In recent years, Canada has seen a remarkable quadrupled increase in its international student population. Across its ten provinces, Canada welcomed over 807,260 international students in 2022, a significant rise from the 122,000 international students in 2000, as reported by Statista Index. This surge can be attributed to Canada’s esteemed universities, known for providing world-class education. The evidence of this exceptional education system is reflected in the consistent rankings of Canadian universities in the QS World University Ranking.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding why study master’s in Canada is highly preferred by international students. We will also explore popular master’s study fields and international universities all while addressing the costs of education in Canada.
Why Study Master’s in Canada?
A country with an impressive literacy rate exceeding 99%, Canada offers numerous captivating reasons that add charm to a master’s degree.
- World-leading Universities: With 31 universities ranking in the top charts of the 2024 QS World Universities Rankings 2024, Canada is an important global higher education hub. Known for their academic excellence, Canadian universities provide a wide array of master’s programs across various fields of study.
- Exceptional Teaching Staff: One of the driving forces behind Canada’s global recognition is its highly qualified and celebrated teaching faculty. These educators, recognized for their expertise, contribute significantly to shaping ordinary students into extraordinary achievers across diverse study disciplines.
- World-Class Research Prospects: Ranking among the top 15 countries in the Global Innovation Index 2023, Canada is a strong player in innovation and research which makes pursuing master’s degree in Canada in fields like Engineering, IT, and Computer Science an excellent choice. In Canada, you can gain practical knowledge and access cutting-edge research facilities, as well as valuable industry connections.
- Post-Study Work Visa: Canada provides post-study work visas for up to 3 years, depending on your master’s course, specialization, and type of degree earned i.e., full-time, diploma, etc. This allows international students to remain in the country and search for their desired job. Canada’s visa policies are also favourable for students allowing them to gain valuable work experience in their chosen field.
- Diversity of Cultures: With more than 800,000 international students hailing from hundreds of different countries, Canada is a melting pot of cultures. Students from diverse backgrounds and beliefs create a rich tapestry of culture in this amazing country.
- Quality of Life: Canada offers a high quality of life for students by ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling experience. As an international student, you will have access to excellent healthcare, public services, and a wide variety of cultural activities. In the 2023 U.S. News and World Report, Canada is ranked as the world’s third-best destination for quality living.
- Great Job Prospects: Canada’s strong economy is powered by all the major sectors like Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing, Technology, and services making it one of the world’s wealthiest countries. This provides great job prospects for international students in various master’s programs across all study fields.
Exploring Major Masters Programs Fields
As we have seen the compelling reason that makes master in Canada a highly preferred study abroad destination, let us delve into some of the popular study fields in Canada,
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Banking
- Biosciences & Pharmacy
- Business Administration
- Construction
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Law
- Management
- Media and Journalism
These fields provide a wealth of opportunities, making Canada an appealing destination for higher education.
Popular Canadian Universities for International Students
Following are the top 300 Canadian Universities in the world as per the QS World University 2024 catering to the above-mentioned master’s study fields. The universities have been listed according to their Academic reputation, International Research prospects, Global Alumni Network, post-study placements, etc.
| Top Ranked Canadian Universities as per QS World University Ranking 2024 | ||
| University Name | Ranking | No. of master’s Program |
| University of Toronto | 21st | 174 |
| McGill University | 30th | 378 |
| University of British Columbia | 34th | 244 |
| University of Alberta | 111th | 108 |
| University of Waterloo | 112th | 115 |
| Western University | 114th | 117 |
| Université de Montréal | 141st | 214 |
| University of Calgary | 182nd | 39 |
| McMaster University | 189th | 75 |
| University of Ottawa | 203rd | 161 |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 209th | 104 |
| Dalhousie University | 298th | 131 |
Admission Requirements
When it comes to securing admission to Canadian universities, it becomes essential to understand that there is no centralized application system for application. So, typically, you will need to apply directly through your chosen university’s website. Admission criteria can vary depending on the level of study and your chosen field, but some common requirements for admission to Canadian universities include:
- A valid passport copy
- Academic transcripts covering 10th/12th grade and your bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution (for master’s programs)
- Results from entry tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, or GRE
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Relevant Work Experience (if required)
- A well-prepared Curriculum Vitae
- A valid Student Visa
It is crucial to ensure you have these required documents ready at least 6 months before your application. The application process and documentation can be complex, so seeking guidance from an overseas education consultant can be incredibly valuable.
Types of Costs Involved for Higher Education in Canada
While considering the cost of a master’s education in Canada, it is important to differentiate the cost based on pre-arrival and post-arrival costs. As compared to popular overseas education the cost to study master’s in Canada is on affordable still there are some expenses that international students need to consider
| Pre-Arrival Costs | Application Fees Admission Test Fees Tuition Fees Health Insurance Visa Fees Airfare |
| Post-Arrival Costs | Accommodation Expenses Transportation Experience Costs Daily Expenses Miscellaneous Expenses |
In Conclusion, pursuing a master’s program in Canada presents numerous advantages, from attaining a highly esteemed degree to excellent job opportunities. As one of the world’s top-ranked universities, Canada is also home to major corporations like Enbridge Inc., Shopify, CGI Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, and more. Moreover, its proximity to the United States, the world’s most developed country, brings career opportunities from global giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon etc. To embark on your journey of seeking admission to one of Canada’s prestigious universities, it is advisable to seek expert guidance from overseas education consultants. They can provide insights on why, where, and how to study in Canada, ensuring a successful educational experience.
