25 June 2025
7 minutes read
Is Doing MS in Canada Worth It for Indian Students?
25 June 2025
7 minutes read
Key Takeaways
- Is doing MS in Canada worth it? Absolutely, with globally ranked universities, affordable tuition, and excellent research opportunities.
- Is doing MS in Canada worth it? Indian students benefit from high employability, post-study work permits, and a path to permanent residency.
- Is doing MS in Canada worth it? Yes, thanks to diverse MS specializations, strong industry ties, and vibrant international student communities.
Canada is a favorite among Indian students who want to pursue an MS abroad. With its prestigious education system, top-notch universities, multicultural society, and liberal immigration rules, study in Canada offers much more than just a degree.
Indian students in search of international experience, vocational training, and post-study work opportunities find this North American country a best bet.
But is it worth pursuing an MS at elite Canadian universities for MS course in Canada? This article explores everything you need to know before you venture into studying in Canada.
Why Study MS in Canada?
Fun Fact: Canada is one of the top three countries to study abroad in the entire world!
Below are some compelling reasons why Indian students must prefer studying an MS in Canada:
- High-Quality Education: Canadian universities rank among the top universities in the world at all times.
- Low Tuition Fee: Compared to the USA or UK, Canada offers quality education at relatively low fees.
- Job Opportunities within Canada: Part-time work is available for international students during and after studies with hands-on exposure.
- Permanent Residency for Canada: Students can seek permanent residency upon graduation.
- Cultural Diversity: There is a massive population of Indians and multicultural society in Canada.
How Many Foreign Students Study in Canada for Masters?
Fun Fact: More than 800,000 international students studied at Canadian colleges in 2024 alone!
Canada is home to some of the most popular destinations for international students studying master’s degrees.
- Increasing Numbers: The number of international students pursuing an MS in Canada only increases every year.
- Indian Students Dominant: A high proportion of the group consists of Indian students.
- Most Popular Cities: Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal host the most foreign students.
- Most Popular Fields: Engineering, computer science, business, and health sciences are the most popular fields.
- Supportive Policies: Scholarships to international students, PGWP (Post-Graduate Work Permit), and friendly visa norms.
| Year | Total International Students | Percentage in Masters | Indian Student Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 622,000 | 27% | 34% |
| 2023 | 735,000 | 30% | 36% |
| 2024 | 807,750 | 32% | 38% |
Is Doing MS in Canada Worth It at Top Universities for Indian Students?
Fun Fact: 4 Canadian universities are ranked among the top 100 globally for graduate employability!
Indian aspirants pursuing MS at top institutions in Canada enjoy multiple benefits:
- Leading MS Universities in Canada: High-ranking institutions with global recognition.
- Research Opportunities: Extensive scope in research and innovation.
- Internships and Co-ops: Many programs offer hands-on work experience.
- Employment Opportunities in Canada: High demand for MS graduates.
- Pathway to PR: Strong chance to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
| University | Global Ranking | Avg. Tuition Fee (CAD/year) | Avg. Salary After Grad (CAD) |
| University of Toronto | 18 | 38,000 | 75,000 |
| University of British Columbia | 34 | 30,000 | 70,000 |
| McGill University | 46 | 28,000 | 72,000 |
| University of Waterloo | 112 | 25,000 | 80,000 |
| McMaster University | 189 | 26,000 | 68,000 |
What Does Studying Masters in Canada Look Like for an International Student?
Fun Fact: More than 96% of international students report being satisfied with their Canadian education experience!
An MS student’s life in Canada blends academics, research, and rich multicultural exposure.
- Academic Structure: Coursework, thesis, and co-op options.
- Flexible Programs: 1-2 year masters programs in Canada with various start dates.
- Part-Time Jobs: Work up to 20 hours/week during semesters.
- Scholarships: Numerous universities offer financial aid.
- Networking: Strong alumni and professional communities.
| Requirement | Description |
| Duration | 1-2 years depending on the program |
| Intakes | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan), Spring (May) |
| GPA Requirement | 3.0/4.0 or 7.5/10 (varies by program) |
| Language Tests | IELTS, TOEFL (Score varies per university) |
| Entry Exams | GRE/GMAT for specific programs |
Top MS Universities in Canada for International Students
Fun Fact: Canadian universities consistently outperform global benchmarks for teaching and research impact.
