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Masters in Criminology in Canada: Complete Study Guide

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Pragati Srivastava • 9 Mins read • 5 Aug 25
Masters in Criminology in CanadaMasters in Criminology in Canada

If you are a patriotic citizen and interested in studying crime, criminal behaviour, and justice systems to help create safer societies, then Masters in Criminology in Canada is the perfect program for you.

A Masters in Criminology in Canada is a postgraduate program especially outlined for students who want to study criminal justice policies. The course duration of the program is 2 to 3 years. To apply for Masters in Criminology admission in Canada, you must have a relevant bachelor’s degree, academic transcripts, English language test scores like IELTS/TOEFL, and a statement of purpose or reference letters.

The top Canadian universities for Masters in Criminology programs are University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, Toronto Metropolitan University, Simon Fraser University, and University of Windsor. The average Masters in Criminology fees in Canada for Indian students range between CAD 20,000 and CAD 55,000 per year. Exciting, right? So, what are you waiting for? Read this blog carefully. You will get every aspect of the Masters in Criminology in Canada, from eligibility to how to apply successfully. Let's dive in!


Masters in Criminology in Canada: Key Highlights

If you are considering masters in criminology in Canada, it is helpful to understand the essentials first. From program duration and tuition fees to top universities and career prospects, this section has included a quick snapshot of what to expect when pursuing this postgraduate degree in Canada.

Feature

Details

Course Name

Masters in Criminology (MA/MSc)

Course Duration

2 - 3 years (as per the program type)

Admission Intakes

  • Fall Intake (September)
  • Winter Intake (January)

Average Tuition Fees

CAD 20,000 - CAD 55,000 per year

Cost of Living in Canada

CAD 15,000 - CAD 20,000 per year

Scholarships Availability

Yes, many universities offer scholarships to Indian and international students

Top Universities for Criminology Programs in Canada

  • University of Ottawa
  • University of Toronto
  • Simon Fraser University
  • University of Windsor
  • Toronto Metropolitan University

Career Prospects

Criminal Policy Analyst, Probation Officer, Criminal Justice Administrator, Lecturer, Criminologist, and others.

Average Starting Salary

CAD 55,000 - CAD 70,000 per year


What is Masters in Criminology Program in Canada?

The Masters in Criminology in Canada is a postgraduate program that goes beyond simply studying crimes and criminals. The program covers the following aspects in detail:

  • Why do crimes happen?
  • How does society respond to crime?
  • What can be done to prevent it?

By the end of the program, you will surely have developed the skills to critically analyze crime trends and make policies to make communities even more disciplined and safer.


Top Specializations of Criminology Programs in Canada

Canadian universities offer a wide range of specializations in criminology programs. Here we have listed the most popular ones.

  • Criminal justice
  • Criminal law
  • Youth and crime
  • Policing and law enforcement
  • Correctional systems and rehabilitation
  • Cybercrime and technology
  • Human rights and justice
  • Gender and crime
  • Terrorism and security studies
  • Psychology of criminal behaviour


Duration of Masters in Criminology in Canada

The Masters in Criminology course duration in Canada usually spans 1 to 3 years. The duration generally depends on the program type. Most Canadian universities offer full-time programs lasting 1 to 2 years, while some universities provide part-time programs that may extend up to 3 years or more.

Therefore, it is advisable for you to check the program duration for your chosen university.


Why Choose Canada for Masters in Criminology?

This is one of the most common questions you have probably come across, right? Here are the key reasons that make Canada a great choice for Indian students to study criminology at the master’s level.

  • High-Quality Law Education
  • Top-Ranked Universities
  • Affordable Masters in Criminology Fees in Canada
  • Hands-On Learning with Internships
  • Good Job Opportunities After Study
  • Easy Pathway to Permanent Residency


Masters in Criminology in Canada Admission

For studying Masters program in Criminology in Canada, you must be familiar with the admission process conducted by the Canadian universities. To help you stay informed about the Masters in Criminology in Canada admission process, here we have broken down each and every aspect. Whether it is admission intakes, documents required, eligibility criteria, or the application steps, we have covered everything.


