Master of Applied Science [MASc] (Civil Engineering)
Field of Study:
$15,296 /Yr
Carleton University Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.) Civil Engineering is a 2-year, full-time, thesis-based research degree taught on campus in Ottawa, Ontario. International students need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field with minimum 65%, plus IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent). Tuition is CAD 21,851 per year (INR 14.86 Lakhs), and the program integrates coursework with research through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Civil Engineering (OCICE).
The M.A.Sc. develops research-driven engineers for roles in infrastructure, sustainability, and advanced project management. Its thesis-based structure distinguishes it from coursework-only alternatives; students complete 2.5 credits of specialized courses and 2.5 credits of original research. Ideal for candidates seeking academic depth and planning careers in consulting, government agencies, or doctoral study.
- Canada’s robust post-study work permit (PGWP) covers three years of paid engineering experience post-graduation.
- Competitive research assistantships and NSERC scholarships reduce tuition burden significantly for admitted candidates.
- Ottawa offers lower cost of living than Toronto or Vancouver; engineering infrastructure projects create local placement demand.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Winter 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 August 2026.
For Indian applicants, plan 4–6 weeks for WES transcript evaluation after admission. Apply now if pursuing Winter intake; Summer 2027 applications open November 2026.
Also Check: Carleton University Admission Requirements
Carleton University M.A.Sc. Civil Engineering Fees and Living Costs 2026
The M.A.Sc. programme spans two years. Annual tuition for international students is fixed in Canadian dollars; living costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.
| Cost Component | Per Year (CAD) | Per Year (INR) | Two Year Total (CAD) | Two Year Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | CAD 21,851 | INR 14.86 Lakhs | CAD 43,702 | INR 29.72 Lakhs |
| Health Insurance (UHIP) | CAD 792 | INR 0.54 Lakhs | CAD 1,584 | INR 1.08 Lakhs |
| Off-Campus Housing | CAD 10,860 | INR 7.38 Lakhs | CAD 21,720 | INR 14.77 Lakhs |
| Living Expenses (Food, Transport) | CAD 10,360 | INR 7.04 Lakhs | CAD 20,720 | INR 14.09 Lakhs |
| Books and Study Materials | CAD 1,500 | INR 1.02 Lakhs | CAD 3,000 | INR 2.04 Lakhs |
| Total Annual Cost | CAD 45,363 | INR 30.84 Lakhs | CAD 90,726 | INR 61.70 Lakhs |
Source: Carleton University Graduate Studies and Student Accounts Receivable (2026).
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of CAD 1 = INR 68 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition is locked for two years; health insurance increases 3–5% annually pending administrative approval.
- Off-campus shared housing costs CAD 600–850/month in central Ottawa; dormitory availability is limited for graduate students.
- Application fee (non-refundable) is CAD 120 for Canadian online portal submission.
Cost of Living in Ottawa for Civil Engineering Graduate Students
| Expense Category | Monthly Range (CAD) | Monthly Range (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Shared) | CAD 600–850 | INR 40,800–57,800 | Downtown closer to campus; suburbs cheaper |
| Groceries | CAD 300–400 | INR 20,400–27,200 | Varies by shopping habits and stores |
| Transport (U-Pass Included) | CAD 80–120 | INR 5,440–8,160 | U-Pass bundled in student fees; no extra cost |
| Dining and Entertainment | CAD 150–250 | INR 10,200–17,000 | Campus venues and off-campus options |
| Utilities and Internet | CAD 100–150 | INR 6,800–10,200 | Shared flat utilities split among roommates |
| Monthly Total | CAD 1,230–1,770 | INR 83,640–120,360 | Excludes tuition and one-time costs |
Key Insight: Ottawa’s cost of living is 25–30% lower than Toronto or Vancouver. A shared flat reduces rent by CAD 150–200/month compared to solo accommodation. Graduate students often secure on-campus or funded housing through department assistantships.
