Canada is one of the most student-friendly countries in the world. Over 350,000 international students study in Canada, home to more than 30 world-class institutions, world-class education, and relaxed visa laws. Canada is known for its friendly, beautiful environment and world-class universities, making the country one of the most popular places in the world for foreign PhD students and growing steadily every year. Are you looking for opportunities to start your master’s degree in Canada? Then look no further, this article has all the information on how to start your Masters degree in Canada.
How To Start Your Masters Degree In Canada
Academic Requirements
Applying for a master’s degree in Canada varies by institution, and each university has its own application forms, requirements, and fees. However, international students are required to submit undergraduate transcripts and degrees before pursuing graduate programs in Canada.
You must ensure that your degree is accredited by this Canadian university and has the necessary credits and accreditation. Because Canadian institutions are selective about which foreign credentials they accept, you should ensure that your degree meets Canadian educational standards.
The rest of the application process includes completing the application form and paying the fee, attaching supporting documents such as essay and personal statement, letters of recommendation and standardized test scores, 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 Canada, you must first get a certificate of acceptance (known as a CAQ) from the government. You should then obtain a Canadian student visa application package through the CIC website, your local visa office, or the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country. You will receive a personal manifest code for the online application. To do this, you must first create a MyCIC account, enter your details, pay the fee and submit the required documents.
This includes proof that you are in possession of a return ticket and a valid passport. Some applicants may also be required to attend an interview at a local visa office, and applicants from certain countries may be required to submit biometrics, medical exams, or criminal records. Finally, if your application is approved, you will receive a letter of recommendation.
Students from countries that require an electronic travel authorization (eTA) and a temporary residence visa can obtain them if required. Bring this, along with your passport, proof of financial resources, and acceptance letter to the Canada Border Control Office, where your study permit will be issued.
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.
Stay in Canada after Graduation
Canada is an attractive country for work or permanent immigration after graduation. Because Canada is non-discriminatory, it encourages foreign graduates to stay and contribute their expertise. According to the Canadian Bureau of Foreign Education (CBIE), about 51% of international PhD students wish to apply for permanent residency in Canada. There are several ways to stay in Canada after you graduate:
You can apply for a Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) – after 8 months of study you can apply for this permit. It allows students to work in Canada after graduation during the same period of study. Therefore, the PGWP allows you to work in the country for two years if you complete your Masters in two years.
You can also get a permanent residence permit. Another option is to become a permanent resident of Canada. There are several options, please contact the Government of Canada for more information. Even if you return home after completing your master’s degree in Canada, you will have an advantage. Because Canadian degrees are valued and recognized worldwide, you will have no trouble finding opportunities to advance your 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 Degree in Canada?
A study permit is required for a master’s degree in Canada. This is your student visa that allows you to live and study in Canada while you study. Canadian study permits can be obtained online or through the Canadian Embassy Visa Application Center in your country.
How long does a master’s degree in Canada take?
After the bachelor’s degree, you have to study for one to two years for a master’s degree. Your master’s degree in Canada can include a dissertation, internship, research paper, or course-based coursework.
Is the master difficult?
Yes. A master’s degree is more difficult to obtain than most bachelor’s degrees. On the other hand, a college degree is an ideal way 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.