Masters in Criminology in Canada Admission: Intakes and Deadlines

The important admission dates related to intakes and deadlines are the essential information that you should keep in mind for successful admission. It is one of the crucial factors that strengthens your application. 

In Canada, admission is typically offered in two intakes, fall and winter. Here is the tabulated timeline for Masters in Criminology admission in Canada.

Event

Date

Application Starts (Fall Intake)

December (previous year)

Application Ends (Fall Intake)

March

Application Starts (Winter Intake)

August

Application Ends (Winter Intake)

October


Eligibility Requirements for Masters in Criminology in Canada

Each university has its own criteria for admission to masters programs in Canada. Here are the basic Masters in Criminology in Canada admission requirements for Indian students.

Requirement

Details

Academic Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in criminology, law, or related field

Minimum GPA

Usually around 3.0/4.0 scale or equivalent

English Proficiency Score

  • IELTS (6.5 - 7.0)
  • TOEFL (86+)
  • PTE

Other Requirements

Statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and resume/CV


Documents Required for Masters in Criminology Admission in Canada

Applying for a masters in criminology courses in Canada involves submitting several key documents. From academic certificates to language test scores and letters of recommendation, this section has outlined the required documents that you will need to submit with your application.

  • Academic marksheet and certificate (bachelor’s degree)
  • English language test scorecard (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
  • Statement of purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of recommendation (2-3)
  • Updated resume or CV
  • Passport copy and ID proof
  • Some universities may also ask for a research proposal or writing sample


How to Apply for Canadian Masters Program in Criminology?

Not sure how to apply? No worries.

Here we have provided a step-by-step guide of the entire admission process for Masters in Criminology in Canadian universities. Follow all these steps carefully, and secure a seat in a top Masters in Criminology college in Canada.

Step

Detail

Step 1

Research and shortlist universities as per your preferences.

Step 2

Check eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Step 3

Prepare all the required documents.

Step 4

Fill out the online application form and pay the specified fee.

Step 5

Wait for an admission offer letter from the respective university.

Step 6

Accept the offer letter and pay the deposit to secure a seat.

Step 7

Apply for a Canadian student visa with your admission offer letter.

Step 8

Arrange accommodation and travel to Canada.

Step 9

Attend the orientation and begin your Masters in Criminology in Canada.


Top Universities for Masters in Criminology in Canada

As we already know, Canada is known for its exceptional law and order systems worldwide. Along with this recognition, it is also known for its top universities delivering globally accepted criminology programs. These universities do not teach only theories of crime but also practical research methods, data analysis, and criminal justice policies.

Here are some of the best universities for Masters in Criminology in Canada.

University Name

Location

University of Ottawa

Ottawa, Ontario

University of Toronto

Toronto, Ontario

Simon Fraser University

Burnaby, British Columbia

University of Windsor

Ottawa, Ontario

Toronto Metropolitan University

Winnipeg, Manitoba


Masters in Criminology in Canada Fees for Indian Students

The cost of studying masters in Criminology in Canada ranges from CAD 20,000 to 55,000 per year. The tuition fees vary as per the program type and universities. Below we have specified the university-wise annual tuition fees for Masters in Criminology in Canada.

Best Masters in Criminology in Canada University

Annual Tuition Fees (CAD)

University of Ottawa

$25,719

University of Toronto

$30,350

Simon Fraser University

$10,000

University of Windsor

$30,200

Toronto Metropolitan University

$25,513


Note: Fees are subject to change. Refer to the official website for the updated fee structure.


Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students

To plan your budget accurately for studying masters in criminology programs in Canada, you have to calculate the living expenses as well. Here is the approximate monthly cost of living in Canada.

