MS in Canada 2026: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility and Admission Guide
Manik's profile photo

Manik

Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated on - May 15, 2026

Canada has 85+ universities offering MS programmes, with India as the #1 source country for international students. MS in Canada fees range from CAD 8,500–CAD 37,000 (Rs. 5.94–Rs. 25.84 lakh). Living costs for MS in Canada ranges from CAD 40,000 to CAD 1,10,000 (Rs. 27.94 to Rs. 76.82 lakh) depending on the university and city.

Canada offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years for graduates of 2-year MS programmes. There are 9 Canadian universities in the top 250 as per QS World University Rankings 2026, led by McGill University (QS #27) and the University of Toronto (QS #29).

Conversion used throughout: 1 CAD = Rs. 69.84.

Also Read: Study in Canada


Quick Overview

Parameter Details
MS duration 1–2 years
Annual tuition range CAD 8,500–37,000 (Rs. 5.94–Rs. 25.84 lakh)
Annual living cost CAD 12,000–18,000 (Rs. 8.38–Rs. 12.57 lakh)
Total 2-year cost CAD 40,000–1,10,000 (Rs. 27.94–Rs. 76.82 lakh)
GIC requirement (2026) CAD 22,895 (Rs. 15.99 lakh)
PGWP duration Up to 3 years (2-year MS)
Minimum IELTS 6.5 overall
Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0 (65–70%)
Work during studies 20 hours/week off-campus
PR pathway Express Entry after 1 year of skilled work
Conversion 1 CAD = Rs. 69.84

Top Universities for MS in Canada 2026

Canada has 9 universities in the top 250 according to QS World Rankings 2026. The table below covers the strongest options for Indian MS students by ranking, fees, and popular programmes.

University QS 2026 Location Annual Fees (CAD) Annual Fees (INR) Popular MS Courses
McGill University #27 Montreal, QC CAD 18,000 Rs. 12.57 lakh Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering
University of Toronto #29 Toronto, ON CAD 37,000 Rs. 25.84 lakh Applied Computing, Data Science, Electrical Engineering
University of British Columbia #40 Vancouver, BC CAD 8,500 Rs. 5.94 lakh Data Science, Information Systems
University of Alberta #94 Edmonton, AB CAD 9,400 Rs. 6.57 lakh Computing Science, Public Health
University of Waterloo #119 Waterloo, ON CAD 14,000 Rs. 9.78 lakh Computer Science, Chemical Engineering
McMaster University #173 Hamilton, ON CAD 17,000 Rs. 11.87 lakh Mechanical Engineering, Global Health
Queen's University #191 Kingston, ON CAD 12,300 Rs. 8.59 lakh Computing, Management Analytics
University of Calgary #211 Calgary, AB CAD 14,500 Rs. 10.13 lakh Civil Engineering, Information Security
University of Ottawa #219 Ottawa, ON CAD 25,700 Rs. 17.95 lakh Computer Science, Chemical Engineering

Also Read: Top Public Universities in Canada


MS in Canada Fees and Total Cost

MS in Canada Fees varies significantly by programs and universities. Research-based (thesis) MS programmes are cheaper (UBC and Alberta charge under CAD 10,000/year). Coursework-based (taught) MS programmes cost more but finish faster.

Annual Tuition by Budget Tier:

Tier Universities Annual Tuition (CAD) Annual Tuition (INR)
Budget UBC, University of Alberta CAD 8,500–9,400 Rs. 5.94–Rs. 6.57 lakh
Mid-tier Waterloo, Queen's, McMaster, Calgary CAD 12,300–17,000 Rs. 8.59–Rs. 11.87 lakh
Premium McGill, Ottawa, University of Toronto CAD 18,000–37,000 Rs. 12.57–Rs. 25.84 lakh

Living Costs City-Wise:

City Monthly Cost (CAD) Monthly Cost (INR)
Vancouver CAD 1,800–2,500 Rs. 1.26–Rs. 1.75 lakh
Toronto CAD 1,500–2,000 Rs. 1.05–Rs. 1.40 lakh
Ottawa CAD 1,400–1,900 Rs. 97,776–Rs. 1.33 lakh
Montreal CAD 1,200–1,800 Rs. 83,808–Rs. 1.26 lakh
Waterloo / Hamilton CAD 1,200–1,700 Rs. 83,808–Rs. 1.19 lakh
Edmonton / Calgary CAD 1,100–1,700 Rs. 76,824–Rs. 1.19 lakh

Also Check: Cost of living in Canada


Popular Courses MS in Canada

Computer Science, Data Science, and Engineering are the three most in-demand MS fields for Indian students in Canada. Below are the top courses along with the annual fees, salary and top universities offering them

