Psychology Course In Canada: Overview, Scope, Eligibility, Process & Benefits

Most students pursue psychology courses in Canada due to the country’s quality of education, ample research opportunities, varied number of scholarships and high employability rate. 

Some of the world’s best Universities are established there which, include the University of British Columbia, McGill University, the University of Toronto, McMaster University and others. 

Furthermore, research has revealed that 26 of Canada’s Universities have ranked in the QS Rankings of 2019 and The World University Rankings 2019. So if you are searching for how to become a psychologist in Canada, you are on the right page. 

Aspiring students can check this blog which will outline the eligibility criteria, benefits and scope of psychology in Canada. 

Psychology has emerged as a pivotal profession due to the importance of mental health and the increasing dialogue weaved around it. This has resulted in it becoming one of the highest-paying fields. 

The first step to becoming a psychologist in Canada is finding the top colleges that offer this course. Most of Universities offer Bachelor, Master, and diploma courses for their students. For easier understanding of the students, we have listed down the leading colleges: 

QS University Rankings 2022	Universities	Courses Available
University of Toronto	26	PG- 2, UG- 6, Doctorate-2
University of British Columbia	46	PG- 1, UG- 4, Doctorate-1
McGill University	27	PG- 4, UG- 2, Doctorate- 2
Simon Fraser University	298	PG-4, UG- 6, Doctorate- 3
University of Montreal	111	PG- 2, UG-3, Doctorate- 4
University of Alberta	126	PG- 2, UG-4, Doctorate-2
University of Ottawa	230	Doctorate-2, UG-5

As per data, those with a degree in Psychology can earn up to 49,000 to 54,000 CAD. Besides, employability and quality of education make it a popular destination for students. Moreover, a report by the Times of India has revealed that the Canadian High Commission in Delhi has approved nearly 10,000 study permits. 

Underlined below are the best psychology courses after 12^th which  you can pursue and pave the path for your career: 

Universities	Years	Courses	Fees in CAD
University of Toronto	4	B.SC Psychology B.A Psycholinguistics Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science B.SC Cognitive Science Bachelor of Arts, Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health	56,46360,41553,451 53,45153,451
University of British Columbia	4	B. A Psychology B.SC Psychology B.SC Cellular, Anatomical & Physiological Sciences Bachelor of Kinesiology in Neuromechanical and Physiological Sciences B. SC Forensic Psychology	40,30541,52543,191 43,193 56,463
University of Montreal	3	B.SC PsychoeducationB.SC Psychology  B.SC Psychology & Sociology	18,190 18,19018,190
Simon Fraser University	4	B.A Psychology B.A Psychology and Criminology B.A Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis	29,91029,910 29,910
McGill University	3	B.SC Psychology B.A Psychology	44,91619,189
McMaster University	4	B.SC Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour	34,088
University of Ottawa	4	B.A Psychology & Linguistics	57,470

In addition, one must also have the following documents handy while applying: 

1. Transcripts of Class 10 and 12 
2. English Proficiency Test Scores 
3. SAT marks 
4. Resume and passport-sized photographs 
5. Passport as an ID Proof 

It is vital to pursue specialisations in Psychology as it can facilitate one’s career. This will help one gain an in-depth understanding of the subject. Generally, these courses span for two to three years. One can choose from the below-mentioned courses: 

Programs	University	Course Duration
M.A Psychology M.A Counselling & Psychology M.A Counselling Psychology	University of Toronto	2
M.A Psychology	University of British Columbia	2
M.A Child Psychology M.SC Psychoeducation	University of Montreal	1.6
M.A Child Psychology M.SC Psychiatry	McGill University	2
M.SC Psychology M.SC Child Care & Paediatric Psychological Care	McMaster University	2
M.Ed. Counselling PsychologyM.SC Psychology	University of Alberta	2
Master in Education Counselling Psychology M.A. Educational Psychology	Simon Fraser University	2

Most students choose Canada to pursue PhD due to the affordable tuition fees and the high employment rate. However, one must remember that this course’s admissions only occur during the fall intake. 

Universities	Courses	OS Rankings	Tuition Fees
University of British Columbia	PhD in Psychology	46	9131 CAD
McGill University	PhD in Psychology PhD in Clinical Psychology PhD in Experimental Psychology PhD in Counselling Psychology PhD in Educational Psychology PhD in Applied Psychology	27	16,750 CAD
Simon Fraser University	PhD in Clinical Psychology PhD in Educational Psychology PhD in Cognitive and Biological Psychology PhD in Law and Forensic Psychology PhD in Developmental Psychology PhD in Social Psychology	298	10,618 CAD
University of Victoria	PhD in Social Psychology PhD in Educational Psychology	334	9,554 CAD
University of Guelph	PhD in Child & Adolescent PsychologyPhD in Applied Social Psychology PhD in Industrial-Organisational Psychology PhD in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science	581-590	12, 375 CAD
University of Toronto	PhD in Clinical Psychology PhD in Counselling Psychology PhD in School and Clinical Child Psychology PhD in Psychology	26	8,736 CAD

Hence, the psychology scope in Canada has been outlined for greater understanding. Applicants must be aware of the eligibility criteria and other requirements when applying for Psychology. However, it may vary from University to University, although the standard criteria may remain the same. This will help them prepare for it accordingly: 

For Bachelors 

• Candidates must have attained a CGPA of 4.33. 
• They must have pursued Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.  
• They must have either undertaken IELTS or achieved a band score of 6.5. On the other hand, they should score 90 in TOEFL. 

For Masters 

• Candidates must have appeared for the GRE. 
• They must have scored a band 7 in IELTS or between 86-120 in TOEFL. If appearing for PTE, they need a score of 63. 

PhD 

• Students must have been able to achieve 80% in their Master’s. However, Clinical and Social Psychology also might not ask for a Master’s degree in this. 
• They should be able to achieve a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5. However, for TOEFL, they must have been able to achieve 90. 
• Candidates must apply for a study permit immediately after receiving their acceptance letter. 
• While applying, they must have the transcripts handy, along with the Degree certificate, GMA\GRE scores, Reference letter, CV, SOP, Writing sample, Passport, and financial statement. 

Note: A statement of Purpose is required irrespective of the course one is applying for.

International students who wish to study in Canada must pay primarily three expenses: pre-arrival, living costs and tuition fees. Generally, the pre-arrival cost is standardized as noted down below: 

Course	Pre-Arrival Cost
Bachelor	University application- 70- 145 CAD Student Visa- 305 CAD Airfare- 584- 1820 CAD Health Insurance- 13,000 CAD
Masters	University application– 75 USD  Student Visa- 235 USD Health Insurance– 410-607 USD

However, accommodation, utilities, clothing and other-related expenses may differ. 

Now that one knows how to become a psychologist, one must prepare for it and score well to fulfil this dream. Besides, with its ample job opportunities and research-oriented curriculum, Canada makes it perfect for the flourishing of this subject.