Did you know that in 2024, over 200,000 international students enrolled in master’s programs in Canada, and 40% of them chose to study STEM fields, according to IRCC data?
| Latest Update: International students in Canada graduating from 2-year masters programmes will remain eligible for the full 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This move ensures better opportunities for long-term settlement and career planning after graduation. |
This blog covers everything you need to know about 2 year masters programs in Canada for international students, helping you decide if this is the right path for your future.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Canada Master degree Duration | Up to 2 years |
| Top Master’s Courses in Canada | Business Management Computer Science and Information Technology Engineering |
| Major Intakes | Fall: September to December 2024 Winter: January to April 2025 Spring: May to August. 2025 |
| Average tuition fees | INR 15L – INR 25L |
| Average Cost of Living (per month) | INR 84K |
| Popular Job Opportunities | Management Consultant Computer Programmer Civil Engineer |
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Top 10 Masters Courses in Canada
Canada offers over 3,218 masters courses for international students, blending academic rigour with practical skills. From tech to business, these programs cater to diverse aspirations.
Here is a list of the best master's courses in Canada for international students.
1. Computer Science
Canada’s booming tech industry employs over 900,000 people and contributes more than CAD 100 billion to the national economy. With Toronto ranked among the fastest-growing tech hubs in North America, a masters degree in Canada in Computer Science is one of the most in-demand options.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Programs Offered | MSc in Computer Science, MEng in Computer Engineering, MS in Software Engineering |
| Top Universities | University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University |
| Average Tuition Fees | CAD 20,000 – CAD 40,000 (INR 12.2L– INR 24.5L) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Average Salary | CAD 75,000 (INR 45.9L) |
| Job Roles | Software Developer, Data Engineer, System Analyst |
2. Business Administration (MBA)
With globally ranked B-schools like Rotman and Ivey, Canada has become a favourite for MBAs. QS Global MBA rankings place multiple Canadian universities in the top 100, making masters in Canada for Indian students highly attractive.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Programs Offered | MBA, Executive MBA, MBA in Finance |
| Top Universities | Rotman (UofT), Ivey (Western), Desautels (McGill) |
| Average Tuition Fees | CAD 35,000 – CAD 60,000 (INR 21.4L– INR 36.7L) |
| Duration | 1–2 years |
| Average Salary | CAD 86,000 (INR 52.7L) |
| Job Roles | Consultant, Business Analyst, Product Manager |
3. Engineering
Engineering accounts for over 12% of Canada’s total GDP and plays a crucial role in infrastructure, clean energy, and technology. Canadian engineering programs are accredited by CEAB, ensuring global recognition.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Programs Offered | MEng, MASc, MSc in Engineering |
| Top Universities | University of Waterloo, UBC, University of Alberta |
| Average Tuition Fees | CAD 18,000 – CAD 38,000 (INR 11L– INR 23.2L) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Average Salary | CAD 80,000 (INR 49.0L) |
| Job Roles | Design Engineer, Civil Engineer, Project Manager |
4. Data Science
With employment in this field projected to grow 36% from 2023 to 2033, you'll be stepping into a booming industry. It is an ideal field for tech-savvy problem-solvers.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Programs Offered | MSc in Data Science, Master of Data Science (MDS), Masters in Data Analytics |
| Top Universities | University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, Queen’s University |
| Average Tuition Fees | CAD 25,000 – CAD 45,000 (INR 15.3L– INR 27.6L) |
| Duration | 1–2 years |
| Average Salary | CAD 70,000 – CAD 100,000 (INR 42.9L–INR 61.3L) |
| Job Roles | Data Scientist, Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer |
5. Public Health
