If you’re looking to study in Canada, then you’ll want to check out the 20 best universities in Canada for master’s degrees.
Canada has no shortage of top-notch universities, but what makes some of them so much better than others? Obviously, the reputation of a school is critical to its success, but there’s more to it than that.
For example, when you look at the list below, you’ll notice that most of the best universities in Canada have one thing in common – high-quality programs. But not all high-quality programs are created equal!
If you want to earn your Master’s degree from one of the best schools in Canada, consider these 20 institutions first.
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Studying Master’s in Canada
Canada is a great place to study. It has many different universities, which offer various degrees in different subjects and fields.
There are also several universities that specialize in certain areas of study. The country’s reputation for education has grown over time, making it one of the best places to get your Master’s degree if you want to pursue one!
In addition to this, there are many reasons why studying at a Canadian university will be beneficial for future graduates:
- The education system in Canada is among the best in the world. It is highly ranked and offers students a wide range of subjects to choose from.
- There are many different types of universities in Canada, offering courses across all disciplines.
The Value of a Master’s Degree
The value of a master’s degree is very real and can be an important consideration when choosing where you want to study.
According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate for people with a bachelor’s degree was 3.8% in 2017 while it was 2.6% for those with an associate degree or higher.
A master’s degree can help you stand out from the crowd by providing something unique and valuable that sets you apart from other applicants, and makes employers think twice before turning down your application or promotion offer because they don’t see how your skillset fits into their organization’s goals or objectives.
It’s also easier for employers who have limited budgets to justify spending money on hiring qualified individuals over time rather than hiring new employees every year (or even every few months).
List of the Best Universities in Canada for Master’s
Below is the list of the 20 best universities in Canada for a Master’s Degree:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- McMaster University
- University of Montreal
- University of Calgary
- University of Waterloo
- University of Ottawa
- Western University
- Dalhousie University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Victoria
- University of Manitoba
- Laval University
- York University
- Queen’s University
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Guelph
- Carleton University.
20 Best Universities in Canada for Masters
1. University of Toronto
- Global Score: 83.3
- Total Enrollment: Over 70,000
The University of Toronto is often ranked as one of the top 5 universities in Canada and it’s no wonder why.
This prestigious school has many research institutes and schools that have produced leaders in a variety of industries, from health care to engineering to economics.
The University of Toronto is also known for its incredible business program and its expert faculty who teach courses like Entrepreneurship: Strategy & Operations Management, Leadership Effectiveness, and Innovative Management.
This university is well-known for producing some of Canada’s most brilliant minds which makes it the perfect place to go if you want to study at one of the best universities in Canada for a Master’s Degree.
2. University of British Columbia
- Global Score: 77.5
- Total Enrollment: Over 70,000
University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university founded in 1915. Located in Vancouver, UBC has more than 50,000 students.
The school offers the widest range of programs in Canada. The university has been ranked one of the best universities for master’s degrees by Times Higher Education World University Rankings and Global University Ranking and ranked as one of the most reputable schools in the world.
The University of British Columbia is also one of Canada’s top universities for Masters degrees. With over 125 years of experience educating students at both graduate and undergraduate levels, UBC boasts an impressive alumni list that includes four Nobel laureates, two Rhodes scholars, and one Pulitzer Prize winner.
The Faculty of Applied Science offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that provide an introduction to engineering, from electrical and computer engineering to civil and environmental engineering.
3. McGill University
- Global Score: 74.6
- Total Enrollment: Over 40,000
McGill University is one of the best universities in Canada for master’s degrees.
The university has been around since 1821 and offers a range of programs for students to choose from.
McGill’s strengths are in the fields of health, humanities, science, and engineering. McGill has strong partnerships with organizations around the world, including NASA and the WHO.
Plus, one of their campuses is actually located in Montréal! Their architecture program is also ranked as one of the top 10 in the world by U.S. News and World Report.
4. University of Alberta
- Global Score: 67.1
- Total Enrollment: Over 40,000
The University of Alberta is a research-focused institution with a large student population.
The school has many great graduate programs for those looking for a Master’s degree, including Arts and Science (MSc), Education (MEd), and Engineering (MASc).
The University of Alberta also has the largest number of post-graduate students in the country.
The UAlberta campus is located in Edmonton, Canada’s most northern major city, which means that you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of an urban setting while still being close to nature.
