25 Best Universities in Canada for Masters

1. University of Toronto

Founded: 1827
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest university in Canada by enrollment and is consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the world.

The university offers more than 300 graduate programs, including over 70 professional graduate programs in health sciences, management, engineering, and more.

2. University of British Columbia

Founded: 1908
Location: Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a wide range of master’s degree programs in various fields of study.

The admission requirements for each program may vary, and it is important to check the program website for specific requirements. The minimum admission requirements common to all applicants are established by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

UBC’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies offers a wide range of options for course-based or research-based master’s and doctoral students.

The programs are international in scope, interactive in process, and interdisciplinary in content and approach. The university offers over 300 master’s and doctoral degree programs in nearly every academic field imaginable.

3. McGill University

Founded: 1821
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

McGill University is a public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It offers over 450 graduate-level programs, including graduate certificates and diplomas, Masters (thesis and non-thesis), and PhDs.

The university has 11 faculties, including Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Arts, Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Desautels Faculty of Management, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Schulich School of Music, Science, and Continuing Studies.

The Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University offers MBA and specialized Master’s programs that can help launch your next career move.

The faculty offers a range of Master’s programs, including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Management in Analytics (MMA), Master of Management in Finance (MMF), Master of Management in Retailing (MMR), and Master of Management in Health Care (MMHC).

4. University of Alberta

Founded: 1908
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

The University of Alberta is a public research university in Edmonton, Canada. It offers a wide range of graduate programs for local and international students, which are some of the best in Canada.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) at the University of Alberta is responsible for overseeing all graduate programs.

The FGSR offers a variety of master’s programs, including course-based and thesis-based programs, as well as interdisciplinary studies.

5. McMaster University

Founded: 1887
Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

McMaster University offers more than 100 doctoral- and masters-level programs, spanning across fields of science, engineering, business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

The School of Graduate Studies at McMaster University is dedicated to graduate research and education.

The School of Graduate Studies offers graduate degrees in more than 100 programs across six Faculties of study: Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, Science and Engineering.

The Graduate Calendar holds important information that you should know about your graduate journey, including regulations governing graduate degrees, requirements of each program, student code of conduct, and more.

6. University of Waterloo

Founded: 1957
Location: Waterloo, Ontario

The University of Waterloo is a highly regarded institution in Canada, particularly for its Master’s degree programs. It offers a diverse range of disciplines and is ranked as the sixth-best university in Canada.

One-third of Waterloo students participate in co-op programs, which provide valuable work experience before graduation. Waterloo offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, so students can start with a four-year degree to save money.

The university has campuses in Singapore, China, and India, and also offers online courses.

Waterloo’s engineering school is one of the most competitive in North America, with an almost 100% placement rate for engineering graduates every year. The university was founded in 1957 and has grown to become Canada’s third-largest university.

7. Western University

Founded: 1878
Location: Ontario, Canada.

Western University is a public research university in London, Ontario, Canada.

The university offers a wide range of graduate programs that inspire a passion for the pursuit of knowledge, foster creativity and innovation, and prepare graduates for successful and exciting careers.

Western University’s graduate programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive and rigorous education in their chosen field of study.

The university offers over 160 graduate programs and/or collaborative specializations, including Master’s and Doctoral degrees, as well as Graduate Diplomas and Certificates.

The programs are typically two years in length and require the completion of a thesis or major research project.

Some of the Master’s programs offered by Western University include:

Master of Business Administration
Master of Clinical Science
Master of Health Sciences
Master of Science

8. Queen’s University

Founded: 1841
Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Queen’s University is a public research university located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1845 and is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.

The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including taught master’s courses, research degrees, and graduate diplomas.

The university’s Graduate School offers a variety of master’s programs, including Master of Arts in Communication, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Master of Health Administration, and Master of Science in Finance & Analytics.

9. University of Calgary

Founded: 1944
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The University of Calgary is a public research university in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape offers graduate-level professional course-based programs in architecture, landscape architecture, and planning as well as research degrees at the Master’s and PhD levels.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Calgary offers a wide range of graduate programs in various fields such as business, energy management, precision health, sustainable energy development, sociology, social work, education, anthropology, and archaeology.

