Why study a master's degree in Canada?

Canada is one of the world's top destinations for a master's degree, offering internationally recognised qualifications, world-class research universities, and a clear pathway to work and permanent residency after graduation. With three universities in the QS World University Rankings top 100, the University of Toronto (29th), McGill University (27th), and the University of British Columbia (40th) and average international master's tuition fees of around CAD 24,028 per year, Canada combines academic excellence with relative affordability. International students can also benefit from the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), which allows graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their degree.

Why study in Canada?

Why a master's degree in Canada?

What are the top universities for master's degrees?

How much will tuition cost?

What are the living costs in Canada?

What are the post-study career options?

Why study in Canada?

There are several good reasons you would want to consider Canada as your study abroad destination of choice. To start, Canada has a reputation for being a friendly and welcoming society. Canadians are often noted for their distinct hospitality and liberal society. One little known fact about Canada is that over 50 per cent of the population do not speak English as their first language.

However, English is widely spoken in the country. It is also used as the language of instruction at most universities in Canada, apart from some institutions in the state of Quebec. Many of the major cities in Canada are known for their multiculturalism and diversity, including:

Toronto

Recognised by the United Nations as the most diverse city worldwide, more than half of those living in this famous Canadian city were born outside of the country. You’ll hear over 180 languages spoken and meet people from more than 250 different cultural backgrounds.

Vancouver

The city is known for its sustainable, inclusive, and integrated design. People from all around the world call Vancouver home. In recognition of this, several key official government documents and websites are available in languages other than English. There are also numerous programmes and initiatives encouraging cultural engagement and diversity.

Montreal

Montreal has a multinational heritage as the fourth largest French-speaking city globally. One-third of the city’s residents were born outside of Canada, leading to a dynamic cultural landscape focusing on restoring indigenous history and increasing access for all.  

These three Canadian cities are also highly rated for students, offering a high quality of life and some of the top universities in Canada. All three feature in the top 20 top student cities, according to the QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranking. Montreal is rated 18th in the world, Toronto 22nd and Vancouver at 29th.

Quality education

One of the reasons Canada continues to attract international postgraduate students is the quality of education offered. Not only is the Canadian higher education system rated in the top 10 globally by Universitas 21, the country has three institutions in the top 100 worldwide as per the QS World University Rankings 2026:

• University of Toronto (29
• University of British Columbia (40)
• McGill University (27)

That’s not all. The QS World University Rankings 2026 also has additional Canadian universities rated in the top 200 globally:

• University of Alberta (111)
• University of Waterloo (154)
• McMaster University (189)

Naturally, you’ll wonder what sort of graduate outcomes master's degree students enjoy. The good news is that Canadian institutions hold their own internationally, with five institutions in the top 100 for graduate employability as per QS. Don’t forget that in Canada, postgraduate study is referred to as graduate education or graduate studies.

If you’re considering studying for a postgraduate degree like an MBA, Canada would be a good choice. According to the QS World University Rankings Full-Time MBA: Global 2025, several Canadian institutions are rated in the top 100 globally for this much sought-after degree. Some of these top universities include:

• Queen’s University
• Ivey Business School
• York University

When researching your options, you won’t be short of choice, with over 97 accredited universities in Canada. Many are known for high-quality research, which is a significant plus point for any master’s degree student. There is also notable government support for research in areas, including healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science.

It is worth noting that Canada introduced a cap on international student study permits in 2024. However, students applying for a master's degree at a designated learning institution (DLI) are exempt from this cap under the 2026 provincial and territorial allocations. This means that postgraduate applicants are not affected by the restrictions that apply to undergraduate and college students. Always check the latest guidance on the Government of Canada website before applying.

Affordable and a great student lifestyle 

Canada offers several excellent plus points for international students. Firstly, tuition fees and the cost of living are cheaper than in other popular destinations such as the UK and the USA. Postgraduate programmes in the UK cost between GBP 16,000 and GBP 25,000 per year, while in Canada the equivalent cost is between 40 and 60 per cent cheaper. This goes for the cost of living too. You’ll need an extra GBP 15,000 for living costs in the UK, while in Canada, this would be about GBP 9,000.

