Graduate Studies Canada 101: Everything you need to know

Deciding where to be educated is quite a struggle. You have to consider factors such as the reputation of the country and its universities, the friendliness of the locals and the climate, the value of education and living, and the opportunities available for foreign students. When you have Canada in your list of options, deciding should be easy as this country is one of the world’s most popular study destinations for international students, across all education levels. If you consider Canada as the place to acquire a graduate or postgraduate degree, you can never go wrong. Every year, the country receives thousands of applications in its top-caliber institutions. Students flock to Canada to pursue further education, so as to become more employable and respected in their academic and professional fields. This is not surprising since Canada is home to some of the world’s top-rated universities, while being a very safe, peaceful, convenient, and welcoming country. Below are some useful guides that will help you through your upcoming journey.

Table of Contents

1. 5 Reasons to Study in Canadian graduate schools
2. What you need to know about graduate schools in Canada
3. Tips for Graduate Students in Canada
4. How to Apply for Graduate School in Canada
5. What are the requirements for graduate studies in Canada?
6. How much do graduate studies in Canada cost?
7. What are the career prospects for graduate students in Canada?

5 Reasons to Study in Canadian graduate schools

If Canada is a person, she may just be your favorite friend. Canada has many features that leave other countries gushing. If you have some doubt in choosing Canada as a study abroad destination, read on for our list of reasons why every international student should opt for a Canadian graduate school.

1. Competitive Education System
It is a known fact that Canadians put great value on education. In fact, it is the world’s most educated country, with over half of its residents holding a college degree. The Canadian government – federal, provincial, and local – emphasizes the importance of education for its citizens through funding public schools and universities. It also spends a considerable amount of its national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the betterment of the education sector. With this emphasis, universities receive numerous applications each year, not just from within Canada but from all parts of the world. Moreover, Canada has a wide range of choices when it comes to degree programs offered in its universities. Since many Canadians seek further education after acquiring a bachelor’s degree, the higher education sector provides all sorts of programs that will cater to each student’s interests. Universities have hundreds of available graduate programs that you can choose from. They have graduate schools that focus on the arts, engineering, sciences, literature, business, and other programs. What is even better is that universities have affirmative reviews and a solid reputation for the course curricula they implement. Despite the exceptional education system, Canada has considerably lower fees compared to Australia, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Although international students can expect higher fees compared to Canadian citizens, they can still get a graduate degree for as low as $2,000 per academic year, especially in government-funded universities. There are also scholarship grants available for international students as Canada, a cultural melting pot and home to a large number of immigrants, respects other cultures and places value on the brilliant ideas foreigners can introduce. If you know that a country invests heavily in the education of its people, then you can be certain that it will provide excellent instruction in its learning institutions. Canada will give you a competitive education that will make you proud as you step into another chapter of your life, be it in the world of employment or in the academe.

2. Bilingual Education Opportunities
As the world rapidly changes in response to globalization, the demand for being bilingual, or knowing two languages, also increases. If you seek to have a competitive advantage over other applicants, for a job promotion or tenure, this ability can contribute to your profile. It is known that bilinguals earn respect from colleagues and employers because they project adaptability and flexibility in learning. If you study in Canada, which has two official languages, you can practice your English as well as learn a bit of basic French. Who knows, you might just be able to use the language in an important interview or presentation. Nonetheless, a chance to learn a new language in a culturally diverse population is what Canada can offer its graduate students.

3. International Student Body
Popular for its friendliness towards immigrants, Canada has one of the world’s largest international student populations. With over 200,000 international students enrolled in its first-class universities, Canada proves to be an ideal location for cross-cultural learning. Its international student population represents more than 200 nationalities coming from all parts of the world. This popularity with international students is a testament to how the country remains a provider of quality and affordable education in a conducive learning environment, even for students of various ethnic backgrounds. Thus, if you are considering study abroad destination options for your graduate degree program, visit Canada and see why many international students opt to live and learn in the maple country.

4. Post-graduation Prospects
Beyond Canada’s welcoming of international visitors, the country also offers post-graduation prospects to international students. If you have taken a liking to the country’s lifestyle, you can apply for a post-graduation work permit in Canada. Unlike other countries that strictly send back students who have finished their study programs, Canada can provide you with a chance to seek employment in one of its successful firms. Employers in Canada are not too particular when it comes to the nationality of the applicant. Rather, they are particular on the quality of ideas and work that you can bring to their company. Scroll down for more details on post-graduation work permits that you can apply for.

