Masters in Canada Requirements for International Students

To pursue an MS in Canada, students must first meet the required eligibility criteria. Good scores in their bachelor's degree, GRE, and English proficiency exams are generally required for Masters programs in Canada. However, there may be additional admission requirements that vary from university to university.

Why Study Masters in Canada?

Studying in Canada can be a life-changing decision for students who wish to pursue a master’s degree. Here are some top reasons to study masters in Canada:

• Quality Academics: Universities and colleges in Canada are known for their challenging programmes and high academic standards. Many Canadian universities consistently rank among the top institutions in the world, guaranteeing that students receive an education of the highest calibre. Professors and faculty members are experts in their disciplines, providing students with unique insights and mentorship. In Canadian universities, the emphasis on research and innovation develops critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and intellectual progress.
• Research and Innovation: Canada has made major investments in research and innovation in a variety of disciplines. Students obtaining a master's degree get access to cutting-edge technology, cutting-edge facilities, and research possibilities. Students can contribute to their field of study, acquire practical experience, and improve critical research skills by participating in research projects. The research-oriented setting fosters intellectual curiosity and creativity as well.
• Part-time Work: International students studying in Canada are allowed to work on a part-time basis in Canada. This can help them offset the cost of studying and living in Canada, and at the same time gain valuable work experience.
• Employment Opportunities: Canada's robust job market and strong economy make it an appealing location for overseas students. Completing a master's degree in Canada increases one's employability and opens the door to a variety of employment options. Canada offers a post-graduate work permit (PGWP), which allows international students to work in Canada for a set length of time following graduation. Furthermore, the friendly immigration policies allow talented graduates to stay and work permanently in the country and apply for a Canada PR.
• High Living Standards: Canada consistently rates high in terms of living standards and safety. Cities in Canada provide a high standard of living, as well as great healthcare, public services, and infrastructure. Because of the country's dedication to social welfare, students have access to healthcare and other support services. Furthermore, Canada is known for its safe and inclusive society, which provides international students with a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

In short pursuing a master's degree in Canada provides a unique combination of high-quality education, a multicultural atmosphere, research opportunities, excellent employment chances, a high standard of living, and interesting cultural experiences. It is a choice that can lead to personal and professional development, broaden horizons, and create unforgettable experiences.

Top Universities for Masters in Canada

Before moving to Canada masters requirements, let us look at the top-ranked universities in Canada. QS Rankings 2024 and THE Rankings 2023 are provided in the table below:

Top Universities for Masters in Canada	QS World University Rankings 2025	Times World University Rankings 2023
The University of Toronto	25	21
McGill University	29	49
The University of British Columbia	38	41
University of Alberta	96	109
University of Waterloo	115	158
Western University	120	201-250
University of Montreal	159	111
McMaster University	176	103
University of Ottawa	189	177
University of Calgary	198	201-250

Masters in Canada Requirements: Academic Background

In this section of the article, let us now look at the requirements for masters in Canada for international students with respect to academic background.

• Formal Schooling: MS in Canada requirements include completed formal schooling with a certain minimum percentage. The minimum percentage required is usually above 70%. Certain courses might require specific subjects in schooling as well. For instance, in order to pursue a Nursing course, students must have studied Biology and other related subjects as a part of their schooling.
• Bachelor’s Degree: Generally, students are expected to complete 16 years of education before applying for a Master’s in Canada. However, certain universities in Canada might also accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree. A candidate’s bachelor’s degree must be from a recognized university. There might be course-specific requirements as well when it comes to the CGPA required for masters in Canada. Typically, the CGPA required for masters in Canada is 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale. However, it might vary based on the course and university requirements.
• Professional Experience: Though professional experience is not related to academic background, it is worth considering it in this section of the article. Certain courses, such as an MBA in Canada, might require students to have a minimum work experience of 2-3 years.

Masters in Canada Eligibility

Eligibility for masters in Canada involves various aspects other than a good academic background. Let us cover eligibility for masters in Canada in this section of the article.

Standardized Exams: Masters in Canada eligibility might include submitting scores of various standardized exams such as the GMAT and the GRE. Their cut-offs vary based on the course and university applied for.

English Language Proficiency: English language proficiency is necessary for international students applying to Canadian universities. Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or DET results to demonstrate their English competence.

Application Documents: Students are required to submit various application documents that include a statement of purpose, 2-3 letters of recommendation, admission essays, an updated resume, etc. It is important for students to take these documents very seriously as these can open the gateways to the best universities and scholarships in Canada.

