Are you considering taking a 1-year Master’s program? Do you consider Canada as a better option? Are you also stuck on other options and how to arrive at the best decision for you? Viola! We have good news! This article will help you clear up your doubt about studying for a master’s degree in Canada.
Interestingly, the country ranks third in the world for the best Master’s programs for international students. Also, according to the Canadian Office of International Education, the country ranks third with the highest percentage of international students in the world.
So, if you’re interested in learning more about Canadian master’s degrees, this page includes essential information about Canadian universities, applications, and graduate programs. Alternatively, we have a guide on tuition fees and financing in Canada, as well as study visa permits and the cost of living in Canada.
Obviously, before delving into the list of prestigious universities where you can study 1-year Master’s Program in Canada; Let’s consider some other important information that you need to understand before applying to any of these schools in Canada. Like what it means to study for a master’s degree in Canada; Study visa permits in Canada, Cost of living in Canada, as well as Scholarships in Canada.
Why study for master’s degrees in Canada?
Obviously, Canada is a country that is recognized for its immense diversity and harmony between people of various cultures, its friendliness, its pristine nature, and its world-class universities. Canada has become one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for international students.
Furthermore, Canada not only has one of the most magnificent landscapes in the world but is also known worldwide for its higher education system. Although it can be expensive for international students to attend certain schools or universities in Canada, it cannot be compared to studying in the UK or studying in the United States of America (USA).
This country also has one of the best reputations when it comes to the quality of education. In addition, Canada offers students a peaceful, safe, and diverse environment, as well as excellent working conditions and a learning environment.
Some of the best universities and colleges in the world are in Canada. Experts in journalism, politics, medicine, and technology began at universities like the University of Toronto and McGill University. Above all, you will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the world.
If you are someone who wants to acquire an additional specialization in the field of your choice in Canada, here is a comprehensive blog that will guide you through various aspects of searching for 1-year Master’s programs in Canada.
How can I get a scholarship in Canada?
To get scholarships in Canada, you will need to do the following:
1. Know where to look for scholarships;
Use scholarship search engines, search credible websites, blogs, school updates, etc. Just make sure you get authentic information on the call.
2. Prepare in advance for scholarships;
Don’t always catch yourself by surprise, push your IQ a little more, or perhaps, your efforts require pushing even for results that attract scholarships.
Getting involved with your community, it’s called volunteering, and often sells big for some major scholarships too.
Either way, whatever the main requirements; are volunteer experience, GPA, etc., do it so you have enough of that.
3. Work hard and stay motivated;
You MUST be your first cheerleader. Get excited, get motivated, and then add some hard work to all that self-cheering!
Also, be passionate, very passionate. It feeds and sustains hard work.
4. Distinguish yourself from other applicants;
I cannot stress this enough, HIGHLIGHT! Give the scholarship sponsor what he wants, this can be achieved by learning deeply about the scholarship odds. This gives you an advantage that allows you to better interpret the requirements.
Don’t just do well with your qualifications or volunteer experience or any other requirements, add “the best” to it.
Literally, go crazy with your results, then we’ll be too sure your scholarship benefactors will be over the top.
For one, you will already stand out from the rest of the applicants with such excellent results. Keep pushing yourself!
5. Read the instructions carefully;
NEVER be in a rush to RUBBER the scholarship instructions. That may be the start of rejections, but no, not for you, please.
However, you need to pause, take a breath, and then read again very slowly. When you’re done, do another slow round.
In the end, you will find some almost unnecessary details that could have led to the award of the scholarship. Dear, always make sure to read all parts of the instructions, even the numbering. (smiles away)
Also, don’t ignore the optional questions! They can be very complicated! Just answer everything. It could be what eventually stands out to you.
Research additional opportunities and understand the requirements. Also, be sure to check the eligibility criteria of all Canadian scholarships available to international students or citizens.
Don’t waste your time applying for awards you aren’t actually eligible for, as it reduces your chances of getting a scholarship.
Read the eligibility requirements very carefully. If you’re not sure what a requirement means, or if it applies to you, ask your prize administrator.
It only takes a few minutes to ask questions for clarity. Now compare that to the hours of writing an essay for a prize you can’t win. I’m sure you don’t want any of that!
6. Submit an outstanding essay or cover letter;
Do you want to hear something real? Sometimes you tick all the boxes, but your only disappointment was the cover letter.
