Masters in Psychology in Canada: Fees , Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries
Masters in Psychology in CanadaA Masters in Psychology in Canada is a 2-year postgraduate degree program. The annual tuition fees for this program are between 8,000 CAD to 27,000 CAD annually (around 5 to 16 lakhs INR). To get admission in a Masters program, students must prove their proficiency in English, typically requiring a minimum TOEFL score of 90 or an IELTS score of 6.5.
Students must have completed their 4-year bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related field. Some of the universities may ask for a Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), a resume, and sometimes a research proposal—especially if you’re applying to a thesis-based program.
Masters in Psychology in Canada: Quick Highlights
The following table represents important highlights of the Masters in Psychology in Canada by covering top universities, course duration, intake seasons, tuition fees, and average salary packages.
Particulars | Details |
Course Name | MS in Psychology | MA in Psychology |
Course Duration | 2 years |
Top Universities |
|
Course Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field (minimum 70–75%) |
Entrance Tests Required | IELTS- 6.5–7.0 TOEFL- 90 |
Average Annual Tuition Fee | 8,000 CAD to 27,000 CAD (5 lakhs-16 lakhs INR) |
Living Expenses | 8,000 CAD to 27,000 CAD (5 lakhs-16 lakhs INR) |
Average Salary Package | CAD 45,000 – CAD 70,000 per year (entry-level) |
Application Mode | Online |
Intake Sessions | Primarily Fall (September), some universities offer Winter (January) |
Top Recruiters | Government Health Departments, Schools, Hospitals, NGOs, Research Labs |
Why choose a Masters in Psychology in Canada?
- McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia are a few of the world's best Master's in Psychology institutions.
- The universities in Canada offering a Master's in Psychology are ranked among the top 100 universities globally for this field, according to the latest QS Subject Rankings.
- The annual salary for a psychologist in Canada ranges from 70,000 to 100,000 CAD, approximately 43 to 62 lakhs INR.
Read More: Masters in Psychology in New Zealand
Best Universities for Masters in Psychology in Canada
Canada has the world's top universities for Masters in psychology. Below are some of the best universities in Canada with their QS ranking and annual tuition fees for Master's in Psychology in Canada.
QS Ranking 2024 | University | Annual Tuition Fees |
21 | University of Toronto | CAD 25,000 – 35,000 |
34 | University of British Columbia (UBC) | CAD 9,500 – 15,000 |
30 | McGill University | CAD 18,000 – 24,000 |
111 | University of Alberta | CAD 10,000 – 15,000 |
318 | Simon Fraser University | CAD 10,000 – 12,500 |
112 | University of Waterloo | CAD 15,000 – 22,000 |
114 | Western University | CAD 15,000 – 20,000 |
209 | Queen’s University | CAD 14,000 – 20,000 |
203 | University of Ottawa | CAD 12,000 – 18,000 |
298 | Dalhousie University | CAD 14,000 – 17,000 |
Masters in Psychology in Canada: Eligibility Criteria
Masters in Psychology in Canada requires some eligibility criteria, it is mentioned below in a table format with details.
Category | Eligibility Details |
Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field with 70–75% marks |
English Language Proficiency |
|
Work Experience | Not mandatory, but preferred for applied/counseling programs (1–2 years) |
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) | Usually, 2 to 3 professors or industry professionals familiar with your academic or professional work. |
Statement of Purpose (SOP) | A well-structured SOP outlining your academic background, career goals, why MEM, and why the USA/university. |
Resume/CV | Updated academic and professional resume (1 page recommended) with technical skills, internships, certifications, and leadership roles. |
Passport | A valid passport is required for the application and visa processes. |
Masters in Psychology in Canada: Application Process
The following is the detailed application process for applying to the Masters in Psychology in Canada.
Step 1: Students should have proper research on the universities in Canada. Then, take the IELTS/TOEFL exam and the GRE if the university asks.
Step 2: Prepare SOP, LORs, Resume/CV, and transcripts with proper detail of your background, experience, and future goals in written format and submit them to the admission committee.
Step 3: Apply online through university websites by filling in all the required sections and eligibility criteria.
Step 4: After that, students will receive the offer letter and confirm by accepting the admission letter and applying for the Student Visa.
Masters in Psychology in Canada: Documents Required
Applying for a Masters in Psychology in Canada requires some academic, personal, and financial documents. Some of the documents are.
- Academic Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume/CV
- English Proficiency Test Scores
- GRE/GMAT Scores
- Passport Copy
- Proof of Financial Resources
- Application Form
- Application Fee Receipt
- Portfolio
Masters in Psychology in Canada: Visa Application Timeline
For studying Masters in Psychology in Canada, international students have to apply for a visa. For Visa timeline details, check out the following table.
Events | Timeline |
Prepare for Language Test (IELTS/TOEFL) | 12 months before intake |
Apply to Universities | 10–12 months before intake |
Receive Offer Letter (LOA) | 6–9 months before intake |
Apply for Study Permit (Visa) | 4–6 months before intake |
Visa Approval (Study Permit) | 2–3 months before intake |
Top Entrance Exams for Masters in Psychology in Canada
To take admission into a Masters in Psychology in Canada, students are required to give a few entrance exams. These tests check the applicant’s academic record, English proficiency, and more.
