Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Top Universities, Admission Process, Fees, Scholarships & Career Scope
Masters in Counselling Psychology in CanadaIf you are planning to study Master's in Counselling Psychology in Canada, you should know that Canada is home to many top universities in the world. The Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada course duration is about 2-3 years, which includes several core subjects and specialisations in psychology and relevant fields. The Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada eligibility criteria include a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and an English language proficiency test score (IELTS (6.5 or above), TOEFL). The top Canadian universities for counselling psychology, however, may give preference to candidates who have 1-2 years of work experience in relevant fields.
The Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada average tuition fees range from CA$ 20,000 to 45,000. With added expenses, including the cost of living in Canada, the course can be a heavy burden on students' pockets. To negate the high fees and cost of living, there are several scholarships for international students pursuing master's degrees in counselling psychology in Canada. After completion of the course, students may opt for a wide range of job opportunities in the mental health counselling field. The average salary offered to Masters in Counselling Psychology graduates in Canada ranges from CA$ 50,000 to 70,000.
Continue reading this expert’s guide to understand the Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada placement, fees, top universities, and more.
Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Quick Highlights
The table below shows the quick overview of the Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada course.
Particulars | Details |
Program Name | MA in Counselling Psychology |
Program Type |
|
Course Duration | 2-3 Years |
Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor degree in any discipline and 1-2 years of work experience |
Entrance Exams | English Proficiency Tests through IELTS (6.5 or above), TOEFL |
Tuition fee | CA$ 20,000 to 45,000 |
Intake seasons |
|
Top Universities | University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, etc. |
Top Recruiters | Alberta Health Services, University of Toronto, Vancouver Coastal Health, Nova Scotia Health Authority, and Fraser Health. |
Average Salary | CA$ 80,000 |
Why Choose a Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada?
There are a number of benefits for pursuing a Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada, some of them are listed below.
- Canada hosts 32 counselling psychology programs in 17 globally recognised universities. Counselling psychology being a competitive field attracts a number of students worldwide. Having a high number of seats, your chances of getting selected in Canadian universities are high.
- A graduate in Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada gets a high salary with immense scope after the course in the mental health and wellness sector. The average salary offered to graduates is around CA$ 60,000 to CA$ 80,000.
- A Canadian counselling psychology degree is highly respected internationally, making graduates competitive in the global job market.
- Canada actively encourages immigration through various programs, making it possible for graduates to build a life and career in the country.
Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Important Dates and Events
The most popular Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada intake season is fall intake. The application process for this season typically begins in September, while the key deadlines fall between December and February. Other key important events for Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada include registration deadlines for GRE and English proficiency tests.
Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Application Start & End Dates for Top Universities
The table below shows the application deadlines for the top Universities for Counselling Psychology in Canada.
Top Universities | Application Start | Application Deadline |
University of Toronto | September 2025 | 1st December 2025 |
University of British Columbia | September 2025 (Tentative) | December 2025 (Tentative) |
University of Alberta | 1st September 2025 | 1st December 2025 |
McGill University | 15th September 2025 | 1st December 2025 |
Western University | September 2025 (Tentative) | January 2025 (Tentative) |
University of Calgary | 1st August 2025 | 1st November 2025 |
Trinity Western University (TWU) | September 2025 | 31st January 2025 |
Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Visa Application Timeline
The processing time for the Canadian student visa for a master's in counselling psychology may vary from application to application. In general, the process takes around 6 weeks. Some country-specific applications may take a long period, up to 3 months, as well. For students, it is recommended to apply as early as possible after receiving the acceptance letter from a Canadian University.
Best Universities for Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada
The table below shows the top Universities for Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada with their fee structure.
Top Universities | QS World Ranking 2026 | Average Fees |
McGill University | 27 | CA$ 9,981 |
University of Toronto | 29 | CA$ 31,870 |
University of British Columbia | 40 | CA$ 34,000 |
University of Alberta | 94 | CA$ 22,819 |
Western University | 151 | CA$ 30,216 |
University of Calgary | 211 | CA$ 16,484 |
Trinity Western University (TWU) | NA | CA$ 42,840 |
Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Eligibility Criteria
The qualifications required for Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada include a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with an English language proficiency test. Some universities may also demand or prefer work experience in relevant fields. The table below shows the qualifications required for the top Canadian Universities for Counselling Psychology.
Top Universities | Qualification Required | Documents Required |
University of Toronto | B+ in final year of bachelor’s At least one year of relevant counselling-related experience, English language proficiency test. | SOP, LOR, and Transcripts |
University of British Columbia | Bachelor’s degree in any field with 68% or above marks, English language proficiency test. | SOP, LOR, and Transcripts |
University of Alberta | Bachelor’s degree in any field with GPA 3.0 on the scale of 4, English language proficiency test. | SOP, LOR, and Transcripts |
McGill University | Bachelor’s degree in any field with CGPA 3.2 on the scale of 4, English language proficiency test. | SOP, LOR, Resume, and Transcripts |
Western University | A four-year degree, with minimum B (70%) 1 year volunteer experience, English language proficiency test. | SOP, LOR, Resume, and Transcripts |
University of Calgary | Bachelor’s degree in any field with GPA 3.0 on the scale of 4, English language proficiency test. | SOP, 2 LOR, CV |
Trinity Western University (TWU) | Bachelors in Psychology with a GPA 3.0 or above on a scale of 4. Volunteer service in a counselling-related field over a two-year period, English language proficiency test. | SOP, 2 LOR, Video Submission |
Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Application Process
Below mentioned is the application process for Masters in Counselling Psychology in top Canadian universities.
