Pursuing a Master’s degree is a natural trajectory, if you have completed your Bachelor’s or wish to gain further knowledge about a particular subject, to enhance his/her career prospects. Every year, we see a lot of students who want to study in Canada , especially for a Master’s degree—wondering what makes Canada a favorable study-abroad destination. Canada has some of the world’s best universities, which are highly recognized for offering incredible programs for students who wish to pursue a Master’s. Some of the popular Master’s courses offered by the universities in Canada are: IT, Medicine, Business, Engineering, and Finance. It takes 1-2 years to complete a Master’s in Canada. If you are looking for universities to choose from, for pursuing postgraduate studies in Canada, this blog will surely help you.
Best Universities in Canada for Pursuing a Master’s
Did you know Canada is home to three of the world’s Top 50 universities? Below is a list of some of the most incredible universities in Canada that you can consider if you are about to opt for a Master’s program.
University of Toronto
University of British Columbia
McGill University
University of Alberta
McMaster University
University of Waterloo
University of Western Ontario
Queen’s University at Kingston
University of Ottawa
University of Calgary
Let us get to know what these universities have to offer international students who are interested in studying a particular subject for postgraduate study.
1. University of Toronto (UToronto or U of T)
The University of Toronto has existed since 1827. It is a public research university that came into being after issuing a royal charter. Regarding academics, the university is widely popular for its literary criticism, and communication theory. Offering over 200 Graduate programs, the university is known for a wide variety of Master’s programs such as Dentistry, Architecture, landscape, and design, Biomedical communications, Law, Education, Management, and Forestry.
The University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies presents the Master’s Completion Bursary (MCB) . It aims to assist students pursuing post-graduation study at the university, who have faced a prior delay in their academic career due to unforeseen circumstances. The university requires the following supporting documents: a CV or a resume, a statement of interest, and 2 academic LORs.
2. University of British Columbia (UBC)
The next university to feature in our list is a major public university in Canada, the University of British Columbia. It was founded in 1908 and has one of the largest research libraries in Canada. It is known for its Master’s courses in Engineering, Education, Business, Health, Architecture, and Data Science.
The British Columbia Graduate Scholarship , worth $17,500, emphasizes supporting Indigenous students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study. As part of its Master’s application process, the university might ask students to submit 2 LORs, a research proposal, and a statement of interest based on the course they have chosen.
3. McGill University
McGill University was founded in 1821 and was named after James McGill on whose land the university was constructed. Among its well-known postgraduate programs are Computer Science, Business Administration, Finance Biotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, and Economics. The McCall MacBain Scholarship is given to 100 students who demonstrate exceptionally strong leadership qualities. If you are applying for a postgraduate program here, then you must submit a CV, SOP and two LORs. To write in a way that will impress the university authorities get in touch with study abroad consultants who specialize in SOP and LOR writing.
4. University of Alberta (U of A or UAlberta)
Formed in 1908, the University of Alberta is Canada’s premier public research university. It is ranked at No.4 among universities in Canada, according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings. It is known for its following Master’s courses: Psychology, Nursing, Engineering, Economics, and Business Administration.
The University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship provides $17,500 to students pursuing postgraduate studies who have secured a GPA of 3.7 or higher and have a Canadian address and bank account. International students will receive an additional $10,000 for their tuition fees. To apply for a Master’s course at this university, you must submit a CV, statement of intent, and LORs , highlighting your interest in studying a particular course.
5. McMaster University (McMaster or Mac)
McMaster University is one of the oldest universities in Canada which was created in 1887. It is situated in Hamilton, Ontario. If you are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies at this university, then you must consider looking at their Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Law courses.
In a bid to support students who require financial assistance, the university provides the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Bursary for students enrolled in the following programs: Business, Engineering, Science, and Social Science. Preference will be given to graduate students who are conducting research related to commercial transportation issues and policy. Based on the program you have applied for, you might be asked to provide documents like an SOP, LOR, and a CV. To write as per the university standards, seeking assistance from a professional resume, SOP and LOR writer will turn out to be beneficial for you.
6. University of Waterloo (UW)
A member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, the University of Waterloo was formed in 1959. Located in Waterloo, a major technological hub of Canada, the university provides students access to a thriving innovation ecosystem. Its popular Master’s programs are Mathematics, Architecture, Kinesiology, Applied Science, Earth Sciences, Public Health, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
The University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship , worth $1,000 per term (available up to three terms), is meant for students enrolled in full-time postgraduate studies at the university. You need to score 80% and above over the last two academic years to be eligible for this scholarship. As part of its application process, the university asks students to submit LORs, a CV, a letter, and a writing sample. At times, based on the program you have enrolled in, you might also be asked to submit a portfolio.
7. University of Western Ontario (UWO)
Another university that has been in existence for more than a century in Canada is the University of Western Ontario. It was established in 1878 and is a founding member of the U15. It is quite popular for the following Master’s programs: Medical Science, Engineering, Audiology, Family Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Clinical Medical Biophysics, Foods and Nutrition.
To be eligible to apply for a Master’s course at the University of Western Ontario, you must have scored at least a minimum average of 78% in your undergraduate studies. Students enrolled in postgraduate courses at the university can apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program for 1-2 years, worth $10,000 for 2 consecutive study terms, and $15,000 for 3 consecutive study terms.
