What are the options for studying for a master’s degree in Canada?

As the competition for the postgraduate entrance examination in China becomes increasingly fierce, many candidates may face uncertainty after the exam and feel confused about the choice of future path. Should they insist on preparing for the second round of examinations, or look for other ways to study? In this case, considering studying abroad for a master’s degree may be a wise alternative. Especially for those students who have concerns about time arrangements, it is not too late to start preparing for studying abroad. Next, we will introduce the master’s degree program for studying in Canada in detail , providing strong support for your path to further study.

1. Advantages of studying for a master’s degree in Canada

1. Tuition Advantage

The tuition fee is cost-effective. The average tuition fee for a master’s degree in Canada is between 15,000 and 40,000 Canadian dollars. According to the embassy’s latest GIC adjustment amount, it is 20,635 Canadian dollars so that international students can be financially prepared for life in Canada. The total annual tuition fee can be controlled between 180,000 and 250,000 RMB (except for business).

2. Academic System

The average duration of a master’s degree in Canada is 1 to 2 years (16 months for some majors), and the length of the study system is more reasonable and moderate.

3. Employment advantages

Canada stipulates that graduates of higher degree programs of two years or above can apply for a work visa of no more than three years; many master’s programs offer Co-op paid internship programs, which are a great way to help with employment. After all, studying abroad is just a process, and employment is the kingly way.

4. Immigration Policy

The Canadian government has been implementing a stable and open immigration policy and has introduced various favorable policies to support this policy. For example, Ontario has introduced a master’s degree immigration scoring system, which requires a work permit but does not require working hours; if the master’s degree in British Columbia is on the list, you can directly apply for immigration after graduation. Other provinces also have different policies for master’s degree graduates, but overall they are very welcoming to master’s degree graduates.

2. Canadian Master’s Application Program

1. Apply directly for admission in Fall 2024

Canadian master’s applications are generally open in September every year. Currently, except for famous education schools, many majors are still open for application, and some majors can be accepted as late as June 1. If students already have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above (if you want to go to a famous school, it is recommended to have at least 7.0), you can consider applying directly for direct admission in the fall of 2024. If you cannot provide language standardized test scores for the time being, there are also a few schools that offer dual admission. Students can first enter the language course in September 2024 and then enter the professional course.

1) Suitable for students

Four-year undergraduate students with an average score of more than 80% and above average English proficiency

2) Minimum score requirements for direct admission to graduate school

Average score of 80 or above

IELTS 6.5 (single item 6.0), some majors 7.0 (single item 6.0)

Some business majors require GMAT, and some science and engineering majors require GRE (score requirements are for reference only)

3) Time planning

February 2024: Prepare study abroad application materials and IELTS scores, and submit the application as soon as possible [Application documents, such as: personal statement, 2 letters of recommendation, complete transcripts for 3.5 years (7 semesters), proof of enrollment, etc.]

Business majors need to provide GMAT, and some science and engineering majors need to provide GRE

PS: It is recommended to start preparing materials by February at the latest. Some majors only start once a year, and you will have to wait another year if you miss it.

April-May 2024: At this point, the final results of Canadian offers and postgraduate entrance exams have been announced, and students can make their choices based on their final plans. If you finally decide to attend a Canadian institution, you can pay the reservation fee according to the institution’s requirements and prepare visa materials.

June 2024: Submit your visa as early as possible. The peak period for Canadian visa review is from June to August. Students need to reserve enough time for the embassy to review the visa information during the peak period.

July-August 2024: Pre-departure preparation and start studying abroad.

September 2024: School starts

4) Recommended institutions:

The deadline for some programs at McMaster University is June 1; if you are enrolling in the spring of the second year, most of them actually have a deadline of July 1, 2024 (select more)

2. Master’s degree/preparatory course

If you want to enroll in the fall of 24, but don’t have enough time to prepare for IELTS/GMAT/GRE, then the master’s preparatory course is also an option.

The preparatory course provides a buffer period for most international students. The learning content includes not only academic English, but also academic skills and preparations on how to adapt to Canadian master’s studies, so that students can make a smoother transition to Canadian master’s studies (Note: the completion of the master’s preparatory course needs to be combined with the results of the domestic university before submitting the application to the Graduate School for review).

