Masters in Game Development in Canada 2024: Colleges & Fees

A Master’s in Game Development is a total game changer in Canada. The maple-leafed nation has a dynamic gaming industry, with cutting-edge technology and programs designed to shape the next generation of industry leaders.

The gaming industry in Canada is the largest segment of Canada’s entertainment industry. The industry is surging and is expected to reach a market volume of $5,536 million (INR 4465.21 crores) by 2028.

The pandemic has escalated the number of global game users. Consequently, the industry is blooming, opening up huge job possibilities, with tremendous salary potential. 

Highlights of Master’s in Game Development:

Duration	2 Years
Average Annual Tuition Fee	14-15 Lakhs
Average Annual Salary	INR 63-64 Lakhs
Top Universities	– University of Alberta – York University – British Columbia Institute of Technology – Simon Fraser University – Centennial College

If you are looking for a Master’s in Game Development in Canada, then here is the list of the top 5 universities you shouldn’t miss. We have also compiled a list of Game Development courses in the country with tuition fees, document requirements and the complete admission process.

The game begins here!

Why Study Game Development in Canada?

As Canada’s gaming sector is growing into a global giant within the industry, it is the right time and place for a master’s degree in the field. Moreover, the top universities of the country make it a much better option for international students.

Here are the top 5 reasons why you should go for it:

• Job Opportunities: Since 2019, there has been a 35% increase in the number of active game studios in Canada. Ontario and Quebec are the major hubs of game companies in Canada. The recent years saw notable growth in the number of companies in the rest of Canada, including British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. This has opened up several new openings in the industry. 

• High Salary Packages: The average annual salary of a game developer in Canada is INR 63-64 Lakhs. This includes only basic pay. Apart from your basic pay, you can get additional benefits worth INR 4-5 Lakhs on average, every year. So, being a game developer in Canada assures you with a higher salary package. 

• Future Prospects: The global gaming population has risen from $2.5 billion in 2019 to $2.81 billion at the end of 2021. By the end of 2023, it is estimated to hit $3 billion. It is expected to reach $10 billion in 2027. This rapid growth promises major future prospects in the gaming industry of Canada. 

• Top Universities: Apart from the technical and economic aspects, Canada is also a better choice for its quality education. It is home to some of the top universities in the world, including the University of Alberta, York University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
• Diverse Courses: Canadian universities provide a wide range of courses in the field of game development. The flexible academic structure makes it easier for students to specialise in their area of interest.

Considering the recent growth of the industry and the other major reasons to study in Canada mentioned above, completing your master’s in game development is one of the most assured career pathways in Canada.

Top 5 Colleges for Masters in Game Development in Canada

While looking for a master’s course in Canada in the field of game development, there are various factors you should keep in mind. 

Make sure you go to a top university and ensure the quality of your faculty as well. You can also consider the location of the institution.

For example, 80% of the top game companies are located in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. So, opting for an institution in their vicinity can help you look for a job or internship easily. 

You can also consider placement options, tuition fees, and availability of courses. 

We have compiled a list of the top 5 Canadian universities you can apply to for a master’s in game development. 

University of Alberta

Situated in Edmonton, Canada, the University of Alberta ranks #111 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. It ranks #4 in the country and #93 in Best Global Universities for Electrical and Electronic Engineering (U.S News and World Report). 

The university provides a joint certificate program between the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science in Computer Game Development. The certificate program requires 18 credits for completion.

Alberta University also provides Computer Games as one of its research areas for a PhD program. 

Check out the course details:

Programs Offered	Duration	Annual Tuition Fee
Certificate in Computer Game Development	Varies	INR 7-8 Lakhs
Ph.D. Program in Computer Games	4-6 Years	INR 7-8 Lakhs

York University

York University offers a special bachelor’s program in Digital Marketing. The course is offered collaboratively by Computational Arts (School of Arts, Media, Performance, and Design) and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Lassonde School of Engineering). 

The 4-year program teaches one year in the core subject, followed by 3 years in Game Art, Digital Media Art, and Digital Media Development.

Check out the course details:

Programs Offered	Duration	Annual Tuition Fee
BSc (Hons) in Digital Media	4 Years	INR 26-27 Lakhs

British Columbia Institute of Technology

The British Columbia Institute of Technology is a public polytechnic institute, situated in Burnaby, British Columbia. The university has 5 campuses across the country.

The university provides a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (BScACS) course with a specialisation option in Game Development.