Course Top Universities Annual Fees (INR) Starting Salary (CAD) Starting Salary (INR)
Computer Science U of T, Waterloo, McGill, UBC Rs. 5.94–Rs. 25.84 lakh CAD 75,000–1,10,000 Rs. 52.38–Rs. 76.82 lakh
Data Science / Analytics UBC, U of T, Western Rs. 5.94–Rs. 25.84 lakh CAD 70,000–1,00,000 Rs. 48.89–Rs. 69.84 lakh
Electrical Engineering U of T, Waterloo, UBC Rs. 9.78–Rs. 25.84 lakh CAD 70,000–95,000 Rs. 48.89–Rs. 66.35 lakh
Mechanical Engineering McGill, McMaster, Calgary Rs. 10.13–Rs. 12.57 lakh CAD 65,000–90,000 Rs. 45.40–Rs. 62.86 lakh
MBA / Business Queen's, McMaster, Western Rs. 8.59–Rs. 11.87 lakh CAD 60,000–90,000 Rs. 41.90–Rs. 62.86 lakh
Public Health University of Alberta Rs. 6.57 lakh CAD 55,000–80,000 Rs. 38.41–Rs. 55.87 lakh

Also Read: MS in Computer Science in Canada for Indian Students


MS in Canada Eligibility Criteria

Most universities require a 4-year bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0. Top universities like University of Toronto and Waterloo typically expect 3.5+/4.0 for competitive programmes.

Criterion Requirement
Bachelor's degree 4-year undergraduate in a relevant field
Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0 (65–70%); top universities: 3.5+/4.0 (75%+)
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0); top universities: 7.0+
TOEFL iBT 90+ (top universities: 100+)
GRE Required for some engineering and science programmes
GMAT Required for MBA / management (minimum 650)
SOP 500–1,000 words
LORs 2–3 (academic or professional)
Work experience Not mandatory; strengthens application

MS in Canada Admission Process

Canada has two main intakes: Fall (September) and Winter (January). Fall is the primary intake with the most seats and program options.

Step Action Timeline (Fall 2026)
1 Shortlist universities and programmes September–October 2025
2 Appear for IELTS / TOEFL / GRE October–November 2025
3 Prepare SOP, LORs, CV and transcripts November–December 2025
4 Submit applications December 2025–March 2026
5 Receive offer letters February–April 2026
6 Accept offer and pay deposit April–May 2026
7 Open GIC account (CAD 22,895 = Rs. 15.99 lakh) May–June 2026
8 Apply for Canada Study Permit (IRCC portal) May–June 2026
9 Receive study permit June–July 2026
10 Fly to Canada and begin programme August–September 2026

Documents required:

  • Passport
  • Academic transcripts
  • IELTS/TOEFL scores
  • SOP
  • CV
  • 2–3 LORs
  • Offer letter
  • GRE/GMAT scores (if required)
  • GIC confirmation and bank statements (last 4 months).

MS in Canada Study Permit and GIC

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) has been discontinued. All Indian students apply through the standard study permit stream on the IRCC portal.

Requirement Details
GIC (2026) CAD 22,895 (Rs. 15.99 lakh)
Study permit fee CAD 150 (Rs. 10,476)
Biometrics fee CAD 85 (Rs. 5,936)
Processing time 4–12 weeks
Work rights 20 hours/week off-campus during term; full-time during breaks

Note: The GIC is purchased from SBI Canada, ICICI Bank Canada, or Scotiabank. Funds are released monthly after arrival in Canada.


MS in Canada Scholarships

Most Canadian MS scholarships are merit-based and awarded at admission. Research-based MS programmes often include TA/RA funding of CAD 10,000–20,000/year (Rs. 6.98–Rs. 13.97 lakh/year).

Scholarship Provider Coverage
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Government of Canada CAD 50,000/year (Rs. 34.92 lakh/year)
UBC Graduate Fellowship University of British Columbia CAD 18,000–32,000/year (Rs. 12.57–Rs. 22.35 lakh/year)
University of Toronto Fellowship University of Toronto CAD 15,000–25,000/year (Rs. 10.48–Rs. 17.46 lakh/year)
McGill Graduate Excellence Award McGill University CAD 10,000–17,500/year (Rs. 6.98–Rs. 12.22 lakh/year)
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Government of Ontario CAD 15,000/year (Rs. 10.48 lakh/year)
University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship University of Alberta CAD 5,500–15,000/year (Rs. 3.84–Rs. 10.48 lakh/year)

Also Read: Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students


MS in Canada Post-Study Work and PR Pathway

The PGWP is an open work permit with no employer sponsorship, no LMIA requirements. It is the primary bridge to Canadian Permanent Residency.