1) Suitable for students

Missed the application deadline for master’s degree but no time to prepare for language/GMAT/GRE, etc.

2) Minimum score requirements for pre-master’s courses

Four-year undergraduate degree with an average score of 75% or above

IELTS 5.5 (score requirement is for reference only)

3) Time planning

February 2024: Prepare application materials and submit application directly

[Application materials: complete transcripts for 3.5 years (7 semesters), proof of enrollment, etc.]

February-April 2024: The postgraduate entrance examination results will be released around this time, followed by the announcement of the re-examination scores. At this time, you can wait for the domestic postgraduate entrance examination results, prepare for the next interview, and wait for the Canadian preparatory admission in case of emergency. After receiving the offer, you can decide whether to enroll in a Canadian institution, pay the reservation fee according to the institution’s regulations, and prepare visa materials.

May-June 2024: Submit your visa as early as possible. The peak period for Canadian visa review is from June to August. Students need to reserve enough time for the embassy to review the visa information during the peak period.

July-August 2024: Pre-departure preparation and start studying abroad.

September 2024: School starts

4) Recommended schools: Columbia University, York University, Western University, University of Windsor, Brock University, Preparatory University, etc.

3. Postgraduate Diploma Program

Canada is a country of immigration. The federal government has a fast-track immigration channel, and each province also has different preferential policies. Most students who have immigration needs do not want to spend too much time studying to quickly obtain a work visa and apply for immigration. At this time, a graduate degree study abroad program is very suitable. (Note that a graduate degree is not a degree, and is mainly for students who will immigrate to Canada for employment in the future.)

1) Suitable for students

For students who hope to work and immigrate to developed Western countries in the future

2) Minimum score requirements for postgraduate diploma

Graduates from three-year college or undergraduate programs with an average score of 75% or above

Most colleges offering postgraduate diplomas do not offer dual language admissions

3) Time planning

February 2024: Prepare application materials and submit application directly

[Application materials: complete transcripts for 3.5 years (7 semesters), proof of enrollment, etc.]

February-April 2024: The postgraduate entrance examination results will be released around this time, followed by the announcement of the re-examination scores. At this time, you can wait for the domestic postgraduate entrance examination results, prepare for the next interview, and wait for the Canadian admission in case of emergency. After receiving the offer, you can decide whether to enroll in a Canadian institution, pay the reservation fee according to the institution’s regulations, and prepare visa materials.

July-August 2024: Pre-departure preparation and start studying abroad.

September 2024: School starts

4) Recommended schools:

① Canadian colleges all offer 1-2 year postgraduate courses with high cost-effectiveness, strong professionalism and Co-op paid internship programs.

② University postgraduate courses: York University and Western University

4. Second undergraduate degree

Canadian master’s degrees are generally based on undergraduate studies, so they generally do not accept applications for major changes (except for business/education). If students have mastered their current major and want to learn another major, they can go to Canada to choose a second degree major. The length of study required will generally be assessed based on the credits already taken in China. In the face of fierce competition in the future, learning one more technology will better increase employment competitiveness.

1) Minimum score requirements for the second degree

Graduates from three-year college or undergraduate programs with an average score of 75% or above

IELTS 6.5 (single subject 6.0) (some schools offer dual admission)

2) Time planning

February 2024: Prepare application materials and submit application directly

[Application materials: complete transcripts for 3.5 years (7 semesters), proof of enrollment, etc.]

February-April 2024: The postgraduate entrance examination results will be released around this time, followed by the announcement of the re-examination scores. At this time, you can wait for the domestic postgraduate entrance examination results, prepare for the next interview, and wait for the Canadian admission in case of emergency. After receiving the offer, you can decide whether to enroll in a Canadian institution, pay the reservation fee according to the institution’s regulations, and prepare visa materials.

July-August 2024: Pre-departure preparation and start studying abroad.

September 2024: School starts

3) Recommended colleges: Most universities can accept transfer credits for undergraduate applications. Depending on the selected major, the colleges you can apply to will vary.