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Masters in Geography in Canada: Top Universities, Admission, Cost, Scholarships and Jobs

JI
Jyoti • 9 Mins read • 24 Jul 25
Masters in Geography in CanadaMasters in Geography in Canada

A Masters in Geography in Canada is 1 to 2 year course. The course is based on spatial academic and human environment interactions. As well as many top universities like University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Calgary, Western University provide the Masters Degree in Geography. Top universities provide course-based and thesis-based studies to students as per their choices.

To take admission to top universities in Canada, you must meet the eligibility criteria of the university, like having a 4-year undergraduate Degree in Geography or a related field, and take the English proficiency test IELTS or TOEFL as per the college requirement. The tuition fee is 2,000 to 49,000 CAD per year, and this will costs ₹1.21 to ₹29.64 lakh per year for Indian students. 

Top universities in Canada provide scholarships to students as per the scholarship program. The scholarship can be different, as per the university guidance. After completing the degree, many students join top companies as employees and the average salary package is 64,000 CAD and the cost is ₹38.72 lakhs in Indian currency. Many students get jobs in the Government and private sector. 


Masters in Geography in Canada: Highlights 

You can check the quick highlights table, which has all the details about the course, and it will help you understand the course. 

Details

Information

Courses Available

  • MA in Geography
  • MSc in Geography

Course Type

Full-time and Part-time

Duration

1 to 2 years 

Top Universities

  • University of Toronto
  • UBC
  • McGill, Simon Fraser
  • Waterloo
  • Ottawa
  • Guelph
  • Western

Eligibility Criteria

  • 4-year bachelor's degree 
  • 3.0 GPA (83 to 86%)
  • 2 to 3 LORs
  • Resume
  • SOP

English Proficiency

IELTS Academic 7.0 or above (TOEFL equivalent)

Tuition Fees Range

CAD 2,000 to CAD 49,120 

(₹1.2 to ₹29.6 lakhs)

Living Costs

CAD 8,000 to CAD 14,000 yearly 

(₹6 lakhs, varies by city)

Average Salary after Graduation

CAD 64,000 yearly 

(₹38.7 lakhs per year)

Intake Seasons

September 2025

Popular Specializations

  • Human Geography
  • Physical Geography
  • GIS/Geomatics
  • Environmental Geography
  • Urban and Regional Planning


Masters in Geography in Canada: Important Dates 

The table given below has the details of important dates, events, and the visa application process related to the top universities of Canada.


Application Start and End Dates for Top Universities

You can check the table given below, which has the information about the top universities deadline dates. 

Step

Dates  (Tentative)

Applications Open

September to December 2025

Last Date to Apply

January to March 2025

Admission Results

February to April 2025


Visa Application Timeline

If you are going to study at a college abroad, you will need a visa, and here is the visa process and application timeline in the table.

Step

Recommended Time

Apply for a Visa

After receiving the university admission letter

Start the Visa Process

3 to 4 months before the program start date

Visa Processing Time

6 to 8 weeks


Why Choose a Masters in Geography in Canada?

Check out some important points about MSc Geography and why you should choose this course. 

  • Top Universities: In Canada, top universities like University of Toronto, University of British Columbia provide Master in Geography. Those universities are ranked among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings.
  • Career Scope: In Canada, there are many job options for Master in Geography students and they get a high package of salary.
  • Global Exposure: You will get many opportunities to learn and collaborate in research work.
  • Networking Opportunities: While studying in Canada, you can be able to build a great network, and while working as well, you can get many opportunities.
  • International Recognition: Your Masters degree value is worldwide and as per your academic score, you can get a job in any country.
  • Growing Job Market: Many students, after completing the course, get high packages and work in various fields.

Also Check: Why Study in Canada ?

Masters in Geography in Canada: Admission Process 

Here are the steps for taking admission in a Canadian university. You can check it. 

  • You need a 4-year bachelor's degree in Geography or in a related subject.
  • GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, which equals around 83% to 86% to take admission.
  • You must have a Statement of Purpose (SOP) outlining your goals and interest in the program.
  • You must have 2 to 3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from academic or professional referees.
  • Proof of English language proficiency is required, and an IELTS score of 7.0 or an equivalent test result.
  • You must have an updated resume highlighting your academic achievements, projects, and relevant work experience.


Masters in Geography in Canada: Eligibility Criteria

Check the table which contains the information about the eligibility criteria of the students, on which basis you can take admission to a Masters in Geography in Canada. 

Criteria

Freshers

Experienced

Work Experience

Not required

Need work experience 

Academic Performance

Minimum 80% or B grade

  • Minimum 80% 
  • B grade but a higher GPA preferred

Language Scores

IELTS: 6.5 to7.0 TOEFL: 90 to 100

IELTS: 6.5 to 7.0 TOEFL: 90 to 100


SOP, LOR and Resume

If you want to apply for a Geography Masters in Canada, you must submit the following documents.