5. Quality of Life
Canada consistently ranks as one of the world’s most pleasant countries to live in, largely because of its high quality of life, safety and security, and accessibility to essential human development needs, such as health care and education. Also, the country has an abundance of scenic spots to ease one’s exhaustion and stress. While it has its own share of modern architecture, neon-lit cities, and skyscrapers, Canada is also home to the most beautiful natural landscapes such as mountains and lakes. If you stay in this country, you will not only get the education you deserve but also a peaceful and convenient lifestyle, that will ease your nostalgia of home.

What you need to know about graduate schools in Canada

Graduate schools are venues for further education for those who have completed an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree. Most graduate schools around the world promote research, that serves as a major requirement for the graduation of graduate and postgraduate students. Having a graduate or postgraduate degree attached to one’s name will boost the profile of a job candidate. In Canada, the same principles apply. Here are other details about graduate schools in Canada that could better prepare you.

• Graduate study programs in Canada are offered in a part-time or full-time schedule. Thus far, there are 75,000 full-time and 40,000 graduate students in Canada. Twenty-three thousand of these are international graduate students.
• Some graduate schools offer online or distance learning opportunities for its graduate courses.
• Graduate schools have masters (graduate) and doctoral (postgraduate) degrees.
• Typically, a master’s program has two main types of courses: academic and professional. It can be completed within a year or two, allowing for an internship or practical training schedule.
• Completing a master’s degree in Canada will require you to finish a dissertation, depending on the curriculum of your chosen program.
• Postgraduate study programs in Canada are distinct because they fuse traditional and modern teaching methods.
• Postgraduate or doctoral study programs generally require original research output or dissertation, but still have assessed module work requirements. In Canada, postgraduate programs take longer to complete – about 4 to 7 years.
• A number of graduate schools in Canada have co-operative (co-op) education programs, that allow students to do paid internships in participating firms. The co-op program lasts for two to four months and gives students a possible job after graduation, as employers would get to know their work ethic.
• Provincial governments manage the universities and graduate schools in their respective territories. However, they follow the implemented guidelines from the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), for which 92 Canadian universities are accredited.
• Graduate schools in Canada strive to meet the frameworks laid out by the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials, so as to ensure that they provide internationally recognized education.
• Provincial governments also provide the funding for the universities in their territories. The federal government gives support from time to time. Usually, universities in Quebec have the largest chunk of allocated resources; thus, tuition fees paid by students in Quebec are very low, compared with fees in other parts of Canada.
• International students go to Canada to study graduate degree programs in various fields, particularly in business and management, psychology, natural sciences, such as biology and biomedical sciences, social sciences, and engineering.
• There are also a wide variety of available programs which international students can enroll in, but the above-mentioned courses are the most popular choices for students in graduate schools in Canada.
• Many graduate schools also have interdisciplinary, collaborative, and joint degrees, which means that any student can select areas of study which best suit his goals and interests.
• If you are a student in Canadian province except Quebec, expect that graduate degree courses will be taught using the English language. Quebec commonly uses French as the medium of instruction for its degree programs.
• The academic year in Canada begins in September and ends in April of the following year.

Tips for Graduate Students in Canada

Now that you have sufficient knowledge on how graduate schools in Canada operate, we have listed some tips for you to keep in mind before you start your university and student visa applications. Read on, and know more about your dream study abroad destination.