Expense Type

Monthly Cost (CAD)

Monthly Cost (INR)

Rent & Utilities

$800 - $1,200

₹49,000 – ₹73,000

Food

$300 - $500

₹18,000 – ₹30,000

Transport

$100 - $150

₹6,000 – ₹9,000

Internet & Phone

$80 - $100

₹4,900 – ₹6,100

Miscellaneous

$200 - $300

₹12,000 – ₹18,000


Top Masters in Criminology Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

If you are worried about the Masters in Criminology cost in Canada, this section has essential information for you. Yes, you have guessed it right. It is the scholarships.

There are various scholarships available in Canada for Indian students based on academic merit and financial need. These scholarships are offered by the government, universities, and private organizations.

Here we have highlighted the popular scholarships in Canada.

Scholarship

Offered by

Benefit

UVic Fellowship Awards

University of Victoria

CAD 10,000 per year

Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship

University of Alberta

CAD 12,000

Toronto Met Graduate Fellowship

Toronto Metropolitan University

CAD 12,000

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Government of Ontario

CAD 5,060 


Career Opportunities After Masters in Criminology in Canada

A Masters degree in Criminology from a Canadian university opens doors to diverse and impactful careers in law enforcement, public policy, academia, social services, and the private consultancy sector. The top recruiters hiring criminology graduates from Canada include:

  • Government Agencies
  • Police Services
  • Correctional Facilities
  • Non-Profit Organizations focused on Crime Prevention and Victim Support


Masters in Criminology in Canada: Popular Job Roles & Average Starting Salaries

Below is an overview of job-role-wise average starting salaries you can expect after completing your masters degree in criminology from Canada.

Job Role

Average Starting Salary (CAD/year)

Criminologist

CAD 55,000 - CAD 80,000

Policy Analyst

CAD 60,000 - CAD 85,000

Intelligence Analyst

CAD 65,000 - CAD 90,000

Law Enforcement Officer

CAD 60,000 - CAD 75,000

Correctional Program Officer

CAD 50,000 - CAD 70,000

Victim Services Specialist

CAD 48,000 - CAD 65,000

Research Associate / Academic

CAD 50,000 - CAD 70,000

Community Development Officer

CAD 45,000 - CAD 65,000


Frequently Asked Questions


Ques 1. What is the duration of a Masters in Criminology in Canada?

Ans. The typical Masters in Criminology course duration in Canada is 1 to 2 years for full-time students. Some universities also offer part-time options, which may extend up to 3 years. 


Ques 2. What are the eligibility criteria for Indian students to study Criminology in Canada?

Ans. To apply for a Masters in Criminology in Canada, Indian students must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent (around 70% or above)
  • English proficiency test scores: IELTS (6.5–7.0), TOEFL (86+), or PTE
  • Some universities may also ask for a writing sample or research proposal


Ques 3. What is the cost of studying Masters in Criminology at Canadian universities?

Ans. The tuition fees for a Masters in Criminology in Canada for Indian students range between CAD 20,000 and CAD 55,000 per year, depending on the university.


Ques 4. What are the top universities offering Masters degree in Criminology in Canada?

Ans. Canada has several highly reputed universities offering postgraduate criminology programs. The top institutions include:

  • University of Toronto
  • University of Ottawa
  • Simon Fraser University
  • University of Windsor
  • Toronto Metropolitan University


Ques 5. What job roles can I pursue after completing Masters degree in Criminology from Canada?

Ans. Graduates can pursue a wide range of roles in public, private, and non-profit sectors. Popular career options include:

  • Criminologist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Correctional Program Officer
  • Victim Services Specialist
  • Community Development Officer
  • Academic or Research Associate


Ques 6. Is Criminology a good career in Canada for international students?

Ans. Yes, Criminology is a promising career field in Canada. The average starting salary ranges from CAD 55,000 to CAD 70,000 depending on the role.