Higher education and universities in Canada. Getting a master's degree in Canada

It is unlikely that anyone will argue that studying in Canada is the way to the future for a student from Russia. Today, many people prefer to study their master's degree abroad. Canadian universities rank among the best universities in the world. This article will talk about the opportunities for studying in the graduate school of Canadian higher education institutions.

Opportunity for professional growth

Canadian education is 90% public. The country's government spends huge amounts of money on the development of universities and the search for young scientific talents. Therefore, despite the high cost of education, students have the opportunity to win various scholarships and grants. Some of them cover the cost of training in part, and some in full. Of course, the more talented the student, the more achievements he has in the scientific field, the more likely he is to receive a high grant for education. There are quite a lot of funds, and most Canadian universities themselves have their own scholarship programs.

Studying Russian bachelors in Canada is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and get a master's degree, which will provide great opportunities for a professional career. In addition, students have the opportunity to get acquainted with the culture, history and traditions of another country.

Master's degree in Canada is a level higher than the domestic one. It is close to the Russian graduate school. The main task set by the master's degree in Canada is research work. Those who already have higher education enter the magistracy. It, of course, should be close to the specialty that the student chooses. Language proficiency is a prerequisite. Students take the exam All applicants are required to provide letters of recommendation. Students who are attracted to master's programs in Canada in the natural sciences must pass the GRE test in addition.

Why Canada?

A master's degree in many specialties, especially in medicine, is a condition for professional growth and career advancement. Therefore, students strive to improve the level of their education. Why do people choose Canada? Probably because of the cost of education. The programs offered for obtaining a master's degree in Canada are lower in cost than in the US and Europe. An important factor is that a diploma obtained in Canada makes it possible to legally get a decent job in this country and gain a foothold there.

In principle, it is not too difficult to enter a Canadian university. Interestingly, not all local students are willing to continue their education in the magistracy. They prefer a master's degree only if they have a penchant for research activities. Therefore, a master's degree in Canada for Russians opens the door to the world of Western civilization, provides ample opportunities to improve their language skills, to see something new, unusual for us: the originality of life, the picturesque expanses of another country.

Second higher

The magistracy itself is regarded as a second education (higher). That is why most universities in Canada require a bachelor's degree and a certificate in linguistics. Exactly is an obstacle for some Russian students to continue their studies in Canada. Master's degree without knowledge of the language at the proper level is impossible. The language exam is often more important than the professional subjects. But there are universities that require passing language and specialty exams at a good, even high level as a prerequisite for admission. Especially if the master's degree is a continuation of education in the chosen direction.

Canadian universities recognize diplomas issued in Russia, but only after their own assessment. It has an individual character. A certified translation of a diploma can facilitate the authoritative assessment procedure. The official assessment of the level of credibility of a Russian university is available to organizations such as WES (World Education Services) and ICES. The list of documents evaluated by this organization is quite large. These are certificates of secondary vocational education, incomplete higher education, diplomas of a scientific degree of a doctor, candidate and, of course, a diploma of a specialist, master, bachelor.

Obstacles

A strict immigration regime can be an obstacle. Therefore, asking the question: “How to enroll in a master's program in Canada?”, It is necessary to study all the points and try not to miss anything. Otherwise, there is a risk of failure. For example, in no case can you declare a desire to remain in Canada for permanent residence. Purpose: study. Only high professionalism and successful language adaptation will help to stay later.

Not all Canadian institutions focused on higher education practice a master's degree. In standard cases, studying for a master's degree takes 2 years. Almost always, foreign students study for a fee: from 20,000 to 50,000 Canadian dollars per year. At the end of the course, the student writes a thesis. It is based on the results of research practical work.

Free education

But if a student has special talents and meets the selection criteria, then he has a great chance of winning a grant to complete a master's degree in Canada. A grant is a scholarship, financial assistance for education. It can be obtained through various government programs, as well as through funds intended for such purposes. For example, there is the International Peace Scholarship Fund, The Trudeau Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships, and a number of other programs for talented scholars.

The International Scholarship Foundation provides grants to women from different countries to obtain a master's degree in programs from Canada and the United States. Postgraduate students, having won a grant, get the opportunity to cover all expenses for tuition, housing and transportation costs. They have access to all financial privileges in scientific communities, the opportunity to establish contacts, etc.

Mandatory conditions

It is worth noting that medical and legal education in Canada belongs to the professional sphere. This means that before that you need to study at the university for at least three years and get a degree in your specialty, only then it becomes a real master's degree in Canada (lawyer or physician). To apply, you need to fill out an application form and send it to OLSAS, a specialized organization created to process student applications and send them to various suitable universities. The entire package of documents with test results, letters of recommendation and others is sent there, the list of which can be viewed directly on the website of this organization.

