Pursuing Masters in Education In Canada
November 2022
Canada is one among the most preferred study-abroad destinations like the USA, the UK, Australia, and Germany etc. The country is known for its long-standing history and culture. Canada is home to globally acclaimed colleges and universities. Universities in Canada offer a myriad of courses for students to choose from. Courses in Canada are offered in various fields of study: Engineering, Business, Life Sciences, Aviation, Law, Tourism and Hospitality, Architecture, among others. A degree earned in Canada acts as a mark of trust and excellence. Education in Canada is comparatively cheaper when compared to other study overseas destinations. The tuition fees and living costs in the country are cheaper and offer value for money. Thus a number of international students choose Canada as the destination to pursue their higher studies.
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Among the many Master's programs offered in Canada, Masters in Education (M.Ed) is one such program that is opted for by a large number of students. With several specializations viz. Early Childhood Education, Adult Education and Education Policy, Curriculum Development, Psychology, Counselling, MS in Education is a one to three-year degree. More than 190 universities in Canada offer a Masters’ degree in Education as an M.Ed. and M.P.Ed. degree. The cost of this degree is between CAD 5,000-17,000 per year and this degree focuses on training students towards becoming competent teachers. The cost for Indian students aspiring to pursue Master in Education in Canada would range from INR 2.95 to 11 Lakhs annually. A part-time Masters’ degree in Education can also be pursued by students from universities in Canada. This will take roughly 2 to 3 years to complete. Another in-demand career option for graduates of Masters of Education is Counselling. Those working in the teaching or education sector in Canada earn a salary of approximately CAD 1,76,000 annually.
Reasons to Pursue Masters in Education in Canada:
Mentioned below are a few reasons why one should pursue Masters in Education in Canada:
- There is a steady increase in the salaries of people working in the education or teaching sector.
- One receives a 29% salary hike from an advancement from the Bachelor of Education in Canada to a Masters degree in Education.
- In comparison to any other education jobs in Canada, on average a teaching jobs pays 4% extra.
- MS in Education programs are offered at leading universities in Canada.
Masters in Education in Canada: Course Curriculum
An interdisciplinary field, a Masters degree in Education engages in teaching students to educate people. Training students on how to share knowledge and spread ideas to people is the primary objective of this degree. Many international students who pursue MS in Education prefer to specialize in Masters in Counseling Psychology in Canada. Under the Masters in Education in Canada, several other trending areas of specialization include:
- School Psychology
- Early Childhood Education
- Administration
- Curriculum and Specialisation
- Counseling
The courses taught to students in MS in Education differ with specialization. Nevertheless, some common subjects, which students can study in Canada, are as under:
- Academic Enrichment
- Religious Education
- School Counseling
- Higher Education and Student Affairs
- Media and Technology
- Counselor Education
- Adult Education
- Special Education
- Curriculum and Teaching
Leading universities in Canada to pursue Masters in Education:
The top colleges in Canada to pursue a Master’s degree in Education are:
Masters in Education in Canada: Admission Process
Based on the specialization to which the student is applying for, he/she is required to have a Bachelor's degree in a pertinent discipline. For international candidates deciding to seek admission to M.Ed in Canada, LoRs i.e. Letters of Recommendation and experience in applicable fields adds more weightage.
Where to Apply: Students desiring to pursue Masters in Education in Canada can apply directly at universities in Canada. However, few colleges and universities of Ontario and Alberta respectively accept applications via OUAC and Apply Alberta application portal.
Pursuing MS in Education in Canada: Admission Requirements
To pursue a Masters degree in Education in Canada, one has to fulfil the admission requirements mentioned below:
- One requires possessing a four-year undergraduate degree in a relevant field that is equivalent to that of a Bachelor's degree in Canada
- At the undergraduate level, minimum grade B or a 70% average is necessary
- The applicant needs to show his/her GRE test score. This, however, is not mandatory for all universities
- Recommendation letters i.e. LoRs (differs with the university)
- The student’s past academic transcripts
- The applicant also needs to have experience in the field of education or teaching (not mandatory for all universities)
- English Language Proficiency scores: To demonstrate their English Language Proficiency, candidates ought to submit their TOEFL, IELTS, or comparable exam scores.
FAQs
Which Canadian colleges offer the top master's in education programs?
Master degree courses in Canada are offered across various fields of study. Similarly, there are a number of globally renowned masters colleges in Canada. Among the various courses offered, Master’s in Education is a popular choice. A few of the best colleges in Canada for masters in education programs are:
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- University of Alberta
- Simon Fraser University
- Western University
- University of Toronto
- Queen's University
- University of Manitoba
- McGill University
- University of Ottawa
- University of Calgary
Which Masters degree program is popular in Canada?
Pursuing a masters degree in Canada is a popular choice among many international students. A Masters course in Canada is offered across various academic disciplines. Among these, the popular and best masters degree in Canada are offered in the following fields:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): In high demand for career advancement.
- Master of Healthcare Administration: Addressing the demands of the healthcare industry.
- Master of Nursing: Meeting the demands of healthcare workers in Canada.
- Masters in Education: The main focus of masters in education Canada is on preparing administrators and teachers.
- Masters in Data Science and Analytics: Addressing the data-driven employment market.
- Masters in Computer Science: Owing to the expansion of the technology sector, this course is highly sought-after.
- Master of Public Policy: Preparing future leaders for both, the public sector and NGOs.
- Masters in Finance: This masters program is ideal for financial and investment careers.
- Masters in Environmental Science: This course strongly focuses on conservation and sustainability.
- Masters in Engineering: Students opting for this course in Canada can specialize in either mechanical, civil, and mechanical engineering.
Among the ones mentioned above, there are several other well-liked master degree courses in Canada.