Read More: Study in Canada: Complete Guide
Carleton University M.A.Sc. Civil Engineering Admission 2026
The Civil Engineering M.A.Sc. program runs three intake windows annually. Fall (September start) deadlines close in March; Winter (January start) deadlines close in August. Summer (May start) deadlines close in December.
| Intake | Start Date | Application Deadline | Status (as of June 6, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | September 2026 | 01 March 2026 | Closed |
| Winter 2027 | January 2027 | 01 August 2026 | Open (56 days) |
| Summer 2027 | May 2027 | 01 December 2026 | Not Yet Open |
Academic Eligibility: A four-year bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is the standard entry requirement. Graduates of other engineering disciplines or honours science programs with strong mathematics content may qualify if they complete qualifying undergraduate courses in civil engineering specialisms.
| Criterion | Minimum Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall GPA / Marks | 65% (first-class division) | GPA 3.2 or B on 4.0 scale; 7.5+ CGPA for Indian 10-point scale |
| Last 10 Credits in Major | 65% minimum | Civil engineering courses examined closely; weak core modules may require qualifying courses |
| GMAT / GRE | Not Required | Program does not mandate standardized tests; statement of intent weighs more |
| Statement of Intent | Required (500–700 words) | Describe research interests and alignment with faculty expertise |
| Faculty Supervisor (Recommended) | Highly Beneficial | Pre-contacting a supervisor increases admission odds and funds availability |
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
All international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of these tests.
| English Test | Overall Minimum | Per-Band Minimum (if applicable) | Valid For (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 | 6.0 in all bands | 2 years |
| TOEFL iBT | 86 | Writing 20, Speaking 18 (approx) | 2 years |
| PTE (Pearson) | 60 | 59 in all communicative skills | 3 years |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 | 115 in each skill | 2 years |
| CAEL | Not Specified (contact graduate office) | Accepted; verify minimum via email | 2 years |
- IELTS 6.5 is the most affordable and widely recognized global standard; test costs INR 13,600–15,000 in India.
- TOEFL iBT score of 86 is achievable for strong English speakers in 4–8 weeks of part-time prep; cost is INR 18,000–19,500 in India.
- Duolingo (125) is the fastest and cheapest option (INR 1,800); accepted equally if Carleton application system lists it as valid.
Tip for Indian Students: Carleton does not waive English requirements for Indian applicants regardless of passport or schooling. Plan 8–10 weeks for test prep and result processing. IELTS and TOEFL scores must reach Carleton before the deadline, not on deadline day.
Carleton University ranks 251–300 globally by Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 and is ranked 17th among Canadian universities. The university holds accreditation from the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).
Carleton University M.A.Sc. Civil Engineering Application 2026
Submit applications through Carleton’s online graduate portal (Carleton 360). Processing takes 4–6 weeks after complete document submission. Early submission improves funding likelihood.
| Intake | Application Deadline | Expected Decision Date | Document Submission Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2027 | 01 August 2026 | September 1, 2026 | Carleton 360 Portal |
| Summer 2027 | Expected: 01 December 2026 | January 10, 2027 | Carleton 360 Portal |
Required Documents: English transcripts (original or certified copies); WES evaluation report (10–15 days processing from India); two academic references with contact emails; Statement of Intent (500–700 words); CV highlighting research or project experience; proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo scores); passport copy.
Application Tip: Contact 2–3 civil engineering faculty members before submitting to identify a potential supervisor. Mentioning supervisor interest in your Statement of Intent significantly boosts admission and funding odds. Visit www.ocice.ca to review faculty research areas.
Read More: Step-by-Step Application Guide
Carleton University M.A.Sc. Civil Engineering Scholarships 2026
The programme does not award a single "full-tuition scholarship," but admitted students receive competitive mixed funding packages (scholarships + assistantships) auto-evaluated during admissions review. No separate scholarship application required.
Typical Funding for Admitted International M.A.Sc. Students:
- NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (Masters): CAD 27,000 per year (INR 18.36 Lakhs) for top-tier candidates; covers most tuition + living costs.
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): CAD 15,000 per year (INR 10.20 Lakhs); merit and research-focus based; not reserved for Ontario residents in some cases.
- Teaching or Research Assistantship: CAD 5,000–10,000 per year (INR 3.40–6.80 Lakhs); 8–10 hours/week during term; payment via student employment.
