Canada Postgraduate
Canadian Graduate School Application Process & Timeline
Canada stands as a nation of extraordinary contrasts, where unparalleled natural wealth converges with world-class education and welcoming immigration policies.
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Postgraduate in Canada
Higher education in Canada is divided into academically-oriented university education and career-oriented vocational education. Canadian universities serve as the primary pathway for higher education in the country and are globally renowned for their high-quality academic output. Unlike the unified application system in the United States, Canadian universities operate independent admissions processes, which are nearly identical to master's program applications.
On the vocational education side, colleges are established across Canada to prepare students for entering the workforce. While many of these colleges focus on career-driven programs, some also offer academic courses, allowing students to transfer to traditional universities.
Unlike other countries, Canada does not offer "conditional admission" for master's degree programs, making the application requirements relatively more stringent for students.
Canadian graduate school (master's) applications are primarily divided into two types:
Course–based
以培養專業人員為主的專業碩士Course–based Master’s Degree
大多以「就業」為導向，如會計碩士、金融碩士、工程碩士、教育碩士等，修完規定課程即可取得學位。對於想要移民加拿大、從事高技術工作的學生非常合適，優勢在於時間短，預算投入較少。
Research–oriented
The research-oriented Master's Degree, primarily aimed at cultivating researchers, offers a wide range of academic specializations including Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Applied Science, though admission is highly competitive. To obtain this degree, students must pass written and oral examinations and successfully complete a master's thesis. In addition to demonstrating excellent undergraduate academic performance in their major field, applicants must also provide strong English proficiency test scores to verify that their language ability will not hinder future academic research.
Differences
Course–based
Research–oriented
Application difficulty level
No need to secure a supervisor - the application process is more straightforward.
需要先被指導教授接受。
Scholarships
Rarely receive scholarship funding.
Highly likely to receive research assistant (RA) or teaching assistant (TA) funding.
Job opportunities
Pursuing careers in the corporate or industrial sectors typically offers higher salaries.
Graduates may pursue a PhD, conduct research at academic/scientific institutions, or work in government and non-profit organizations; however, salaries in these sectors are typically lower than those for professional master's degree holders.
Post-Baccalaureate Programs in Canada
Many Canadians choose to pursue post-baccalaureate programs (Graduate Diploma/Certificate) after completing their university degrees. These programs offer a key advantage over traditional master's degrees: they provide targeted training in specialized vocational skills currently in high demand in Canada, such as animation, firefighting, construction, culinary arts, and tourism.
Additionally, these programs align with Canada's immigration policies, making them a popular pathway for international students seeking to obtain permanent residency. By enrolling in these courses, many international graduates leverage this opportunity to establish their careers and apply for Canadian immigration status.
Application Timeline
建議於預計入學的前一年開始規劃留學計畫，美國學校大多提供秋、春季入學之選擇。
以 9月（秋季）入學為例：
The year before enrollment
Jan. - May
Commence Personal Study Abroad Planning
Prepare for standardized tests and compile application documents in advance
Sept. - Dec.
Submission of Application
Submit application documents and certified academic transcripts, and complete the application procedures for each institution.
The year of enrollment
Jan. - May.
Confirm application result
June - Aug.
Visa Processing, Accommodation Applications & Flight Bookings
All set for departure!
Requirements
GPA
Which Canadian graduate programs can your university GPA qualify you for?
GPA 3.7 ↑
Aim for UBC, U of T, or McGill!
GPA 3.3 – 3.7
Top 10 should be no problem！
GPA 2.8 – 3.3
Consider Other Canadian Graduate Programs!
GPA 2.8 ↓
Consider Applying for a Post-Baccalaureate Program!
TOEFL
All Canadian universities accept TOEFL or IELTS scores. We recommend choosing the test that best suits you.
Which schools can your TOEFL or IELTS scores qualify you for?
TOEFL 100 – 120
IELTS 7.0 – 9.0
Aim for UBC, U of T, or McGill!
TOEFL 90 – 100
IELTS 6.5 – 7.0
Top 10 should be no problem！
TOEFL 80 – 90
IELTS 5.5 – 6.5
Consider Other Canadian Graduate Programs or Post-Baccalaureate Options!
SAT
Some Canadian graduate programs require GRE scores. The exam consists of the General Test and Subject Tests. The General Test includes Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections, with a total score of 340 (Analytical Writing is scored separately on a 6-point scale).
GRE 330
Aim for UBC, U of T, or McGill!
GRE 320
Top 10 should be no problem！
GRE 310
Apply to graduate programs or post-baccalaureate courses that don't require GRE!
ACT
Applicants to business graduate programs are typically required to submit GMAT scores. This exam primarily assesses a student's comprehension, analytical skills, and communication abilities in general business contexts. The test consists of three sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), with a maximum total score of 800 points.
GMAT 750
Aim for UBC, U of T, or McGill!
GMAT 650
Top 10 should be no problem！
GMAT 550
Apply to graduate programs or post-baccalaureate courses that don't require GMAT!
