How To Start Your Masters Degree In Canada

How To Start Your Masters Degree In Canada

Canada is one of the most welcoming countries to students in the world. Over 350,000 foreign students study in Canada, which has over 30 top-ranked institutions, a high caliber of education, and liberal visa laws. Canada’s reputation for friendliness, beautiful environment, and world-class colleges has led to the country being one of the world’s most popular locations for overseas postgraduates, continuously increasing yearly. Are you looking for how to start your masters degree in Canada? Then look no further; this post has comprehensive information on how to start your masters degree in Canada.

 

 

How To Start Your Masters Degree In Canada

 

 

Academic Prerequisites

Master’s Degree applications in Canada differ based on the institution, and each university has its application forms, prerequisites, and costs. However, foreign students must first submit their undergraduate transcripts and diplomas before enrolling in graduate school in Canada.

 

You must ensure that your degree is recognized by that Canadian university and that it has the necessary credits and certification. Because Canadian institutions are picky about which overseas degrees they accept, you must ensure that your degree meets Canadian educational criteria.

The remainder of the application process is completing and paying a fee for the application form, attaching supporting materials such as essays and personal statements, reference letters, and standardized test results, and submitting standardized test scores.

 

You may be requested to produce a graduate admission exam score, such as a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination, depending on your academic area (GRE). If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate competence by taking an English language exam such as the TOEFL or IELTS. The same prerequisites will apply if you apply for a bilingual program or a course taught solely in French.

 

Study Permit

You may study in Canada for up to six months without a visa, making it possible to spend a semester abroad there. You will require a Canadian study permit to study in Canada for more than six months. This is your visa for the length of your visit. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a temporary residency visa, which may be obtained concurrently with your study permit application.

Apply well in advance of your travel date through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website to guarantee you obtain the papers on time since it may take up to 10 weeks. You must first get an acceptance letter from a recognized higher education provider to apply for your study visa. For example, before you may apply for a study visa in Québec, you must first get a certificate of acceptance (known as a CAQ) from the government.

 

 

Then, you should receive a Canadian student visa application package through the CIC website, your local visa office, or the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country. To submit your application online, you will be issued a personal checklist code. To do so, you must first establish a MyCIC account, where you will enter your information, pay your fees, and submit the necessary papers.

This includes demonstrating that you have a return ticket and a valid passport. Some candidates may additionally be required to attend an interview at their local visa office, and applicants from specific countries may be required to submit biometrics, a medical test, or a police record. Finally, when your application is approved, you will be provided with a letter of introduction.

If necessary, students from countries that need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and a temporary residence visa will be granted these. Bring them, as well as your passport, proof of funds, and letter of admission, to the Canadian border control office, where you will acquire your study permit.

 

Funding

Outstanding foreign students may be able to get scholarship funds from both the Canadian government and specific institutions. The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program and numerous Canadian colleges’ ‘International Tuition Award’ are two examples. The latter is intended to help foreign graduate students enrolled full-time in research-oriented masters and doctorate programs. International students are automatically eligible for this scholarship if specific conditions are met.

When looking for money, visit each university’s website to learn about possible scholarships, grants, assistantships, fellowships, and bursaries. You may also want to check out the Canadian Information Center for International Credentials website or the Canadian government’s dedicated webpage for international scholarship programs.

 

As a student, you may desire to augment your income by working at least part-time while studying. You may save money for a vacation or to support your living costs. With a study permit, you are permitted to work part-time on campus in whatever job you find. You do not need to apply for a work permit if you work on campus.

However, since there aren’t many jobs in school, students frequently wind up applying elsewhere. Off-campus employment requires applying for a work permit; however, as a student, you are not permitted to work more than 20 hours a week. Only during the university break are you permitted to work full-time.

 

 

Staying In Canada After Graduation

Canada is an appealing country to work in after graduation or move permanently. Because Canada is non-discriminatory, it encourages foreign grads to remain and offer their expertise. According to the Canadian Bureau of Foreign Education (CBIE), about 51% of international graduate students want to seek permanent residency in Canada. There are various options for staying in Canada after receiving your degree:

You can apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) – After 8 months of studies, you may apply for this permit. It permits students to work in Canada once they graduate for the same time they studied. So, if you earned your Master’s degree in two years, the PGWP permits you to work in the nation for two years.

You could also obtain permanent residency.The alternative option is to become a permanent Canadian resident. There are various options, so contact the Government of Canada for additional information. Even if you return to your native country after receiving your Master’s degree in Canada, you will have an edge. Because Canadian degrees are appreciated and recognized globally, you will have no trouble finding chances to further your professional career.

 

 

How Long Does It Take To Do A Masters Degree In Canada

After earning your bachelor’s degree, you will need to spend one or two years studying for a master’s degree. Your master’s studies in Canada may involve a thesis, research paper, or a course-based program. A master’s degree normally takes a year and a half to complete, with some programs requiring up to two years of full-time study.

To get a master’s degree, you must typically complete 36 to 54 semester credit hours of study (or 60 to 90 quarter credits). This is equivalent to 12 to 18 college courses. The majority of master’s degrees are granted by public or state colleges. Postgraduate programs in Canada are either course-based or thesis-based programs for higher education. However, some Canadian colleges offer it as a hybrid of the two.

Masters of Science (MSc) or Masters of Arts (MA) degrees are granted to students pursuing master’s degrees in Canadian universities (MA). Aside from this, students may pursue specialized masters degrees such as the Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Engineering (MEng), and Master of Business Administration (MBA).

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get A Canadian Masters Degree Online?

You certainly can! Virtual studies may be the answer if you desire a Canadian education but cannot leave your home for all or part of your studies. Canada is dedicated to creative and universal education, which has propelled the country to the forefront of online learning and remote teaching.

Due to technological advancements, international students have never been closer to Canadian education. Many Canadian institutions accept overseas students into their online postgraduate programs.

How Do I Start A Masters In Canada?

A study permit is required to pursue a Masters degree in Canada. This will be your student visa, allowing you to reside and study in Canada for the length of your program. A Canadian study permit may be obtained online or via a visa application center at a Canadian embassy in your home country.

How Many Years Are Masters In Canada?

After earning your bachelor’s degree, you will need to spend one or two years studying for a master’s degree. Your master’s studies in Canada may involve a thesis, practicum, research paper, or a course based program.

Are Masters Degrees Hard?

Yes. Master’s degrees are more difficult to get than most undergraduate degrees. On the other hand, a postgraduate degree of study is the ideal approach to advance your academic career and personal life.

Can I Work In Canada After My Master’s?

A work permit is required to work in Canada after graduation. The employment experience you obtain may help you apply for permanent residency.

Can I Get Into Graduate School With A GPA Of 2.5?

Yes, many students with a 2.5 GPA get into graduate school. While the GPA on your undergraduate transcripts is an essential criterion in graduate admissions at many institutions, it is simply one of many in terms of your total candidate profile.