Scholarship Reality (Cost-Offset Math): Two-year tuition cost is INR 29.72 Lakhs. An NSERC award of INR 18.36 Lakhs/year covers tuition (INR 14.86 Lakhs) plus INR 3.50 Lakhs toward living costs. Add a small TA/RA role (INR 3.40 Lakhs/year) and students offset INR 25–30 Lakhs of the total cost.
Honest Take: Not all admitted students receive NSERC. Conversely, all receive some funding blend. Strong academic backgrounds (75%+), prior research publications, and early faculty contact maximize funding size. International students face slightly lower average awards than domestic applicants; budget conservatively.
Also Check: Carleton International Graduate Funding
Carleton University M.A.Sc. Civil Engineering Salary 2026
Carleton M.A.Sc. Civil Engineering graduates are placed across infrastructure consulting, government, and corporate engineering roles within 6 months of graduation. Salary data reflects Canadian civil engineering market outcomes, not Carleton-exclusive surveys.
| Career Stage | Gross Annual Salary (CAD) | Gross Annual Salary (INR) | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | CAD 60,000–75,000 | INR 40.80–51.00 Lakhs | Graduate Engineer, Project Coordinator |
| Mid-Career (3–7 years) | CAD 80,000–100,000 | INR 54.40–68.00 Lakhs | Senior Engineer, Design Lead, Manager |
| Experienced (8+ years) | CAD 110,000–140,000 | INR 74.80–95.20 Lakhs | Principal Engineer, Project Director, Consultant |
Source: Glassdoor Canada, Government of Canada Job Bank, and PayScale civil engineer salary surveys (2026).
Take-home pay is 15–20% lower due to federal and provincial income tax in Ontario (combined ~30–32% marginal for entry-level). A CAD 65,000 gross salary nets approximately CAD 48,000–50,000 annually.
ROI Reality: Two-year tuition of INR 29.72 Lakhs is recouped within 2 years of entry-level employment in Canada. The PGWP permits three years of paid experience post-graduation; cumulative earnings often exceed INR 2 Crore before returning to India or pursuing PR.
Check Out: Canada Job Bank Civil Engineer Wages
Canada Visa M.A.Sc. Civil Engineering 2026
Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international graduates to work in Canada for a duration equal to their study period. An M.A.Sc. completed in two years qualifies for a three-year PGWP if the program meets full-time criteria. This permit is a stepping stone to permanent residence (PR).
- PGWP Duration: Up to 3 years of open work authorization; valid across all Canadian provinces and employers; renewable extensions are rare.
- Skilled-Worker PR Path: After 12 months of full-time work experience in Canada (using PGWP), graduates qualify for Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). PR approval timelines are 6–12 months.
- Spouse/Dependent Eligibility: Spouses can apply for an "open work permit" valid for the entire PGWP duration; dependents under 22 can attend school at domestic tuition rates.
- Study Permit Prerequisites: Secure an offer letter from Carleton. Demonstrate funds (approximately CAD 45,000/year) via bank statements, GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificates), or financial institution letters from India.
Visa Reality: Canada prioritizes skilled graduates; civil engineers are in high demand under the Federal Skilled Trades Program and provincial systems. A two-year M.A.Sc. and three years of PGWP create a clear five-year pathway to PR eligibility. Study permit refusal rates for Indian applicants pursuing engineering at Carleton are below 5%.
Read More: Canada Study and Work Visa Guide
Carleton University M.A.Sc. Civil Engineering Ranking 2026
Carleton’s Civil Engineering department does not hold a discipline-specific global ranking from QS, THE, FT, or ARWU. However, the university maintains strong regional recognition through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Civil Engineering (OCICE), a research consortium with the University of Ottawa.
Carleton ranks 251–300 globally across all disciplines (THE 2026) and 17th among Canadian universities. Civil engineering faculty publish regularly in top-tier journals and secure competitive NSERC research grants. Specializations in sustainable infrastructure and climate adaptation align with Canada’s national research priorities.
Key Insight: Lack of a subject-specific ranking does not diminish programme quality. Employer recognition in Canada and abroad depends on thesis research output, co-op placements, and supervisor track record. Carleton’s M.A.Sc. thesis programs prioritize research publication and thesis visibility over rankings.
