1 Year Masters Program In Canada 2024: Top Universities & Courses

10 min read

Did you know Canada offers exciting 1-year master’s programs that can fast-track your academic journey like a rocket blasting off to space?

That’s right. Instead of the usual two years, you can earn your master’s degree in just one year. This is perfect for those who are eager to hit the ground running in their careers, like champion athletes.

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This major factor has made this program more popular for bachelor students. In this blog, we’ll explore the 1 year masters program in Canada, including its benefits, available fields of study, reputable institutions, and how to apply.

Key Highlights:

Top 3 Universities for 1-year Masters in CanadaUniversity of Toronto
McGill University
University of British Columbia
Avg Tuition FeeINR 11 – 15 Lakhs
Avg Monthly Cost of LivingINR 80 – 90K
Exams requiredIELTS, TOEFL, or PTE
GRE or GMAT (optional)
Documents required-Academic Scores
-Visa and Passport
-English language proficiency score (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc). 
-Proof of funds
-SOP, LOR
-Proof of Work Experience (optional) 
Avg SalaryINR 60 – 80 Lakhs
ScholarshipsCommonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
-Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
Ontario Graduate Scholarships

1 Year Masters Program in Canada: Key Benefits

With a 1-year program, you’ll be ready to enter the Canadian job market a year sooner compared to a 2-year program, giving you a head start on building your career in Canada.

The 1 year masters program in Canada will also allow you to allows you to maximize the length of your PGWP (up to 3 years) to gain valuable Canadian work experience and potentially qualify for permanent residency.

Here’s why it’s a worthwhile investment:

  • Career Advancement: Opting for 1 year post graduate courses in Canada allows you to complete your master’s degree in a shorter time frame, freeing up time for gaining job experience or further studies.
  • Global Standard Education: Canada is home to prestigious universities like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia, ensuring top-quality education is recognised worldwide.
  • Cost Savings: Choosing the 1 year masters program in Canada helps save on tuition fees and accommodation expenses compared to a two-year program, making it a more cost-effective option.
  • Earning While Learning: Canada offers various part-time job opportunities to support your finances while you study, enabling you to cover expenses or explore the country.
  • Standard of Living: With its high standard of living, Canada is an appealing destination for all. Its inclusive and diverse culture ensures a welcoming environment without discrimination. 

Other than the advantages of studying in Canada, there are various job opportunities you can get, not only in Canada but also in the USA, the UK, and other countries. 

Also Read: Cost Of Studying In Canada For Indian Students

Top 1-year MS Programs in Canada for International Students

In Canada, there is a wide range of MS programs that can be completed within a year. You can choose from various diverse fields such as finance, data analytics, engineering, public health, and more.

Below are some of the listed 1 year programs in Canada that are worth considering: 

  • Master of Management Analytics
  • Master of Management in Finance
  • Master of Business Analytics
  • Master of Data Analytics
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Engineering
  • Master of Public Health
  • Master of Business Administration
  • MA in Sociology
  • Master of Digital Media

While there is a greater diversity of courses available, you must decide which one to take. You must deeply analyse all the available courses, their future aspects, and your passion for them.

You can also talk with our counsellors, who will help you decide on a more rewarding future course. 

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Top Universities Offering 1 Year Masters Program in Canada

Canada stands out as a global leader in education, attracting students worldwide for Master’s degrees. 

These offer a remarkable selection of 1-year Master’s programs across diverse fields, allowing you to find the ideal match for your academic goals. 

These top-ranking universities will not only provide you with a quality education but high values and a chance to work with global brands across the world.

University (QS World Ranking 2024)Courses Average Annual Tuition Fee (in INR)
University of Toronto (21) -Master in Management of Innovation
Master of Management Analytics
INR 6L – 14 L
McGill University (30)Master of Management in Analytics
Master of Management in Finance
-Master of Management in Retailing
INR 11 L – 16 L
University of British Columbia (34)Master of Business Analytics
Master of Data Science
INR 5L – 7L
University of Alberta (111)-MS in Urban and Regional Planning
Master of Business AdministrationMaster of Engineering
INR 5L – 7L
Western University (114)-Master of Business Administration
-MS (Geology, Geophysics)
-MA (Economics, Anthropology)
INR 20L -26L

You can select the suitable courses these prestigious universities offer that align with your career goals and aspirations. Remember to analyse it carefully and consider all the pros and cons while deciding. You can also book a free consultation with our top experts, who will help you provide the right guidance. 