The requirements for the basic education of lawyers are established by the Union of Lawyers in Ontario. By contacting the admissions office of a specialized school, you can find out about the degree of accreditation of your university, and whether it is suitable for Canada. The average entrance score also plays a big role, it should not be lower than B +.

academic performance

You only need to have the highest level of academic achievement if studying for a master's degree in Canada in a law degree is preferred in the top five universities in the country. Of course, you must pass the three-level Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and show excellent knowledge of the language.

Best Universities in Canada

Master's degree at the University of Toronto, according to many sources, is one of the most prestigious in Canada. The education received here in the field of economics and medicine is recognized as the best, judging by the employment of graduates. The cost of education here is from 25,000 per year. The University of Toronto has over 14 faculties. Students from Russia prefer specialties in the field of economics, information technology and systems, and design. Of course, a master's degree at this university is in great demand.

The top three also includes the university. It has two campuses, ready to accept a large number of students. The academic buildings are located between Vancouver and the Okanagan. In general, the number of students reaches 50,000 people. The most popular are the faculties of forestry, law, and medicine. The faculty, where they receive education on the basis of an existing higher education, is separated into a separate subdivision.

For a master's degree in architecture, marine biology, computer science, law, commerce, many students prefer Dalhousie University. There is also a high level of study of oil production technologies. In this area, unique programs for master's studies have been developed here. Approximately 20% of the students at this university are foreigners.

Training programs and courses

If bachelors assess their level of preparation as insufficient, they can improve it with the help of special programs and preparatory courses, which include language programs and preparation for testing GRE, TOEFL, GMAT. Such courses include group discussions, search and processing of the necessary information, work with projects and study guides. Course participants learn how to properly format written work, in accordance with all academic requirements.

Of course, it is better to attend such courses at the university where you plan to enter. If a student does well in the courses, then admission to the university is almost guaranteed. Preparatory programs cost from 11,000 Canadian dollars.

MBA

MBA programs in business administration are in great demand. The specialization of such training is aimed at deepening the managerial sphere of knowledge. This means that marketing, accounting, economics and statistics are studied. Graduates of this specialization are in demand in the field of hotel business, tourism, logistics, innovative technologies, scientific management and medicine.

Education in such programs is somewhat expensive, but it's worth it. The effectiveness of such a diploma is very high. For example, at Dalhousie University, an MBA degree costs more than 32,500 Canadian dollars. Master's students study international management and have an eight-month corporate internship. Students spend up to 400 Canadian dollars per week on accommodation.

When it comes time to decide on a place to receive further education, it would be wise to consider not only Russian universities. A diploma from a foreign university has a number of advantages compared to a Russian one. For example,

studying in Canada for Russian people is a great chance to become a specialist whose qualifications will not be in doubt all over the world! And besides, pay less for it than for the leading British or American educational institutions.

Benefits of education for Russians in Canada

Serious preparation for entering the university goes already from the senior classes of the school. The student closely studies the subjects that he needs for further study of the chosen specialty and prepares for the exams. This is similar in both Russian and Canadian schools. But the system adopted in Canada is still a little more logical. There, high school students devote all the time to studying exactly those subjects that they need to successfully pass the exams.

It is also important to note that Canadian students have the opportunity to study under the Advanced Placement (AP) program. This is a curriculum designed specifically for students who want to study at the best universities in Canada and the United States. It is an advanced course in 35 subjects. After passing it, the knowledge of a high school student is approximately equal to the level of preparation of a freshman. By the way, some Canadian schools have agreements with universities, thanks to which their graduates can easily get a place in an educational institution.

You don't have to worry about living conditions. School dormitories are cozy, comfortable for living, no more than four people can live together. The students are looked after, at any time the child can receive help and support. All hostels and schools are well equipped technically.

Bachelor's and Master's programs in Canada for Russians

Higher (most important) education for our compatriots in Canada means obtaining a bachelor's degree in the chosen specialty. This can be done either at a college or at a university. Here lies another significant difference between the Canadian system and the Russian one. In our country, a college is just a beautiful name for a technical school and, accordingly, you can get only a secondary education in it. A Canadian college is an educational institution whose graduates can receive both higher education and a bachelor's degree.

The main difference from the university is that people who plan to engage in scientific or teaching activities go to the latter. Or those who want to study a profession that involves high social responsibility and in-depth theoretical knowledge (doctor, lawyer, etc.). The college graduates specialists focused on more applied professions (business, management, design, etc.). The college program also includes a large amount of practice and mandatory internships. This helps a lot in getting a job.