Here’s a list of the top 15 MS institutions in Canada for Indian and international students. All these institutions are known for strong academic frameworks, modern facilities, and industry partnerships:
| University | City | Avg. Tuition Fee (CAD/year) | Global Rank |
| University of Toronto | Toronto | 38,000 | 18 |
| University of British Columbia | Vancouver | 30,000 | 34 |
| McGill University | Montreal | 28,000 | 46 |
| University of Waterloo | Waterloo | 25,000 | 112 |
| University of Alberta | Edmonton | 22,000 | 118 |
| McMaster University | Hamilton | 26,000 | 189 |
| Simon Fraser University | Burnaby | 20,000 | 201-250 |
| Western University | London | 23,000 | 172 |
| Queen’s University | Kingston | 27,000 | 209 |
| University of Ottawa | Ottawa | 21,000 | 237 |
| York University | Toronto | 24,000 | 401-450 |
| Concordia University | Montreal | 20,000 | 477 |
| University of Calgary | Calgary | 22,000 | 175 |
| Dalhousie University | Halifax | 18,000 | 291 |
| Carleton University | Ottawa | 19,000 | 601-650 |
Do These Universities Offer MS Specializations?
Fun Fact: Canadian universities provide over 500 MS programs across disciplines.
Students seeking to pursue an MS can choose from a wide range of specializations:
- Computer Science: One of the most in-demand programs in Canada.
- Data Science & AI: Emerging as a top choice among Indian aspirants.
- Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and more.
- Health Sciences: Public health, pharma, biomedical sciences.
- Business Analytics: Ideal for tech+management enthusiasts.
| University | Specializations Offered |
| University of Toronto | CS, AI, Civil, Mechanical, Public Health |
| UBC | CS, Engineering, Forestry, Bioinformatics |
| McGill | CS, Management, Medicine, Physics |
| Waterloo | CS, AI, Electrical, Software Engineering |
| McMaster | Health Sciences, Materials Science, Civil Engineering |
Cost of Studying MS Courses in Best Universities in Canada for Masters
Fun Fact: Studying an MS in Canada varies from CAD 18,000 to CAD 38,000 per year.
The cost of studying an MS in Canada varies depending on program and university:
- Public Universities: More affordable and widely preferred.
- Tuition Fee Range: CAD 18,000 – CAD 38,000 per year.
- Additional Costs: Lab, library, and student association fees.
- Scholarships Available: Merit-based and need-based.
- Financial Planning: Crucial for students who want to study abroad.
| University | Avg. Tuition Fee (CAD/year) | Other Fees (CAD) |
| University of Toronto | 38,000 | 1,200 |
| UBC | 30,000 | 950 |
| McGill | 28,000 | 800 |
| Waterloo | 25,000 | 1,000 |
| McMaster | 26,000 | 850 |
Admission Requirements, Tuition Fees for MS and Other Requirements for Masters in Canada
Fun Fact: Most Canada universities provide multiple intakes in a year, unlike many global institutions!
Before applying, students who want to study an MS in Canada must know the following:
- Admission Requirements: GPA, standardized test scores, letter of recommendation, personal statement, statement of purpose, and resume.
- Standardized Tests: GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT based on program requirements.
- Language Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory.
- Documentation: Transcripts, passport, and other essentials.
- Application Deadlines: Vary by university and program.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| GPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0/4.0 or 7.5/10 (varies across programs) |
| Required Exams | GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT depending on the course |
| Language Proficiency | IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (80+ iBT) |
| Documents Needed | LORs, SOP, Resume, Transcripts, Passport |
| Tuition Fees | CAD 18,000 – CAD 38,000/year depending on the university |
Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students
Fun Fact: Monthly living expenses in Canada vary depending on the city, but average between CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,500!
Living in Canada for international students involves a mix of expenses:
- Accommodation: Options include on-campus, off-campus, or shared housing.
- Utilities & Internet: May or may not be included in rent.
- Transportation: Monthly passes and discounts for students.
- Food & Groceries: Affordable when budgeting properly.
- Healthcare: Mandatory insurance for international students.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (CAD) |
| Rent | 600 – 1,500 |
| Utilities & Internet | 100 – 200 |
| Transportation | 80 – 150 |
| Food | 200 – 350 |
| Health Insurance | 75 – 100 |
Job Opportunities in Canada After Pursuing the Best Masters Programs in Canada for International Students
Fun Fact: Canada is one of the few countries offering a 3-year post-study work permit for master’s graduates!