8. Queen’s University at Kingston (Queen’s University or Queens)
If you wish to study in Canada at a university known for its excellence for over a century, then you must consider having a look at Queen’s University. It was built in 1841. It offers a variety of Master’s courses such as Engineering, Management Analytics, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, and Public Health.
The Queen’s Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is valued at $15,000 for one academic year and is awarded to indigenous graduate students. To apply for this scholarship, you might be asked to write a research proposal. As part of its application process, it asks students to submit 2 academic LORs.
9. University of Ottawa (uOttawa or U of O)
If you are looking for a Canadian university that teaches courses in both English as well as French, then the University of Ottawa is the one for you. It was founded in 1848 and is a popular bilingual public research university in Canada. It teaches widely recognized postgraduate courses in the following fields: Health, Education, Science, Law, Engineering, Management, and Social Sciences.
To support the academic endeavor of its female applicants who are pursuing postgraduation, the university offers the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) worth $25,000, and a research allowance of $1000. To apply here, you must submit two academic LORs, a short research proposal, and an updated CV.
10. University of Calgary (U of C OR UCalgary)
Established in 1966, the University of Calgary is a premier Canadian public research university. It is also one of the members of U15. The university’s most popular Master’s programs are: Neuroscience, Kinesiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Energy and Fuels, Engineering, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and Medical Sciences.
The university offers the Kathryn Huget Leadership Award to students who are working to empower women to undertake leadership roles in the fields of business. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be studying one of the following subjects: Organizational Behavior, Business Administration, Business and Commerce, Sociology, or Psychology. Also, you will be asked to provide a summary of your involvement in business and leadership , and how you are one professional LOR. To apply for a Master’s program here, you need to submit an updated CV and reference letters.
University Application Requirements for Postgraduate Studies
Each university has a specific set of requirements based on the Master’s program you have applied for. However, the common application prerequisites include:
A bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3 or above from a prestigious academic institution.
A minimum score of at least 6.5 out of 9 in English language proficiency tests like the IELTS, or 570 marks (paper-based test) or 90 marks (web-based test) in TOEFL.
Proof of funds to show that you have sufficient finances to support yourself during your course of studies in Ireland.
Official transcripts and certificates from previously attended institutions.
Academic documents like an essay, resume, Cover Letter, SOP, and LOR , describe your interest in studying a particular course at a Canadian university. These documents are needed while applying to a university, or availing of a scholarship. They form an integral part of the application process. Therefore, you must write it as per the prescribed format and guidelines. To refine your writing skills, seek help from renowned study abroad consultants having a team of experienced SOP and LOR writers.
A valid Student Visa, Health Insurance, and Passport , bearing essential information and correct details.
At times, based on the program you have applied for, you might be asked to appear for an interview.
Cost of Studying for a Master’s Program in Canada
As an international student, you will most likely pay more tuition fees, than your classmate who is a resident of Canada. Apart from this, certain cities in Canada tend to be more expensive than others, which adds to a higher living cost. Therefore, while choosing a university for your postgraduate studies, you have to be very careful when selecting a university, for which you can procure enough financial funding. Also, as mentioned above most of these universities in Canada have various scholarship incentives to support international students. The list given below states the average tuition fees for studying for a Master’s in Canada.
Average Tuition Fees for Studying MS in Canada
| Master’s Program | Average Tuition Fees per Year |
| MBA | CAD 2150- CAD 52,700 |
| Computer Science and IT | CAD 2,150- CAD 52,500 |
| Engineering and Technology | CAD 2150- CAD 52,500 |
| Medicine and Health | CAD 2150- CAD 58,300 |
| Social Sciences | CAD 2150- CAD 37,000 |
Conclusion
So, if you wish to study in Canada , and are in the process of searching for a university for your postgraduate studies, we hope that this blog turns out to be useful for you. Pursuing a Master’s degree from Canada is like an investment for a better future. The Canadian universities have world-class infrastructure, teaching, and research facilities. They have a variety of academic programs which cater to the academic and professional needs of several students worldwide.
After you have selected the program you want to do postgraduation in, the next big step is the application process, in which a major role is played by your academic documents. To write as per the university standards, which enhances your profile and outlines your interests in pursuing a Master’s program, you must seek help from Contentholic . We are one of the leading study abroad consultants in India known for our expert supervision and guidance in terms of career counseling, visa application, and SOP and LOR writing services. So, feel free to reach out to us.
FAQs
1. Name some of the best universities for studying for a Master’s in Canada.
Some of the best universities for studying for a Master’s in Canada are: the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, McGill University, the University of Alberta, and McMaster University.
2. What are some of the popular Master’s courses to study in Canada?
Computer science, Data Science, Business Administration, Engineering, Economics, Medical and Health Sciences are among the most popular Masters programs in Canada.
3. What makes Canada a popular study-abroad destination?
Canada is a popular study-abroad destination as it has highly ranked universities with world-class infrastructure, teaching, and research facilities. They have a variety of academic programs which cater to the academic and professional needs of several students worldwide.
4. What is the average cost of tuition fees for studying Master’s in Canada?
On average, if you wish to pursue a Master’s degree in Canada, you would have to pay tuition fees between CAD 19,000 and CAD 32,000 per year .
5. What is the duration of a Master’s program in Canada?
It takes around 12 to 24 months to complete a Master’s program in Canada.