To become a master while studying in Canada, you can only get a bachelor's degree in some specialty. At the same time, it is preferable to become a master in the same field - "change of track" is not welcome. You will have to study from one to three years.

Required documents for obtaining a Canadian education

The list of required documents for a Russian who wants to study in Canada for more than six months:

temporary resident visa;
permission to receive education (study permit);
international certificate of proficiency in English or French;
documents on previous education with a notarized translation;
to obtain a visa, among the package of documents, documents confirming the availability of funds to pay for tuition and accommodation will be required.

Additionally, a CAQ (Quebec Certificate Application) may be required. This document is required to study in the province of Quebec. If you plan to study for less than six months, then Russian citizens will only need a visa to enter Canada, and no special permission for the educational program (study permit) will be required.

You can find out more about how to choose the right educational institution in Canada, what documents you need to submit for admission, how to properly prepare documents for a visa, how to get permission to study in Canada, by calling us by phone in Moscow: 495-669-64-40.
Important! Please apply for admission to educational institutions in Canada in advance. The official deadline for accepting documents for the next academic year is February 1 of the current year.

over 300,000 international students study, many of whom come to the country for master's degrees. Studying in a Canadian master's program is considered prestigious and promising, and also relatively affordable.

About 100 Canadian universities in 13 provinces offer master's programs along with undergraduate and doctoral programs. From engineering and the humanities to business, international students have access to a variety of study programs in English, and sometimes in French.

The provinces of Ontario and British Columbia remain the most popular among foreign students, while students from China, India, Korea, France and other European countries prevail in number.

The process of studying in the magistracy

The Canadian education system follows the British model. At the master's level, two main types of programs are offered here:

Academic Master's Programs involve an in-depth study of a particular subject and last 1-1.5 years. To obtain this degree, you must successfully complete the course of study in the program, which, like in the undergraduate program, consists mainly of lectures and seminars, as well as write a thesis paper.

Research Master's Programs In addition to completing a training course, they involve writing a scientific master's thesis and usually last 2 years. In the process of learning, the student is engaged in a scientific project and writes a paper, the topic of which is agreed with the supervisor.

It is also common in Canadian universities programsMBA, which prepare specialists with a master's degree in management for key positions of middle and top management.

Thus, in Canadian universities, you can get an MA, MSc or MBA degree. MEd teaching degrees, MMus music degrees, etc. are also available.

International students are offered full-time programs that involve studying on campus, and distance programs that can be studied online. In addition to traditional lectures and seminars, most programs also include interactive sessions, individual and group project work, and practice.

Top Universities to Study

Among foreign students entering the master's program at Canadian universities, universities such as, and are especially popular.

At the same time, universities with the best master's programs in certain subjects can also be noted.

For example, MBA degrees and other degrees in business, economics, management, and marketing students seek to receive in, and.

To study medicine at a Canadian graduate level, students usually choose , or .

The same universities are considered the best for obtaining master's degrees in the humanities. In this list, they are joined by the University of Montreal and.

Among students studying engineering and technology, master's programs are also in demand, and.

Who can apply?

You must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in order to enroll in a master's program at a Canadian university. At the same time, it is desirable that a bachelor's degree be obtained in the same or similar specialty. It may not have been assigned in Canada.

In addition, it is important to know the language in which you are going to study in Canada and prove it with an appropriate certificate. Another significant criterion is the availability of sufficient funds in the bank account of the student or his sponsors (for example, parents). At the moment, to study in Canada, you must have funds at the rate of $ 7,470 / 1 year, not counting the cost of education.

The specifics of the Canadian magistracy

When planning to study in Canada, pay attention to two specific features that are specific to this country:

Entrance requirements in Canada can depend not only on the host university, but also on the province in which it is located. In particular, the requirements for student performance and the list of documents that must be submitted for enrollment may vary somewhat. Carefully study these features if you plan to apply to several universities located in different provinces.
At a number of universities in Canada, you can study not only in English, but also in French. Many universities are located in the province of Quebec, where French is the main official language. It is worth exploring the various programs and study options to choose courses in the language you want to study. Remember that to study in English you will need a certificate of proficiency in English, in order to study in French you will need a certificate of knowledge of French. There are also bilingual programs, for enrollment in which you will need to prove proficiency in both languages.

How to proceed?

For admission to the magistracy, foreign students apply directly to Canadian universities of interest to them. This is usually done online on the official websites of educational institutions.