If you have to take a course, by all means, do it! But you MUST perfect the art of writing a SWELL cover letter.
Very strategically, look for essay contests and submit your essays to as many calls as possible. Better develop your essay writing ability.
7. Apply for all eligible scholarships;
The trick to winning scholarships is often to apply for several at once. The more scholarships you apply for, the better chance you have of winning at least a few.
So keep applying for as many eligible scholarships as possible.
8. Be positive;
This cannot be overstated. Search, read, and apply, and stay very positive about getting each scholarship. Believe you will get the scholarship, that’s how the winners keep winning.
You will want to receive good news while you are immersed in your positive energy, so yes, allow yourself to immerse yourself in that during the wait.
The positive response from the scholarship benefactors will eventually come, so relax already.
Do international students receive need-based financial aid?
At most universities, international students are only qualified for merit-based aid. However, you will not qualify for federal aid at all and, in most cases, you will not qualify for need-based institutional aid either. Your best bet is merit-based scholarships and then international student scholarships.
Unlike their US counterparts, international students are often not eligible for the financial support that can help reduce college costs. To qualify for federal student aid, for example, students must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens, such as lawful permanent residents.
However, some universities offer institutional aid to international students.
Which University Offers Free Scholarships In Canada?
Universities in Canada that give free scholarships include;
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
- International Masters and Doctoral Awards from the University of Waterloo
- Graduate Scholarship in Ontario
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship
- University of Manitoba Graduate Scholarships
- The University of Calgary Graduate Awards
- Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Graduate Scholarships in Canada – Master’s Program
- NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships
- Carleton University Awards for International Students
- Dalhousie University Scholarships
- Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarships for International Students
- McGill University scholarships and student aid
- Queen’s University International Scholarships
- University of Saskatchewan International Student Awards
- Simon Fraser University Financial Aid and Awards
- Western University International Admission Scholarships
What GPA do I need for a scholarship?
The GPA you need to earn a full scholarship differs from college to college.
Some scholarship benefactors might ask for a GPA of 3.5 – 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. You may be ranked based on your class (eg, top 9% or 15% at your school). Others may look at the ACT or SAT scores.
Check out the top 20 study hacks every student should adopt in 2023.
What is the best website to apply for scholarships?
The best website to apply for scholarships is https://www.pickascholarship.com/
What It Involves To Study 1-Year Masters Programs In Canada
It is possible to pursue a Master’s program in Canada when the correct procedures are followed and the necessary steps are taken. These procedures cover visa permits, tuition fees, and much more.
Masters Student Visa Permits in Canada
To study in Canada, you must obtain a Canadian study permit, which serves as a Canadian student visa during your stay.
You do not need a Canadian study permit if your course or program is six months or less. However, it may be a good idea to apply for a permit before coming to Canada. Otherwise, if you decide to continue your studies in another program, leave Canada to apply for a study permit at a visa office.
Once you have a Canadian study permit, you can apply for renewal from Canada if you decide to continue your studies. For full-time students enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning, a study permit also allows them to work part-time on campus.
Below we will help you with everything you need to know about the Canada student visa.
To be eligible for a Canadian study visa, students must show that they have been accepted to Canada by a college or university. They must also prove that they can stay and pay the fees.
In addition, they must present a clean criminal record. Students may be required to undergo a medical examination in certain cases before a student visa is issued.
You must also provide proof of financial support, such as bank statements and scholarship letters, to show that you can afford tuition, living expenses, and a return ticket to your home country.
You can apply for a Canadian study permit online or through a paper application, which you can obtain from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.
However, paper applications take approximately twice as long and it is always recommended to check processing times well in advance. To apply online, you’ll need a credit/debit card and the ability to create electronic copies of your coupons (ie, using a scanner or photo device).
Your country’s visa office will provide you with specific instructions on the documents you need to provide. This may vary depending on your location. If you need help, you can get help from the nearest Visa Application Center (ACC).
The process for obtaining a Canadian student visa is:
- You must first obtain a standardized acceptance letter from a recognized higher education provider. Students studying in Quebec must also apply for a certificate of acceptance, called a CAQ, from the Quebec government.
- The next step is to obtain a Canadian student visa application package, either from the CIC website or by contacting your local Canadian visa office, embassy or consulate in your home country.
- To get your application package, you need to answer a few questions about yourself on the CIC website. These questions will determine if you are eligible to apply for a Canadian student permit online and what documents you need to provide.
