Canada: Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

Canada offers a wealth of postgraduate study options at its universities. It has a strong reputation for a high-quality education system and reasonable tuition fees. Over 150,000 international students come to Canada to study every year.

There is no federal ministry of education or formal accreditation system. Instead, responsibility lies with the provinces and territories through membership of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) . Currently, there are 92 universities with membership of the AUCC.

What courses are available?

There are two types of graduate degrees: Masters and Doctoral.

• Masters degrees are offered in many different fields, and there are two main types of programmes: academic and professional. Programmes usually last one or two years and result in the qualification of MA (Master of Arts) or MSc (Master of Science). Some students choose to enrol in the more research-oriented Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme, often with a view to progress to Doctoral studies.
• Doctoral degrees are the highest level and usually require the pursuit of original research for academic programmes or the practical application of knowledge and skills in professional programmes. Unlike in the UK, Doctoral students in Canada are still required to complete coursework and written examinations rather than solely focusing on their research. Canadian PhD studies also often taken longer to complete, with typical programmes ranging between four to seven years. 

Postgraduate courses are offered at both English and French-language institutions. Many universities offer full-time and part-time enrolment as well as opportunities to participate in cooperative education, distance learning, continuing education and student exchange programmes.

Information about language schools can be found on Languages Canada . 

Where can I study?

Detailed information about Canadian universities and programmes can be found on the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials  website. A searchable list of universities and programmes is also available through the AUCC.

The magazine Macleans  publishes an annual ranking of Canadian universities, which is later made available online. The following international websites include Canadian universities in their rankings:

• QS Top Universities  
• Times Higher Education University Rankings  survey
• Universities Worldwide  

Applying for postgraduate study

As in the UK, generally a good first degree with high academic standing is required for admission to a Masters programme. Masters programmes with a professional focus may require work experience in the intended field of study. For a Doctoral programme, a high level of achievement at Masters level is typically required.

Application deadlines for postgraduate study are considerably earlier in Canada than in the UK. Most programmes accept applications approximately one year before the intended start date of study. It is best to check on the individual institution's website for application deadlines, as these can vary between courses. 

Applications for postgraduate study are made directly to universities. They are most often submitted online through a standardised, university-wide system that allows you to upload all parts of your application.

Most institutions request an official transcript of all previous university-level studies, letters of recommendation from professors and a letter of motivation describing your academic and career objectives and reasons for applying to the programme. Some programmes may require you to complete standardised tests such as the GRE, GMAT or LSAT and will request a copy of the official results along with your application.

The admissions committee will be looking for evidence that your goals are realistic, that the programme is appropriate to your interests and that you have the skills and qualities required to successfully complete your studies. Entry requirements vary from programme to programme, and it is best to seek details about what your university expects by directly consulting its prospectus and website.

Fees and scholarships

The costs associated with attending university will include tuition fees as well as housing, food, books, supplies and personal living expenses. The costs differ depending on the type of programme, type of university and the size and location of the school. The Calculate Education Costs in Canada  tool can be useful in helping you to estimate the costs of the programme you have chosen.

According to a 2003 survey compiled by the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the cost of postgraduate study for foreign students in Canada is considerably lower than in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

Some financial assistance is available to international students. It is best to contact individual universities for details. The Canadian government offers a number of scholarships, for example the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme (CCSP), which provides the opportunity for students of other Commonwealth countries to pursue advanced studies in Canada. Further information on this and other awards can be found on the Government of Canada International Scholarship Programs  website.

Are there any exchange programmes?

Although Canada does not have a centralised exchange programme like that of Erasmus in Europe, exchanges during studies are extremely common and usually arranged through a bilateral agreement between universities. For a comprehensive list of the various arrangements between universities check the Canadian University International Exchange Agreements Database (CUE) .

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

To help you determine recognition of your studies back in the UK, the following websites may be of assistance:

• ENIC-NARIC  
• UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)  
• UK National Reference Point for Vocational Qualifications (NRP)