The standard list of documents for admission to the magistracy of Canadian universities is as follows:

Completed application form (can be downloaded from the university website)

Copy of valid passport

All previously obtained certificates, diplomas and certificates (translated into English, certified upon request)

Certificate of passing the language exam (for English-language programs - TOEFL (from 250 points), IELTS (total score not lower than 7.5)

GMAT or GRE results (on demand, depending on the curriculum)

Motivational essay

Project/idea for future research work (as required for a number of research programs)

Note that this list may vary depending on the university and study program you choose.

Due to the high competition for places and the peculiarities of Canadian education, it is necessary to apply for admission to local universities as early as possible.

Most master's programs begin in September (some universities also offer studies from the middle of the academic year), while the acceptance of documents begins almost a year before the start of classes, and the deadline for submission is in the spring. We recommend you apply to the university in February-March, this will give certain guarantees when enrolling. For programs in a number of areas, for example, engineering and medicine, documents should be submitted even earlier - in December-February.

The cost of master's programs?

In Canada, international students pay more for their studies than local students. At the same time, tuition fees for master's programs vary, on average, from $4,860 to $24,680 per year, depending on the province, university, curriculum and specialty. The most expensive programs are in medicine, dentistry, business, law and engineering.

We present you the average cost of a year of study in a master's program at popular universities in Canada:

University of Toronto - $20,204
McGill University - $11,560
University of British Columbia - $12,060
University of Alberta - $7,020
McMaster University - $13,420
University of Western Ontario - $19,930
Trent University - $14,670
Queen's University in Kingston - $12,060

What are the scholarships?

There are a number of scholarships and grants available to international graduate students in Canada to help pay for tuition and related expenses. This country has developed intra-university scholarships, which students rely on even more often than external grants.

Here are some of them…

International Graduate Tuition Scholarships

Where: University of Guelph

Size: from $18,000 to $36,000

Who is eligible for the scholarship: international students of all master's programs with excellent academic performance (not lower than A-)

R.E. Powell Scholarships

Where: McGill University

Size: from $2,000

Who is eligible for the scholarship: international students of all master's programs with high academic performance, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and the need for financial support

Donadeo Family Award

Where: Mount Royal University

Size: from $2,000

Who is eligible for the scholarship: international students with the best academic performance who begin their studies in any full-time university program from the autumn semester

President's Scholarship

Where: University of Waterloo

Size: $2,000

Who is eligible for the scholarship: top-performing international students enrolled in any degree program since the fall semester and received an invitation from the university

Master's degree is a mandatory step on the way to higher education. Many Russians dream of getting a master's degree from Canadian universities. Indeed, a master's degree in Canada allows you to participate in unique educational projects, learn from the greatest scientists of our time. However, for admission to Canadian universities, a long and serious preparation is required, including passing tests for the level of general knowledge and knowledge of foreign languages, as well as preparing a complete package of documents, which must be submitted no later than seven months before the start of training.

Key features of a master's degree in Canada

In the process of obtaining higher education, a master's degree follows after a bachelor's degree. However, given the highest level of education in Canada, the master's degree there corresponds to the Russian postgraduate studies. Therefore, only those who already have a higher education in their specialty and seek to expand their professional skills can enter there. Indeed, postgraduate education in this country is aimed at acquiring deeper theoretical knowledge, as well as at research activities.

In universities, there are several types of degrees:

1. Based on the curriculum. Provides training in the relevant institution and lasts up to a year and a half.
2. Based on research programs. In addition to passing the theoretical course, it also provides for the writing of a master's thesis based on information obtained in the process of scientific research. This type of educational program lasts two years.
3. The academic title of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded subject to appropriate training, as well as writing a scientific work that will make a significant contribution to the development of the chosen discipline. It takes several years to prepare a work of this level.

It is important to know that master's programs are not presented in all universities in Canada, so information about their availability must be sought on the official website of institutions.

General requirements for applicants

Admission to a master's program at prestigious universities in Canada requires a long and serious preparation. A feature of the process of admission of students to the country's universities is the absence of entrance exams: students are selected on the basis of points from the previous educational institution, as well as test results according to international systems.

Assessment according to the TOEFL system is aimed at determining the level of knowledge of the language of instruction, in this case English or French, while the GRE system shows the level of general knowledge. Requirements for results may vary at different universities. However, the higher the test result and the average score, the more likely it is to enter a university, and even receive funding.

It is important to note the applied orientation of the educational process, which involves preparing students on the basis of a specific research project, so that at the time of admission, the candidate must have an excellent theoretical base.

