Canada is a top study destination due to its world-class universities, high standard of living, and strong post-study work opportunities. Pursuing a master’s degree in Canada allows you to work alongside world-leading researchers, use cutting-edge labs, and contribute to projects that have a real-world impact. Many programmes offer practical experience with real data and partners right from the start of your studies.
Key highlights:
- Master’s in Canada – At a Glance
- Top 10 Universities in Canada for MS (2026)
- Admission Requirements in Top MS Universities in Canada
- Job Opportunities and Career Scope After Studying a Master’s in Canada
Master’s in Canada – At a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Universities Offering MS Degrees | 85+ |
| Types of Master’s Programme | Mainly two: course-based (taught) and research-based (thesis) |
| Duration | 1-2 years |
| Average Tuition Fee | ~CAD 21,100 per year |
| Major Intake Seasons for Master’s | Winter (January): September to November deadline Fall (September): December to March deadline |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Up to 3 years for MS graduates |
Top Universities in Canada for MS
Selecting the right university is a defining decision in your academic journey. Canada has some of the world’s top-ranking universities as per the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. The following universities stand out for their strong MS programmes, research opportunities, industry connections, and support for international students.
Here are the top 10 universities in Canada for MS in 2026
1. University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is one of the world’s top research universities, bringing together great minds from all backgrounds to collaborate on the world’s most pressing challenges. It is one of the world’s largest and most highly regarded centres for advanced education at the master’s and doctoral levels.
| Key Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Toronto, Ontario |
| World University Rankings 2026 (Global) |
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| Popular MS Courses |
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| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ CAD 37,000 |
2. McGill University
Founded in 1821, McGill University is a public research university. As a graduate student, you get to choose from over 450 programmes, across three campuses and 50+ research centres and institutes. You also enjoy a thriving community of international graduate students from 150+ countries.
| Key Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Montreal, Quebec |
| Montreal, Quebec |
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| Popular MS Courses |
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| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ CAD 18,000 |
3. University of British Columbia (UBC)
The University of British Columbia is a global research centre offering 300+ graduate programmes and 2,200+ research supervisors. As a graduate student at UBC, you get comprehensive support for professional development at every stage of venture and company creation.
| Key Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| World University Rankings 2026 (Global) |
|
| Popular MS Courses |
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| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ CAD 8,500 |
4. McMaster University
McMaster University is a research-intensive, student-centred university with over 135 years of expertise. You get to choose from 130+ graduate programmes. Its vibrant community is truly global, with international students from 87 countries making up over 25% of the graduate population.
| Key Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hamilton, Ontario |
| World University Rankings 2026 (Global) |
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| Popular MS Courses |
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| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ CAD 17,000 |
5. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a public university and one of Canada’s leading institutions for teaching and research. It offers you 500+ graduate programmes to choose from. It is known for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering and health sciences.
| Key Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Edmonton, Alberta |
| World University Rankings 2026 (Global) |
|
| Popular MS Courses |
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| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ CAD 9,400 |
6. University of Waterloo
Founded in 1957, the University of Waterloo is a leading university in experiential learning, offering innovative programmes for curious minds. As a graduate student, you will receive the resources and support needed to create real-world impact across your fields and communities here.
| Key Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Waterloo, Ontario |
| World University Rankings 2026 (Global) |
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| Popular MS Courses |
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| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ CAD 14,000 |
7. Western University
Western University is a leading research-intensive university that connects students with world-renowned experts in exciting, emerging fields. Here, you’ll join a collaborative community dedicated to innovative research and leadership across disciplines while pursuing your master’s.
| Key Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | London, Ontario |
| World University Rankings 2026 (Global) |
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| Popular MS Courses |
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| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ CAD 117,000 |
8. University of Calgary
UCalgary is one of the top research universities in Canada that brings together academic excellence with the city’s vibrant spirit. You get to choose from 80 graduate programmes and enjoy a dynamic campus alongside personalised advising and support services to help you thrive while doing your master’s.
| Key Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Calgary, Alberta |
| World University Rankings 2026 (Global) |
|
| Popular MS Courses |
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| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ CAD 14,500 |
9. Queen’s University
Queen’s University offers a vibrant student community with 22 research centres. As a graduate student, you’ll benefit from expert supervision in state-of-the-art facilities that actively support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
| Key Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kingston, Ontario |
| World University Rankings 2026 (Global) |
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| Popular MS Courses |
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| Average Annual Tuition Fee Range | ~ CAD 12,300 – 1,09,900 |
10. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is among Canada’s top research universities and offers over 160 graduate programmes to its growing community of 7,000 students. Its capital-city location provides unique access to world-renowned labs and institutions.
| Key Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ottawa, Ontario |
| World University Rankings 2026 |
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| Popular MS Courses |
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| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ CAD 25,700 |
Admission Requirements in Top MS Universities in Canada
To secure admission to a master’s programme in Canada, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. While requirements vary by university and programme, here are the general prerequisites:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Results of English-language proficiency tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall score of 6.5
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is required, with a minimum score of 260. This requirement is usually required for engineering and science-based programmes
- For Master’s in management areas such as MBA, in Finance, and in Accounting, many Canadian business schools require you to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) exam with a minimum score of 650
- Updated resume
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Letters of recommendation (LORs)
- Admission essays
Job Opportunities and Career Scope After Studying a Master’s in Canada
One of the biggest advantages of studying a master’s in Canada is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada for up to 3 years after completing your degree, provided your programme was at least 8 months long and completed from a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institute (DLI).
Salaries vary by field and experience, but the average starting salary for master’s graduates in Canada ranges from CAD 60,000 to CAD 100,000 per year, with higher earnings in engineering, IT, and business sectors.
Also Read: Study IT in Canada: Universities, Courses, Fees and More
Average Salaries and Top Roles for Popular MS Courses in Canada (2026)
| Popular Courses | Average Annual Salary Range | Top Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | CAD 75,000 – CAD 110,000 |
|
| Data Science / Analytics | CAD 70,000 – CAD 100,000 |
|
| Engineering | CAD 65,000 – CAD 95,000 |
|
| Business / Finance | CAD 60,000 – CAD 90,000 |
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| Health / Life Sciences / Pharma | CAD 55,000 – CAD 80,000 |
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Note: Salaries vary based on location, experience, and specific employer.
Pursuing a master’s degree from one of the top universities in Canada is an exceptional choice for a strong and rewarding career. While Canadian universities provide excellent academic value, the overall cost of studying abroad can be overwhelming. To manage these expenses, many students opt for education loans so that they can focus on their studies without worries.
At Avanse Financial Services, we believe that access to quality education should not be limited by finances. We offer customised education loans for studying abroad with benefits such as 100% financing, quick sanctions, and flexible repayment options. You can also review our education loan interest rates to plan your finances better. Feel free to reach out to us. Our team will be happy to assist you on your journey to studying in Canada.