Masters in Canada Documents Required

An overview of Masters in Canada requirements, with respect to application documents, can be noted from the points given below:

• Formal Schooling with a certain minimum percentage
• Bachelor’s degree with a certain CGPA and academic courses (vary as per the university requirements. Typically, the CGPA required for masters in Canada is 3.0 out of 4.0)
• Academic or Professional experience (depends on the course)
• GRE or GMAT scores
• English language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or DET
• Latest resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• LORs (Letters of recommendation)
• Admission Essays

• Work Samples + Video Samples (usually for creative courses)

MS in Canada Requirements: Finances

When we look at the Masters in Canada requirements from the perspective of finances, there are various factors that must be considered.

Minimum bank balance for Canada: Students need to prove a certain minimum amount for studying in Canada. The tables given below provide details of the same.

Minimum bank balance for Canada Student Visa (outside Quebec):

Person	Funds Required Annually (excluding tuition fee) – Outside Quebec
Primary applicant	CAD 20,635
With the First family member	CAD 25,690
With 2 Other Members	CAD 31,583

Minimum bank balance for Canada Student Visa (in Quebec):

Person	Funds Required Annually (excluding tuition fee) – In Quebec
1 person (under 18 years)	CAD 7,541
1 person (18 years or above)	CAD 15,078
2 persons (18 years or above)	CAD 22,115
2 persons (18 years or above) 1 person (under 18 years)	CAD 24,773
2 persons (18 years or above) 2 persons (under 18 years)	CAD 26,737

Other costs before arriving in Canada:

• Fee for standardized tests such as the GMAT ($275 for test centre and $300 for online GMAT exam), GRE ($220), etc.
• Fee for English tests such as IELTS (Rs. 16,250).
• Canada student visa application fee of CAD 150.
• Travel Costs of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000.
• Other costs related to clothing, documentation, miscellaneous purchases, etc.

Cost of Studying Masters in Canada

Let us now come to the average cost of studying in Canada for a master’s degree. The following data has been obtained from Statistics Canada:

• The average tuition fee for international students, wanting to pursue a Master’s degree, is CAD 21,111 per year (Rs. 12,85,819 per year).
• The average tuition fee for a regular MBA is CAD 41,767 per year (Rs. 25,43,925 per year).
• The average tuition fee for an executive MBA is CAD 76,687 (Rs. 46,70,816).
• Average tuition fees is the highest in Ontario at CAD 27,149 per year (Rs. 16,53,578 per year).
• Average tuition fees are the lowest in Newfoundland and Labrador at CAD 5,327 per year (Rs. 3,24,454 per year).

Cost of Living in Canada

Cost of living in Canada for international students depends on their location, type of accommodation, dietary habits, lifestyle, etc. In Toronto, the monthly cost of living can vary from CAD 1,945 to CAD 3,713. The cost of living might be towards the lower end of the spectrum for other locations. On average, you can expect to shell out CAD 2,000 per month. Students may refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Canada:

Head	Cost of Living in Toronto in CAD Per Month (Source: The University of Toronto)
Rent	1,100 – 2,700
Electricity	50
Internet	60-115
Phone	50-100
Tenant Insurance	15-30
Food & Grocery	340+
Clothing & Shoes	30-100
Transport	0-128
Entertainment	150
Total	1,945-3,713

Masters in Canada Requirements for Scholarships

To be eligible for scholarships for a master's degree in Canada, you generally need to meet the following requirements:

• Academic Excellence: Scholarships are frequently offered based on academic merit, thus a strong academic record is essential. A good grade point average (GPA) or equivalent is usually required.
• Citizenship: Some scholarships are available to both domestic and international students, while others may only be available to international students. Check the eligibility requirements for each scholarship.
• Application Process: Most scholarships need you to provide particular papers, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, as part of the application process. Follow the scholarship provider's instructions and keep application deadlines in mind.
• Field of Study: Some scholarships are restricted to specific fields of study or disciplines. Check to see if the scholarship is relevant to your chosen field.

It is important for students to check the scholarship requirements and follow them as these may vary based on the course and the university they are applying for.

Canada Student Visa Requirements

Having covered all the requirements for masters in Canada for international students, it is vital to know an overview of the Canada student visa requirements as well:

• A valid passport
• Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)
• Financial proofs (provided in the tables above)
• Medical tests
• Letter of explanation
• Fee payment and other relevant receipts

Now that we have covered everything about Canada masters requirements, it is advised that students do not delay their application process to avoid any last-minute hassles. It is important to follow the university guidelines properly.

For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.