification before you study your master's? check out English language courses here.

Length of study period 

Master's degrees in Canada often take two to three years. However, if you are hoping to complete your program in a shorter period of time, one of the benefits of taking your degree in Canada is that institutes can offer fast track programs to be completed in a smaller time frame. The academic semesters in Canada start from July and end in the month of November for winter break, commencing again from January to April depending on your master's program of choice. 

Check out our Canada study guide!

Check out all info about universities admission requirements and costs of masters in Canada

Studying masters in Canada is a popular option among international students who are seeking a prestigious postgraduate degree and high-quality experience. A master's degree generally accounts to MA (Master of Arts) or M.Sc. (Master of Science). While the former is a title given to fields of study falling under arts, humanities and social science, the latter houses subjects of study that fall under life science and chemistry.

There are a wide range of master's degrees for a variety of other fields too. These include music, education, business administration etc. Usually, a master’s course in Canada is a 12 to 24-month course depending upon the field of specialisation chosen by the student.

Why study masters in Canada?

Canada offers an array of advantages to students planning to study a master’s degree at the Canadian universities:

• Internationally renowned universities: Canada boasts a total of 26 universities in the top 300 of the QS World University Rankings® 2020, including universities such as University of Toronto and McGill University.
• Work while studying: International students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and up to 30 hours per week during scheduled vacation breaks, without the need for a work permit. Several degree programs also offer internship or work experience opportunities.
• Research rigour: Canada is renowned for its research-intensive universities and offer research opportunities supported by the government and industry players.
• Post-study work opportunities: Canada is one of the few nations that allow international students to stay and work or up to 3 years upon graduating from their studies.
• Multicultural and peaceful environment: People in Canada are friendly and you’ll find it easy to make friends, settle in, and more practically to network with key contacts.
• The great outdoors: From the beauty of the Great Lakes of Ontario and Rocky Mountains to the unspoilt wilderness of the vast Northwest Territories, there's plenty to explore during your MA.

How to select the right university for your masters?

Several institutions in Canada offer master’s degree in a variety of disciplines. But choosing the right institution is a decision that should be made after due consideration. Everyone wishes for different things from their chosen institutions, but here are a few basic factors that can be considered:

• Academic Excellence – Research on reviews and teaching professors can give good insight into course curriculum in addition to course descriptions. A good experience can move beyond traditional education boundaries and provides excellent teaching support for the track you wish to pursue.
• Location – Popular choices for study include Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. Choose the city that fits best in terms of lifestyle, budget and university choices.
• Cost – Tuition fees and scholarship can vary between universities, along with the kind of financial assistance and scholarships available.
• International Student Support – Find a university that offers well-planned support for international students, as they can advise on essentials such as accommodation, student welfare, and post-graduate employment opportunities.

How much does the masters cost in Canada?

The majority of master's programs in Canada range from one to two years and usually include a mixture of coursework and research. The indicative prices of this prestigious degree can cost you between CAD $16,250 - 28,650 annually. The cost of study varies depending on many factors, including the university, your program of study and location. However, many universities in Canada offer scholarships for qualified international students. You can benefit from these scholarships to lower the cost of your study there.

Your IDP counsellor can provide you with the latest information about the cost of studying in Canada and help you choose the best university that suits your budget.

Admission requirements for masters in Canada

Different master's courses in Canada have different eligibility criteria. However, some of the common requirements in most master’s programs are:

1. Qualifications – Most educational institutions require qualifications comparable to a Canadian Bachelor's degree.
2. Recommendation Letter – Reference letters may be needed, and can be from college lecturers, academic professors, or work employers, depending on the university.
3. Work experience – Depending upon the master's course applied for, students may be asked to furnish relevant work experience in the field of their study.
4. Language test – Students whose first language isn’t English, shall be asked to appear for an English proficiency exam, generally IELTS or TOEFL.
5. Work samples – Some institutions may also ask for written samples or copies of your published work as a part of their eligibility criteria.
6. Additional tests – GMAT /GRE test scores can be an entry level requirement for a few institutions for Management / Engineering specific programs.

Speak with IDP Education counsellor today to find the latest information about admission requirements for your master’s program and secure your place at your dream university!

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