Masters in Canada: Top Universities, Cost, Duration & Work Permit in 2026

A Masters in Canada offers internationally recognised education, affordable tuition fees, and post-study work opportunities. It has many top educational institutes that provide courses at lower costs as compared to the United Kingdom, the United States and others. As per the 2026 Times Higher Education ranking, six universities in Canada have secured a rank among the world’s top 150 institutes, reflecting their quality education. Most of the universities are famous for their research impact and alignment with the global academic standards. Selecting these academic institutes will give the students a competitive edge in the international job market. Not only that, there is a strong support group and an active multicultural community for additional guidance.

Why Choose Canada for a Master’s Degree?

Canadian universities offer industry-demanded postgraduate courses. You’ll be able to study in academic institutes that are globally recognised and famous for research. Apart from a better quality of life, it has a bunch of warm people who will ensure your comfort in a foreign country. Let’s see why a Masters Degree in Canada is beneficial for an Indian student. 

• World-class education with globally ranked universities and cutting-edge research facilities.
• Affordable tuition fees and living costs compared to other top study-abroad destinations.
• Post-graduation work permit in Canada (PGWP) allows up to 3 years of work experience.
• Pathway to permanent residency through student-friendly immigration policies.
  A multicultural and inclusive society offering a safe and welcoming environment.
• High demand for skilled graduates across sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance.

Popular Master's Programs in Canada

Canada is worth studying PG courses at affordable costs. After completing a master's in Canada, the average salary for a PG degree holder in Canada ranges between CAD 76,000 and CAD 110,000 (₹55- ₹66 lakhs). The top fields where Canada provides Masters are as follows: 

STEM and Technology 

• Information Technology
• Data Analytics
• Programming

Management 

• Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
• Financial Technology 
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Healthcare Sciences

• Nursing 
• Public Health
• Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences

Other popular postgraduate courses in Canada include: Project Management in Information Technology, Sports Business Management, Procurement Management, and Advanced Manufacturing Management.

Top Universities for Master's in Canada

In Canada, you are given the opportunity to enrol in three types of post-graduate programs - university degrees, co-op programs and PG Diplomas. Let’s see the universities that offer these programs to international students. 

1. Globally Recognised and Top-Tier Research Institutes

If you want to pursue a PHD in the future or want positions in the top managerial levels, then good academic knowledge is important. The following are the full-time programs in Canada for post-graduate studies, ranking among the best universities worldwide. 

2. Technology and STEM Universities 

Tech universities in Canada offer to international students the co-up programs by which they can get placement opportunities, just after the completion of their degrees. Students will also get an option of on-the-job training in the initial stages of their curriculum. Here’s a list of universities offering the same: 

3. Specialised Learning Colleges

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) offer Post-Graduate Diploma courses to international students that are job-oriented and meet the demands of the Canadian job market. 

Cost of Studying in Canada

Here are some of the examples of the universities that offer Master’s in Canada to Indian students. 

As per Edu Canada, the average tuition fees for Masters in Canada for international students is around  $21,100 or 28000 CAD (₹18 lakhs) per year. This fee is comparatively less than in countries like the USA, the UK, France and Australia. 

• Trent University: CAD 27,000–29,500 (₹17 lakhs- ₹19 lakhs)
• Dalhousie University: CAD 16,000–49,000 (₹10 lakhs- 33 lakhs)
• Ontario Tech University: CAD 37000 (₹25 lakhs)

Some affordable universities in Canada for MS for Indian and international master's degree aspirants include: the University of Victoria, the University of British Columbia, McMaster University, Carleton University, and the University of Ottawa. 

(Note: The tuition fees of these universities based in Canada can be altered; please always refer to the original website for accurate information.)

Duration of Master's Courses in Canada

Most of the Masters Program in Canada can be completed within 1-2 years but it depends on the course structure. A few renowned universities also offer 1-year master's programs in Canada. The best thing is – your master’s program in Canada includes a practicum, research paper, thesis, and/or course-based content.