Post MS in Canada, international students have ample employment opportunities:
- Work Permit: Post-Graduate Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows up to 3 years of work.
- High-Demand Sectors: Tech, engineering, business, healthcare.
- Average Salaries: Range from CAD 60,000 to CAD 100,000 depending on field.
- Campus Recruitment: Top Canadian universities have strong placement records.
- Permanent Residency Pathways: Simplified for MS graduates.
| Sector | Average Salary (CAD/year) | Notable Roles |
| Tech & Computer Science | 75,000 – 100,000 | Developer, Analyst, AI Engineer |
| Engineering | 70,000 – 95,000 | Civil, Mechanical Engineer |
| Business & Finance | 65,000 – 90,000 | Analyst, Consultant |
| Healthcare | 68,000 – 85,000 | Public Health Specialist |
| Research & Academia | 60,000 – 80,000 | Research Assistant, Professor |
Top Recruiters for MS Students After Pursuing Masters Program in Canada
Fun Fact: Many global tech giants recruit directly from Canadian campuses!
- Google Canada: Recruits software and AI engineers.
- Amazon: Offers roles in operations, tech, and analytics.
- Deloitte: Hires business analysts and consultants.
- Bombardier: Prefers engineering graduates.
- Shopify: One of Canada’s biggest tech employers.
Is Your MS Degree in Canada from Top MS Colleges in Canada Valued Abroad?
Fun Fact: MS degrees from Canada are recognized and respected worldwide!
- Global Recognition: Degrees from Canada universities are globally acknowledged.
- Alumni Networks: Present in leading global corporations.
- Research Focus: Strong emphasis on innovation and research.
- Exchange Programs: Boost global exposure.
- Job Portability: Easy transition to jobs in the USA, UK, Australia, and more.
Additional Points to Note About the Top Universities for Masters in Canada
Fun Fact: Canada is a bilingual nation—you might end up learning French too!
- Universities in Canada for MS: Spread across provinces with unique academic ecosystems.
- Canada Offers: A wide range of MS programs in different fields.
- Application Assistance: International students to help navigate visa and admission.
- Programs in Canada Include: Co-op and research-based models.
- Canada is the Perfect Destination for Indian Students Seeking: A combination of quality education and settlement opportunities.
Conclusion
For Indian aspirants, pursuing MS in Canada offers much more than academic insight. With globally ranked institutions, affordable tuition fee, and MS specializations with diverse needs, the country has set itself up as a top destination for students among student populations around the world.
From the University of Toronto to McGill, top MS universities in Canada offer superior education, access to research, and easy access to Canadian employment opportunities.
With a good immigration policy and the possibility to obtain permanent residency in Canada, students interested in studying an MS in Canada in 2025 have much to gain.
Furthermore, the cost of living in Canada and expenses in Canada are manageable with proper planning. Whether you’re diving into computer science, engineering, or public health, Canada universities offer programs that align with global industry standards.
So, if you’re still wondering whether pursuing an MS in Canada is worth it—consider this your sign. It absolutely is. Choose Ambitio and embark on your journey to top colleges.
FAQs
Is doing MS in Canada worth it for Indian students seeking job opportunities?
Yes, Indian students have access to diverse employment options, co-op programs, and strong post-graduation work policies in Canada.
Is doing MS in Canada worth it compared to the USA or UK?
Canada offers quality education, affordable tuition, and simpler immigration processes, making it a top choice for many international students.
Is doing MS in Canada worth it despite the cost of living?
Although living costs vary by city, students can offset expenses through scholarships, part-time work, and shared accommodations.
Is doing MS in Canada worth it for students interested in permanent residency?
Canada’s immigration system favors international graduates, offering clear pathways to permanent residency after completing an MS.
Is doing MS in Canada worth it for computer science and tech-focused careers?
Absolutely, Canadian universities are known for their strong tech programs, industry partnerships, and excellent placement rates.
Is doing MS in Canada worth it if I plan to return to India or work in other countries?
A Canadian MS degree is globally recognized, enhancing employability both in India and across international markets.
Is doing MS in Canada worth it for those focused on academic research and innovation?
Yes, Canadian institutions provide extensive research opportunities, funding support, and collaboration with leading global organizations.
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