It's difficult to find another destination that offers the same quality of life as Canada. According to the U.S. News & World Report Quality of Life ratings, Canada comes out at number one worldwide. The rankings use indicators including education, healthcare, employment, and security. Canada is also rated in the top 10 on the World Peace Index, making studying in the country a relaxing and safe experience.

Canada is also a country that offers up exciting, diverse, and engaging experiences. It caters for students with many different interests, from adventure sports to cultural festivals. There is also lots to see, from national parks to Canada’s famous landmarks like Niagara Falls. You’ll also have many food options to choose from, and if you enjoy the nightlife, you’ll be well served, including the world-renowned Montreal International Jazz Festival. While Canada is a large country geographically, it’s not too difficult to travel around to take in all on offer. 

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Why a master’s degree in Canada?

With almost one hundred universities offering master’s degrees in Canada, you won’t find it too difficult to find a subject area that suits your interests, needs and budget. The majority of international students choose to study in Ontario, with British Columbia and Quebec in second and third place. Each of these provinces offers a wide range of universities to choose from.  

As an international student, you’ll also not feel so alone as over 150,000 international students choose to take a postgraduate degree in the country. You can gain many useful insights from other international students who have started their university paths in Canada. 

Having personal recommendations from other international students is the best way to help you decide if Canada is the perfect destination for you. Here are some international students talking about their reasons.  

Some of the reasons include:

• Prestigious teaching staff
• Quality programmes
• Low cost in comparison to other destinations
• Quick application process 
• Easy application process with a helpful online information guide
• Excellent provision for practical, hands-on lab experience
• Great university culture

Canada also has top-ranking universities offering master’s degree programmes which can be cheaper than other popular study destinations such as the UK and the US, but more on that a little later.

The Canadian government invests a great deal of money in higher education. This accounts for almost 50 per cent of university funding, allowing universities to charge lower fees than universities in other destinations. It also means that universities have more money to invest in research and development; recent statistics show that this increased to over CAD 14 billion and quality laboratories, equipment and technology. 

This funding also means that university professors are paid an average base salary of over CAD 110,000 per year. The quality of a university’s faculty is vitally important to a university’s reputation and ranking. 

Another reason why you should consider a master’s degree in Canada is the three periods of admission onto master’s courses. 

• Apply in June to begin in September
• Apply in November to begin in January
• Apply in February to begin in April / May

Each university has its own deadlines for each of the application periods above so make sure that you check their websites for these key dates. 

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What are the top universities for master’s degrees? 

There are different rankings from which to gather information on studying in Canada. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE) is based on 13 key performance indicators, while the QS World University Rankings uses six key metrics to assess the performance of 1,300 universities around the world.

Each of these universities offers a wide range of master’s programmes from which to choose. To make the best choice possible, it’s important to consider your post-study career options both back home, should you wish to return or worldwide. 

If you’re interested in staying in Canada and making a future for yourself there are a wide range of professions to choose from with the top five graduates jobs being: doctor, nurse, dentist, engineer and a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Degrees in these areas are also, unsurprisingly, among the most popular degrees for international students in Canada.  

The top-ranking universities all offer a range of master’s programmes, potentially leading to a successful career in these fields. Below are some examples of the kinds of master’s programmes on offer at top-ranking universities: 

These master’s degrees generally take between one and two years to complete, and possibly more if there are placement programmes or internships included.

How much will tuition cost?

Of all the financial considerations that come with applying to university, especially if you’re studying abroad, one of the biggest is certainly your tuition fees.

In Canada, the tuition fees are set by the university, so vary quite a bit when comparing two institutions. Things that are taken into consideration include what course you wish to study and whether you’re a domestic or international student.

For those looking to study for a master’s degree in Canada, you will be pleased to know that these courses are often much cheaper than their undergraduate counterparts.

