Requirements to get admission in a Canadian University for Masters
- Nov 26, 2017
- 9 min read
Getting into Canada for Master's course
Canada is known for its wealth of cultural diversity and is one of the safest place for the international students to pursue their master's. Many universities are ranked under the QS World University Rankings, featuring their best ones.
Click on the university's (images) to follows up with the admission requirements and process, courses offered, academic faculties, course fee and its funding options.
In most of the universities classes are conducted in either French or English. So, it is important to keep in mind, that language of the course should be selected during admission process.
Tuition fees
The fee requirements for pursuing Masters in Canada varies considerably depending on the kind of Institute you choose.The range can be as high as CAD$ 25, 000 ($22,485 / £15,000). But on an average it takes usually around CAD$4,000 ( $3000 / £2,500) and CAD$6,000 ($4,500 / £3,600). More can be found here
Apply for Masters in Canada
For getting admission in a Canadian University, you will be need to have TOEFL or IELTS or MELAB scores (for students coming from non-English speaking nations). Yet, there are few universities and certain courses in some top universities that may even ask for GRE scores too.
Need of GRE or TOEFL or IELTS:
Writing GRE, GMAT, TOEFL and IELTS examinations: Only the top ranked Public universities may ask for GRE score. Else usually the lower ranked universities may not ask or even waive the GRE score criteria. The colleges like George Brown College, Seneca - Toronto, Canada do not ask for GRE and amy waive of the IELTS or TOEFL too at times.
GRE(Graduate Record Examination)
This has to be taken by the students who are applying for MS. It is developed to test the candidate's verbal, analytical and mathematical skills.There is GRE subject tests which opt the student's profile highlighted compared to other applicants.
Eligibility:There is not a specific eligibility criteria for taking up GRE exams but the students are required to produce their original passport as proof of identity.
Exam fee:For the general GRE exams the application fee is $205 and for GRE subject tests the fee is $205 (except for Australians and Chinese). For registration, you can visit here: https://www.ets.org/gre
Checkout the Registration Checklist given by the Official Website of GRE- Here
The materials to prepare for GRE can be accessed here:
Online Writing Practice Service for the GRE- Here
Practice Tests: Preparation for the Computer-delivered GRE General Test- Here
Test pattern: In analytical part, there is only one section. There are two tasks (for each of which 30 minutes are given)-
Analyze an argument and
Analyze an issues.
In verbal reasoning, there are two sections with 20 questions each and 30 minutes were allotted per section.
In quantitative reasoning, there are2 sections with 20 questions per section and the time limit is 35 minutes per section.
Score pattern: The verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections are measured on a scale of 130-170 in 1-point increments and the analytical section is measured on a scale of 0-6 with half-point increments.
Results: Usually the test results are published on the GRE website and the scores are sent to the requested universities within six weeks of the test date.
Validity: The GRE test scores are valid for five years after the year in which exam was undertaken.
Also you may subscribe to the FREE GRE Search Service where in by just registering via ETS and having an account. You will be able to receive information about the university programs, admission requirements — even about scholarships and fellowships to help pay tuition. And best part is that, it’s FREE — and it’s easy to subscribe by just signing up when you create your ETS Account. More can be found here.
TOEFL(Test of English as Foreign Language)
This is used to test the student's English proficiency skills both written and oral. This test scores are widely accepted in North American Universities. It is developed and administered by Educational Testing Services. The TOEFL test can be retaken as many times but with a 12day gap from the previous test attempt.
Exam fee:
The registration fee is $180 (for India). The test fee varies with countries and you can check the applicable fees, based on which country you are giving the TOEFL Exam, here.
Test pattern:
There are 4 sections in the test and there is a 10mins of break in between two sections. The sections are as follows (with respective number of questions and allotted time):
Reading- 36-56 questions and allotted time is 60-80 minutes.
Listening- 34-51 questions and allotted time is 60-90 minutes.
Speaking- 6 tasks and allotted time is 20 minutes.
Writing- 2 tasks and allotted time is 50 minutes.
Score pattern:
Each sections are scored in the scale of 0-30.
Results:
The results are published in the TOEFL registration site and the scores are also mailed to the candidates.
Validity:
The scores are valid for 2 years from the year during which the examination was undertaken.
Preparation:
You can download the TOEFL iBT test questions as a PDF Prepare for the TOEFL iBT Test (Link) EdX course for TOEFL test preparation.
TOEFL iBT Quick Prep- A free practice tool with real TOEFL iBT questions from past tests.
IELTS(International English Language Testing System)
IELTS is the reputed and valid English test for study, migration or work in Australia, Canada and UK.
IELTS is conducted by The British council and IDP global. IELTS is the world’s most popular English language test. There are 3 million IELTS tests taken in each year in India.
It is widely accepted for university admissions in Canada, Australia, UK and New Zealand. The IELTS test scores are mainly used during the immigration process. IELTS test scores are required for international students to test their reading, speaking, writing and listening skills, where English is considered as a major language for communication.
Type of IELTS:
There are two types: Academic and General.
Academic (IELTS Academic): This has to be taken by the students for their admissions.
General (IELTS General Training): This has to be taken for work permit or immigration purposes.
Registration process for IELTS:
Find your nearest IELTS test location (spot the local centre)
Register for your IELTS Test (Either Online (Option 1 or Option 2) or Download the form and submit at the local centre).
And your IELTS Test is booked. Now start preparing for the exam.