The University of Alberta is ranked as the third-best university in all of Canada according to Maclean’s Magazine.
If you’re interested in pursuing your Master’s degree in Edmonton, this is one Canadian university worth checking out.
5. McMaster University
- Global Score: 67.0
- Total Enrollment: Over 35,000
They have over 250-degree programs, including Master’s degrees in fields like engineering, math and computer science, health sciences, education, and social sciences. McMaster has been named a top-tier research university by the Globe and Mail as well as Maclean’s magazine.
It ranks in the top ten of all Canadian universities for research funding. McMaster is home to the Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine which offers a range of professional degrees, including medical doctorate (MD) programs at the undergraduate level.
Its alumni network is also quite extensive, with more than 300,000 individuals from 135 countries worldwide. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that McMaster is one of the 20 best universities in Canada for Master’s Degrees.
6. University of Montreal
- Global Score: 65.9
- Total Enrollment: Over 65,000
The Université de Montréal is the second-largest university in Canada and is also one of the oldest. The campus is located in Montreal, Quebec.
They offer a number of great programs for those looking to earn their Master’s degree. These programs include a master’s in arts, a master’s in engineering, a master’s in health sciences, and a master’s in management.
The University of Ottawa is ranked as Canada’s best university for 2019 by Maclean’s magazine and ranks among the top 100 universities globally.
It offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees and has an expansive library that houses more than 3 million items.
There are many prestigious faculties here including law, medicine, engineering, computer science, and business which are often considered some of the best in the country.
7. University of Calgary
- Global Score: 64.2
- Total Enrollment: Over 35,000
The University of Calgary is a top-tier institution in Canada with strong programs in multiple fields.
The university offers a range of master’s degrees, from arts to business administration, and has been ranked one of the best schools for graduate studies in Canada by Maclean’s.
The University of Calgary has been ranked as the top school for graduate studies by Maclean’s magazine for four consecutive years, and it was named #1 in Canada for the Best Overall Quality category.
The university was founded in 1925, and it has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 28,000 students. Students can choose from more than 200 programs at all levels including certificates, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and PhDs.
8. University of Waterloo
- Global Score: 63.5
- Total Enrollment: Over 40,000
The University of Waterloo is one of the best universities in Canada for Master’s Degrees.
They offer a wide range of disciplines, the university is ranked as the sixth best in all of Canada, and one-third of Waterloo students study in co-op programs, which means they have valuable experience by the time they graduate.
You can take courses online or at a campus in Singapore, China, or India. Waterloo offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees so you can start with a four-year degree if you want to save money.
Waterloo also has one of the most competitive engineering schools in North America, with a nearly 100% placement rate for engineering graduates every year.
The school was founded in 1957 and it has grown to become Canada’s third-largest university.
9. University of Ottawa
- Global Score: 62.2
- Total Enrollment: Over 45,000
The University of Ottawa is a bilingual school that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in French, English, or in a combination of the two.
The university’s bilingualism sets it apart from other universities in Canada. With campuses located on either side of the Ottawa River, students have access to both types of culture as well as excellent academic opportunities.
The University of Ottawa is one of the 20 best universities in Canada for master’s degrees because it has an excellent reputation for research, which is unique for this level of schooling.
One reason why I would recommend the University of Ottawa to someone looking for a master’s degree is that they offer some really neat specialized programs that are only available at this institution.
For example, their law school is currently ranked 5th in North America! You can find plenty of information about all their offerings online.
Another great thing about the University of Ottawa is that there are so many different options if you want to study abroad during your degree. There’s even an option where you can spend your final year in France.
10. Western University
- Global Score: 58.2
- Total Enrollment: Over 40,000
There are many great universities in Canada for a Master’s degree, but Western University stands out as one of the best.
It has a long history of excellence in both education and research, and it offers programs in almost every field imaginable.
The university also offers many degrees that are not offered by other schools, including a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Kinesiology & Health Studies and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing.
Western University is well-known for its innovative program and teaching style. Faculty members are passionate about what they do and committed to inspiring students to be the same way.
The school has an undergraduate population of about 28,000, with about half studying full-time at Western while others come from across North America or around the world to study here.
Students have access to state-of-the-art labs, libraries, gymnasiums, athletic facilities, and career centers on campus, making this an excellent choice for anyone who wants to continue their studies past high school.