*Based on 2025-2026 academic year. Fees vary by programme. Check each university's official fees page for exact figures. Statistics Canada reports the average international graduate tuition in Canada as CAD 24,028 per year (2025-26).

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Scholarships and funding

The cost of a master's degree in Canada can be significantly reduced through scholarships and funding. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships offer CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years for doctoral students, while the Ontario Graduate Scholarship provides CAD 10,000–15,000 to students at Ontario universities. The GREAT Scholarships programme, run by the British Council, offers at least £10,000 towards postgraduate tuition for students from 18 countries including India, Nigeria, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Ghana, and Kenya.

Many universities also offer their own international scholarships, for example, the UBC International Partial Tuition Scholarship and the McGill University Fellowship. To explore the full range of scholarships available to you, visit the Hotcourses Abroad scholarships page.

What are the living costs in Canada?

How much will studying in Canada cost you as an international student? The answer is – it depends. It depends on the province you choose to live in, the city, the university you choose and the course you apply for. It depends on the type of accommodation you choose and your lifestyle and habits. 

This answer is incredibly frustrating, we know. So, to better help you to understand the actual cost of living in Canada, first, we will need to think about everything you will need to pay for, these include obvious costs and some you may not have considered. Here’s a list of the costs to bear in mind:

1. Accommodation
2. Utilities – gas, electricity, water – private rental
3. Food
4. Books
5. Equipment
6. Travel – around Canada and return home flights
7. Transportation – student discounts apply
8. Health insurance – some provinces and territories include international students in free healthcare. 
9. Travel insurance
10. Mobile phone contract
11. Fun – cinema, gym, eating out, going out
12. Clothes

In terms of travel, you need to consider how often you’ll want to travel back home for the holidays and factor those travel costs into your budget. If you decide you don’t want to or can’t travel back home for each holiday, you should consider the cost of travelling in Canada. 

You will want to explore all the amazing things this vast country offers. Again, budget for these when you’re considering the cost of studying in Canada. To help you decide whether studying in Canada is going to be financially possible for you, here are some examples of costs for some of the things mentioned above:

Accommodation

Living on-campus can be a cheaper option as the cost includes all utilities and internet connection. Private rental is more expensive if you choose to live alone, but if you share a house or a flat with others, this could be a better option. Sharing the cost of rent and utilities makes private rentals more affordable for many students. 

Living with a host family is also a good alternative to on-campus or private rental. Homestay costs can include all meals and utilities, and you have the added benefit of living in a family environment. 

*Note: Costs are significantly higher in Toronto and Vancouver vs. smaller cities.

Other living costs

Here’s an overall view of other living costs you should consider. As above, these costs vary from city to city. It’s a good idea to apply for an International Student Identification card as this may give you additional discounts on your university student card.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the costs you need to consider.If you feel that these costs are out of reach for you, there are a range of scholarships and funding options available, see the scholarships section above, or explore all available options on the Hotcourses Abroad scholarships page.

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What are the post-study and career options?

A significant reason why many international postgraduate students choose Canada is the post-study opportunities on offer in the country. Canada is considered to have one of the most favourable post-study work permit schemes of any major study destination. You can qualify for a three-year stay in the country if you have graduated from a designated learning institution with a recognised qualification. To qualify for a post-study work permit (PGWP) you must meet the following criteria:

• A valid study permit. You should apply for a PGWP within 180 days of completing your qualification.
  • If you are unable to apply in time, you can apply for a visitor record or apply for your PGWP outside of Canada.
• Submit the details of your programme, including the name and length, and where you studied it.
• Your course or qualification must have been longer than eight months.
• Your qualification must have led to a certificate, diploma, or degree.
• You must have maintained full-time study status.
• You must graduate from an institution authorised to award degrees, known as a designated learning institution.
• You may still be eligible for a PGWP in cases of distance learning, accelerated programmes, university transfers, or have taken leave from your studies.