Below is a list of the top entrance exams usually required for Masters in Psychology in Canada
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Tests proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in academic English; a minimum of 90–110 is required, and it can vary according to the university.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): English proficiency test widely accepted in Canada, minimum score 6.5 – 7.5 overall, with no band below 6.0.
Masters in Psychology in Canada: Cutoff
Listed below is the cutoff for the Masters in Psychology in Canada.
Requirement Type | Cutoff / Minimum Score |
Academic Score (GPA) | Minimum 70% – 75% in undergraduate degree (equivalent to GPA 3.0/4.0) |
IELTS | Overall 6.5 – 7.0, with no band less than 6.0 |
TOEFL iBT | Total score of 86 – 100 |
GRE (if required) | Some research-based programs may require the GRE, with competitive scores (300+ overall recommended) |
Backlogs | Ideally, no active backlogs; 2–5 may be accepted with a strong profile |
Masters in Psychology in Canada: Syllabus
The Masters in Psychology in Canada course focuses on Advanced Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience and Developmental Psychology.
Most of the colleges that offer Masters in Psychology in Canada follow a similar structure with core subjects and electives. Students pursuing a Masters in Psychology in Canada study multiple specializations. Some core syllabi of the same are.
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Abnormal Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Biology and Behavior
Masters in Psychology in Canada: Electives & Specializations
Masters in Psychology in Canada offers a wide range of specializations and elective subjects to customize students' studies according to their career interests.
Specialization | Details |
Clinical Psychology | Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and emotional disorders. |
Counselling Psychology | Emphasizes helping individuals cope with stress, relationships, and life issues. |
Health Psychology | Studies how psychological factors affect physical health and illness. |
Developmental Psychology | Examines psychological growth across the lifespan—from childhood to old age. |
Neuropsychology | Studies the relationship between brain function and behavior. |
Forensic Psychology | Applies psychology to legal and criminal justice systems. |
Masters in Psychology in Canada: Scholarships
Masters in Psychology in Canada has scholarships that reduce the financial stress of tuition fees and living costs. These scholarships are offered by universities, government bodies, and private organizations based on merit, need, nationality, or leadership potential.
The table below shows the eligibility criteria and amount for applying to the scholarship programs.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Awards |
Canada Graduate Scholarships | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall aggregate of 75% | research potential | relevant work experiences | 17,500 for 12 months |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship | Enrolled full-time | 15,000-30,000 |
McCall MacBain Scholarship | Enrolled in full-time masters or second-entry professional undergraduate programs | Full tuition and fees coverage | Stipend of 2,000 CAD per month |
Global Opportunities Awards | Academic merit | Experience | 1,000-2,000 CAD |
Mackenzie King Open Scholarship | Academic merit | 12,000 |
Cost of Studying Masters in Psychology in Canada
Below is the detailed breakdown of the total costs involved for living and studying in Canada on a monthly and annual basis.
Types of expenses | Average Monthly Cost | Cost equivalent (₹) |
Accommodation | 1,037 | 62,465 |
Food | 290 | 17,471 |
Transportation | 107 | 6,446 |
Internet | 80 | 4,819 |
Miscellaneous | 310 | 18,673 |
Books and Supplies | 163 | 9,818 |
Career Scope After Masters in Psychology in Canada
After doing a Masters in Psychology in Canada, there are so many career options available for students. Some are even listed below.
- Clinical Psychologist (with license)
- Counsellor or Therapist
- School or Educational Psychologist
- Behavioural Consultant
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Human Resource Specialist
- Researcher or Program Evaluator
- Case Manager or Mental Health Worker
- Forensic Psychologist (with training)
Masters in Psychology in Canada: Salary Package
The table below shows the Annual Salary for various job roles offered after completing Masters in Psychology in Canada
Job Title | Average Salary (CAD) | Equivalent Salary (₹) |
Psychologist | 83,422 | 50.5 lakhs |
Clinical Supervisor | 71,674 | 43.4 lakhs |
Psychotherapist | 57,538 | 34.8 lakhs |
Academic Advisor | 70,442 | 42.6 lakhs |
Technical Project Manager | 69,164 | 41.9 lakhs |
Product Designer | 64,260 | 38.9 lakhs |
Occupational Therapist | 61,889 | 37.5 lakhs |
Human Resources Generalist | 57,969 | 35.1 lakhs |
Executive Coordinator | 47,693 | 28.9 lakhs |
Employee Assistance Program Counselor | 54,587 | 33 lakhs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Is a Masters in Psychology from Canada recognized globally?
Ans: Yes, a Masters in Psychology from Canada is globally recognized.
Ques: Do I need a psychology background for admission?
Ans: Yes, most universities require a bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field for admission.
Ques: Is the GRE required for admission?
Ans: Only a few universities ask for GRE scores, mostly for research-based programs. Always check specific university requirements.
Ques: What are the best specializations in Psychology in Canada?
Ans: Popular ones include Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Health Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Ques: Are scholarships available for international students?
Ans: Yes, many universities offer entrance scholarships. These are usually merit-based or tied to research work.