11. Dalhousie University
- Global Score: 57.7
- Total Enrollment: Over 20,000
Dalhousie University is a top-ranked university in Canada that offers a vast range of master’s degree programs.
The school has been recognized as the fifth-best institution in the country for engineering and is ranked in the top ten for law, architecture, pharmacy, and dentistry. The university also offers degrees in humanities, science, and agriculture.
Dalhousie University is located on two campuses in Halifax- one urban campus on the south end of the city (downtown) and a suburban campus on the north end of Halifax (close to Bedford).
The Faculty of Engineering at Dalhousie is considered by some to be among the best programs in Canada. It was ranked fifth nationally by Maclean’s magazine for its undergraduate engineering program in 2010.
Dalhousie also offers opportunities to study abroad through various international exchange agreements. Students can participate in work terms abroad with partners such as universities or businesses in France, Germany, Ireland, and Spain.
All students are encouraged to participate in research projects during their studies, there are over 2200 student researchers active at Dalhousie each year.
Dalhousie’s faculty includes 100 members of Canada’s prestigious Royal Society. More than 15 percent of full-time faculty hold an earned doctoral degree or are completing doctoral studies.
12. Simon Fraser University
- Global Score: 57.6
- Total Enrollment: Over 35,000
Simon Fraser University is one of the best universities in Canada for master’s degrees. With its innovative programs and hands-on approach, SFU fosters an environment that encourages collaborative and entrepreneurial thinking.
Plus, the university offers programs in a variety of disciplines, meaning there’s something for everyone! As an undergraduate, you’ll get to study alongside graduate students who will inspire you to pursue higher levels of education.
There are also opportunities for undergraduate research, which can give you a competitive edge on your career path.
SFU has campuses all over the Greater Vancouver area, which means you’ll have easy access to everything. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity.
13. University of Victoria
- Global Score: 57.3
- Total Enrollment: Over 22,000
The University of Victoria is a great place for students looking for a school in Canada for their master’s degree.
Known as the Harvard of the West it has highly regarded programs in law, psychology, and many other fields.
The university is also home to the Pacific Institute of Mathematical Sciences, one of the world’s premier centers for mathematics and computer science research.
The University of Victoria has been ranked as one of Canada’s top 20 universities by Maclean’s magazine since its inception in 2007.
The university currently has 1,570 graduate students which make up 18% of the total population.
14. University of Manitoba
- Global Score: 55.2
- Total Enrollment: Over 29,000
The University of Manitoba is one of Canada’s most reputable universities, and it’s also one of the best universities in Canada for Master’s Degrees.
The University of Manitoba was founded in 1877 and today, it has over 36,000 students. It offers a variety of Master’s degree programs such as Master of Education (MEd) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA).
One reason why this university is so great for master’s degrees is that it’s affordable and has a low student-to-faculty ratio, the average cost for an undergraduate program at this university is $6,500!
Another reason why the University of Manitoba is so great for Master’s Degrees is its faculty. For example, the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science has won several national awards including, Best Computing Science Department in Canada, Top 10 Mathematical Sciences Departments in North America, and Top 10 Computer Science Departments in North America.
15. Laval University
- Global Score: 54.5
- Total Enrollment: Over 40,000
Laval University is one of the best universities in Canada for master’s degrees, due to its wide variety of programs in both arts and science.
It’s a university that has had a great reputation for over 50 years. Students get excellent teaching and the professors are some of the best in their fields, with many having done extensive research internationally.
The school offers students a flexible study plan with a wide variety of courses that span from humanities to social sciences and sciences. Laval also offers an international program for those who wish to study in French or English for one or two semesters or more.
One of the other benefits at Laval is that there is no minimum GPA requirement, which means you can still receive your diploma if you’re on the fence about your grades.
Some of the other perks include free tuition fees, access to health care coverage as well as childcare services, and affordable housing.
Overall, Laval is one of the best universities for master’s degrees for people looking for a strong sense of community, affordability, and flexibility.
16. York University
- Global Score: 53.8
- Total Enrollment: Over 55,000
York University is one of Canada’s best universities for a number of reasons. It offers students the opportunity to study in a number of different formats, such as graduate degrees, professional studies, and undergraduate degrees.
York has also been ranked among the top 20 universities in Canada by Maclean’s Magazine for a number of years running, making it an excellent choice for those who want to study at an institution that will provide a strong foundation for future employment opportunities.