In addition, when entering a Canadian master's program, the student's personal qualities are also of great importance. First of all, the willingness to benefit from the chance for training given to him.

Documents required for admission

Depending on the chosen Canadian university, the academic year will start in September or January. Accordingly, the acceptance of introductory applications ends seven months before the start of the semester. Therefore, it is necessary to submit documents at least ten months before the start of classes, and take tests even earlier.

After passing the test and receiving certificates with the results, you must send an application to the selected university, attaching the following documents to it:

1. A translated copy of the diploma or the original transcript with grades.
2. Certificates with test results.
3. Motivational letter.
4. Recommendations of teachers from the previous educational institution.

All documents must be sent by mail, preferably registered. Often, the answer comes about a month after sending the documents. In case of enrollment, you can proceed to the next stage - obtaining a student visa and medical insurance.

Tuition price

Master's degree in Canada on a free basis, is possible only in the case of a scholarship that covers the cost of education. Many universities in the country provide financial assistance to talented students in the form of grants.

It is difficult for foreigners to get support for studying in Canada, scholarships and grants, in most cases, are awarded to Canadians. All that students from other countries can count on is a paid assistant position, which is provided subject to active participation in scientific projects.

If we talk about paid education in a Canadian master's program, then depending on the university, the academic year will cost from $ 7,000.

perspective

Admission to the master's program of universities in Canada allows you to study with outstanding scientists and participate in international scientific research. After six months of study, graduate students have the right to work outside the campus: during the academic year, you can work part-time, on vacation - full time.

According to the country's legislation, after graduating from a master's degree, foreigners can work in Canada for up to three years. However, their successful professional activity can become the basis for granting a residence permit and even citizenship.

In Russia, there is always a place for graduates of Canadian universities in academic and scientific institutions, as well as in representative offices of the best international companies. For whom perfect knowledge of foreign languages, a Canadian diploma, an international level internship - become the most eloquent recommendations.

Thus, a master's degree in Canada opens up not only unique educational opportunities, but also first-class career prospects in the most developed countries of the world.

Do you love Canada for its friendliness and openness, the beauty of the wild and the wonderful education? You are not alone. From year to year, the number of international students who have chosen Canadian universities is growing. If in 1995 there were 25,000 students from abroad studying in Canada, then in 2011 there were already more than 100,000 from 200 different countries.

Universities in Canada

Canada ranks third in the world in per capita spending on education. More than 1.5 million students study at Canadian universities every year.

The provinces and states are responsible for all levels of education, including graduate programs. Canada does not have a federal agency like the Department of Education or any accrediting organization. The Canadian Information Center for International Credentials is responsible for assessing the quality and recognition of Canadian education on the world stage. There are 98 universities in 13 Canadian provinces and states, most of which are public.

Full-time master's programs in Canada usually last 12 months, after which an internship is sometimes provided. Master's programs in Canada have a strong practical focus - in addition to lectures, students visit enterprises, complete projects, engage in teamwork and get internships, and sometimes temporary jobs. Many master's programs in Canada involve writing a dissertation or completing a consulting project.

Applying for a Masters in Canada

To enroll in a master's program in Canada, you must provide a certificate of higher education. In addition, often in order to withstand the high competition in a prestigious university, you need to take the GMAT or GRE exam.

In addition, of course, you need to demonstrate knowledge of the English language by passing the TOEFL or IELTS test. In Canada, there is a master's program in two languages (English + French) or entirely in French. In these cases, a similar French proficiency test must be passed.

Tuition fees in Canada

The cost of studying for master's programs in Canada can vary greatly depending on the university, but usually fit in the amount of $6,000 to $15,000 per year, which is in any case significantly cheaper than in the US, UK or Australia.

However, in Canada there are so-called "Professional" master's programs, which are very popular and, accordingly, are much more expensive. For example, a Master's in Software Engineering program for international students can cost $19,000, while a Master's in Rehabilitation Therapy can cost nearly $70,000.

Another 600 Canadian dollars a year will have to be paid for insurance.

Scholarships and grants to study in Canada

Many universities in Canada provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships and grants to talented students. In addition, you can also become a member of one of the government's international student support programs. The most complete information can be found at www.scholarships-bourses.gc.ca.

Employment after a master's degree in Canada

Preparing students for employment is the main task of postgraduate education in Canada. The strong emphasis on “experiential learning” and skills development makes it possible to prepare full-fledged specialists for the labor market. Many large employers are happy to participate in job fairs organized by universities. It is also worth taking into account Canada's rather liberal legislation in the field of work permits for foreign specialists, as well as a very good situation in the labor market, including the rapidly growing oil and gas sector.