Postgraduate programs in Canada offer international students the opportunity to gain a world-class education, flexible program options, and the skills they need to prepare for diverse careers. Plus, master’s programs are exempt from Canada’s temporary two-year cap on study permits. From education to science, we’ve highlighted five great one- to two-year postgraduate programs in Canada below, complete with yearly international tuition amounts, current as of June 2024. Read on to find out what they are, and what makes these programs special.
There are thousands of programs to choose from on the ApplyBoard platform. Find one that fits your academic goals today!
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Master of Education in Counselling – University of Northern British Columbia
Program Length: Two-year master’s degree, including a practicum
Gross Tuition: C$10,200 per year
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a research-intensive institution based in Prince George, northern British Columbia’s largest city. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 1:13, UNBC classes can be more interactive, meaning more direct connection with peers and faculty. Plus, Prince George has a sunny climate (averaging almost 300 sunny days every year) and a more affordable cost of living than larger Canadian cities.
UNBC’s Master of Education in Counselling program trains students to provide counselling services in schools, post-secondary institutions, social service agencies, and community health organizations. Students can put what they learn in class to work, even before graduating, through working in a supervised clinical practice during their practicum.
This two-year postgraduate program adapts to students’ goals and learning styles: to graduate, students complete either a thesis, final project, or comprehensive evaluation. Students interested in pursuing the thesis or project route for this program must request permission from UNBC’s Department of Psychology.
From its stunning landscapes to diverse academic institutions, British Columbia is a great place to study. Learn more:
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Master of Business Administration in Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship – University of Prince Edward Island
Program Length: Two-year master’s degree
Gross Tuition: C$27,400 per year
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is ranked #10 in Canada on Maclean’s 2024 list of primarily undergraduate universities. This East Coast university is home to the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation, connecting in-class learnings with local environments already seeing the impact of climate change.
During their studies, Master of Business Administration in Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship students can gain a broader understanding of the business of science. Classes focus on commercialization, as well as ethical and regulatory issues in biotechnology. Graduates of this two-year postgraduate program go on to work in biotechnology or science fields.
UPEI also works to connect international students with locals. Through the International Buddy Program, international students can be matched with a Canadian student who can share advice on the best places to study, student life advice, and be a friendly face on campus.
How can a buddy program help you adjust to campus life? Find out on our blog.
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Master of Journalism – University of Regina
Program Length: One-year master’s degree
Gross Tuition: C$19,300 per year
The three-semester master of journalism program at the University of Regina (U of R) is designed to hone students’ advanced journalism skills. Classes balance between the theory and history of journalism as a field and its modern applications, like broadcast work, documentaries, and photojournalism.
Students will also complete a professional capstone project under the supervision of an U of R faculty member. Building job-ready skills is key to the program’s success. In fact, U of R grads have an impressive 90% graduate employment rate (within 6 months).
You’ll feel at home quickly at the University of Regina, where almost one-fifth of students come from different countries. At the graduate level, 56% of students are international. The U of R’s student services and academics are both applauded by Maclean’s, who ranked them among Canada’s top 15 comprehensive universities in 2024.
Note: admissions to this program are temporarily paused until Winter 2025. So, if this program sounds like a fit for your academic goals, check the ApplyBoard program page for updates.
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Master of Family Studies and Gerontology – Mount Saint Vincent University
Program Length: Two-year master’s degree
Gross Tuition: C$11,700 per year
Students at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) take classes just minutes out of downtown Halifax, one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. A lively cultural scene, lower cost of living, and lots of urban parks makes Halifax somewhere everyone can thrive.
MSVU’s class sizes average under 24 students. This means classes are more interactive, giving students an opportunity to test new ideas in class discussions. Plus, with hands-on learning built into every MSVU program, students gain skills they can use in their future career.
In this two-year postgraduate program, Master of Family Studies and Gerontology students learn about family studies (a holistic look at individuals and families across their life spans) and gerontology (the study of aging). They’ll also look at how these fields intersect.
With the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging and Sheila A. Brown Centre for Applied Research located on campus, students can connect with leading researchers in healthy aging, childhood development, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. After graduation, students will be set up to pursue a career in academia, community development, family services, or education.
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Master of Professional Accounting – International Student Pathway – Brock University
Program Length: 13 to 14-month master’s degree
Gross Tuition: C$46,300 per year
The Master of Professional Accounting program at Brock University is designed for student success. By combining an intensive Business English program with accounting knowledge tailored for Canada’s markets and systems, students can build on their international accounting knowledge and gain the skills they need to practice in a North American setting. It’s this attention to detail and future-facing programming that makes Brock one of Canada’s best comprehensive universities.
For students wanting to gain Canadian work experience before graduating, this program includes an optional four-month paid co-op placement.
Brock University’s Niagara campus welcomes students warmly with support resources built for the international student experience. Whether you use the Pathway to Success guide to settle in, or access free academic support, the staff at Brock is there to help.
Here’s our list of 10 things international students need to bring to Canada!
We hope these great two-year postgraduate programs in Canada inspires your journey as an international student! But, remember, there are hundreds more to choose from on the ApplyBoard platform. With a quick search, you’re bound to find one that fits your goals.
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