How much does a full master's program cost and what is the typical duration, like one year in Canada?
Yes, one-year Master's programs exist in Canada, mostly course-based options, while thesis-based programs usually take two years. Tuition runs 10,000 to over 40,000 Canadian dollars a year, so a one-year degree with living costs typically totals 32,000 to 70,000 dollars or more.
Yes, you can complete a Master's in Canada in as little as one year if you choose a course-based professional program, though thesis-based research degrees generally take two years. Your total cost depends on your field of study and how long your specific program runs.
Tuition and Total Cost by Program Length
| Program Type | Typical Duration | Estimated Total Cost (Tuition + Living) |
|---|---|---|
| Course-based / professional | 12 to 18 months | CAD 32,000 to CAD 70,000+ |
| Thesis-based / research | 2 years | CAD 64,000 to CAD 140,000+ |
Annual Tuition by Field
- General, humanities, or education programs: CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,000 a year.
- STEM, healthcare, or computer science programs: CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000+ a year.
- Executive or specialised business degrees like an MBA: CAD 40,000 to over CAD 80,000 for the full program.
- Living expenses: budget a minimum of CAD 22,000 to CAD 30,000 a year, higher in Toronto or Vancouver than in smaller university cities.
My Advice
If a one-year timeline matters more to you than a research thesis, filter your shortlist to course-based programs first, since they cut a full year of living costs out of your total budget. Confirm the exact program length with the university's official page before applying, since "one year" listings sometimes stretch to three consecutive semesters, and a Leap counsellor can help you cross-check this against your visa and work-permit plans.
Looking for a specific course in Canada?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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