Masters in Canada | IDP Vietnam

Canada for a master's degree, many of you are also looking for Canadian master's scholarships to optimize costs and increase competitive advantages. The current scholarship programs to study in Canada for masters are very diverse, from partial to full support, opening up opportunities to access advanced education in Canada.

So what are the conditions to study in Canada for a master's degree , how to hunt for a Canadian master's scholarship and which school should you choose? Join IDP Study Abroad to find out detailed information to help you build the most effective and realistic pathway to study abroad for a Master's degree in Canada.

The majority of international students in general and Vietnam in particular choose Canada to continue their Master's program thanks to many outstanding advantages: more reasonable costs than many European countries, high quality of training, globally recognized qualifications, and especially attractive work-immigration opportunities after graduation. Specifically:

Prestigious Universities

Canada has many universities in the QS World University Rankings® 2026, notably the University of Toronto and McGill University. These are all leading training institutions with research strengths and a global network of partners.

High-quality training and research programs

Universities in Canada are renowned for their research, with strong investment from the government and business. Master's students have the opportunity to participate in practical research projects, particularly in areas such as technology, health and the environment

Post-Graduate Employment Prospects (PGWP)

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's regulations, graduates of eligible Master's programs can be granted a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years, even for programs of less than 2 years (if they meet the conditions such as a minimum of 8 months of the program and study at a designated institution – DLI). This is a great advantage to help students gain experience and expand settlement opportunities.

High quality of life

Canada is well-known for its safe, multicultural living environment, and advanced health and education systems. This is one of the countries with the world's leading quality of life, suitable for both study and long-term settlement.

Opportunity to settle down after studying abroad (great advantage of Canada)

One of the important reasons why many students choose to study for a master's degree in Canada is a clear immigration pathway:

• Able to join the Express Entry program after gaining work experience

• Many provinces have a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specifically for international students

• A Master's degree helps increase CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) scores, thereby significantly improving the chances of receiving PR (permanent residency)

Compared to many countries, Canada has a more open and realistic policy for international students who want to stay long-term.

Duration and program structure:

Duration: Usually from 1 to 2 years, depending on the major and type of program

The training structure includes:

• Coursework

• Project-based learning

• Thesis or capstone

Students can choose a pathway that suits their academic or career goals when studying in Canada for a master's degree.

Popular Types of Master's Programs

1. Master of Academic (Academic/Research-based)

• Focus on in-depth research

• Request for a thesis

• Suitable for students who want to progress to PhD or research

Schools like the University of Toronto or McGill University are very strong on this group of programs.

2. Master of Applied (Course-based/Professional)

• Focus on practical skills and career application

• Usually does not require a dissertation, replaced by a project or internship

• Suitable for students who want to work immediately after graduation

3. MBA (Master of Business Administration)

• For business and management students

• Work experience required (usually 1–3 years)

• Focus on developing leadership and management skills

Many schools allow GMAT waivers or support Canadian master's scholarships for applicants with good records.

When studying for a master's degree in Canada, many students are concerned about the GMAT requirement – one of the common entry criteria of MBA programs. However, in reality, more and more universities have been more flexible when it comes to not mandating GMAT or considering exemptions based on records.

This is a great advantage for those who are planning to study in Canada for a master's degree but do not have the time or conditions to take the GMAT exam, and still want to access quality training programs.

Compared to the bachelor's degree, the conditions for studying in a master's degree in Canada are stricter to ensure the quality of entry and the ability to keep up with the study program. However, if you prepare in the right direction, you can fully meet and increase your chances of receiving a Canadian Master's scholarship.

Here are the common requirements to study in Canada for a Master's:

Suitable bachelor's degree

Applicants need to have graduated from a university with a major related to or close to the intended field of study for a Master's degree. A bachelor's degree in Vietnam is widely recognized when applying for a master's degree in Canada.

Điểm GPA:

Minimum 7.0/10 (or 3.0/4.0 equivalent). Some top schools may require more.