- If you are found eligible, you will receive a personal checklist code, valid for 60 days, which you must submit your online application for. Be sure to print the page containing your code for future reference. The page will also include an application guide, an estimated tuition fee, a list of documents to submit with your application, and instructions for your next steps.
- When you’re ready to apply, create a MyCIC account, where you’ll enter your personal checklist code. You will then receive your personal document checklist that allows you to download and submit your documents to CIC. You will need a printer or scanner to do this.
- Once you have your documents and application form ready and you have paid your fees, you can submit your completed application to CIC.
- Some applicants may be required to attend an interview at their local visa office.
How long is a master’s degree in Canada?
A master’s degree in Canada usually lasts between one and two years. There are certain cases where the program can last around three years and this type of program usually involves more in-depth research and technical work.
All international students prefer a one-year Master’s program when they want to study in Canada.
Cost of living in Canada
As you are planning to move to Canada for your study, it is important to understand how much it costs to live there. Especially for international students, admission to Canadian universities and colleges requires planning and a financial commitment prior to arrival.
Basically, international students will be responsible for the costs of studying and living in Canada. However, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) requires proof that you have enough money and funds available.
Because your university provides the cost of living estimate, the immigration officer will follow it. If your university does not provide it, you must show proof of $10,000 for 12 months of living expenses for a student. An additional $4,000 will be required for the spouse and another $3,000 for each dependent. This amount includes lodging, food, health insurance, transportation, books, and clothing. Tuition and other fees are not included in this amount.
Likewise, it is essential that students obtain medical and hospital insurance, since medical care in Canada is very expensive. Public health insurance plans are administered independently in each province. Some universities require mandatory insurance coverage. Coverage must be provided within the first week after arrival.
As in all parts of the world, the cost of living in urban centers is higher than that of the suburbs. Many students prefer on-campus housing much more, which is not always the cheapest option, but certainly more convenient. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive cities to live in and with a shortage of affordable housing in Toronto, costs are the highest and continue to rise.
As the cost of living varies from city to city and depending on where the school is located, the best-estimated costs of living will depend on which university you are applying to. As mentioned above, each overseas university provides estimated fees and living expenses. Some universities have reasonable and affordable housing options on campus, some universities charge a lot for the same.
Tuition Fees and Financing in Canada
Gaining admission to study for a master’s degree in Canada is the first step toward success. But getting admission does not mean that you will end up studying there. The reason is that you could end up without the funds to pay the tuition.
This page of this article will give you detailed information about tuition fees and financing for Master’s degrees at Canadian universities.
Master’s Tuition Fees for Canadian Students
As a Canadian citizen, you will benefit from significant government investment in higher education. This keeps master’s fees relatively low for domestic students, about half the rate paid by international applicants.
During the 2018-2019 academic year, the average cost of a Master’s degree in Canada was $7,086 CAD ($5,340 US). Typically, your university will calculate this total based on the price of a fixed number of fees (the fees paid for each semester of study) plus any additional fees (such as administrative fees).
Please note that each Canadian university sets its own fees and these may vary. Some degree programs can also be more expensive, especially those in professional fields like medicine. However, the average cost of an executive MBA, for example, is $49,798 CAD ($37,520 US)
Continuation Fees
Most Canadian masters last between one and two years. If you exceed the normal length of your program, you may be charged extension fees for additional years of enrollment. The cost is usually less than CAN$1,000 (US$750)
Additional charges
Most of the price of a Canadian master’s degree consists of tuition fees. But universities may also charge additional fees for administrative fees, services, and resources.
Registration fees and student services are quite common and usually cost less than $100 CAD ($75 US). Other fees will likely depend on your program and may include lab and sports facility fees, as well as exam fees.
These additional fees may be included in the advertised price of your master’s degree, but it’s worth checking to confirm.
Health insurance
As a Canadian citizen, you will be covered by the publicly funded health insurance system for most health-related expenses. On top of this, universities usually offer their own health insurance for students, covering additional expenses like dentistry and prescription fees.
The price of this coverage varies but is generally between $200-$300 ($150-225). Some institutions may allow you to decline your health insurance, but others will make it a mandatory registration condition. You should contact your university for more information.
Masters Fees for International Students in Canada
Canada prides itself on being a historically multicultural country, welcoming students from all over the world. This extends to international rates for your study programs. Fees for an international master’s degree in Canada are higher than for domestic students but often lower than in another major English-speaking study-abroad destination.
