Canada vs Ireland​ for Master’s Programs: Top Universities, Fees & Scholarships in 2025

If you plan to study abroad and are stuck on Canada vs Ireland, which is better for a master’s program for Indian students, this blog post could help you! As you are reading this blog, we assume you are an Indian study-abroad aspirant. If so, then you must weigh some factors if you want to study either in Canada or Ireland. You must weigh factors such as quality of education, cost of education, job opportunities, and post-study work options.  

Why Study in Canada?

Canada is a favoured country for its globally recognized institutes, excellent job market, and welcoming immigration policies. Canada is also a multicultural country that offers affordable undergraduate and postgraduate education to international students. The country’s affordable education compared to other Western nations further enhances its appeal. If you study in Canada, rest assured you will have a global career with unlimited potential and growth. 

Why Study in Ireland?

On the other hand, if you study in Ireland, you will have excellent option to work in Ireland or other parts of the world. The growth and exposure are unlimited. Ireland has gained attraction as an emerging country for higher education, especially for PG programs in medicine, business management, finance, accounting, media and journalism, business analytics, cloud computing, etc. Ireland is home to top universities and the European headquarters of major MNCs. 

Judging Canada vs Ireland is difficult, but we will help you to choose the best University and the best course according to your budget and career goals. Let’s explore why you would like to study in Ireland or Canada for a master’s program. 

Ireland or Canada, which is better for a master's?

Now, the question is, Ireland or Canada, which is better? Choosing between Ireland or Canada for a PG program depends on one’s career goals and budget. Canada offers longer post-study work permits and easier PR pathways, but the cost of studying in Canada is higher than in Ireland. Ireland provides a faster one-year master’s degree and robust career opportunities and global exposure. Both countries have excellent universities; the best choice depends on priorities, career objectives, and cost.

Canada Vs Ireland: A Comperative Analysis

Canada vs Ireland for Indian students is one of the most difficult decisions, as Canada offers long-term settlement opportunities with an excellent job market, while Ireland provides a faster master's program in various disciplines and access to the European job market. Here is a comparative analysis highlighting the key factors for Indian study-abroad aspirants considering a master’s degree program in Canada or Ireland. 

Explore Canada vs Ireland​ Which is Better for Masters

Living in Canada Vs Ireland 

Living in Canada vs Ireland differs in cost of education, climate, and job opportunities. Normally, Canada offers a multicultural environment with long-term PR benefits. On the other hand, Ireland provides a vibrant European lifestyle with easier access to European Union job markets.

Top 5 Advantages of Living in Canada

• Easier permanent residency pathways
• High-quality public healthcare system
• Strong job market with competitive salaries
• Multicultural environment with diverse communities
• Excellent work-life balance with natural scenic beauty

Top 5 Advantages of Living in Ireland

• Access to the European job market
• Lower tax rates for professionals
• One-year master’s programs for faster job entry
• Rich cultural and social life with historic charm
• Proximity to other European countries for travel opportunities

Canada vs Ireland Top Courses Popular for Indian Students

Canada and Ireland are well-known for offering top undergraduate and graduate courses in various disciplines. Here are some of the top courses popular among Indian students. 

Canada:

• Computer Science Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Business and Management:
• Master of Human Resources
• MBBS or MD, Dentistry
• Nursing, Pharmacy
• Hospitality Management
• Environmental Sciences and Technology. 

Ireland:

• Business and Management
• MSc in Entrepreneurship. 
• Computer Science Engineering
• Dentistry
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Hospitality Management
• Finance
• Creative Writing Courses

CANADA vs IRELAND: Top Universities to pursue Masters

Canada boasts renowned universities like the University of Toronto, UBC, and McGill, offering diverse graduate programs and research opportunities. On the other hand, Ireland features top universities like Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. These Universities are known for academic excellence in business and management, technology, and pharmaceuticals, and many more with strong European Union industry ties. Let’s see the top universities in Canada and Ireland with their average tuition fees and world rankings. 

Top Universities in Canada

Top Universities in Ireland

Cost of Studying in Canada vs Ireland

Annual tuition fees for UG courses in Canada range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000, while PG courses cost CAD 18,000 to CAD 40,000.

On the other hand, UG course fees in Ireland range from EUR 9,000 to EUR 25,000 per year, and PG course fees are between EUR 10,000 and EUR 30,000.

Ireland vs Canada: Climate

Ireland has a mild temperate and maritime climate, but in Canada, the temperature varies widely with many regions experiencing harsh winters and warm summers, particularly in the interior and prairie provinces.

Ireland vs Canada: Admission Requirements

The admission requirements in Canada and Ireland vary. A few admission criteria are the same, and a few are different. Let’s see the requirements for studying a master’s program in Canada and Ireland.

Admission Requirements in Ireland for Master’s Program

• Bachelor's Degree
• Academic Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose 
• Letters of Recommendation
• English Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
• Minimum IELTS score, overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0.
• Health Insurance

Admission Requirements in Canada for Master’s Program

• Bachelor's Degree, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or its international equivalent, such as a UK 2:1) is often expected. 
• Academic Experience
• GMAT/GRE
• English Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
• Academic Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose 
• Letters of Recommendation

Canada vs Ireland: Student Visa

Canada vs Ireland: Student Visa processes differ a lot, with Canada offering longer post-study work permits, and in Ireland, students get quicker approvals and European Union access. Here is a comparison of Canada vs Ireland Student visas. 

Scholarships to Study in Canada and Ireland

A bunch of scholarships or financial aid are provided by the government of Canada and Ireland for international students. Here are the top five scholarships in each country offered. 

Top Scholarships to Study in Canada

Top Scholarships to Study in Ireland

Canada vs Ireland: Return On Investment

The ROI or return on investment for a master’s program in Canada vs Ireland depends on tuition fees, job prospects after the program, and salaries. In Canada, the average tuition fee ranges from CAD 17,000 to CAD 40,000. On the other hand, in Ireland, it is EUR 10,000 to EURO 35,000. Also, the average salary a graduate can expect after completing his or her master’s in Canada is CAD 60,000 to CAD 90,000 per year, with high demand in Information Technology, finance and accounting, and healthcare. In Ireland, the average salary a graduate can expect after completing his or her master’s is EURO 40,000 to EURO 60,000 annually, with strong job markets in technology, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. If we do Canada vs Ireland ROI, then Canada provides better Permanent Residency pathways, while Ireland offers quicker job entry because of shorter master’s programs, impacting long-term Return On Investment.

The Key Takeaways

Choosing between Ireland and Canada for a graduate program depends on your career objectives and budget. Canada offers top job opportunities, global exposure, easier PR pathways, and unlimited growth. Ireland, with its 1-year graduate programs, offers quicker job entry, global career prospects, and strong ties to the European Union job market. Certainly, both countries offer quality education and scholarships for international students. Canada is ideal for those seeking permanent residency and long-term settlement. On the other hand, Ireland is great for those seeking quicker ROI and access to EU job opportunities. 

Explore the top universities in Canada and Ireland with Education Vibes! Get expert guidance on the best master’s program for you today