Check out the course details:

Programs Offered	Duration	Annual Tuition Fee
Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (BScACS)(Game Development Option)	2 Years	INR 11-12 Lakhs

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Canada and has a 31% percentage of international students on campus. The university ranks #338 in the Best Global Universities for Electrical and Electronic Engineering (U.S. News and World Report). 

Though the university does not provide a direct program in game development, it provides a master’s course in computer science that allows you to specialise in any particular field, including video games. 

Check out the course details:

Programs Offered	Duration	Annual Tuition Fee
Master’s in Professional Computer Science	2 Years	INR 14-15 Lakhs

The program allows you to choose courses according to your interests and career goals. 

Centennial College, Toronto

Centennial College, Toronto is the oldest publicly funded college in Ontario. The university is renowned for being one of the most culturally diverse post-secondary institutions in the country. 

The university’s School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design provides an advanced diploma course in game development. 

Check out the course details:

Programs Offered	Duration	Annual Tuition Fee
Advanced Diploma in Game Development	3 Years	INR 15-16 Lakhs

Application Process for Master’s in Game Development in Canada

The application process for a master’s course in game development can vary in each university you are applying for. Universities may have their own specific requirements for eligibility and documentation. 

We have compiled the general guidelines for the application process for a Master’s in Game Development in Canada, for your reference. 

Check out the application process below:

• Visit the official website of your preferred college or university.
• Check the requirements of the course 
• Ensure that you satisfy the requirements for your preferred course. Diploma, advanced diploma, bachelor’s and master’s programs have different eligibility requirements
• Fill out the online application form
• Upload the relevant documents
• If selected, the university will send you an email informing you about your selection. 
• Most universities ask for an interview section. During the process, you have to display your skills that make you qualify for a game developer program. Explain your previous experience in the field, and convey your passion to pursue the game development course at the particular university.
• If selected, you will receive your conditional offer letter from the university through the mail. 
• Admission into the university is confirmed only once you pay the tuition fee and complete all the necessary procedures for the transition to the university.
• Once you receive your admission letter you can proceed with the visa application.

Check out the official website of your preferred university for detailed information.

Documents Required for Master’s in Game Development in Canada

The document requirements for your application for a Master’s in Game Development at any Canadian university can vary from one another. This depends on the institution and the program you are applying for. 

We have compiled the general documentation requirements for a Master’s in Game Development in Canada, for your reference.

Check out the general documents below:

• Personal statement
• Resume and CV
• Letter of Recommendation(LoR) (both academic and work)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• English Language Requirements
• Official Transcripts of your previous education
• Scanned copies of other degrees and certificates
• Scorecards of English Proficiency Tests (IELTS, TOEFL, or CAEL)
• Supplementary Information Form
• A portfolio consisting of 4-6 current works
• An introduction video
• Portfolio of your current work representing the skills

You can visit your university website or department website to learn more about their document requirements.

Career Opportunities After a Master’s in Game Development in Canada

After completing your Master’s in Game Development from Canada, the country opens up its vast job platforms for you. Being one of the top game industry players, Canada is home to more than 900 game companies, including HB Studios, Sarbakan and Cubix. 

The majority of the game companies in Canada are centred in Quebec and Montreal, and today Montreal is known as “the Hollywood of video games“.

Being a game developer unlocks you with some of the most highly-paid job profiles in the country. We have compiled a list of some of the most exciting game development job roles in Canada that pay you tremendously. 

Check out the table for top job roles for game development in Canada:

Job Profile	Annual Salary in INR
Game Developer	INR 58-59 Lakhs
Game Programmer	INR 46 Lakhs
Game Producer	INR 79-80 Lakhs
Audio Engineer	INR 48-49 Lakhs
Game Designer	INR 58-59 Lakhs

*Note-
All the salaries mentioned above are approximate figures per existing data and are subject to change. The income numbers provided are based on ‘per annum salary’ and are meant to give you a general idea and can vary.

Your salary can further increase depending on your level of experience, specialisation, work sector and location of the work.

Finishing Line

Canada has been among the top 5 countries for education since 2016 (US News report), making it a top study-abroad destination.

In addition, the game industry of the country makes it an even better choice for students across the world to pursue a Master’s in Game Development from Canada. It is your time to pursue an exciting career in an even more exciting field of game development.

If you are planning for a Master’s in Game Development, then make sure you are on the front line of the process. Get aid from experts and make sure you reach your final goal with flying colours. Leap’s study-abroad consultants are a call away to assist your dream.

Frequently Asked Questions