Parameter Details
PGWP duration (2-year MS) 3 years
PGWP duration (1-year MS) Equal to programme length
Work rights Any employer, any field
PR eligibility After 1 year of skilled work (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
PR pathway Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Language requirement for PR CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in each band)
Timeline to PR 4–5 years from MS admission

Also Read: PGWP Canada


Salary After MS in Canada

The average annual salary across all MS fields in Canada is CAD 62,800 (Rs. 43.86 lakh). Tech hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, and Waterloo offer the highest starting packages.

MS Field Starting Salary (CAD/year) Starting Salary (INR/year)
Computer Science CAD 75,000–1,10,000 Rs. 52.38–Rs. 76.82 lakh
Data Science / Analytics CAD 70,000–1,00,000 Rs. 48.89–Rs. 69.84 lakh
Electrical Engineering CAD 70,000–95,000 Rs. 48.89–Rs. 66.35 lakh
Mechanical Engineering CAD 65,000–90,000 Rs. 45.40–Rs. 62.86 lakh
MBA / Business CAD 60,000–90,000 Rs. 41.90–Rs. 62.86 lakh
Public Health CAD 55,000–80,000 Rs. 38.41–Rs. 55.87 lakh

Check Out: Average Salaries in Canada


Canada's combination of affordable research MS programmes, world-ranked universities, and a guaranteed 3-year PGWP makes it the most practical MS destination for Indian students after the USA. Budget universities like UBC and Alberta deliver a total 2-year cost of Rs. 27.94–Rs. 38.41 lakh with a direct PR pathway attached.


FAQs

Ques: What is the total cost of MS in Canada for Indian students?

Ans: Total 2-year cost ranges from Rs. 27.94–Rs. 38.41 lakh at budget universities (UBC, Alberta) to Rs. 62.86–Rs. 76.82 lakh at premium universities (University of Toronto). Annual living costs add CAD 12,000–18,000 (Rs. 8.38–Rs. 12.57 lakh) depending on the city.

Ques: Which is the best university for MS in Canada for Indian students?

Ans: McGill (QS #27) and University of Toronto (QS #29) are the highest-ranked. For budget students, UBC (QS #40) and University of Alberta (QS #94) offer research MS from CAD 8,500–9,400/year (Rs. 5.94–Rs. 6.57 lakh/year). University of Waterloo (QS #119) is the strongest for Computer Science and co-op programmes.

Ques: What is the PGWP duration after MS in Canada?

Ans: Graduates of a 2-year MS receive a 3-year PGWP. Graduates of a 1-year MS receive a PGWP equal to the programme length. The PGWP is an open work permit — any employer, any field, no LMIA required.

Ques: Is GRE required for MS in Canada?

Ans: GRE is required for some engineering and science programmes, with a minimum score of 260. Most non-engineering MS programmes like Data Science, Business, Health Sciences do not require GRE. GMAT (minimum 650) is required for MBA and management programmes.

Ques: What is the GIC requirement for Canada study permit in 2026?

Ans: International students must show CAD 22,895 (Rs. 15.99 lakh) in living expense funds through a GIC. The GIC is purchased from SBI Canada, ICICI Bank Canada, or Scotiabank and is separate from the first-year tuition payment.

Ques: What is the salary after MS in Canada?

Ans: Entry-level salaries range from CAD 55,000–1,10,000/year (Rs. 38.41–Rs. 76.82 lakh/year) depending on the field. Computer Science and Data Science graduates earn CAD 75,000–1,10,000/year (Rs. 52.38–Rs. 76.82 lakh/year). The average across all MS fields is CAD 62,800/year (Rs. 43.86 lakh/year).

Ques: Can Indian students work while studying MS in Canada?

Ans: Yes. Students on a valid study permit can work 20 hours/week off-campus during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks. Waterloo, UBC, and McMaster also offer co-op programmes that provide paid work experience as part of the degree.