Following the pandemic, Canada significantly expanded funding for public health research and epidemiological studies. Universities now offer practice-based learning tied with government-funded projects.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Programs Offered | Master of Public Health (MPH), MSc in Epidemiology, MSc in Global Health |
| Top Universities | University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, McGill University |
| Average Tuition Fees | CAD 16,000–35,000 (INR 9.8L– INR 21.4L) |
| Duration | 1–2 years |
| Average Salary | CAD 66,000 (INR 40.4L) |
| Job Roles | Health Policy Analyst, Epidemiologist, Community Health Manager |
6. Finance
Canada’s financial services sector contributes over CAD 860 billion to the economy annually. Cities like Toronto are ranked among the world’s top 10 financial centres, making finance an excellent study path.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Programs Offered | MSc in Finance, MBA in Finance, Master of Applied Finance |
| Top Universities | University of Toronto, McGill University, UBC Sauder |
| Average Tuition Fees | CAD 30,000 – CAD 55,000 (INR 18.4L– INR 33.6L) |
| Duration | 1–2 years |
| Average Salary | CAD 93,252 (INR 57.1L) |
| Job Roles | Financial Analyst, Risk Manager, Investment Banker |
7. International Business
Canada has free trade agreements with over 50 countries, including CETA and CPTPP, driving demand for global business professionals with cross-cultural management skills. Canada universities for masters in International Business often include internships with global companies.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Programs Offered | MSc in International Business, MBA in International Business |
| Top Universities | HEC Montreal, York University (Schulich), Queen’s University |
| Average Tuition Fees | CAD 25,000 – CAD 45,000 (INR 15.3L– INR 27.6L) |
| Duration | 1–2 years |
| Average Salary | CAD 78,000 (INR 47.8L) |
| Job Roles | Global Strategy Consultant, Trade Analyst, Market Analyst |
8. Artificial Intelligence
Canada is home to world-leading AI research centres like Vector Institute (Toronto) and Mili (Montreal), which are supported by strong government funding and collaboration with tech giants such as Google, Meta, etc.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Programs Offered | MSc in Artificial Intelligence, MEng in AI, MBA in AI |
| Top Universities | University of Alberta, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo |
| Average Tuition Fees | CAD 25,000–45,000 (INR 15.3L– INR 27.6L) |
| Duration | 1–2 years |
| Average Salary | CAD 80,000–120,000 (INR 49.0L– INR 73.5L) |
| Job Roles | AI Specialist, NLP Engineer, Robotics Scientist |
9. Environmental Science
With Canada committing over CAD 5 billion to environmental research by 2030, this field is expanding rapidly. Programs often include fieldwork and collaboration with Environment Canada.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Programs Offered | MSc in Environmental Science, Master in Environment, MSc in Climate Change |
| Top Universities | University of Guelph, UBC, McMaster University |
| Average Tuition Fees | CAD 17,000 – CAD 35,000 (INR 10.4L– INR 21.4L) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Average Salary | CAD 55,000 (INR 33.7L) |
| Job Roles | Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Analyst, Researcher |
10. Architecture
Canadian cities are global examples of green architecture and modern design. Programs here blend creativity with sustainability, making them ideal for aspiring architects.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Programs Offered | Master of Architecture (MArch), MSc in Architecture, Master of Urban Design |
| Top Universities | University of Toronto, UBC, McGill University |
| Average Tuition Fees | CAD 25,000 – CAD 50,000 (INR 15.3L– INR 30.6L) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Average Salary | CAD 63,000 (INR 38.6L) |
| Job Roles | Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer |
High Paying Masters Courses & Specialisations in Canada
For those aiming for a strong return on investment, certain specialisations in Canada stand out. Fields like Data Science, Finance, and Engineering offer competitive salaries and are in high demand across industries.