While a PGWP is the most common route for international students to take after graduation, there are other work permits that you may qualify for. These are open work permits or employer-specific work permits. Both have specific terms and conditions attached to them. The Canadian government has a useful quiz that you can take to see if you are eligible for either of these permits.

Beyond the PGWP, Canada's Express Entry system offers a clear pathway to permanent residency for international graduates. Completing a master's degree in Canada can add up to 30 additional points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score under the Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Worker streams. This makes a Canadian master's degree one of the most strategically valuable qualifications for students who wish to settle in Canada long-term. You can check your eligibility and calculate your CRS score using the Government of Canada's official Come to Canada tool.

When it comes to finding work in Canada, much will depend on what you have studied for your master’s degree. Helpfully, the Canadian government has compiled what is known as the National Occupation Classification system that helps identify specific jobs and roles. These are based on the level of skill required to undertake the work. Higher skilled work is much more likely to lead to full-time employment opportunities and a route to immigration. The classification system is as follows:

*The NOC system (Type Zero, Level A/B/C/D) was officially replaced by the TEER system in November 2022. The old classification is no longer used by the Canadian government for immigration purposes.

Canada is always looking for eligible graduates with TEER 0 and TEER 1 qualifications.
EDITOR NOTE: Updated to use the correct TEER terminology instead of the outdated NOC Level A / Type Zero language.

• Healthcare management 
• Dentistry 
• Medical doctors 
• Nurses 
• Healthcare professionals
  • Radiographers
  • Pathologists 
  • Optometrists
  • Anaesthetists 
  • Engineering
    • Mechanical 
    • Electrical 
    • Civil 
    • Chemical 
• Information technology specialists 
• Agricultural experts 
• Finance and banking 
• Business analysts and managers 
• Architects 
• Statisticians 
• Veterinarians 

As you can see, there are many disciplines that you can choose to specialise in for your master’s degree if you’re interested in working in Canada. Canada's long-term economic prospects remain strong, with the IMF projecting steady GDP growth and continued demand for skilled workers across technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors. 

Canada offers a compelling combination of world-class universities, multicultural cities, affordable tuition, and one of the most generous post-study work permit schemes in the world. Whether you're drawn by the academic excellence of McGill or the University of Toronto, the career opportunities in Canada's thriving tech and healthcare sectors, or the pathway to permanent residency through Express Entry, a master's degree in Canada is a smart investment in your future. Ready to take the next step? Find the right master's degree in Canada using our course matcher, or explore scholarships to help fund your studies on the Hotcourses Abroad scholarships page.

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Frequently asked questions about studying a master's degree in Canada

Q1: Is Canada a good country to study a master's degree?

A: Yes. Canada is consistently ranked among the world's best study destinations. Three Canadian universities feature in the QS World University Rankings top 100 (2026), and the country offers a welcoming multicultural environment, strong post-study work opportunities through the PGWP, and a clear pathway to permanent residency via Express Entry.

Q2: How much does a master's degree in Canada cost for international students?

A: The average annual tuition fee for international graduate students in Canada is approximately CAD 24,028 (2025–26), according to Statistics Canada. Fees vary significantly by university and programme, from around CAD 14,000 at the University of Alberta to over CAD 50,000 at the University of Toronto for some professional programmes.

Q3: Can I stay in Canada after completing my master's degree?

A: Yes. Most international master's graduates are eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. After gaining Canadian work experience, you may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system.

Q4: What are the entry requirements for a master's degree in Canada?

A: Entry requirements vary by university and programme, but typically include a relevant bachelor's degree (usually with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent), English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 88–100), and two or three letters of recommendation. Some programmes also require a statement of purpose and a research proposal.

Q5: Are there scholarships for international students doing a master's degree in Canada?

A: Yes. Key options include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CAD 50,000/year), the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (CAD 10,000–15,000), and the British Council GREAT Scholarships (at least £10,000 towards tuition for students from 18 countries). Many universities also offer their own international awards. Explore all available scholarships on the Hotcourses Abroad scholarships page