York University has many great features that make it a good university to study at. One of its most valuable features is the wide range of courses offered at the school, with specialized programs available for both graduate and undergraduate students.
There are five separate schools within the university, including science and engineering, humanities, social sciences and education, fine arts, health, and law.
The diversity of course offerings makes this one of Canada’s best universities for anyone who wants to explore various academic interests during their time in higher education.
York University also ranks highly when it comes to the quality of teaching staff employed there, with professors averaging 12 years or more experience in their field.
17. Queen’s University
- Global Score: 53.7
- Total Enrollment: Over 28,000
Queen’s University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Canada. Established in 1841, Queen’s is the only university to be named a royal university in Canada.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Queen’s first among Canadian universities for 2017 and 2018, making it one of the best schools for Masters degrees in Canada.
Queen’s offers several graduate programs including MBA (Master of Business Administration) degrees with concentrations in finance, entrepreneurship and innovation, marketing, organizational behavior, human resource management, operations management and quantitative analysis, and more.
The school also offers Master of Science degrees in economics, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science.
18. University of Saskatchewan
- Global Score: 53.4
- Total Enrollment: Over 25,000
The University of Saskatchewan is one of the best universities in Canada for Master’s degrees.
The university offers a wide range of programs that are well-respected in the academic community and in industry, including the Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) in Statistics, the MA in Public Policy, and the MS in Business Administration.
Students will have access to some of the best professors available at an undergraduate level and industry professionals who can offer insights into future careers.
This is a great program to help students understand how businesses function and what skills are needed to succeed in them.
Students will develop an understanding of how business cycles operate, why companies need investment capital, and learn about accounting practices and economics.
Students can take advantage of networking opportunities through organized events with professional organizations and alumni groups within their local communities.
19. University of Guelph
- Global Score: 51.4
- Total Enrollment: Over 30,000
The University of Guelph is one of the 20 best universities in Canada for Master’s degrees.
Located in Ontario, the school has been ranked number one for three consecutive years by Maclean’s University Rankings.
The university 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. One of their most popular majors is human nutrition which covers everything from biochemistry to public health nutrition.
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 nearby McMaster University.
20. Carleton University
- Global Score: 50.3
- Total Enrollment: Over 30,000
Carleton University is one of the best schools in Canada for Master’s degrees. It’s an amazing school that offers programs in everything from health sciences to engineering, and it’s a great option for students who want to live in Ottawa.
Carleton has ranked as the top comprehensive university in Canada with the best student-to-faculty ratio, and it ranks as one of the most innovative universities by Maclean’s Canadian Universities Rankings.
The university is well known for its high-quality research and its arts program is nationally recognized. Carleton has also been recognized internationally for its engineering programs.
The Faculty of Engineering at Carleton University was ranked among the world’s top 20 institutions in 2010 by QS World University Rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I want a graduate degree but can't afford it - what should I do?
If you're eligible for financial aid, scholarships or bursaries then don't be discouraged! These resources help make education affordable for those who need assistance. Also, see if there are any tuition fee waivers available through your institution.
What's the difference between undergraduate and graduate school?
Undergraduate programs usually take four years to complete while grad school generally takes two years minimum plus another year after graduation if pursuing a Ph.D. Graduate students also work closely with professors and advisors, as opposed to teaching assistants or classmates. And unlike undergrad courses which often focus on broad subject matter, graduate courses are typically very specialized in nature. Finally, there's a greater emphasis on independent learning among grad students whereas undergrads often rely heavily on lectures, discussions, and readings done as part of class assignments.
How much does it cost to attend graduate school in Canada?
This really depends on where you attend, what type of program you pursue, and whether or not you qualify for funding. In general, Canadians can expect to pay roughly $15,000 per semester for Canadian public institutions with higher rates of around $30,000 per semester for private colleges. Again, check individual institutions' websites to learn specifics about how much they charge and whether they offer any discounts.
How will attending grad school impact my employment prospects?
Graduates enjoy many benefits including increased earning potential, improved job security, and enhanced professional networks. In fact, graduates earn 20% more than non-graduates over their lifetime according to StatsCan data.
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Conclusion:
Even though there are a lot of universities in Canada, we have chosen the top 20 for you.
These universities offer high-quality education and research, but they also benefit from a diverse student population with different backgrounds.
The first step is to find out which university fits your educational goals best.
That’s why we have provided some important information on each one. Take a look through our list before deciding where to apply next!