| Specialisation | Job Role | Annual Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Orthodontist | INR 2.34 Cr (CAD 385K) |
| Anesthesiologist | INR 2.18 Cr (CAD 359K) | |
| Cardiologist | INR 2.02 Cr (CAD 332K) | |
| Finance | Chief Financial Officer | INR 1.53 Cr (CAD 253K) |
| Financial Manager | INR 1.55 Cr (CAD 256K) | |
| Economist | INR 1.48 Cr (CAD 244K) | |
| Engineering | Petroleum Engineer | INR 2.38 Cr (CAD 387K) |
| Aerospace Engineer | INR 1.58 Cr (CAD 258K) | |
| Mining Engineer | INR 1.58 Cr (CAD 258K) | |
| Information Technology | IT Project Manager | INR 1.20 Cr (CAD 198K) |
| Enterprise Infrastructure Manager | INR 1.26 Cr (CAD 208K) | |
| Chief Information Security Officer | INR 1.20 Cr (CAD 198K) | |
| Business & Management | Chief Marketing Officer | INR 95 L (CAD 156K) |
| Vice President | INR 89 L (CAD 146K) | |
| Software Engineering Manager | INR 88 L (CAD 144K) |
Affordable Universities for Masters Courses in Canada (2025)
Canada is a top choice for international students. It offers world-class education and lower tuition fees than countries like the USA, where the average costs are INR 24L to 40L per year (USD 29K to 48K), or the UK, which averages INR 9L to 35L per year (GBP 9K to 33K).
Many affordable colleges in Canada for masters courses, have tuition fees ranging from INR 8L to 20L per year (CAD 13K to 32K). Thus, Canada is an excellent destination for budget-conscious students.
Here is a quick overview of the most affordable universities for a masters in Canada for Indian students.
| University | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | INR 6.6L – INR 9.6L |
| University of Northern British Columbia | INR 1L – INR 3.1L |
| University of Saskatchewan | INR 1.1L – INR 2.4L |
| University of Regina | INR 1.1L – INR 12.2L |
| University of Guelph | INR 5.5L – INR 6.6L |
| Concordia University | INR 2.4L – INR 6.6L |
| University of Calgary | INR 4.9L – INR 17.7L |
| University of Alberta | INR 11.6L – INR 35.2L |
| Simon Fraser University | INR 15.2L – INR 27.3L |
| University of Ottawa | INR 20L – INR 24L |
General Masters Courses Vs. 1-Year Masters Courses in Canada
Understanding the differences between traditional and accelerated master's programs can help students make informed decisions. While general programs offer in-depth study over a longer period, 1-year master courses provide a quicker path to the workforce.
Below is the comparison of General Masters vs 1-year Masters courses.
| Factor | General Masters | 1-Year Masters |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 16 - 24 months | 8–12 months |
| Cost | Higher overall cost due to longer duration(INR 15L - INR 25L) | Generally lower cost(INR 11L - INR 21L) |
| Program Focus | More research-oriented, in-depth study | More practical, immediate career relevance |
| PGWP Eligibility | Up to 3 years | Up to 1 year |
| Workload | More spread out | Intense & fast-paced |
| Flexibility | More course options | Limited but focused |
| Suitability | For those seeking deeper knowledge, research experience, or a more flexible career path | For those with a clear career goal, strong work experience, or seeking quicker job entry |
| Career Opportunities | Research positions, broader career paths, and potentially higher-level roles | Entry-level roles, specific industry skills |
1-Year Masters Courses in Canada
1-year Masters courses in Canada offer a fast-track path to advancing your education and career. The average tuition fees for a one-year master’s degree course in Canada is typically INR 16L annually, making them an affordable option for international students.
Here is an overview of some of the top 1-year masters courses in Canada.
| University | Name of 1-year Program | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Master of Management of Innovation Master of Environmental Science Global Professional Master of Laws | INR 74L (CAD 124K) |
| University of British Columbia | Master of Clean Energy Engineering Master of Business Analytics Master of Engineering Leadership | INR 44L (CAD 74K) |
| McGill University | Master of Management in Finance Master of Management in Retailing Master of Management in Analytics | INR 63L (CAD 105K) |
| University of Waterloo | Master of Actuarial Science Master of Environment and Business Master of Climate Change | INR 41L (CAD 68K) |
| University of Alberta | MMSc in Family Ecology & Practice MSc in Textiles & Clothing | INR 50L (CAD 84K) |
Scholarships for Masters Courses in Canada
Canada offers a broad range of scholarships for Indian students pursuing master's courses in Canada. Surprisingly, over $10 million in scholarship funds go unclaimed yearly due to insufficient applicants. Indian students should use these options to lessen the financial burden of studying abroad, such as tuition fees and living expenses.