For the most recent information, investigate particular universities and their programs.
What are the prerequisites for a master's degree in education in Canada?
Studying masters in Canada is a popular choice by the majority of international students today. Masters in education Canada requires students to fulfil certain prerequisites as mentioned below:
- Relevant Bachelor’s Degree: One is required to complete a Bachelor’s degree in an associated field.
- Academic Mark sheets: Official mark sheets from all prior educational institutions need to be submitted.
- GPA Prerequisites: A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of about 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 is required by majority of the programs.
- Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement: Students are required to write a compelling SOP outlining their objectives, passions, and reasons for wanting to pursue a master's degree in education.
- Recommendation Letters: Letters of Recommendation from teachers or employers who can attest to one’s academic capabilities and character are needed.
- Appear for English Proficiency Tests: For one who does not speak English as a primary language, he/she is required to prove their language competency by appearing for English proficiency tests viz. the TOEFL or IELTS.
- Standardized Exams: Although this criteria differs, certain programs may require one to appear for standardized tests viz., the GRE.
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume: Students are required to submit a completed CV or Resume outlining their pertinent experiences and accomplishments.
- Preparing for Interviews: The application process in some instances may include an interview or an assessment.
- Prerequisite Courses: Particular undergraduate coursework may be needed by specific programs as prerequisites.
- Teaching Experience: Prior teaching experience may be required or preferred by certain programs.
- Research Project: For programs involving research, students may be required to submit a research proposal highlighting their chosen field of study.
Other prerequisites include paying the application fee, fulfilling immigration and visa conditions, demonstratting one has sufficient finances to pay for tuition and living costs, having a valid medical insurance. Students also need to adhere to application deadlines, may be required to pass a background check or provide a police clearance certificate, and meet particular program requirements.
How much does a master's in education cost in Canada?
Based on the program, university, location, and whether one is an international or domestic student, the cost of a masters in education Canada can greatly vary. For domestic students, the average annual tuition fees for a master's in education program in Canada is between CAD 5,000 and CAD 15,000. Nevertheless, higher tuition fees may be charged by prominent universities and specialized programs.
In comparison to domestic students, international students may need to pay higher tuition fees ranging from CAD 15,000-35,000 or more annually. For current and correct information on tuition costs, investigate particular universities and programs. When planning a budget for your masters in education Canada, take into account additional expenditures viz., living expenses, books, and supplies. To alleviate the costs, scholarships and financial assistance may be accessible to both domestic and international students.
What financial aid programs and scholarships are available to Canadian students pursuing master's degrees in education?
Students aspiring to pursue a masters degree in Canada can enrol at prestigious Canadian universities and colleges. For students pursuing masters in education Canada, the following scholarships and financial aid programs are available:
- Provincial Government Grants and Scholarships
- Graduate Fellowships
- CGS i.e. Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Endowed Scholarships
- International Scholarships
- Merit-Based Awards
- Research Grants
- Scholarchips offered by Professional Organizations
- Charitable Organizations
- Scholarchips from Community and Civic Organizations
- Indigenous (Domestic) Scholarships
- Employer Assistance
- Grants for Teacher Education
- Scholarships for Bilingualism
- Scholarship databases available online
To increase your chances of obtaining funding for your masters in education Canada, research each financial aid program or scholarship's eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and submission requirements.
What are the job possibilities for international students with a master's degree in education from Canada?
Depending on variables viz., the location, specialty, and individual credentials, job opportunities for international students with a masters in education Canada can differ. Graduates of this degree can take up the below mentioned job possibilities and career pathways:
- Teaching Positions like that of a Special Education Teacher or Classroom Teacher.
- Education Leadership and Management roles such as that of a School Principal or Vice Principal, Education Coordinator, or Education Consultant.
- Role involving higher education and research viz., that of a research analyst, or university professor.
- One can also work as a private tutor.
- Working in the position of a curriculum developer, one responsible for creating and updating educational programs and resources for both, schools and universities is also possible.
- Other roles include that of an ESL (English as a Second Language) Instructor, Adult Educator, Education Advisor, Entrepreneur, EdTech Specialist, Training and Development Specialist (one responsible for the design and deliverance of training programs in corporate environments for employees), Instructional Designer, International Student Counselor, and Study Abroad Coordinator.
- One could also take up jobs at government organizations, volunteer, or work at charitable educational institutions.
Pursuing a master degree in Canada for international students requires them to look into particular work requirements, immigration rules, and procedure for assessing credentials in Canada to increase their employment possibilities after earning their masters in education Canada. Work opportunities can also be boosted through networking, acquiring pertinent work experience, and staying abreast with trends in education.
What are the visa prerequisites for international students wishing to pursue a master's degree in education in Canada?
International students wishing to pursue masters in education Canada, should meet the following visa prerequisites:
- He/she should possess a valid passport.
- Should submit certified copies of educational records (10th, 12th, and Degree certificates)
- A Compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- 2 Academic LoRs
- 2 Professional LoRs
- Certificates demonstrating your extracurricular accomplishments.
- A Letter of Acceptance from your Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or University
- Proof that you have paid the Tuition Fees
- Proof of Funding demonstrating you have the ability to cover tuition fees, living costs, and other expenditures.
- Photographs (Passport size)
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores
- Study Permit and Visa
Your university will inform you of any other requirements if any, before you make the application.
When is the best time to apply for a master's degree in education in Canada?
For a masters in education Canada, the ideal time for students to apply is typically 6 months prior to the start date of the program, which typically occurs in September (Fall). Considering that each university and program may have different deadlines, one should begin the application process the year before, ideally between September and December. To know about their precise application requirements and deadlines, check with your preferred universities.
For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in Canada, study in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore, study in Ireland and many other countries.
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