Document

Details

SOP

Academic Statement explaining your research interests and program 

LOR

2 to 3 letters from professors familiar with your academic background

Resume

Resume including research work, internships, and relevant academic scope and work experience.


Masters in Geography in Canada: Course Fees

The cost of MA in Geography depends on the university and your program is thesis-based or course-based. Here is an overview of the tuition fee for international students.

University

Tuition Fees (CAD)

Tuition Fees (INR)

University of British Columbia

9,500

₹5.73 lakhs

University of Toronto

49,120

₹29.6 lakhs

McGill University

11,650

₹7.03 lakhs

Queen’s University at Kingston

33,000

₹20 lakhs

University of Waterloo

3,850

₹2.3 lakhs

University of Calgary

8,240

₹4.9 lakhs

Simon Fraser University

2,000 (per term)

₹1.2 lakhs as per term

Western University

7,790

₹4.6 lakhs

University of Saskatchewan

3,130

₹1.8 lakhs


MA Geography in Canada: Top Entrance Exam

To apply for MA in Canada, students must submit their English test scorecard, and here are the details about the entrance exam, which is held for international students.

Test Name

Score

Requirements

IELTS 

6.5+

Minimum 6.0 in each band

TOEFL iBT

90+

Writing section score of at least 22


Masters in Geography in Canada: Cutoff

Here is the cutoff of the entrance exam, which is as per the university held for international students, and it's an English proficiency test.

Test

Minimum Score

IELTS

6.5 overall

TOEFL iBT

90 overall


MA Geography in Canada: Syllabus

Here are the basic details about the syllabus you will study at universities in Canada.


Core Courses

  • Spatial Data Analysis
  • Advanced Geomatics
  • Data Modelling
  • Place and Social Transformations
  • Environmental Systems
  • Physical Geography modules

Electives and Specializations

  • GIS and Remote Sensing
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Environmental Management
  • Human Geography
  • Climate Geography
  • Aeronautics Geography 


Top Universities for Masters in Geography in Canada

Here are the details about top universities in Canada that offer a Masters in Geography along with their fee range.

University

QS World Ranking 

Tuition Fee (CAD)

Tuition Fee (INR)

University of Toronto

21

49,120

₹29.6 lakhs

University of British Columbia

34

9,500

₹5.73 lakhs

McGill University

29

11,650

₹7.03 lakhs

Simon Fraser University

318

2,000 per term

₹1.2 lakhs per term

University of Waterloo

112

3,850

₹2.3 lakhs

University of Ottawa

203

14,000 

₹8.5 lakhs 

University of Guelph

486

8,000 to 11,000

₹4.8 to 6.6 lakhs


Public Universities of MA Geography in Canada

Check the table given below; it contains the details about the public universities of MA Geography in Canada.

University

QS World Ranking 

Course Name

University of Toronto

21

MA in Geography

University of British Columbia

34

MA in Geography

McGill University

29

MA in Geography

Queen’s University

209

MA in Geography

Simon Fraser University

318

MA in Geography

University of Ottawa

203

MA in Geography

University of Guelph

486

MA in Geography

Western University

114

MA in Geography


Masters in Geography  in Canada: Scholarship

Many top universities provide scholarships based on their criteria, and international students can also benefit from these scholarships. However, there are some important points you must know while applying for them.

Funding Type

University

Reward (CAD)

Reward (INR)

Teaching Assistant (TA) Position

McGill University

2,000/semester

₹1.2 lakhs

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Queen’s University

N/A

N/A

International Graduate Tuition Award

University of Calgary

3,000

₹1.8 lakhs

Major Graduate Entrance Scholarship

Simon Fraser University

N/A

N/A

Micha and Nancy Pazner Fieldwork Award

Western University

1,000

₹60,000

International Tuition Award

University of British Columbia

3,200

₹1.92 lakhs


MA Geography in Canada: Scholarship Deadline for 2025

You can check the scholarship deadline dates listed in the table. 

Funding Type

University

Tentative Deadline 2025

Teaching Assistant (TA) Position

McGill University (Geography Dept.)

May 15, 2025

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Queen’s University

January 31, 2025

Ontario Graduate Scholarship 

University of Waterloo

February 1, 2025 


Masters in  Geography  in Canada: Placement

Top universities provide placements to students based on their academic excellence. Below is the detailed table about placements.

  • Sales and Marketing Manager
  • Public Works Director
  • Content Marketing Manager
  • Business Analyst
  • Academic Advisor
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Data Analyst
  • Research Scientist
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Energy Analyst
  • Communications Specialist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • High School Teacher
  • Ecologist
  • Office Administrator
  • Communications Officer


MA Geography in Canada: Salary Package

After graduating with a Masters Degree, many students get high-paying jobs in various companies. Here are the details of salary packages in Canada. 