Admission Requirements for Master's in Canada

Normally, the application process for a master’s in Canada depends on the eligibility of the bachelor’s programme. Here is the admission/application process to get admission for a master’s programme in Canada at one of the top Universities. 

• Application: Submit an online application with the required documents. The application fees will range from 100-150 CAD and are usually non-refundable. 
• English proficiency test: Provide proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL. As per the information in the British Council, the general IELTS Requirement is 6 overall in IELTS Academic and 7 in IELTS Training Score. 
• GMAT or GRE score: Submit your Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score 
• Statement of intent: Write a statement that introduces yourself to the admissions committee and explains your unique qualities. For many of the courses, a research proposals are asked by the universities, especially for PhD and Masters in Social Sciences Courses. 
• Recommendation letters: Provide one or more recommendation letters to show your academic references. 
• Interview: Prepare for an interview by researching common questions and practising your responses. This is common for degrees like MBA, Medical Degrees and various others. 
• Work experience: Provide relevant work experience, if applicable. 
• GPA: Provide your GPA, which may vary by university.

• Bachelor's degree: Provide a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Generally, a 4-year undergraduate degree is valid; however, a 3-year degree is also acceptable if there are exceptional work experiences.

Scholarships for Master's in Canada

Top universities in Canada offer various scholarships or financial aid for international students to study a master’s programme. Here are some of the renowned institutes that offer top scholarship programs for Indian and international master's degree aspirants. Let’s explore!

Post-Graduate Work Permit in 2026

The PGWP Work Permit is an open work permit for international students to gain professional experience in Canada. If you want to pursue Masters in Canada, then this permit will give you several advantages outlined below: 

1. 3 Years Job Expertise: The PGWP duration depends on program length and eligibility criteria set by IRCC. While the general rule is that with your 8 months Masters Program, you will be able to apply for this work permit in Canada for 3 years and gain professional experience. 
2. Exemption from the Field of Academic Study: Students pursuing Masters or PhD in Canada can apply for PGWP, regardless of any field of study. 

The Eligibility Criteria to apply for PGWP in 2026

• Your IELTS Score should be more than 6.0

• Graduated from a post-graduate diploma college or DLI that is under PGWP 
• Within 180 of receiving the final marksheet, you can apply for PGWP.

Step by Step Process of Canada Visa Process 

Step 1: Get Your Acceptance Letter 

The first step will be to take the offer letter from the Designation Learning Institution (DLI) or other universities where you have applied. .

Step 2: Display Your Financial Security 

To study in Canada, you need to get a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) by keeping a sum of money in Canadian banks. This ensures the government that you have financial security, this has increased to CAD 22,895, that should be paid and shown for visa enrolment. 

Step 3: Online Application through IRCC Portal 

Apply for the student permit online through the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Website. Attach the scanned copies of your passport, Letter of Acceptance (LOA), and other financial information. 

Step 4: Give Medical Exams and Biometrics 

Give your medical examination to IRCC approved physicians before the submission of the application. Visit the VFS global centre for the completion of your biometrics. 

Step 5: Get Port of Entry (POE) Letter 

In case your visa gets approved, you will get a letter called the Port of Entry (POE) Letter that you can show in Canada after landing in the airport. 

(Note: The PhD and Masters Degree aspirants will not have to show the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to enrol for a visa. This was mandatory before 2026, but now is only applicable for undergraduate programs.)

If you plan to study post-graduation in a developed nation, Masters in Canada could be a top choice. Top Universities in Canada offer many PG degree courses, ranging from 1 year to 2 years. The return on investment is also very good. The cost is comparatively less than the UK or the USA, ensuring a steady Return on Investment (ROI). After completing the program, you can work anywhere you like and will have global exposure with unlimited potential and growth! 

Get high-paid jobs with a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which helps you stay back and explore a lucrative career after your master’s in Canada. 

For Indian students who need guidance regarding the visa process and university selection, Education Vibes brings to you a team of experienced professionals who will guide you throughout the journey. Connect with us today at and get specialised mentoring.