Canada is a popular destination for Master’s degrees due to its world-class universities, research opportunities, and post-graduation work permit options. Here’s a comprehensive overview of top universities for Master’s programs, their rankings, and estimated fees.
Top 10 Universities in Canada for Masters (Rankings & Estimated Fees)
It’s important to note that university rankings can vary slightly depending on the source (e.g., QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education, Shiksha Popularity Ranking). The fees provided are approximate and can differ based on the specific program, stream, and whether you are an international or domestic student.
Here’s a list of generally top-ranked universities, combining information from various sources:
| University Name | QS World Ranking (2025/2024)* | Estimated Annual Master’s Tuition Fees (CAD) for International Students |
| 1. University of Toronto | #25 | CAD 15,000 – CAD 69,000+ |
| 2. McGill University | #29 | CAD 7,000 – CAD 60,000+ |
| 3. University of British Columbia | #38 | CAD 5,000 – CAD 62,000+ |
| 4. University of Alberta | #96 | CAD 4,000 – CAD 62,000+ |
| 5. McMaster University | #176 | CAD 2,000 – CAD 58,000+ |
| 6. University of Waterloo | #115 | CAD 9,000 – CAD 44,000+ |
| 7. Western University | #120 | CAD 7,900 – CAD 36,500+ |
| 8. Université de Montréal | #159 | CAD 13,000 – CAD 35,000+ |
| 9. University of Ottawa | #189 | CAD 9,900 – CAD 18,000+ |
| 10. University of Calgary | #198 | CAD 1,500 – CAD 37,000+ |
Note: Rankings may vary slightly across different ranking bodies and year of publication. The QS World University Rankings are frequently cited.
Important Considerations for Fees:
- Program Specificity: Tuition fees can vary significantly within a university based on the program. For example, MBA programs tend to be more expensive than Arts or Humanities Master’s programs.
- International vs. Domestic: International students generally pay higher tuition fees than domestic students.
- Course Duration: Most Master’s programs in Canada are 1 to 2 years long.
- Additional Fees: Beyond tuition, consider other fees like application fees (CAD 45-200 per university), student service fees, health insurance, and books/supplies.
Average Tuition Fees by Field of Study (International Students):
- Computer Science: CAD 20,000 – CAD 40,000 per year
- Business Administration (MBA): CAD 35,000 – CAD 60,000 per year (can go higher for top programs like Rotman)
- Engineering: CAD 18,000 – CAD 38,000 per year
- Data Science: CAD 25,000 – CAD 45,000 per year
- Public Health: CAD 16,000 – CAD 35,000 per year
- Finance: CAD 30,000 – CAD 55,000 per year
- Arts & Humanities: CAD 17,000 – CAD 25,000 per year (generally on the lower end)
Cost of Living for Master’s Students in Canada:
Beyond tuition, living expenses are a significant part of the overall cost. The cost of living varies depending on the city and your lifestyle. On average, international students should budget for CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,500 per month, or approximately CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:
- Accommodation:
- On-campus residence: CAD 350 – CAD 1,000
- Shared apartment: CAD 400 – CAD 800
- Private apartment/studio: CAD 1,000+ (especially in major cities like Toronto or Vancouver)
- Food & Groceries: CAD 200 – CAD 400
- Transportation: CAD 80 – CAD 120 (monthly pass)
- Utilities (if not included in rent): CAD 150 – CAD 230 (electricity, heating, internet)
- Health Insurance: CAD 600 – CAD 900 per year (mandatory for international students)
- Miscellaneous Expenses (personal, entertainment, phone bills): CAD 200 – CAD 400
Proof of Funds:
For your study permit application, you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. As of 2024, the financial requirement for applicants outside Quebec to obtain a study permit increased to just over CAD 20,635 per year (excluding tuition). Additional funds are required if you bring family members.
It is highly recommended to visit the official websites of the universities you are interested in for the most up-to-date and accurate information on program-specific fees and admission requirements.