All you need to know about masters in Canada

Known for its scenic beauty and high standard of living, Canada is also the most educated country in the world. It is quickly becoming the top destination for international students because of its quality education and low tuition fees. You will find that the universities in Canada do amazing research and provide a great study experience. Canada is also one of the most diverse places to live, and it welcomes students from all over the world. What’s more, it’s one of the very few countries that provide international students with job opportunities after they graduate! This blog will tell you why I think you should totally do your masters in Canada.

Studying in Canada

The low cost of education and focus on research are not the only reasons Canada is popular with overseas students. Canada is safe, economically stable, secure, and healthy. It has a great quality of life and an enviable education system. Let’s look at the benefits of studying in Canada one by one-

Nature

The second-largest country in the world, Canada is surrounded by three oceans! The country is dominated by forests, lakes, mountains, grasslands, and the arctic. Its natural beauty and wildlife will make you want to explore the country while you’re there.

Education

So many of the top universities and colleges in the world are located in Canada. Here, students become experts in fields like Journalism, Politics, Medicine, and Technology. As long as you’re studying in Canada, you have a chance to work with some of the brightest minds in the world.

International outlook

What sets Canada further apart is the way it welcomes international students. Not only is Canada culturally diverse, but it is also very friendly and open-minded. You will see students from all over the world, including India, China, France, and South Korea, studying in Canada.

Quality of life

As I’ve already mentioned, Canada is safe and economically stable. This means that the country has a good quality of life. What’s more, the health insurance provided by Canada is one of the best in the world, and certainly better than what the US provides.

Cost-effective 

Studying in Canada is less costly. There are several scholarships available for both national and international students. Moreover, after graduating, students can choose to stay back in Canada for the same duration as their program, seek a job, and easily apply for a work permit.

Top universities in Canada

Times Higher Education, QS World Rankings, and several other global ranking websites show that several Canadian universities rank among the top 100. This doesn’t just show that the quality of education is high, but also that universities in Canada conduct global leaders in research and innovation. Students are also offered practical, hands-on experience during their studies through co-op placements. Consequently, a degree from a Canadian university opens doors and unleashes endless possibilities. 

The top universities in Canada are-

1. University of Toronto
2. McGill University
3. University of British Columbia
4. Université de Montréal
5. University of Alberta
6. McMaster University
7. University of Waterloo
8. Western University
9. Queen’s University
10. University of Calgary

Home to several Nobel Laureates and Rhode Scholars, these Canadian universities are also known for their diverse, international faculty and the post-study opportunities they offer.

What are the study requirements in Canada?

Like most countries, Canada does not have a centralized application system. So, once you’ve shortlisted the universities you want to apply to, you will have to go through their websites and find out the Canadian study requirements. However, a few requirements are common across programs and universities.

For an undergraduate course, you will need to provide-

• A high school diploma
• Proof of language proficiency in English (and French, if you apply for a bilingual course).

For students pursuing a post-graduate degree, the minimum GPA should be 3.0 out of 4.0. Depending on the subject area, your GRE or GMAT scores will also be required. Apart from that, universities also ask students to submit –

• Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• CV
• Proof of language proficiency
• Portfolio (for subjects like fine arts, architecture, etc.)

I suggest you start preparing these documents 6 months before you have to apply. After you submit your application, it is time to wait. If shortlisted, you will receive a letter of acceptance, which you can then use to apply for a student permit (and even a scholarship)!

What is the cost of studying in Canada?

Studying in Canada is cheaper than pursuing your education in the US, the UK, or Australia. Having said that, the cost of studying in Canada will depend on the program you choose. While the cost of studying subjects like Arts and Humanities can be around CAD $13,500, universities charge international students an overall amount of CAD $17,300 on average. Programs in the fields of Medicine and Business can cost about CAD $50,000. However, if you’re studying programs like Engineering or Architecture, the fee will be quite less than that.

Apart from that, a major chunk of your finances will be used for accommodation. While one-bedroom apartments cost an average of CAD $700, three-bedroom apartments will charge you, CAD, $1,500. On-campus housing, on the other hand, is cheaper than looking for apartments outside. Apart from that, food, transportation, and other amenities will cost you close to CAD $350 per month.

On the brighter side, you can work part-time for 20 hours a week on-campus or off-campus. And you don’t need a work visa to be able to do that! A student permit is enough. And if you don’t want to go for that option, several scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

How can I get a student visa for a master’s in Canada?

If you want to study in Canada, you will need a Canadian study permit. As I’ve already mentioned, this study permit will also allow you to work part-time during your studies.

Given the amount of time it takes to process the permit, it is recommended that you apply for it 4-5 months in advance.

To apply for the Canadian study permit-

1. Get a letter of acceptance from a recognized institution in Canada
2. Check out the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website
3. Fill out the application form on the CIC website and apply
4. If you’re told you’re eligible to study in Canada, start collecting your documents (including proof of minimum funds)
5. Within 60 days, you will have to submit your documents and pay the processing fee
6. Some applicants might be called to attend an interview at the Canadian consulate nearby

The study permit will allow you to stay in Canada for the duration of your program, plus 90 days, during which you can renew it.

What about the job opportunities for Canadian graduates?

Remember how I’d said Canada welcomes international students with open arms? Yes, the Canadian immigration policies are geared towards retaining international talent in Canada. Students who have done a masters in Canada can apply for a work visa and stay back for the same amount of time as their course duration!

And because the Canadian economy is stable, amazing jobs with local and top global companies are available in plenty. Some of the highest graduate salaries are in the fields of STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics), Medicine, Therapy, Environment Studies, and Community Service.

So, once you’ve received your job offer, you can apply for a post-graduation work permit. What’s more, a minimum of 12 months of work experience will make you eligible to apply for an Express Entry. An Express Entry means that you can continue staying in Canada as a skilled worker and begin working your way towards permanent residency.

Should I do my masters in Canada?

Yes! Regardless of being a STEM or a non-STEM student, Canada is the best country you can go to. Canadian universities are global leaders in education, research, and innovation. What’s more, the cost of education is relatively low, the quality of life is great, and the economy is stable. So, you can easily stay back and pursue a masters in Canada.

My only advice? Don’t forget to carry your thermal wear!

Liked this blog? Also, read Top 7 scholarships to study in Canada for international students

FAQs

Q1. Are there any government-funded scholarships for pursuing masters in Canada?

Answer – Yes there are a number of government scholarships for international students looking to study in Canada. At times there are even special scholarships for certain areas of study.

Q2. What is the validity of a post-graduation work permit in Canada?

Answer – A post-graduation work permit may be valid anywhere between 8 months to 3 years. Its validity is dependent on the duration of the program you completed in Canada.

Q3. Can students in Canada work full time during vacation?

Answer – There are no restrictions on working hours for international students during a vacation in Canada. You are free to work overtime, and even two part-time jobs if you like.