Cities
Montreal
Halifax
Vancouver
London
Ottawa
Toronto
Waterloo
Winnipeg
Burnaby
Show More
Stream
Show More
Education Level
Stream
Colleges By Ranking
Institution Type
College Type
State
City
Entrance / Exam Accepted
Avg Fees Per/yr
Attendance Type
Course Delivery Mode
Language

Found 79 universities

Sort By
RankingCollege InfoTop CoursesFees & Cost of Living
#18/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

University of Toronto, Toronto

6.0(Based on 82 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada43%Acceptance Rate
MS Applied Computing Data Science
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4.5
View 35 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$45,023/Yr)$32.4K/Yr
Living
(CA$13,491/Yr)$9.7K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#22/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

McGill University, Montreal

9.0(Based on 26 User Reviews)Quebec, Canada46%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.5
View 32 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$28,967/Yr)$20.9K/Yr
Living
(CA$875/Yr)$630/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#30/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

The University of British Columbia, Vancouver

9.0(Based on 107 User Reviews)British Columbia, Canada54%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
IELTS7
View 46 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$18,570/Yr)$13.4K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,536/Yr)$11.9K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#61/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

University of Alberta, Edmonton

9.3(Based on 22 User Reviews)Alberta, Canada58%Acceptance Rate
MS Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4.5PTE61
View 30 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$11,613/Yr)$8.4K/Yr
Living
(CA$19,344/Yr)$13.9K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#91/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

University of Waterloo, Waterloo

9.7(Based on 58 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada53%Acceptance Rate
MS Quantitative Finance
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL90PTE63
View 9 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$32,539/Yr)$23.4K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,020/Yr)$11.5K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#101/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

McMaster University, Hamilton

8.3(Based on 29 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada59%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL88PTE70
View 12 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$31,590/Yr)$22.7K/Yr
Living
(CA$15,470/Yr)$11.1K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#119/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

Western University, London

8.3(Based on 25 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada58%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo115TOEFL4.5
View 21 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$35,558/Yr)$25.6K/Yr
Living
(CA$18,400/Yr)$13.2K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#120/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

University of Montreal, Montreal

8.2(Based on 15 User Reviews)Quebec, Canada57%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
View 31 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$23,608/Yr)$17K/Yr
Living
(CA$12,000/Yr)$8.6K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#140/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

University of Calgary, Calgary

7.3(Based on 34 User Reviews)Alberta, Canada55%Acceptance Rate
MS Data Science and Analytics
Course duration:
12 months
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo125TOEFL4.5PTE59
View 21 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$17,434/Yr)$12.6K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,119/Yr)$11.6K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#142/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

University of Ottawa, Ottawa

8.0(Based on 38 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada80%Acceptance Rate
MS Nursing
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4
View 16 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$10,317/Yr)$7.4K/Yr
Living
(CA$15,758/Yr)$11.3K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#166/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

Queen's University, Kingston

9.3(Based on 24 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada42%Acceptance Rate
MS Management - Information Systems
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL5
View 16 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$12,927/Yr)$9.3K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#182/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke

6.8(Based on 1 User Reviews)Quebec, Canada68%Acceptance Rate
M.S Computer Science
Course duration:
18 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL100
View 20 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$26,860/Yr)$19.3K/Yr
Living
(CA$9,192/Yr)$6.6K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#184/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal

Quebec, Canada50%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
View 13 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$22,078/Yr)$15.9K/Yr
Living
(CA$4,320/Yr)$3.1K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#211/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

Dalhousie University, Halifax

5.3(Based on 22 User Reviews)Nova Scotia, Canada78%Acceptance Rate
MS Applied Computer Science
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4.5PTE65
View 15 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$11,614/Yr)$8.4K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,448/Yr)$11.8K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#230/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby

7.5(Based on 13 User Reviews)British Columbia, Canada59%Acceptance Rate
MS Computing Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo125TOEFL90PTE65
View 11 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$12,466/Yr)$9K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,002/Yr)$11.5K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#258/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

University of Victoria, Victoria

9.3(Based on 10 User Reviews)British Columbia, Canada63%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4.5PTE65
View 12 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$9,230/Yr)$6.6K/Yr
Living
(CA$9,653/Yr)$7K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#281/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

Laval University, Quebec City

Quebec, Canada59%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL79
View 56 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$22,066/Yr)$15.9K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#286/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon

7.0(Based on 12 User Reviews)Saskatchewan, Canada72.3%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
20 months
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120IELTS7
View 20 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$13,677/Yr)$9.8K/Yr
Living
(CA$20,065/Yr)$14.4K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#291/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

Carleton University, Ottawa

3.3(Based on 26 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada22%Acceptance Rate
MS Management
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
GMAT600IELTS6.5PTE60
View 7 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$18,703/Yr)$13.5K/Yr
Living
(CA$12,907/Yr)$9.3K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#296/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall)

York University, Toronto

6.2(Based on 41 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada48%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
20 months
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo130TOEFL4.5PTE67
View 7 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$21,309/Yr)$15.3K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,865/Yr)$12.1K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements