Masters in Advertising in Canada: Top Universities, Eligibility, Fees, Scholarships & Placements
Masters in Advertising in CanadaA Masters in Advertising in Canada is available through various types of programs like MA, MSc, and Master of Communications Management (MCM), and PG Diplomas. Typically, these courses last for 1 to 2 years. The annual fee for these courses ranges from CAD 18,000 to CAD 35,000.
The admission to the courses is based on qualifying exams in the relevant bachelor courses. Along with that, Indian students must clear IELTS or TOEFL to prove their English proficiency. In some cases, universities may require students to take the GRE/GMAT exams to gain admission to the courses.
The cutoff in the qualifying exams for Masters in Advertising in Canada can be up to 75-80%, depending on the institution. Students can get scholarships of up to CAD 30,000 in total, depending on their eligibility and the provider. Top recruiters come from various industries and include companies like Google Canada, Soify, Meta, Cossette, TD Bank, ZAir Canada, Kinaxis, and Wattpad. Starting average annual packages for Indian students can range from CAD 45,000 to 60,000, equivalent to ₹28 to 36 LPA.
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Highlights
Check the key details related to Masters in Advertising in Canada in the table below.
Feature | Details |
Program Name | Master’s in Advertising / Strategic Communication / Marketing Communication |
Top Institutions | York University (CMDS), University of Toronto, Concordia, Humber College, Centennial College |
Duration | 1–2 years (depending on the type of program) |
Types of Programs | MA, MSc, MCM, PG Diplomas |
Eligibility (Academic) | Min. 65 – 70% in bachelor's (4-year preferred), UG in related fields |
Application Deadlines |
|
Language Requirements | IELTS 6.5 – 7.0 |
Tuition Fees | CAD 18,000 – 35,000 per year |
Living Costs | CAD 15,000 – 22,000 per year |
Scholarships | Institutional grants, program-specific awards |
Starting Salary | CAD 45,000 – 60,000/year (₹28–36 LPA approx.) |
Popular Job Roles | Advertising Coordinator, Copywriter, Media Planner, Account Exec, Brand Strategist |
Post-Study Work Permit | Up to 3 years |
PR Pathway | Eligible after 1 year of work via Express Entry (CEC stream) |
Top Recruiters | Google Canada, Air Canada, Lululemon, Canadian Tyre, Cossette, CBC, Meta, Shopify. |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Tentative Dates and Events
Check the table below for a Masters in Advertising in Canada application start and end dates for top universities.
Events | Tentative Dates |
Application to universities for Masters in Advertising | August 2025 |
Receiving offer letters from universities | October-November 2025 |
Beginning of classes (winter intake) | December |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Visa Application Timeline
Check the dates related to the visa application for Masters in Adveritising in Canada in the table given below.
Events | Tentative Dates |
Application for visa (for winter intake) | November - December 2025 |
Departure to Canada to join the course | December 2025 |
Why Choose a Masters in Advertising in Canada?
Here are some great ways in which studying Masters in Advertising in Canada will benefit you:
- Growing scope in advertising: Canada has a rapidly growing advertising industry. As a result, completing your Masters in Advertising in Canada will provide you with great opportunities to work in the advertising field.
- World-class education: Canadian universities can offer you world-class education in all streams and disciplines, including a Masters in Advertising.
- Industry-relevant courses: The Masters courses in Marketing available in Canada cover topics relevant to the industry. Studying them can enhance your career prospects in the marketing sector.
- Boost in earning potential: Due to the quality of education and relevance to the industry of the topics covered, you can expect an increase in your earning potential.
- Affordable courses: Studying a Masters in Advertising in Canada can be more affordable than in other countries.
- Post-graduation work permit: After completing a Masters in Advertising in Canada, you can get a work permit to work in Canada for three years. This can help you gain valuable experience in the area of your specialisation.
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Admission Process
The specific admission process for Masters in Advertising in Canada will depend on the university or college you have applied to. Overall, the admission process will be similar and include the following steps:
- Online application: Visit the official website of the institution you want to apply to and fill out their application form.
- Submit scanned documents: Scan the documents asked for during the application and submit them online.
- Pay the application fee: Depending on the institution, you will usually have to pay a specific application fee to complete the procedure.
- Accept the admission letter: If there is a specific procedure set by he institution to accept the offer letter, you must follow it once you receive the offer letter.
- Apply for a student visa: You can apply online for a student visa to go to Canada through the official website for visa applications. Make sure to apply at least 3 months before the time of departure.
- Gather all important documents: Based on the specifications of the university, you must gather all the documents that you are required to carry for the admission process.
- Plan your arrival: Once you are prepared to leave for Canada for your Masters in Advertising studies, you must make the necessary preparations, including accommodation.
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Eligibility Criteria
Freshers and experienced candidates will have slightly different eligibility criteria for Masters in Advertising in Canada. Check the table below for the
Criteria | Freshers (0–1 yr) | Experienced (2+ yrs) |
Education | Relevant Bachelor degree from a recognised institution. | Relevant Bachelor degree from a recognised institution. |
GPA (minimum) | 3.0 - 4.0 | 3.0 - 4.0 |
Portfolio / Creative Sample | Often required for differentiation. | Expected with a description of past professional work. |
SOP / LORs | Academic references. | Academic and professional references. |
Work Experience | Not required | Can provide an advantage in selection. |
Test Requirements (GMAT/GRE) | Rarely required for advertising courses | Sometimes waived, depending on experience level. |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: SOP, LOR, and Resume
The statement of purpose (SOP), letter of recommendation (LOR), and resume will have varying areas of focus for freshers and experienced candidates. Check the table below for the ways in which these documents must be formulated in each case.
Element | Focus Point for Freshers | Focus Point for Experienced Candidates |
SOP | Academic interest and creative potential | Career growth + industry alignment |
LOR | Professors, projects, internships | Managers, clients, leadership contributions |
Resume | Courses, projects, basic skills, portfolio | Campaign impact, metrics, leadership, tools |
Masters in Advertising in Canada Fees
Given below are the fees for the advertising programs across various universities in Canada, along with the names of the advertisement-related programs or those with options for advertising as an option.
University | Program Name | Estimated Tuition Fee for International Students (per year) |
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) | Master of Professional Communication (Advertising focus possible) | CAD 22,000–25,000 |
York University (Schulich) | Master of Marketing (includes advertising courses) | CAD 40,000–48,000 |
Concordia University | MSc in Marketing (Advertising/branding electives) | CAD 22,000–27,000 (international) |
Centennial College + TMU | Master’s-level Creative Advertising (Graduate Certificate + Degree) | CAD 16,000–22,000 (combined) |
Carleton University | MA in Communication (media/advertising options) | CAD 25,000+ |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Top Entrance Exams/Assessments
You might need to take various types of exams and assessments for admission to Masters in Advertising courses in Canada. Please take a look at the table below for the most prominent entrance exams and their applicability.
Exam | Required For |
IELTS / TOEFL | All international students to prove English proficiency |
GMAT / GRE | Optional for some business/marketing programs. |
Portfolio | Creative programs (advertising, media, design, digital communication). |
Video Interview / Essay | Required in many programs instead of GMAT/GRE. |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Entrance Preparation Tips
Follow the tips below to succeed in the entrance exams or tests that you may have to take as an applicant for a Masters in Advertising in Canada:
- Know the pattern of the exam well: For exams like GRE. GMAT, or IELTS, you must know the type of questions and the question paper pattern. This will help you develop a suitable strategy to approach the specific entrance exam.
- Focus on your foundational knowledge: Apart from other relevant areas, you must put focus on foundational knowledge related to the specific subject of the exam. This will help you enhance your chances of clearing entrance exams like GMAT/GRE if they are applicable.
- Practice regularly: Along with covering all the important areas, you must maintain consistency in practicing the tests you are required to take. This will play a big role in your success in the required entrance exams.
- Create a proper study schedule: In order to maintain the quality and regularity of your preparation, you must prepare a study schedule. It will help you divide the time among the areas that need more focus.
Masters in Advertising in Canada Cutoff
The cutoff requirements for Masters in Advertising in Canada include the IELTS/TOEFL score and the GPA in the qualifying exams. The following tables will show the cutoffs, including the GPA requirements at different universities for Masters in Advertising in Canada.
Masters in Advertising in Canada: IELTS/TOEFL Score Cutoffs
Check the IELTS and TOEFL cutoff scores for Indian applicants for a Masters in Advertising in Canada.
Test | Minimum Score (Typical) |
IELTS | 6.5–7.0 overall (no band < 6.0–6.5) |
TOEFL iBT | 86–100 overall (min 20–23 per section) |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: GMAT/GRE Cutoff
Check the table below for the GMAT/GRE cutoffs for the universities where it is required for Masters in Advertising, along with the required or optional status of the exam.
University / Program | GMAT Cutoff | GRE Equivalent | Required or Optional |
Concordia University (MSc Marketing – John Molson) | 580+ preferred | 300+ (Q+V) | Required |
York University (Schulich Master of Marketing) | 600+ average | GRE optional, 310+ advised | Optional (waiver possible) |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Minimum GPA requirements at the Top Universities/Colleges
The minimum GPA requirements of the top universities along with the grading scale used by them is given below for admission to Masters in Advertising in Canada.
University / Program | Minimum GPA Requirement | Grading Scale |
Concordia University – MSc in Marketing | 3.0 - 4.3 CGPA and 3.0 in last two years of the UG course. | Quebec scale (4.3 max) |
York University – MA in Communication & Culture/Mark | B+ average (~3.3/4.0) in final two years of UG course. | 4.0 scale |
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) – Master of Professional Communication | B average (3.0 - 4.0) in the last two years of the UG course. | 4.0 scale |
University of British Columbia (UBC) – Journalism or Digital Media | Minimum B+ average (3.3 - 4.0) in a 4-year UG degree. | 4.0 scale |
OCAD University – MDes Strategic Foresight & Innovation | 75% or B average (3.0 - 4.0). | Canadian percentage or 4.0 |
Carleton University – MA in Communication | B+ average (3.3 - 4.0) over last two years of UG course. | 4.0 scale |
Centre for Digital Media (SFU, UBC, BCIT, ECUAD) – MDM | B average (3.0 - 4.0) or higher in last two years of UG course. | 4.0 scale |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Course Seats
The estimated intake in the prominent universities for Masters in Advertising courses are given in the table below.
Program | Estimated Intake |
Toronto Metropolitan University - Master of Professional Communication | Limited; closes once full |
Concordia University - MSc in Marketing | Competitive; few seats |
Centre for Digital Media (MDM) | Small (60–100 students cohort) |
York University - MA Communication/Advertising | Very limited international spots |
Masters in Advertising in Canada Syllabus
Check the syllabus for a Masters in Advertising syllabus available for different universities offering courses, including advertising-related topics.
Program | Core Courses (Year 1) | Electives/Industry Focused Modules | Year 2/Capstone/Thesis |
Concordia MSc Marketing | Research methods, marketing theory, stats, development | Marketing Communications, Branding, Consumer Psych | Thesis proposal + 18‑credit thesis |
TMU MDM | Digital media foundations, environments, workshop | Interdisciplinary creative and tech electives | Collaborative capstone/project |
Sheridan Advertising Diploma | Campaign strategy, creative process, media metrics | Brand storytelling, digital, programmatic media, PR | Capstone campaign + field placement |
Masters in Advertising: Best Universities/Colleges
The table below shows the top private and public universities and colleges offering various types of Masters programs in Canada with topics focusing on advertising.
Institution | Type | Program Level | Advertising Focus |
University of Toronto | Public | MA Communication/Media | Media theory, campaign, digital strategy |
UBC | Public | MDM / MA Journalism | Digital storytelling, media strategy |
York University | Public | MA Communication | Cultural/media theory with advertising electives |
Simon Fraser (CDM) | Public | MDM | Team-based digital projects, advertising strategy |
Concordia University | Public | MSc Marketing / Media MA | Branding, communications, marketing communications |
Carleton University | Public | MJ Communication | Practical media training tied to advertising roles |
OCAD University | Public | MDes Strategic Innovation | Creative strategy, design-thinking, storytelling |
Humber College | Private/College | Graduate Certificate | Advertising account management, copywriting |
Sheridan College | Private/College | Post-Grad Diploma | Integrated campaigns, media planning, storytelling |
Centennial College | Private/College | Graduate Certificate | Creative strategy, media management, account roles |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Global Rankings for Indian Applicants
Given below are the global rankings of the top institutions for Masters in Advertising in Canada.
University/Program | Global Ranking (QS/THE) |
University of Toronto (Communication/Media) | 1st in Canada, top 11–12 in social sciences |
University of British Columbia | 2nd in Canada, top 20–40 globally |
McGill University | 3rd–4th in Canada, 39th–76th globally |
Simon Fraser University / CDM | Canada top 2, globally 101–150 in media studies |
Concordia University (MSc Marketing / Media MA) | 4th in Canada, globally 101st –150th |
York University (MA Comm & MMKG marketing) | 7th in Canada, globally 151th – 200th for media; 353rd in marketing in QS ranking. |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Scholarships
Here are some of the prominent scholarship schemes available to Indian students who enroll in Masters in Advertising courses in Canada.
Scholarship | Value (CAD/year) | Eligibility |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | CAD 15,000 | Master's students at Ontario public universities (merit-based) |
University of Toronto Dean’s Fund Award | Up to CAD 10,000 | Graduate students at University of Toronto |
University of Calgary QEII Scholarship | CAD 10,800 | Master's students at University of Calgary (thesis preferred) |
University of Manitoba Grad Fellowships | CAD 14,000 | Master’s students at University of Manitoba (strong GPA needed) |
Dalhousie Grad Scholarships | Up to CAD 30,000 total | Full-time graduate students at Dalhousie University |
Humber International Scholarships | CAD 2,000 per semester | International diploma/PG students (including Advertising) |
Industry-Sponsored Ad Scholarships | CAD 30,000 per student | Typically U.S.-based; highly competitive ad master’s applicants |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Placement
The table below shows the prominent advertisers in each industry that can offer relevant job roles to you after your Masters in Advertising in Canada.
Industry | Companies / Agencies |
Advertising Agencies | Ogilvy, DDB Canada, Cossette, Sid Lee, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Rethink, Juniper Park\TBWA |
Media & Broadcasting | CBC, Bell Media, Rogers, Corus Entertainment, Globe and Mail |
Digital/Tech Firms | Google Canada, Meta, Shopify, Amazon, Hootsuite |
Retail & E-commerce | Lululemon, Canadian Tire, Hudson’s Bay, Loblaw |
Corporate In-House Teams | TD Bank, RBC, Telus, Air Canada, Manulife |
Startups & Creative Studios | Wattpad, BenchSci, 500px, Kinaxis |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Salary Package
Check the table below for the average package in Canada for graduates of Masters in Advertising courses and that for Indian students who graduate from the same courses.
Category | Salary Range (CAD/year) | INR Equivalent (₹) |
Average package in Canada | $45,000 – $65,000 | ₹28 – ₹41 LPA |
Average package for Indian graduates in Canada | $45,000 – $55,000 | ₹28 – ₹34 LPA |
With 2+ years of experience | $65,000 – $90,000+ | ₹41 – ₹57+ LPA |
Masters in Advertising in Canada vs India
Check the key differences between Masters in advertising in Canada and India in specific aspects like duration, fees, and career opportunities, the table below.
Factor | Canada | India |
Degree Type | Master of Arts (MA), MSc Marketing, Master of Digital Media, PG Diplomas in Advertising. | MA in Advertising & PR, MBA in Advertising/Marketing, PG Diploma in Advertising. |
Top Institutes | UBC, Concordia, York, SFU, Humber, Seneca, Centennial. | MICA, IIMC, SIMC (Symbiosis), XIC, Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), NMIMS. |
Program Duration | 1–2 years (Master's), 1 year (PG diploma). | 1–2 years. |
Eligibility | 4-year UG (or 3-year + WES eval), IELTS 6.5+/TOEFL 88+, SOP, LORs, portfolio (if applicable). | Bachelor’s degree (any stream), entrance exam, or interview, depending on college. |
Curriculum | Advanced media planning, brand strategy, analytics, UX, global campaigns. | Strong theory + practical mix: PR, brand comms, media ethics, strategy. |
Global Exposure | Yes. | Limited. |
Internship/Co-op | Co-op programs and work permits. | Limited to domestic advertising companies or in-house teams |
Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) | 1 to 3 years depending on course length. | None. |
Job Opportunities (Canada) | Roles in digital agencies, media firms, client-side marketing, UX, creative strategy. | Roles in Indian agencies, media houses, PR firms, start-ups. |
Average Starting Salary | CAD 40,000–60,000/year (₹25 to 35 LPA), depending on the job role and location. | ₹4–8 LPA (MICA/XLRI grads may get higher; others vary) |
Total Tuition Fees | CAD 15,000–35,000/year (₹9–21 lakhs). | ₹2–10 LPA depending on the institute. |
Living Expenses | CAD 10,000–15,000/year (₹6–9 Lakhs). | ₹1–2 LPA depending on city. |
Scholarships | Yes – OGS, Dean's Fund, UCalgary QEII, college bursaries. | Limited; some private institutes (e.g., MICA) offer merit-based scholarships. |
Work While Studying | Yes. | Part-time options are rare and informal. |
Masters in Advertising: Living Costs for Indian Students
Check the monthly costs associated with studying Masters in Advertising in Canada in the table below.
Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
Accommodation | CAD 600 – 1,200 |
Food & Groceries | CAD 200 – 350 |
Transportation | CAD 80 – CAD 150 (public transit pass) |
Phone & Internet | CAD 60 – 100 |
Study Materials | CAD 50 – 100 |
Clothing & Misc. | CAD 50 – 100 |
Health Insurance | CAD 600 – 900 (yearly) |
Masters in Advertising in Canada: Career Scope
The table below shows the wide range of job roles you can go for after completing your Masters in Advertising in Canada.
Job Title | Description |
Advertising Account Manager | Act between clients and businesses to manage campaigns through all stages up to delivery. |
Media Planner/Buyer | Plan strategies and purchase ad spaces, including digital, print, social media, and others. |
Brand Strategist | Build identities and long-term communications for brands. |
Digital Marketing Specialist | Work in the areas of SEO, social media, digital content strategy, and PPC. |
Creative Director / Art Director | Lead the creative output aspect, including the tone, visuals, and campaigns. |
Copywriter / Content Strategist | Craft cross-platform campaign messaging and storytelling. |
Market Research Analyst | Guide ad strategies and product decisions through consumer data analysis. |
UX/UI Strategist (Ad-Focused) | Design user-centred interfaces for brands to enhance their digital experiences. |
Media Analyst / Advertising Analyst | Measure the performance of ads and advise on the optimisation of ROI. |
Public Relations Officer | Manage the external communication of the brand and its media relationships. |
FAQs For Masters in Advertising in Canada
Ques: Are online Masters in Advertising programs available in Canada for international students?
Ans: Yes, you can study online Masters in Advertising programs in Canada as an Indian student.
Ques: What are the prerequisites for a Masters in Advertising in Canada?
Ans: The main prerequisites for a Masters in Advertising in Canada include a relevant Bachelor’s degree, valid IELTS/TOEFL scores, and a competitive GPA. Along with that, you must have a valid GRE/GMAT score for admission to some universities.
Ques: Which universities provide part-time Masters in Advertising programs in Canada in 2025?
Ans: To study part-time Masters in Advertising programs in Canada, you can consider the programs offered by York University, McMaster University, and the University of British Columbia.
Ques: Which Masters in Advertising programs in Canada accept GMAT scores?
Ans: The Masters in Advertising programs at Concordia University and York University accept GMAT cores, depending on the specific courses.
Ques: Which are the best Masters in Advertising courses in Canada for a career in social media marketing?
Ans: The Master of Marketing (MMKG) course at Schulich School of Business at York University and the Master of Digital Media at the University of British Columbia can be considered as some of the top Masters courses for careers in social media marketing.