Why is MS in Canada a Preferred Choice Among International Students?


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MS in Canada is a 1-2 year postgraduate course offered in various specializations as an academic or a professional degree. MS in Canada can be course-based or a thesis-based program for higher education in Canada. However, there are a few top Canadian universities that offer both. To study MS in Canada, the average tuition fee ranges between 20,000 CAD to 30,000 CAD per annum. Indian students will have to shell out 11.11 lakhs to 16.6 lakhs INR to study a Master’s course in Canadian universities.

The admission process for MS in Canada occurs in September (Fall) and January (Winter). To be eligible for taking part in the admission process, applicants must have a four-year bachelor’s degree (65% – 86% on average), IELTS scores (6.5 or more), GRE scores, and LORs. Read on further to know more about MS in Canada, the Application Process in Canada, Placements, and Scholarships to study in Canada.

Why Study MS In Canada?

Before knowing other details about MS in Canada, it is important to know why to study there. Check the reasons below.

  • Canada is among the top 5 student destinations in the world. As per QS 2021, the top 6 Canadian universities figure among the best 150 universities in the world.
  • Affordable tuition fees, quality life, easy visa, and citizenship norms make Canada a loved study destination.
  • After studying MS in Canada, students can earn between 90,000 CAD to 150,00 CAD per year.
  • According to reports, 30% of Indian students are studying in Canada.
  • Students may avail of nearly 70% of funds in the form of scholarships, fellowships, and other sources to study MS in Canada.
  • Canada also encourages R & D and spends 7% of its GDP on research. Hence, research-based MS courses in Canada can be a good choice.
  • Finally, enjoy the rich culture and superb tourist destinations while studying in Canada.

We have mentioned the Latest Ranks and Fees at top universities in Canada to study MS courses.

Top Universities In Canada

University QS 2021 Rankings Average Annual Fees (in CAD)
University of Toronto 25 37,897
McGill University 31 18,110
University of British Columbia 45 8,592
University of Montreal 118 24,558
University of Alberta 119 9,465
McMaster University 144 17,093
University of Waterloo 166 14,084
Western University 203 117,500
University of Calgary 246 14,538
University of Ottawa 279 25,718

MS in Canada: The Application Process

The MS in Canada can be completed within 1.5 or 2 years, and it depends upon the institution.

The admission season for MS in Canada courses start during September (Fall intake) and January (Winter intake). Most of the universities in Canada follow general criteria for the application process. Students can apply through the respective university websites except for those universities, which are located in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta.

MS in Canada Eligibility

Students should fulfill the below-mentioned criteria to study MS in Canada:

  • Students should obtain 70% of marks or a 4.0 GPA in their UG degree.
  • They should have a score of 550 in GMAT or 140 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) in GRE.
  • Non-native English speakers should submit proof of English proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, or other exams.
  • Test d’Évaluation de Français pour le Canada (TEF Canada) may have to be taken as French Language Test for certain universities and courses.
  • Some courses related to business and management required 1-3 years of work experience.

MS in Canada: Documents Required for Admission

The following documents are required during the MS in Canada admission process are:

  1. Application form
  2. Copies of academic certificates from an educational institution
  3. CV/Resume
  4. Letter of Recommendation
  5. Personal statement
  6. Scores of standardized tests:
    1. GRE or GMAT scores
    2. Language proficiency (English or French)
  7. Payments of non-refundable application fee
  8. Passport copy
  9. Scholarship proof

Cost of Living in Canada

The cost of living in Canada depends upon the place the student chooses to live in. Each place has a different cost of living. The average accommodation cost is around 800 CAD to 1000 CAD (Annually).

The cost of living in Canada is 2% lower than in the USA.

Expenses Monthly Costs (in CAD)
Books and Supplies 327
Food and Groceries 250- 300
Transportation 100- 250
Other Miscellaneous Expenses 150- 300

Pre-arrival Costs to Canada

Students should meet the pre-arrival costs like English proficiency fees, admission fee, student visa cost, etc.

Expenses Cost (in CAD)
TOEFL Fee 220-345
IELTS Fee 250
PTE Fee 250
GRE Fee 280-320
GMAT Fee 345
Application Fee Differs institution to institution
Student visa 150
Air ticket 450-1400

Scholarships to study MS in Canada

To reduce the cost burden, students can apply for scholarships. Many universities, the Government of Canada, Private organizations, etc., are providing scholarships. The scholarship helps the students to reduce the tuition fees and other expenses while studying MS in Canada.

Scholarships for International students:

Scholarship Awarded to Scholarship Amount (in CAD)
Ontario Graduate Scholarship Graduate students at universities in Ontario 10,000-30,000
Graduate Entrance Scholarship Students applied for Masters in Taxation program at the University of Waterloo 3,500
JN Tata Endowment Scholarship Indian students looking to study abroad 1,832- 18,315
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Students from developing countries covering tuition and living expenses Varies
Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship Full-time students enrolled in a thesis-based master’s program at UBC 5,000
International Entrance Awards Students applied for an MBA program at McGill University Up to 20,000
Graduate Scholarship Students enrolled in a masters program at the University of Waterloo 1,000
Hira and Renu Ahuja International Graduate Scholarship Full-time graduate enrolled in a masters program at the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering 20,000
Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) Full-time students of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Manitoba 14,000
Master’s Entrance Scholarship Full-time graduate student at University of Alberta in the form of a stipend 17,500 + 10,000
Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship Students enrolled in a research-based graduate program at the University of Alberta 26,000

Types of Scholarships for International Students in Canada

  1. Canadian Government Scholarships: The Canadian government offers these scholarships to motivate students to study in Canada.
  2. Non-Government Scholarships: Offered by various different trusts and organizations to students pursuing a course to encourage participation and development in the particular field.
  3. Institutional Scholarships: Universities or colleges in Canada offer it to students pursuing education with Canadians.

Scholarship Criteria to Study in Canada

Students have to fulfill the below-mentioned criteria for the scholarship to study in Canada:

  • Academic Excellence: Candidates for scholarships to study in Canada must ensure that they must have good academic results. Most of the scholarships are provided on a merit basis.
  • Language Proficiency: International students who do not have English as their first language or as their mother tongue, language proficiency scores in exams like IELTS or TOEFL give a chance of getting a scholarship to study in Canada.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Some scholarships in Canada for international students also consider student’s involvement in social volunteering and extracurricular activities, programs like social work, etc. The work experience in a relevant field is an additional advantage and becomes a critical eligibility criterion.

Benefits after studying MS in Canada

After completing the MS in Canada there is plenty of option to do in Canada some of the options are:

  • Candidates can apply for permanent residency.
  • Candidates can work to gain work experience.
  • Also, you can apply for Canadian citizenship.
  • Or travel around Canada.

Some of the placement reports of top universities in Canada are mentioned below:

University Names Average Placements (CAD/year)
University of Alberta 77,000
Ryerson University 90,000
University of Waterloo 97,000
University of Calgary 119,000
University of Toronto 120,000
McGill University 149,000
University de Montreal 150,000

So, if you’re planning for an MS in Canada, this piece of information will help you.

Besides all the benefits, Canada is a wonderful place to live in. Canada is rated as the 6th Most Peaceful country in the world, miles ahead of the USA. This ensures quality life and living there. We also request students to do good research about the subject of interest as well before choosing Canada as their study destination.

Jeff Campbell

Jeff Campbell is a father, martial artist, budget-master, Disney-addict, musician, and recovering foodie having spent over 2 decades as a leader for Whole Foods Market. Click to learn more about me

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