1 Year Masters Programs in Canada For International Students: Admission Process

To be admitted to a 1 year masters program in Canada, you must complete an application process that involves several steps. Please remember that the admission process varies from university to university. However, some essential criteria must be followed regardless of the university you seek admission to. 

Below we have listed a common application process for admission to your desired program. 

Step 1: Begin your process by selecting the desired course that you want to pursue. While doing so, check out their eligibility criteria to ensure you can be admitted to the course.

Step 2: Register on the website’s given online application portal. Enter basic details such as name, address, email, and contact details. 

Step 3:

Step 3: After registering, you must enter your academic details such as mentioned below:

Academic ScoresBachelors degree with GPA 3.0 – 4.0 or equivalent
Language Proficiency IELTS: 6.0 – 7.0 
TOEFL: 80 – 100
PTE: 60 – 80
Identification DocumentsPassport and Visa
Other Docs SOP and LOR

Step 4: After entering the details and uploading the documents, you must submit the application form and pay the fees. 

Step 5: The admission process will begin. The university might ask you to appear for an interview. 

Step 6: Once the admission is confirmed, you can apply for a Canada student visa. 

Note: Some universities might also ask for the specific scores for the graduate record examination (GRE) or graduate management aptitude test (GMAT). 

1 Year Masters Programs in Canada For International Students: Eligibility Criteria 

As we went through the admission process, we mentioned the term eligibility criteria. It is a general criteria set by the university for admitting the students to their campus.

For pursuing 1 year masters program in Canada, these are the essential criteria for admission:

Academic QualificationBachelor’s Degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Language Proficiency IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5
TOEFL: 80 – 100
PTE : 60 -80
Standardised ExamsGMAT, GRE (optional)
Work Experience1-2 years, depending on university requirements (optional)
Immigration Requirements Study Permit Visa, Passport 
Other DocumentsSOP, LOR (optional)

Also Read: Canada Study Visa Guide

These are the essential criteria which might be required to be admitted to the 1 year masters program in Canada. Please follow the official website for detailed eligibility criteria, including the academic score and language proficiency test requirements. 

1 Year Masters Programs in Canada: Documents Required 

Now that we know the eligibility criteria let’s examine some of the documents required to be admitted to Canada. 

Application FormAn application form containing all the mandatory information as asked by the University. 
Personal Identification DocumentsPassport size photo, national identity card, study permit visa and passport
Academic Documents Bachelor and school passing certificates 
Language Proficiency ScoresIELTS, TOEFL, and PTE 
Competitive Exams Scores GRE or GMAT (optional)
Experience Certificate Work experience certificate (optional)
Other DocumentsSOP, LOR (optional)

Note: Some universities might require ‘optional’ documents depending on their admission criteria.

Scholarships for 1 Year Masters Program in Canada

The good news is that there are some scholarship programs available that can fund your 1 year masters program in Canada. These scholarship opportunities will cover your maximum expenses and make your education more affordable in Canada. 

Here is a list of some scholarships that can aid 1 year masters program in Canada: 

Scholarship NameEligibilityBenefits
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (VCGS)-Master’s and doctoral students 
-Research Excellence 
– High academic scores
-Masters: $35KCAD (₹21.3 Lakhs) (up to 2 years)
-Doctoral: $50K  CAD (₹3,1 Lakhs ) (up to 3 years)
Canada Graduate Scholarships- Master’s Entrance Scholarship– Master’s students enrolled full-time at a Canadian university-Varies depending on the institution
-Typically covers a portion of tuition fees
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)– Master’s and doctoral students enrolled full-time at an eligible Ontario university-Up to $5,000 CAD (₹305,350 INR) per term

Besides the above-mentioned three scholarship opportunities, some university-specific scholarship opportunities might also be available. To find out more, you can look at the university’s official website where you wish to apply.

The Employment Opportunities in Canada

Companies located in Canada are often in search of highly skilled professionals who can perform the job roles efficiently. There is also a good reward mechanism for International employees, which attracts nearly 500,000 employees every year. 

The average salary after pursuing the 1 year masters in Canada can range from CAD 64,000 (INR 39 Lakhs) to CAD 1,10,000 (INR 67 Lakhs). 

If you wish to make a career in Canada, you can apply for a PGWP (postgraduate work permit visa). This visa will allow you to explore job opportunities in Canada after completing your master’s. 