Exam fee:
The registration fee is $188 (or INR 12,100). More details on fee and dates are found here.
Test pattern:
Listening- Four recorded conversations and monologues and time allotted is 30 minutes.
Reading- Three long reading passage with tasks and time allotted is 60 minutes
Writing- A short 250 words essay and 150 words essay summarizing the chart or diagram and time allotted is 60 minutes
Speaking- Face to face interview and time allotted is 11-14 minutes
Usually the listening, reading and writing sections are conducted on the same day. The speaking section may be conducted on the same day or 7 days before or after the other sections.
Score pattern:
All the four sections are scored in a scale of 1-9.
Results:
The results are posted on the IELTS website on the 13th calendar day after the test. The scores are even personally mailed to the candidates.
Validity:
The IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the year of examination.
SOP (Statement of Purpose)
Drafting an outstanding Statement of Purpose ( SOP)
The Statement of Purpose is basically written to convince the faculty members to get admitted to the university.
The SOP should be given in the four parts mentioned below.
A short and crispy introduction and interests of the applicant.
The applicant's area of specialization during his undergraduation and the research he/she has undergone.
The applicant’s current activities.
The applicant's academic interests.
Before writing a SOP:
As the SOP describes the candidate in its best way, few points should be noted down before drafting it.
The candidate should prepare a list of points to be included.
The SOP should be designed with the theme as it is a long essay.
The contents listed should match the theme.
It is essential to focus on the continuity of the contents along the theme.
Things to be kept in mind while drafting SOP are:
As the SOP plays an important role in admission process they should be drafted in an optimistic way. It should be of 500-1000 words.
The SOP should be drafted in an active voice not in a passive voice.
The achievements and examples are much better to highlight the applicant as a persistent person.
Letter of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation is required to be submitted during the admission process. The LOR should be a 400-500 words essay. It should not be a repetition of activities and achievements mentioned in the SOP or resume. There are usually two types of LOR- academic and professional. The academic LOR is obtained from the professor with the university's letterhead and the professional LOR is obtained from the employer with the organization’s letterhead. The format varies for academic and professional LOR.The academic LOR should be highlighted with the student's skills, achievements, behaviour etc. This can be obtained from three to four professors.The professional LOR on the other hand should explain the candidate's team coordination, leadership abilities etc.
Student Partnership Program(SPP)
This has been started for the benefit of Indian students. It is specially designed by the in a joint venture between the Canadian Visa agencies in India and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges(ACCC).
Features of SPP:
The visa processing is 10 working days, as it is a streamlined visa process.
It is not mandatory to produce bank account history as a proof for financial stability.
Mandate medical certificate and the use of Visa Application Centres.
The requirement of minimum IELTS overall band score of 5.5.
Guaranteed Income Certificate (GIC) as an evidence to support the living expenses, excluding tuition fee.
For more details about SPP, refer here- LINK
Visa Application Process and Interviews
Visa application and its processing is an entirely different procedure when compared to US. A student can study in Canada without visa for six months. But after six months the students should get their Canadian study permit (none other than visa) and a temporary resident visa depending on their nationality.
The Canadian visa can be applied via the following link - Link to Apply
The study permit visa becomes invalid after 90 days of the course completion.
Eligibility conditions:
For getting a Canadian study permit the things to be followed are:
The candidate should be accepted by an Institution in Canada.
.A valid passport or travel document is required.
The candidate should not possess any criminal records that endures threat to the Canadian government.
Proof of financial records should be produced to ensure the payment of fees, travel and accommodation during the course of study.
The candidate must possess good health condition.
The candidate should convince the immigration officer that he/she will leave Canada once the course gets completed.
To know about Studying and working in Canada refer here
Exemptions for study permit:
If the student is of foreign armed forces, under the Visiting Forces Act of Canada, the student is exempted from getting study permit.
If the student is a family member of a Foreign Representative in Canada, recognized by the DFATD, is exempted from getting a study permit.
If the student has got Registered Indian Status in Canada, study permit is not required.
Accommodation
The accommodation is provided by the graduation schools and can be chosen by the students on their own.The school provided accommodation are dormitories and homestays. The students can privately rent an apartment on their wish.
Dormitories:
The students are given separate rooms which are shared by other students on the basis of their gender. The rooms are usually close to their university campus. The rooms are well furnished with kitchen, bathroom and toilets. The average cost of the room is $3000-$7500 CDN per school year.
Homestays:
The universities rent Canadian families for the accommodation of international students. The family and the location of the homestays are arranged according to the students preferences and near to the campus. The average cost is $400-$800 CDN per month and varies according to the location of the homestays with almost $200 CDN advance.
Renting:
If a student opts to enjoy silence and luxury then renting an apartment is the best go but would cost a fortune. The apartment rents are usually based on the quality, location and availability. The average rent costs $400-$1500 CDN per month.
It is easier to get a Canadian student visa compared to US/UK visa.
To start your education in Canada with valuable information on everything you need to know like studying abroad in Canada, study permits, Cost of studies and living, student life, and more about Canada, you can Visit- EduCanada
For more scholarship program details refer to the link of Admission table; International Scholarship Opportunities for Non-Canadians ; Scholarship for International Students
Few top universities among them are listed below:
Watch video to get expert advice on canadian university admission requirement.
Video Credits: degreefromcanada.com
For guidance in getting admissions in any of Canadian universities for Masters or PhD, visit foreignadmits and book your 1st FREE Consultation call. The platform to connect to mentors studying at your Target Universities for better guidance.
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