- Check out the university-specific eligibility criteria; once you are convinced that you fit the eligibility criteria, start collecting all the required documents for the application process.
- Prepare a personal statement outlining your interest in counselling psychology, career goals, and relevant experience.
- Submit the application form with official transcripts, an updated CV, and two to three reference letters (academic or professional).
- Provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) if you studied outside Canada.
- Complete the online application and pay the fee before university-specific deadlines (commonly in fall or winter for next year's intake).
- Wait for the acceptance letter. Once received, apply for the Canadian student visa as early as possible to avoid the last moment hassle.
Top Entrance Exams for Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada
The Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada eligibility criteria includes the academic transcripts and the proof of English language proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL. However, there are no standardised tests for this course, but some universities may demand GRE scores as well. The table below shows the detailed overview of the top entrance exams for Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada.
Entrance Exams | Description |
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | Minimum scores around 6.5 overall and 6.0 in writing. |
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Minimum scores varying with the institution |
PTE (Pearson Test of English) | Pearson Test of English is a standard English language proficiency test that is accepted by some universities in Canada. |
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language test) | An exam specially designed for Canadian academic curricula. Universities generally require a minimum overall score of 70 and no less than 60 in each section. |
Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Cutoff
The table below shows the IELTS Cutoff for the top Counselling Psychology Universities in Canada.
Top Universities | IELTS Score |
University of Toronto | 7.0 or above |
University of British Columbia | 6.5 or above |
University of Alberta | 7.0 or above |
McGill University | 6.5 or above |
Western University | 6.5 or above |
University of Calgary | 7.0 or above |
Trinity Western University (TWU) | 7.5 or above |
Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Syllabus
The Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada is designed to nurture effective counsellors. The program is generally a blend of theoretical and practical courses, with the research part being the key element in the structure. Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada Topics include counselling theories, group interventions and processes, research methodology, assessment theory, and more.
Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Core Courses
The table below shows the core and common courses included in the Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada core courses.
Core and Common Courses | ||
Counselling Theories | Counselling Skills and Techniques | Assessment and Diagnosis |
Ethical and Professional Issues | Research Methods | Developmental Psychology |
Abnormal Psychology | Cognitive Psychology | NA |
Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Specialisations
The table below shows the core and common courses included in the Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada specialisations.
Specialisations | ||
Child and Adolescent Counselling | Substance Abuse Counselling | Couple and Family Therapy |
Trauma and Crisis Intervention | Post Traumatic Counselling | NA |
Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Scholarship
The table below shows the key scholarships available for international students pursuing Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada.
Scholarship Type | Eligibility |
University of Victoria Fellowship Awards | An average of the last two years of course work. Full-time registration (3.0 units). |
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship | Graduate student having 3.5 or above GPA. |
Toronto Met Graduate Fellowship | Merit based scholarship offered to students pursuing courses in University of Toronto. |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Merit based scholarship offered by Government of Ontario. |
Cost of Living in Canada
Apart from the tuition fees there are a number of expenses that have to be borne by the students pursuing Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada. The table below shows the average cost of living in Canada.
Expenses Type | Expected Amount Per Month |
Accommodation | CA$ 590 |
Meals | CA$ 200-300 |
Transportation | CA$ 80 |
Health Insurance | CA$ 150-200 |
Miscellaneous | CA$ 150 |
Career Scope after Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada
There is immense scope in the medical and mental healthcare sector after completing Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada. Some of the key job roles offered to graduate are.
- Clinical Psychologist
- Mental Health Counselor
- Professor of Clinical Psychology
- Psychologist
- School Counselor
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Psychotherapist
Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada: Salary Package
The Counselling Psychology courses in Canada are often considered to be one of the highest ROI courses. The table below shows the career options after completion of Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada and their average salary.
Job Roles | Average Salary in Canadian Dollars |
Clinical Psychologist | CA$ 82,183 |
Professor of Clinical Psychology | CA$ 102,634 |
Psychologist | CA$ 77,438 |
Mental Health Counselor | CA$ 52,898 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Which universities offer the best Masters in Counselling Psychology programs in Canada?
Ans: Top Canadian Universities for Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada include University of British Columbia, McGill University, and University of Calgary.
Ques: What are the entry requirements for a Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada?
Ans: You need an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field, minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes relevant volunteer or clinical experience.
Ques: Are there online Masters in Counselling Psychology programs in Canada?
Ans: Yes, several Canadian universities offer online or hybrid Counselling Psychology Masters programs.
Ques: What are the career prospects after a Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada?
Ans: Graduates can work as licensed counsellors, psychotherapists, or mental health professionals in schools, hospitals, community agencies, and private practice across Canada.
Ques: Are scholarships available for Masters in Counselling Psychology programs in Canada?
Ans: Yes, many Canadian universities and provincial agencies provide scholarships, grants, and fellowships to support domestic and international students studying Masters in Counselling Psychology in Canada.