• Be ready to explore Canada’s many natural wonders as it is known to have rich flora and fauna. The country houses 10% of the world’s forests and 25% of the world’s wetlands. It also boasts of areas that can be your escape to do activities like skiing and hiking.
• Generally, Canada has a friendly climate. Of course, it changes according to the geographic location as it is a large country. Prepare yourself to experience all four seasons during your stay.
• Expect a highly diversified and liberated lifestyle following the Western orientation.
• Although it is not required, it is advisable to open a bank account in Canada for easy access to your funds. You can do so by applying as a non-resident in a local bank.
• You need to get health insurance as a requirement for your study permit. Also, it is best to be prepared in case any health concerns arise while you are studying away. Most graduate schools have a medical insurance provider which you can opt to purchase.
• As an international student, you need to secure a study permit or student visa before commencing your graduate studies in Canada. You can check out our How to Apply for a Student Visa in Canada for further information about the process.
• If you have a spouse or children who want to come with you to Canada, they can apply for a visa and a work permit as well.
• You can juggle your studies with a part-time job, on or off campus, in accordance with the guidelines of your Canadian study permit.
• Learn some basic French as Canadians usually speak English and/or French.
• Explore various accommodation options in Canada. The table below presents all you need to know about accommodation options for an international student. Choose the type that fits your lifestyle and budget.

How to Apply for Graduate School in Canada

If you have decided to go to a graduate school in Canada, then it is best to prepare early for your admission application. As with other countries, applications can be quite a struggle, especially if you have procrastinated and not set a plan in advance. So we are here to walk you through the admission process of graduate schools in Canada.

• Search for the website of the graduate school you wish to attend. Look out for their International Admissions section, as it will provide you with a comprehensive guide on their individual evaluation process.
• Check the document requirements for admission, and prepare copies of them (use English translation for the documents).
• Review if you have the necessary qualifications for a master’s or postgraduate degree. Some universities in Canada require an evaluation or attestation for academic credentials and qualifications obtained from certain countries. You can skip this evaluation once you have a third party evaluation report.
• Explore the graduate school’s offered courses and study programs. Determine if something is related to the field you want to study.
• Fill out the needed application forms.
• Take a language proficiency test if you are not a native English speaker. The commonly accepted language exams are TOEFL, IELTS, and C1 or C2 Advanced.
• Secure all your documents and forms, and submit them online (or through mail if required by the institution). It is best to send your application within the months of January to March, in time for the enrollment and start of the academic year.
• Wait for the results. Upon successful application, you will be sent a letter of acceptance which you will use to apply for your student visa or study permit in Canada.
• With an approved visa, you can now enroll in the graduate school you have chosen.

What are the requirements for graduate studies in Canada?

If you want to know more about the general requirements for getting into graduate schools in Canada before you look into individual school websites, below is a helpful list:

Academic Requirements
Academic requirements are inevitable for every university admission. For graduate schools in Canada, international applicants should have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 to 4.0. You will also need to submit your GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) scores, should the study program you choose demand it. Other documents you need to secure are the following:

• High school diploma (for graduate study) or Bachelor’s degree diploma (for postgraduate study)
• Transcript of records
• Valid passport
• Personal statement or statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation or reference letters
• Curriculum vitae
• Evidence of scholarship (if any)
• Writing portfolio (if required for your program)

Linguistic Requirements
Since Canada is a bilingual country that speaks English and French, you may need to submit your TOEFL, IELTS, or C1 Advanced language proficiency test scores. Each university would want its students to have a good grasp of the English language as it is the primary language of instruction. In Quebec, where French is more often used rather than English, you may be asked to provide French proficiency test scores. A similar requirement is needed when you wish to apply for a study program that is delivered in French. Either way, prepare for the exams as they will be asked in your application.

Financial Requirements
In applying for the university and in securing a study permit, Canadian officials want to know if you have sufficient funding for the entirety of your intended stay in the country. Currently, the funds needed for living costs are CAD 10,000 ($7,630) per year. This is different from the required tuition fees you have to pay per academic year (see below for the estimated tuition costs for a graduate program in Canada). You may also be asked for flight return tickets as a guarantee of your resources to return to your home country after completing your study program in Canada.

How much do graduate studies in Canada cost?

It is true that graduate studies in Canada are relatively cheaper than other popular international student destinations, like Australia, the US, or the UK. While it is true that international students pay higher fees compared to Canadian students (who only pay about half of what foreign students pay), still it is at a reasonable cost. Since universities are managed by their respective provinces, they also have different tuition fees. Generally, if you are an international graduate student in Canada, you can expect to spend between CAD 6,500 ($4,960) to CAD 33,000 ($25,182) per academic year. It will absolutely depend on the degree program you are studying, as some programs are less expensive than others. For instance, programs related to the arts, humanities, and social sciences (Master of Arts or MA curricula) have considerably lower fees. Meanwhile, medical sciences, business administration, engineering, and natural sciences (Master of Science, Master of Engineering, Master of Business Administration) incur higher costs.