Below are some of the top-rated job opportunities available in Canada for international students: 

Job Profile Average Annual Salary (in INR)
Cloud Architect 80 L – 90 L
Data scientist 60 L – 70 L
Data analyst 55 L – 65 L
Business Analyst 50 L – 60 L
IT project manager 60 L – 70 L
DevOps Engineer55 L – 65 L
Healthcare Manager 40 L – 60 L 
Software Developer 50 L – 60 L
Information Security Analyst50 L – 65 L
Public Relations Specialist 40 L – 50 L
Source: Various sources: Glassdoor, Indeed, and PayScale

Note: The average salary was calculated in April 2024 and might show some changes with time. 

Summing Up

The best thing about choosing Canada for a 1 year masters degree is that the country is very culturally enriched. The population is very diverse and comfortable for International citizens. The living standard is really good in Canada, and it is even 8% less expensive than that of the US. 

Another fact that makes it more worthy is the large number of job opportunities available. Many companies located in Canada, like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, offer various job opportunities in engineering, management, data, and related roles. 

So, if you want a fast-track degree that can open doors to a great career, think about a one-year Master’s in Canada. To learn more, speak to Leap Scholar counsellors, who will help you find a 1 year masters program in Canada that aligns with your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it worth doing a 1 year masters program in Canada?

A. A 1 year master’s program in Canada has many perks. It speeds up your education, saving time and money compared to longer programs. Canadian universities are known for their excellent education and offer a wide range of research opportunities in areas like engineering, medicine, management, and the arts.

Q. What are the requirements for a 1 year masters program in Canada?

A. To be eligible for a 1 year masters program in Canada, you should hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field with strong academic performance. You should also fulfil the English language requirement by taking tests like the TOEFL or IELTS. Some courses may also require standardised tests like the GMAT or GRE. You may also be required to submit letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

Q. How much does it cost to get a 1 year master’s degree in Canada?

A. On an average it costs around INR 10 – 12 Lakh to complete masters in Canada. Other than this, you also need to incur living expenses, transportation, and food options, which will sum up to around 90,000 INR to 1,20,000. The actual cost will depend on your choice of accommodation, location, food preferences, etc.

Q. Can international students apply for 1 year masters program in Canada?

A. Yes, of course. As an international student, you can also apply for 1 year masters program in Canada. However, they need to meet certain eligibility criteria of the respective program/university like language proficiency scores (IELTS, TOEFL). Other than this, you should also hold a passport so that you can study visa.

Q. How long can I stay in Canada after 1 year of my Masters?

A. Once you finish your one-year program, you might be able to get something called a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that lasts up to 3 years. This permit allows you to work in Canada and gain important work experience. And who knows? It could even help you become a permanent resident in the future!

Q. Which one-year master’s programs are in demand in Canada?

A. There are many 1 year masters program in Canada which are in high demand. These include the management courses like MBA, management analytics, and international business. The data science and specialzied engineering courses are also trending mostly in software and electronics.

Q. What are the advantages of pursuing a 1 year masters program in Canada?

A. There are many benefits of opting for the 1 year masters in Canada. First of all, it allows you to quickly complete your course, which will, in turn, save a lot of time and money. The other advantage is that there are top prestigious universities in Canada that can provide valuable learning experiences and open doors of opportunities for you. 

Q. What are the top universities offering 1 year masters programs in Canada?

A. The top universities offering 1 year masters program in Canada are the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, and Western University. These institutions are well known for their academic excellence globally and provide a good learning environment for international students.

Q. Can I get PR after 1 year masters in Canada?

A. A one-year master’s program in Canada cannot help you get permanent residency right away. But yes, it can help you build the bases for a great start. You can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) and stay up to three years after finishing this course. This will help you invest some time in Canada and help you get a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) that can lead to permanent residency. 


Q. Can I study in Canada without IELTS?

A. Yes, there are other options for you to study in Canada without IELTS. You can go with the other language proficiency tests like TOEFL, and PTE which can help you get admission in Canadian universities. But please remember that you need to have atleast one language proficiency test score to be eligible to get admission and also for the student visa.

Q. Do I need a study permit to study a Master’s in Canada?

A. Yes, it is mandatory for you to study in Canada. But don’t worry the process is not that difficult as that of the USA. You just need to have a admission confirmation from the university and then you can apply for a Canandian study permit visa and get it within 5-8 weeks from the date of application.

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Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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