On average, you can expect to pay up to twice the tuition of an equivalent domestic student, with typical fees between $13,000 CAD and $20,500 CAD ($9,930 $16,430 USD).
Basically, the costs will vary depending on the university and the study program. Like domestic students, you will generally pay more for professional subjects (especially medicine).
Whatever your tuition fees, funding for graduate study abroad in Canada is available from a wide range of sources.
Health insurance for international students in Canada
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Canada. The following Canadian provinces cover international students as part of their regular public health care plans
- Alberta, Canada
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Saskatchewan
However, if you are studying in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, or Quebec, you must purchase international student-specific health insurance. The cost normally ranges from $600 CAD to $1,000 CAD per year ($460 to $770 US).
The Canadian government’s immigration service maintains a page containing details of provincial health departments.
If you have questions, contact your future college. They should be able to confirm their needs and most will provide their own medical care for students.
Other costs
Master’s degrees in Canada sometimes incur additional costs on top of the standard tuition fees. These include mandatory administration and student services fees, as well as specific course-related expenses.
Basically, the costs will generally not be higher for international students. Expect to pay between $100 CAD and $500 CAD ($77 to $385 US), depending on your program of study.
The only additional fees that specifically apply to students studying abroad in Canada are the international application fees. It usually costs around $250 CDN ($190 US) but is not required by all universities.
Scholarships in Canada
As an international student in Canada, you will not be eligible for the same public funding as domestic students. This means that she cannot apply for loans or grants (although some research board funding may be available).
Don’t worry though!
There are many other funds available for international Master’s students in Canada. In fact, several scholarship programs exist just to attract and support graduate students studying abroad at Canadian universities.
Scholarships awarded by Global Affairs Canada
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is the department of the Canadian government that oversees its foreign affairs. GAC maintains and manages a wide variety of international awards from the Canadian government and other providers (including Canadian research councils).
You can view a list of scholarships offered by Global Affairs Canada on their website. Please note that all the options presented will not apply to Master students.
International Scholarships from Canadian Universities
Some Canadian universities offer their own master’s scholarships to help them recruit high-quality international graduates.
Its availability varies from institution to institution. Therefore, the best way to find out what is available to you is to check the information published by individual universities.
Alternatively, you can use our course search to find a Master’s program in Canada, then get in touch to inquire about international scholarships. All the courses listed on https://www.pickascholarship.com/ have details about their respective available subject scholarships.
Masters Scholarships in Canada
Of course, there is one last source of funding for a Masters in Canada to mention before you leave this page. It is our own list of the best and cheapest Masters scholarships in Canada.
When applying for a 1-year Master’s program in Canada, there are basic requirements you need to meet. They include:
academic requirements
You are expected to have a minimum GPA (often a 3.0/4.0 or international equivalent, such as a second-class British Baccalaureate) for your undergraduate degree.
Depending on your field, you may be required to provide a Postgraduate Entrance Test score. Such as a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Review (GRE).
You can get to Study in Canada without IELTS, GMAT, and other similar exams. Click on the link to find out how to do it.
Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate your proficiency through an English test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Similar requirements will apply in French if you are applying for a bilingual program or a course taught entirely in French.
Application Process
The application process is like in other countries. You must submit the following on your application:
- A completed application form, often submitted online
- A certified copy of your grades and transcripts.
- Fluency test in English and/or French, depending on the program you apply for
- a resume
- References/letters of recommendation
- Cover Letter / Personal Statement
If you completed your post-secondary studies outside of Canada, you may be required to take an assessment to determine the Canadian equivalent of your qualification. And verify the academic document that you have presented. Pay an international credential evaluation fee unless you already have an international credential evaluation report from a third party.
Your application will usually be assessed by a central office to ensure that you meet all the minimum entry requirements. It is then forwarded to the faculty/school, which will assess the academic quality and suitability of your application for the program of your choice.
If you are successful, you will receive an admission letter, which you will need to apply for a visa or scholarship (if applicable) and complete your registration before the deadline.
1-Year Master’s Programs in Canada: Best Universities
Canada is home to some of the best institutions in the world. These universities or colleges offer a variety of degree programs. Being recognized worldwide, studying these courses gives you the opportunity to work anywhere in the world.