10. University of Montreal

Founded: 1878
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

The University of Montreal is a major research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It offers a wide range of graduate programs that cover every field of knowledge.

The university is recognized as one of the most fertile grounds on Earth for interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Master’s level programs at the University of Montreal are graduate programs that lead to the master’s degree, to the diplôme d’études supérieures spécialisées (DESS), and the microprograms (graduate certificates).

The Master’s Degree prepares students for doctoral studies. The university offers more than 600 programs of study, including 350 graduate-level programs.

11. University of Ottawa

Founded: 1848
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The University of Ottawa offers a variety of master’s programs that cater to different goals and interests. There are three types of master’s programs: course-based master’s (10 to 12 months), master’s with research paper (12 to 18 months), and master’s with thesis (24 months).

The university is renowned for its research programs and is ranked among the top 10 research universities in Canada. The master’s programs at the University of Ottawa provide students with expertise, an introduction to research, and personal fulfillment.

The university is located in the heart of the nation’s capital, a bilingual, multicultural setting where large networks act on major issues and influence decisions.

12. University of Victoria

Founded: 1903
Location: Greater Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

The University of Victoria offers a wide range of graduate programs in various fields such as Business, Economics and Law, Education and Family, Engineering, Math and Technology, Environment and Sustainability, Fine Arts and Digital Media, Health and Life Sciences, and Indigenous focus.

13. University of Saskatchewan

Founded: 1907
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

The University of Saskatchewan offers a wide range of graduate programs in various fields of study, including animal and plant sciences, nursing, medicine, pharmacy and nutrition, dentistry, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, and kinesiology.

The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is responsible for overseeing the graduate programs and provides a comprehensive range of programming to help students shape their careers.

The university is a member of the prestigious U15 Canadian research university group and is engaged in research partnerships nationally and worldwide. It provides some of the most advanced research facilities, centers, and analytical tools in the country and around the world.

14. University of Guelph

Founded: 1964
Located: Guelph, Ontario

The University of Guelph is a public research university in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1964 after the amalgamation of three colleges and offers 94 undergraduate and 48 graduate degrees in various disciplines.

The university has been ranked as the fourth-best university in Canada for Master’s degrees by Maclean’s University Rankings. It is also the largest post-secondary institution in the country.

The faculty of veterinary medicine has been ranked as one of the top five schools for vet school worldwide by U.S. News and World Report. According to QS rankings, it ranks as the tenth-best university in North America.

Students at the University of Guelph have access to a variety of co-op programs with some undergraduate programs even offering dual degree programs with McMaster University.

15. Simon Fraser University

Founded: 1965
Location: Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university located in British Columbia, Canada. It was founded in 1965 and has since grown to become one of Canada’s top comprehensive universities.

SFU offers a wide range of graduate programs across its eight faculties, including programs in business, psychology, molecular biology, and more.

SFU’s graduate programs are internationally recognized and provide students with the opportunity to expand their intellectual horizons, strengthen their skill set, and enhance their professional network.

16. University of Manitoba

Founded: 1877
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

The University of Manitoba is a research-intensive university located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is a member of Canada’s U15 and is ranked among the top 50 research-intensive universities in Canada.

The university offers over 51 doctoral programs and 98 master’s programs across various disciplines.

The university’s Faculty of Graduate Studies offers many graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees.

The programs are offered across various faculties, including Agriculture and Food Sciences, Architecture, Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Environment, Health Sciences, Kinesiology and Recreation Management, Law, Medicine, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Science, and Social Work.

17. University of Windsor

Founded: 1857
Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada

The University of Windsor is a public research university in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1963 and has since grown to become one of the top universities in Canada.

The university offers a wide range of graduate programs across various fields of study, including business, engineering, science, law, and education.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Windsor offers a diverse range of master’s programs, including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Applied Science (MASc), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Laws (LL.M), and Master of Management (M.Mgmt).

18. University of Lethbridge

Founded: 1967
Location: Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

The University of Lethbridge is a public research university in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

It offers a range of innovative, relevant, and unique graduate programs in existing and emerging disciplines that prepare students to transition into their careers.

The university offers more than 75 graduate programs, including a Master of Science program, which is delivered on the Lethbridge campus only. Full-time students complete a 24-month program while part-time students complete a 48-month program.