English Language Certificate

• IELTS: 6.5 – 7.0 (no band below 6.0)

• Some top majors/schools may have higher requirements

If you are studying French, you need to add:

• DELF/DALF

• TCF

GMAT/GRE (depending on the industry)

• GMAT

  ≥ 550: generally applicable to MBA, Business

• GRE ≥ 300: Social Sciences

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

The essay is about 1–2 pages long, showing:

• Learning Objectives

• Reasons for choosing majors and schools

• Career Orientation

SOPs are an important factor to help you stand out when applying for a Canadian master's scholarship.

Recommendation Letter: From a university faculty member or direct manager, usually requiring 1–2 letters

Note:

Many schools now don't require the GMAT/GRE, especially if you have a high GPA or good experience. This is an advantage if you want to optimize your time and cost.

The cost of studying for a master's degree in Canada is still generally more competitive than in the US and some European countries. However, the total cost will depend on the school, major, and city you live in, so you need to have a clear financial plan before enrolling.

Master's Tuition Fees in Canada (updated)

• Duration: 1 – 2 years

• Average tuition fee: About 20,000 – 50,000 CAD/year

• MBA, engineering, and data science programs typically have higher tuition fees, ranging from 35,000 to 55,000 CAD per year.

Cost of Living in Canada

• In small and medium-sized cities (Winnipeg, Halifax, Ottawa, Manitoba, etc.), the average is about 12,000 – 18,000 CAD/year if you rent a split room, cook at home, and live economically.

• In big cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the cost can be significantly higher — around $18,000 to $30,000 a year or more, depending on your lifestyle and renting a private or shared room.

How to optimize costs when studying for a master's degree in Canada

• Choose a low-cost city like Winnipeg or Halifax

• Legal overtime (up to 24 hours/week)

• Hunt for Canadian masters scholarships or scholarships to study in Canada masters

• Accommodation and reasonable spending management

Related Article: How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada?

To optimize the opportunity to study in Canada for a master's degree, choosing the right school plays a key role, directly affecting the quality of training, costs and career opportunities after graduation.

Here is a comparison table of the top 10 universities in Canada that stand out for Master's programs:

The Canadian Master's Scholarship offers the opportunity to significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad, from partial support to full tuition and living expenses. With a wide variety of programs from universities and governments, international students can hunt for scholarships to study in Canada with a master's degree if they prepare well and strategically. Here are some typical scholarships:

Scholarships to study in Canada for Master's degrees have always been the dream of many international students, including Vietnam. Scholarship packages usually range from 1,000 to 5,000 CAD/academic year (equivalent to 18 – 90 million VND), helping to reduce the financial burden and motivate international students to study.

6 Steps to Apply for a Scholarship to Study in Canada Effectively:

• Step 1: Carefully find out information about universities and organizations with scholarship programs (via school websites, IDP seminars, study abroad exhibitions, etc.). You can

  search for scholarships

  through the university's website, seminars and study abroad exhibitions organized by IDP

• Step 2: Choose the type of scholarship that suits your ability, major, and needs.

• Step 3: Honestly assess your current capacity and compare it with the scholarship conditions.

• Step 4: Supplement the missing procedures and certificates (transcripts, diplomas, IELTS/TOEFL, GMAT/GRE if necessary...).

• Step 5: Prepare and send the scholarship application to the desired school.

• Step 6: Stay informed, be prepared, and go back to step 1 if you haven't succeeded.

Read more: Detailed "hunting" tips for scholarships to study in Canada from IDP to increase your chances of success.7. Cách xin học bổng du học Thạc Sĩ Canada

The Canadian Master's Scholarship is the key to helping you realize your dream of studying for a master's degree in Canada at an optimal cost and a clear roadmap. With the companionship of IDP, you will not only be advised to choose the right school and major, but also be supported to hunt for valuable scholarships to study in Canada for masters, improve the pass rate and shorten the approval time.

If you're looking for an effective and economical opportunity to study in Canada for a master's degree, don't miss out on study abroad exhibition events and support tools like IDP Fastlane to proactively track your resume and receive an invitation quickly.

Get started today to fulfill your dream of studying in Canada and expand your global career future!

See also:

• What to study in Canada

• Top 9+ Reasons Why Study in Canada

• Study in Canada & Post-Graduation Immigration Programs

• Canada Student Visa: Learn Now Procedures & 4 Tips for Getting a Visa!