Extend your stay in Canada through a 1-year Masters Program

Canada continues to be one of the world's top destinations for international students, for several reasons. The country has always offered significant opportunities for students interested in postgraduate study, and there has been a rise in the popularity of 1-year master's programs.

It's easy to see why these programs are chosen by thousands of students, given the many advantages they offer. Here are some of the reasons:

A 1-Year Masters Program is Faster

Opting for a program that spans less than two years, alongside a master's degree, can be beneficial for students aiming to swiftly acquire pertinent skills that align with their career goals.

You Often Pay Less For a 1-Year Master’s Program

These programs are undeniably cost-effective because shorter programs mean reduced tuition fees and other living expenses. The overall savings can be significant.

You Can Enter the Workforce Sooner

The sooner you graduate, the faster your entry into the job market, and the bigger your competitive edge. These accelerated programs bridge the gap between academia and professional practice faster.

1-Year Master’s Programs Offer More Flexibility

Application deadlines for onshore applicants with study permits can be flexible for some institutions, although IDP Canada always recommends that students apply as soon as possible.

You Can Make Career-Friendly Choices

Many 1-year master’s programs in Canada offer a specific focus in the curriculum, allowing students to focus on chosen fields of study. Some of the more popular programs include business administration, computer science, engineering, and public administration.

You Get Benefits Related to Work Permits

Graduates of master’s degree programs will soon be eligible to apply for a 3-year work permit. Under the current criteria, the length of a post-graduation work permit is based solely on the length of an individual’s study program. This hinders master’s graduates by limiting the amount of time they have to gain work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency.

The cap on new international student permits will NOT affect current study permit holders or those seeking permit renewals. Additionally, those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees are NOT included in the cap. There will also be changes to the eligibility for open work permits for spouses and common-law partners of international students. However, those who already hold an open work permit under this stream will continue to be eligible to extend it.

There are a lot of opportunities for students interested in short-term master’s programs, in alignment with updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What Requirements Do You Need to Meet for a Master's Program in Canada?

To apply for a master's program in Canada, you typically need a bachelor's degree, English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS), a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation or contact information of referrers, and financial proof. Some programs may require GRE or GMAT scores. Admission criteria often include a 4-year bachelor's degree, IELTS score of 6.5+, GRE scores (for top universities), and letters of recommendation.

How do IRCC Policy Changes Affect International Students in Canada?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced several policy changes affecting international students with study permits. Here's a quick summary of key changes relevant to those who already have study permits:

Post Graduate Work Permit Eligibility for PPP Programs

Students currently enrolled in programs under curriculum licensing arrangements with private colleges will remain eligible for a PGWP if they meet other program eligibility criteria. New students enrolling in this type of program will NOT be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.

Changes Related to Financial Requirements

Starting January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants has increased to CAD 20,635, up from CAD 10,000 for a single applicant. This change applies to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024.

Off-Campus Work Hours

The policy that allows eligible international students to work off-campus in Canada for more than 20 hours has been extended until April 30, 2024. There is no change to the current policy that allows eligible study permit holders to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions. This exemption applies to those whose study permit applications were received by IRCC between October 8, 2022, and December 7, 2023.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program

Graduates from master's degree programs will soon be eligible to apply for a 3-year post-graduation work permit, which is an extension from the current eligibility criteria.

Distance Learning and PGWP Eligibility After August 31, 2024: Time spent studying online from outside Canada will NOT count towards the length of a PGWP.

Inside Canada: For students in Canada, online studies due to the pandemic will count towards the length of the PGWP until August 31, 2024. It is recommended that students attend in-class options when available.

What Are the Top 1-Year Master’s Programs in Canada for 2024?

The following institutions are currently offering 1-year master's programs for September 2024:

1-Year Master’s Programs in Ontario

Brock University (Master of Professional Accounting) December 2024

Lakehead University (Master of Science in Management, Computer Science, and Business Administration)

Laurentian University (Master of Forensic Science, Master of Engineering in Engineering Science - Fast Track, Forensic Science - Molecular Biology, Forensic Science - Chemistry/Toxicology, and Business Administration)

Nipissing University (Master of Arts in History - Gender History, European History, Environmental History, International History, and Canadian History)

Ontario Tech University (Master of Business Analytics and AI)

Toronto Metropolitan University (Master of Interior Design, Master of Arts in Immigration and Settlement Studies, Media Production, Master of Professional Communication, Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics, Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies, Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance, Master of Spatial Analysis, Master of Social Work, Master of Digital Media)

Trent University (Master of Management - Strategic Change Management, Master of Management, Master of Education in Educational Studies, Master of Arts in Sustainability Studies, Master of Instrumental Chemical Analysis, Master of Arts in History - Colonialism and Conflict, Regional and Trans-National History, European History, Canadian History, Social and Cultural History, Iberian American History, Master of Arts in Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, Master of Science in Forensic Science)

University of Ottawa (Master of Business Administration)

University of Windsor (Master of Arts in Political Science, Master of Applied Computing, Master of Education)

Wilfrid Laurier University (Master of International Public Policy)

1-Year Master’s Programs in British Columbia

Royal Roads University (Master of Global Management)

Thompson Rivers University (Master’s in Environmental Economics and Management, Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management, Master of Business Administration)

Trinity Western University (Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Humanities, English, Philosophy, and History)

University of Northern British Columbia (Master of Arts in Gender Studies)

University of Victoria (Master of Global Business)

1-Year Master’s Programs in Alberta

University of Alberta (Master of Engineering - Chemical and Materials Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Master of Business Administration (Fast Track) - Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment, Operations and Business Analytics, Sustainability, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Real Estate, Finance, International Business, Public Sector and Healthcare Management, Supply Chain Management, Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Master of Business Administration (Fast Track), Master of Science in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences- Integrated Petroleum Geosciences, Integrated Petroleum Geosciences, Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering)

1-Year Master’s Programs in Manitoba

University of Manitoba (Master of Finance, Master of Business Administration)

1-Year Master’s Programs in New Brunswick

Crandall University (Master of Organizational Management)

University of New Brunswick (Master's in Quantitative Investment Management, Master of Business Administration)

1-Year Master’s Programs in Saskatchewan

University of Regina (Master of Science in Computer Science (Data Science), Master of Journalism)

University of Saskatchewan (Master of Business Administration)

1-Year Master’s Programs in Prince Edward Island

University of Prince Edward Island (Master of Business Administration in Global Leadership)

Find Out More About 1-Year Master’s Programs in Canada

IDP Canada offers free sessions with student counsellors who are here to provide their know-how and support on everything from adjusting to life in Canada to choosing the right programs. Book a chat now.

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