Here is an overview of the top scholarships for Indian students.
| Scholarship | Provider | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | Government of Canada (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) | CAD 50K (INR 30L) per year for up to 3 years |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | Government of Ontario and participating Ontario universities | CAD10,000(INR 6L) for 2 consecutive terms or CAD 15,000(INR 9L) for 3 consecutive terms; renewable up to 2 years for Master's |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | University of Toronto | Covers tuition, books, fees, and full residence support |
| UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowship | University of British Columbia | CAD 18.2K(INR 11L) per year + tuition fees |
| Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence (IC-IMPACTS) Graduate Fellowship | Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence (IC-IMPACTS) | Up to CAD 30K (INR 18L) per year |
Post-Graduation Work Opportunities for Indian Students in Canada
Canada offers excellent work and immigration pathways after completing your masters degree.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
You can stay and work in Canada for up to 3 years, depending on the course duration. PGWP helps you gain Canadian work experience that is essential for PR.
2025 Update on PGWP Eligibility
As of March 2025, international students graduating with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from any Canadian college or university are now eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), regardless of their field of study.
This change removes the earlier restriction that allowed only students from specific “eligible” programs at colleges to qualify for a PGWP.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Pursuing Masters degree in Canada can open the doors to PR through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). In 2025, Canada aims to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents - international students are a key part of this plan.
- Express Entry: A points-based immigration system that considers factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Allow provinces to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a particular province.
Summing Up
Master’s courses in Canada offer international students an excellent opportunity for academic and professional growth. Many programs take just two years to complete, and students benefit from high-quality education, practical work experience, and a diverse, multicultural environment.
Ready to make your study abroad dreams come true? Leap Scholar is here to guide you every step of the way! From helping you choose the perfect course to secure scholarships and acing your visa process, we specialise in making admissions to top Canadian universities seamless. Let’s turn your dream into a reality—reach out for a free consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Which course is best for masters in Canada?
Ans. Top master's programs in Canada include Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science, Data Science, and Public Health. These fields offer strong career prospects and are offered by leading institutions like the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Alberta.
-
Q. Can I get PR after 1 year masters in Canada?
Ans. Yes, graduates of one-year master's programs from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for up to three years. This work experience can enhance your eligibility for permanent residence (PR) through pathways like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
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Q. Which master's degree is best in Canada?
Ans. The "best" master's degree depends on individual career goals. However, degrees in Business Administration (MBA), Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, and Public Health are highly regarded for their strong job prospects and global recognition.
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Q. Who is eligible for Masters in Canada?
Ans. Eligibility for a master's program in Canada typically requires a completed undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA, proof of English or French language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL), and relevant work experience or research background, depending on the program.
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Q. How long is master course in Canada?
Ans. Master's degree programs in Canada generally take one to two years to complete. The duration varies based on the program type - course-based, research-based, or professional, and the specific field of study.
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Q. Is 1 year or 2 year Masters better?
Ans. A two-year master's program is often preferred as it may offer more comprehensive coursework, research opportunities, and a longer duration for internships or co-op placements, enhancing employability. However, a one-year program can be advantageous for those seeking to enter the workforce quickly.
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Q. Is masters in Canada 2 years?
Ans. Not necessarily. While many master's programs in Canada are two years long, some, especially in fields like Business Administration, can be completed in one year. The duration depends on the program structure and field of study.
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