Roles

Average Salary (CAD)

Average Salary (INR)

Sales and Marketing Manager

143,700

₹87.3 lakhs

Public Works Director

115,000

₹70 lakhs

Content Marketing Manager

78,500

₹47.7 lakhs

Business Analyst

68,350

₹41.5 lakhs

Academic Advisor

63,400

₹38.5 lakhs

Environment Consultant

61,300

₹37.2 lakhs

Geographic Information Systems 

63,100

₹38.3 lakhs

Data Analyst

54,160

₹33 lakhs

Research Scientist

53,800

₹32.7 lakhs

Community Outreach Coordinator

53,600

₹32.6 lakhs

Energy Analyst

50,700

₹30.8 lakhs

Communications Specialist

50,500

₹30.7 lakhs

Environmental Scientist

49,900

₹30.3 lakhs

High School Teacher

46,000

₹27.9 lakhs

Ecologist

46,000

₹27.9 lakhs

Office Administrator

41,800

₹25.4 lakhs

Communications Officer

40,000

₹24.3 lakhs


Masters in Geography in Canada vs India 

Here is the comparison table of Master in Economics in Canada vs India.

Criteria

Canada

India

Course Duration

1 to 2 years

2 years

Eligibility

4-year UG with IELTS/TOEFL

3-year UG with Entrance Exam (CUET-PG)

Top Universities

Toronto, UBC, McGill, Alberta

DSE, ISI Kolkata, JNU, IGIDR

Tuition Fees

13,000 to 35,000 CAD 

₹10,000 to ₹2 lakhs

Living Costs

6,000 to 9,000 CAD

₹1 to ₹2.5 lakhs

Job Opportunities

High (Canada: banks, govt, consultancies)

academia and government 

Average Salary

CAD 55,000 to CAD 85,000 per year

₹4 to ₹12 lakhs

ROI

Medium High

High 


Masters in Geography in Canada: Cost of Living 

The cost of living in Canada can be different as on your needs and expenses, but here is a detailed table about the cost of living in Canada.

Expense Category

Annual Expenses (CAD)

Annual Expenses (INR)

GSS  and AMS Extended Health Insurance

280

₹17,000

Health-Care Coverage Fee

900

₹54,740

Textbooks

550

₹33,450

Rent

11,100

₹6.75 lakhs

Mobile Phone (Basic Package)

300

₹18,245

Mobile Phone (Full Package)

720

₹43,800

UPass (Public Transit Pass)

530

₹32,240

Groceries and Food

5,400

₹3.2 lakhs

Entertainment and Clothes, Gifts

960

₹58,400


Career Scope After Masters in Geography in Canada

After completing the degree, many students can get into many top companies, and after completing the degree, many students get high packages. Here is the career scope in detail.

Role

Average Salary (CAD)

Average Salary (INR)

Business Analyst

68,350

₹41.5 lakhs

Geographic Information Systems Analyst

63,100

₹38.3 lakhs

Environment Consultant

61,300

₹37.2 lakhs

Environmental Scientist

49,900

₹30.3 lakhs

Research Scientist

53,800

₹32.7 lakhs

Data Analyst

54,160

₹33 lakhs

Public Works Director

115,000

₹70 lakhs

Academic Advisor

63,400

₹38.5 lakhs

Community Outreach Coordinator

53,600

₹32.6 lakhs

Sales & Marketing Manager

143,700

₹87.3 lakhs

Content Marketing Manager

78,500

₹47.7 lakhs

Energy Analyst

50,700

₹30.8 lakhs

Communications Specialist

50,500

₹30.7 lakhs


Top recruiters of Masters in Geography in Canada

Many top companies hire students of Master in Geography in Canada, and here are the top recruiters.

  • Environment and Climate Change Canada 
  • Statistics Canada
  • Natural Resources Canada 
  • Parks Canada
  • Government of Ontario (Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry)
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) companies like Esri Canada
  • WSP Global Inc.
  • Stantec Inc.
  • AECOM
  • Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
  • TransCanada Corporation
  • Hydro One
  • Urban Planning Firms 
  • Universities and Research Institutes
  • NGOs


Frequently Asked Questions  


Ques. What is the duration of the course?

Ans: The duration of a Master in Geography in Canada is 1 to 2 years, but it will depend on a course-based or thesis-based program.


Ques. What is the tuition fee for the course for international students?

Ans: The tuition fee is CAD 2,000 to CAD 49,120 per year. The cost will be ₹1.2 lakhs to ₹29.6 lakhs in Indian currency.


Ques. Do top Canadian universities provide scholarships for Masters?

Ans: Yes, many top universities provide scholarships like teaching assistant positions and Ontario Graduate Scholarships. These are merit-based scholarships. 


Ques. What is the career scope after completing an MA in Canada?

Ans: After completing graduation, many students get jobs in both government and private sectors. GIS Analyst, Environmental Consultant, Public Works Director, and Research Scientist are roles students get hired for. 


Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for a Master in Geography in Canada?

Ans: Students need a 4 year undergraduate degree in Geography or it can be related field, a GPA of 3.0, an IELTS or TOEFL score card, an SOP, 2 to 3 LORs, and a resume.