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Can you provide information about studying in Canada and what opportunities are there for a Bachelor's/Master's?

04 Sept 2026 · Answered by Sumit Singh Chauhan · 2 min read
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Canada lets you work up to 20 hours a week off campus during semesters and full time during breaks; a bachelor's takes 3 to 4 years, a master's takes 1 to 2 years. Master's graduates qualify for a 3 year work permit even if their program ran under two years.

Sumit Singh Chauhan
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Canada gives you two clear entry points, an undergraduate bachelor's or a shorter postgraduate master's, and both come with strong work rights while you study and after you graduate. Your choice mostly depends on how much time you want to spend and whether you already hold an undergraduate degree.

Bachelor's vs Master's in Canada

FeatureBachelor's DegreeMaster's Degree
Duration3 to 4 years1 to 2 years, course or research based
FocusBroad foundational knowledge with specialized majors and co-opsAdvanced, specialized study or research
Key advantageFull immersion in campus life and the Canadian systemShorter time commitment and faster career positioning
Post-Graduation Work PermitUp to 3 years depending on program lengthUp to 3 years, even if the program itself ran shorter than 2 years

Work Rights and Popular Fields

  • You can work up to 20 hours per week off campus during regular semesters and full time during scheduled breaks.
  • Bachelor's and master's graduates are exempt from the stricter targeted occupation lists that apply to some non-degree college programs.
  • Strong fields include computer science, data science, and engineering, business and finance, healthcare and life sciences, and environmental sustainability.
  • PGWP applicants must now meet a minimum score on an approved English or French language test.

My Advice

If you already hold a bachelor's degree, a Canadian master's gets you to the 3 year PGWP faster and with less total time invested than starting a new bachelor's. Apply early for entrance scholarships such as the Lester B. Pearson award at Toronto or UBC's International Scholars Program, since early applications significantly improve your funding odds.

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