19. University of Regina

Founded: 1911
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

The University of Regina offers more than 50 master’s programs. You can choose from a variety of programs or create your program through the Special Case option.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research provides excellent mental, academic, and physical wellness support systems to students. The university is committed to working with Indigenous partners to reconcile the past.

Some of the master’s programs offered by the university are:

Master of Science in Biochemistry
Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Business Administration
Executive Master of Business Administration
Master of Human Resource Management
Master of Nursing

The university also offers a co-op option for some master’s programs, which allows students to establish themselves in a professional setting relevant to their discipline during their studies.

20. University of New Brunswick

Founded: 1785
Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

The University of New Brunswick offers many graduate programs, including master’s and PhD programs. The School of Graduate Studies is committed to providing students with excellent education and research opportunities.

The faculty members are highly experienced and dedicated to their fields of study. The university has two campuses located in the scenic province of New Brunswick, Canada.

The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1, which ensures that students receive individual attention from world-class researchers in a small, friendly, and supportive atmosphere.

21. University of Northern British Columbia

Founded: 1990
Location: Prince George, British Columbia, Canada

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a public university located in British Columbia, Canada.

It offers a wide range of graduate degree programs in various fields such as Biochemistry, Business Administration, Chemistry, Computer Science, Counseling, Development Economics, Engineering, and many more.

The university’s postgraduate programs offer courses in management, business, international studies, health science, and integrated wood design. The PhD programs cover psychology, the natural sciences, and health sciences.

22. University of Prince Edward Island

Location: Charlottetown

The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is a public university located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

It offers a diverse range of graduate programs across various faculties, including arts, business, science, education, nursing, sustainable design engineering, and veterinary medicine.

UPEI’s Faculty of Graduate Studies offers a Master of Science (Veterinary Medicine), Master of Veterinary Science, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in various fields.

The Faculty of Arts offers a Master of Arts in Island Studies (Thesis stream), a Master of Arts in Island Studies (Course-based Island Tourism specialization), and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).

The Faculty of Science offers a Master of Applied Health Services Research, a Master of Science with specializations in Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences, and Mathematical and Computational Sciences.

23. University of Winnipeg

Founded: 1877
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

The University of Winnipeg offers a variety of graduate programs in Arts, Science, and Environmental Studies.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies provides graduate professional and research programs.

Here is a list of all the Graduate Studies Programs available at the University of Winnipeg:

Master’s in Development Practice: Indigenous Development
Master’s in management
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
Master of Public Administration
Master of Arts in Applied Economics (MAE)
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Master of Arts in Cultural Studies
Master of Arts in History
Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance
Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies
Master of Arts in Religion
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science and Society
Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Policy
Master of Environment in Environmental and Social Change
Master of Arts in Environmental and Social Change.

24. University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Founded: 2002
Located: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) is a public research university in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, business, science, health sciences, and social sciences.

The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at UOIT offers several master’s programs in various fields, including Applied Bioscience, Computer Science, Criminology, Education, and more.

25. University of the Fraser Valley

Founded: 1974
Location: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, and Hope, British Columbia.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is regionally based in British Columbia, Canada.

UFV offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs that serve the diverse needs of the Fraser Valley region and beyond. UFV’s School of Graduate Studies offers a Master of Education degree designed for K-12 educators who want to assume leadership and mentorship roles in their school districts.

The program consists of six courses and covers topics such as leadership and mentorship in K-12, reflective mentorship practices, and strategies for leading and mentoring in professional learning communities.

FAQs on the Best Universities in Canada for Master’s

Are scholarships available for international Master's students in Canada?

Yes, many Canadian universities offer scholarships and financial aid options for international students.

Can I work part-time during my Master's program in Canada as an international student?

Yes, international students in Canada can generally work part-time during their studies, subject to certain conditions and restrictions.

How do I apply to universities in Canada for a Master's program?

The application process can vary, but it typically involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and any required test scores.

How can I learn more about each university listed in the article?

We've included links to the official websites of each university for your convenience. You can visit their websites to access detailed information about programs, admission requirements, and campus life.

Conclusion

After reading this article, we recommend conducting further research, visiting university websites, and contacting admission offices to get the most up-to-date information.

Make a list of universities that align with your academic and career goals and start the application process.

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