Also note that you have to purchase medical insurance as an international student in Canada. You are fortunate if you choose to study in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan, since these provinces provide for the health coverage of international students under their normal public healthcare scheme. Otherwise, you will need to acquire your own insurance, which costs about CAS 600 ($458) to CAD 1,000 ($763) for a single year of coverage. You can also check provincial health ministries for guidelines in purchasing student medical insurance. Most graduate schools also have their own healthcare provider, which might ease your task.

Canada is considered to be a middle-range country, which means that its living standards can be relatively high, an indisputable fact because of its many convenient features. As a student, you need to take into consideration expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, books, study materials or facilities, and entertainment activities. You can expect to spend approximately CAD 15,000 ($11,438) to CAD 30,000 ($22,886) per year to cover your living costs in Canada. You can allocate CAD 80 ($61) to CAD 100 ($76) per month for transportation and CAD 200 ($153) to CAD 500 ($381) per month for food expenditures.

In case you have insufficient financial resources to fund your graduate studies in Canada, you can always look for scholarship programs for international students. The Canadian government, private institutions, and individual universities in Canada have a number of scholarship grants and financial aid opportunities for graduate and postgraduate international students. Check our list of Scholarship Opportunities in Canada for further details.

What are the career prospects for graduate students in Canada?

One of the primary objectives of the competitive Canadian education system is to produce graduates who can be employed as soon as they leave the confines of a learning institution. The country’s stable economy is one of the main factors as to why Canadians strive to develop themselves professionally. As an international graduate student, you also have a place within Canada’s job market. Its immigration consulates promote international student employment, as foreign students bring about highly creative and fresh ideas to the table. Thus, it is good to know that once you have finished a graduate or a postgraduate degree in Canada, you can apply for a post-graduation work permit, a permit that will let you stay in the country and find employment for the same duration of time you spent studying. The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is not only an opportunity to get a chance to work in one of the world’s most progressive countries, but also a window to become a permanent resident in Canada. After completing a minimum of 12 months or a year of employment in one of Canada’s firms, you can start your immigration application as a skilled worker under the Canadian Experience Class.

You may apply for a PGWP if you have finished your studies in an eligible university (which you can check on Canada’s immigration website). You can apply for this if the graduate program you attended is more than 8 months in duration. Only students aged 18 and above can apply for the PGWP. You would also need your valid study permit, a written certification, and supporting documents from the institution you attended that verify your graduation or completion. This has a $255 application fee, payable online, and can be processed in 66 days if submitted online or 113 days if submitted in hard copy. The documents that you should send with your application are duly accomplished forms, diploma or certificate of completion, and study permit. You cannot be issued a PGWP if you have been in and out of an institution, as well as if you have attended a distance learning education system even if it is based in Canada. Moreover, you should apply for the PGWP within 3 months of completing your graduate study program. If you had previously obtained a PGWP, you are no longer eligible to apply for a new one. After submitting your PGWP application, you can explore Canada and wait for the results. Remember that you are not allowed to work in Canada without a permit, so it is best to wait until results come out.

You can also put forward your application for other work permits, such as an open work permit or an employer-specific work permit. The open work permit is one that will allow you to work for any employer in Canada, except for those who have a negative reputation in the country’s employers list. The open work permit can also be applied to by those who are currently in the process of applying for permanent residence, or a graduate student who is unable to meet the financial resources needed for continuing his studies in Canada. However, an employer-specific permit is one that will allow you to work for a certain employer that is deemed suitable for you. Temporary visas are also given to those applicants who could work in selected professions and industries.

Nonetheless, if you do not consider working in Canada after finishing your graduate studies, you can always return to your home country. Having a graduate or a postgraduate degree from a highly respected university in Canada is sure to give you an edge whenever you decide to apply for a job, a promotion, or tenure in your field.

Now that we have run through the things you ought to know about graduate studies in Canada, you are one step closer to taking on this adventure. You may also want to read our International Student’s Guide to Life in Canada for more helpful tips about your journey. Good luck!