M.A.Sc. Civil Engineering FAQs
Ques. Can I start the M.A.Sc. Civil Engineering programme without a civil engineering bachelor’s degree?
Ans. Yes, if you hold a bachelor’s degree in a related engineering discipline (mechanical, structural) or an honours science degree with strong mathematics content. Carleton may require you to complete 1–4 qualifying undergraduate civil engineering courses (8–16 weeks) before formal M.A.Sc. enrolment. Contact the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at ceeinfo@cunet.carleton.ca to assess your eligibility.
Ques. Is the M.A.Sc. thesis-based programme harder to enter than the M.Eng. coursework-only option?
Ans. M.A.Sc. admission is competitive because it is research-focused and leads to more scholarships (NSERC, OGS). M.Eng. coursework tracks require similar academic marks but admit with fewer TA/RA assistantships. Choose M.A.Sc. if you plan doctoral study or research careers; M.Eng. if you prefer industry application roles without thesis burden.
Ques. What is the realistic timeline for admission decisions and study permit issuance?
Ans. After submitting a complete application, expect a decision within 4–6 weeks. If admitted, Carleton issues an offer letter within 2 weeks. Once you accept the offer and pay the deposit (CAD 1,000–2,000), Carleton generates a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) within 5 days. Study permit processing from India takes 15–30 days via online portal. Total timeline from application to visa approval: 12–16 weeks.
Ques. Do I need GRE or GMAT scores to apply to the M.A.Sc. programme?
Ans. No. Carleton does not require GRE or GMAT for engineering master’s admission. The programme prioritizes undergraduate GPA (minimum 65%), English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo), and your Statement of Intent describing research interests. Strong GRE scores (160+ Quant) boost competitiveness informally but are not mandatory.
Ques. Can I work during my M.A.Sc. studies, and will part-time work affect my PGWP duration?
Ans. Yes. Study permit regulations allow 20 hours/week during semesters and unlimited hours during breaks (May–August, December). Most M.A.Sc. students combine 8–10 hour/week department TA/RA roles with thesis work. Such employment does not reduce PGWP duration; the PGWP is tied to programme length (2 years = 3-year permit), regardless of work history during study.
Carleton’s M.A.Sc. Civil Engineering is a practical choice for Indian engineers seeking research depth, global work rights, and clear pathways to Canadian permanent residence. The two-year thesis model balances academic rigor with affordable international tuition. Success depends on strong English proficiency, early faculty contact, and clarity on whether research or industry roles align better with your career goals. Winter 2027 intake applications close August 1, 2026—apply soon if suited to this research-intensive pathway.
Important Alert
- Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake - Aug 1, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $15296 (CAD 21851) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Room (Off Campus) | $15204 (CAD 21720) |
| Other Living Expenses | $7252 (CAD 10360) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $14362 (CAD 20517) |
| 2023 | $6208 (CAD 8869) |
| 2022 | $13946 (CAD 19923) |
| 2021 | $9815 (CAD 14021) |
Important Dates
Applications are welcome at any time prior to the start of the term depending on available program capacity.
Fee Deposit Deadlines for Winter 2026 and Fall 2026 are Tentative and are to be confirmed.
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | |
| Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake | Aug 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake | Dec 1, 2026 |
Scores Required
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Scholarships | 1,000 - 12,000 per year | Merit scholarships are based on academic grades of a previous degree and are available for top-quality students |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
Best Post-Graduate Courses in Canada in 2025
Masters in Canada: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries
Masters in Civil Engineering in Canada: Deadlines, Eligibility, Fees & Jobs
Masters in Engineering in Canada: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 14,000/Yr$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ontario Graduate Fellowship | Scholarship per student$ 6,213/Yr$8,875 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jared J. Davis Grant | Scholarship per student$ 700/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award | Scholarship per student$ 1,050/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
-- | USD 15,619 /Yr CAD 22,313 /Yr |
| ||
Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake (1st Aug 2026) Tuition Fee Deposit Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (25th Aug 2026) | USD 23,332 /Yr CAD 33,331 /Yr |
|
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here












Comments