Here is the list of the best universities offering 1-year Master’s programs in Canada:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Winnipeg
- Ivey Business School at Western University
- Westford College College
#1. the university of Toronto
Acceptance rate: 65%
Number of programs: 4
Tuition Fees: $10,080
The University of Toronto is an accredited public research university founded in 1827. Over the years, it has become Canada’s leading research university for learning, discovering and acquiring knowledge.
Basically, the university offers a wide range of 1-year Master’s programs in multiple disciplines. The course curriculum for these courses aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to enter the industry.
Officially, they offer more than 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs at the University of Toronto
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#2. University of British Columbia
Acceptance rate: 53%
Number of programs: 5
Tuition Fees:
The University of British Columbia is considered a global center of research and education. Founded in 1908, the university is regularly ranked in the top 20 public research universities in Canada.
Basically, UBC offers excellent one-year Masters programs in various disciplines including computer science, finance, information technology, etc. Above all, the university is made up of professors from all over the world with experience in large research projects.
Furthermore, the university is among the top three universities in Canada.
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#3. McGill University
Acceptance rate: 46.3%
Number of programs: 3
Tuition Fees: $10,080
Basically, McGill University is one of the most reputable public research universities in Canada. Ranked among the top 30 research institutes in Canada, it attracts thousands of international students from more than 150 countries.
Its Master of Administration in Finance and Master of Administration in Analysis are some of the famous 1-year programs. Above all, its international, innovative, and integrated MBA program, MMF, is designed to train extraordinary leaders with integrity who can manage across disciplines to lead anywhere in the world.
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#4. University of Winnipeg
Acceptance rate: 49.4%
Number of programs: 2
Tuition Fees: $10,206.00
The University of Winnipeg is a public research university in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, offering undergraduate colleges of art, business and economics, education, science, and applied kinesiology and health, as well as graduate programs.
Specifically, another popular educational institute in Canada is the University of Winnipeg. It has tried to expand its postgraduate courses and currently offers a wide range of master’s programs in various disciplines, including management, business, finance, marketing, psychology, research development, etc.
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#5. Western University Ivey School of Business
Acceptance rate: 36%
Number of programs: 6
Tuition Fees:
Interested in Big Data, AI or digital transformation? The Ivey School of Business offers an MMA program that will help you gain skills and practical experience through experiential learning for a career in these exciting and demanding fields.
Above all, you can also start your finance career with their MMF program. Basically, she will offer a comprehensive program that integrates advanced financial concepts with real-world business practices while continuing to rely on her network in the financial world..ugb-83c7795 .ugb-button1 {background-color: #a36820} .ugb-83c7795 .ugb-button1 .ugb-button – inner, .ugb-83c7795 .ugb-button1 svg: not (.ugb-custom-icon) {color: #ffffff! important}
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#6. Westford College College
Acceptance rate: 35%
Number of programs: 6
Tuition Fees: $20,954
Westford promises an exciting and incredible experience for all participants with its one-year accelerated MBA programs.
In addition, the Westford MBA attracts competent and highly qualified students from a wide range of professions, geographical boundaries, and different cultural backgrounds, to participate in this incredible year-long journey of learning and fun.
The program is a unique experience for all participants, creating strong connections, positive vibes, bright ideas, team discussions, strong partnerships, and new business partnerships.
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Find your study program
Frequent questions
Why should you choose a 1-year Master’s program in Canada?
The number of master’s programs is constantly growing and more universities are becoming accredited to offer them. This suggests that there are more compelling reasons for students to select Canada given the diversity of academic options available.
What are the requirements for 1-year Master’s programs in Canada?
The following are the requirements for a 1-year Master’s degree in Canada:
Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation
A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent
English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE
Are there 1-year Master’s Programs in Canada for international students?
Yes, there are a large number of 1-year Master’s programs in Canada and they are:
1. Education
2. Finance
3. Health Administration
4. Accounting
5. Business Administration
6. Counseling and Therapy
7. Criminal Justice/Homeland Security
8. Human Services
9. Information Systems / Technology
10. Administration
Conclusion
Frankly, you should choose to study a master’s program at one of the Canadian colleges and universities. Because its graduates are highly valued in the job market, and those who study there have been able to find good jobs in all fields of interest.
We hope this blog has enabled you to discover various one-year Master’s programs in Canada. If you’re considering pursuing higher education in Canada but aren’t sure how to begin the process, the experts at the Pick A Scholarship team can help you choose an appropriate course that suits your career goals.
