The supply chain is integral to every business organisation, defining the entire process from production through final distribution to the end customer. Managing this chain is equally important to ensure this process runs smoothly without interruptions. A professional course in Supply Chain Management helps students learn about logistics, production, and marketing in detail so that they can confidently enter the industry with the essential skills. Several top universities in Canada offer MS in Supply Chain Management, or MSSCM, which promises a profitable career and respectful salary.
International students tend to pick Canada as their first choice for pursuing a Master’s in Supply Chain Management for the following reasons:
Easy affordability: The fee structure at most Canadian universities is relatively lower in cost than that offered for education in the US, Australia, or the UK.
Part-time work permissible: The Canadian government allows international students to pursue part-time jobs (up to 20 hours per week) during the duration of their course. This helps them fund the program with ease.
High demand for MSCM graduates: The SCM sector is witnessing an ever-increasing demand in Canada. The industry will likely open many job opportunities for fresh course graduates of Master’s in Supply Chain Management in Canada .
Supply Chain Management, or SCM, is gaining wide popularity worldwide owing to several technological advancements in the domain. Students are particularly interested in pursuing a professional degree to take up managerial positions. Master's in Supply Chain Management in Canada is generally offered as a 1-2 year program at universities in the country. The various degrees available at the graduate level include Master's of Science or MS, Master in Management or MIM, and Master's in Business Administration or MBA.
Some of the other popular Supply Chain Management courses in Canada are as follows:
Master’s in Supply Chain Management
Postgraduate Certificate Supply Chain Management
MSc in Global Supply Chain Management
MBA in Supply Chain Management
Postgraduate Diploma Supply Chain Management
Master in Supply Chain Management
The average fee structure for a Master’s degree in SCM at a renowned university in Canada is likely to range between 30,000 and 1,40,000 CAD per annum. This is only the tuition fee and excludes all other expenses involved in pursuing the course.
Students applying for MS in SCM must submit the following at the time of admission to a Canadian university:
Undergraduate degree in the same or related field of study with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0 (equivalent to 83-86%)
IELTS score of 6.5-7
GRE/GMAT test scores in the range of 600 and 630
Each university has its specific set of criteria for MSc in SCM courses. It is best to check with your applied university the particular eligibility requirements for admission into the program.
Several universities impart Master’s courses in SCM to students coming to Canada from different parts of the world. The table below lists some of the best colleges for Supply Chain Management in Canada, along with their global rankings and intakes for the next program:
University | QS World University Ranking 2023 | Next Intake for MS in SCM |
York University | 456 | Sep |
University of Windsor | 751-800 | Sep |
Concordia University | 551-560 | Sep |
HEC Montreal | - | Sep |
University of Manitoba | 651-700 | Sep |
Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023
While the fee structure for MS in Supply Chain Management is quite reasonable at most leading universities in Canada, availing of the facility for scholarships can help reduce financial stress for international students. Find below some of the highly sought-after scholarship aid for the course in Canada :
Scotiabank International Partner Entrance Scholarships
MBA Entrance Scholarships
American Association for University Women - International Fellowships
Cai Milhorati Graduate Business School Council Award
Broker Fish International Student Scholarship
Graduate Entrance Scholarships
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) Dick Martin Scholarship Award
Entrance Scholarships
Students from Canadian universities who complete their Master's program in SCM can look forward to many job opportunities in the sector. Some of the most rewarding ones are listed below for your reference:
Business Consultant
Data Scientist
Inventory Manager
Procurement Analyst
Purchase Agent
Load Planner
Data Analyst
Logistics Analyst
Operations Manager
Supply Chain Planner
As for the payscales for any of the above job positions, you can easily expect an average annual package of 50,000 - 80,000 CAD (approximately).
Note: The figures given for Supply Chain Management salary in Canada are for indicative purposes only and are subject to variation as per organisational policies.
1. What is the difference between a Master’s in Logistics and a Master’s in Supply Chain Management in Canada?
A Master's in Logistics course focuses on determining the most cost-effective and efficient means to deliver the goods to the end user. An MS in SCM is a more comprehensive program that encompasses a detailed study of the various stages of the supply chain - planning, material collection, management of labour and infrastructural facilities, production, and the delivery of produced goods and services to the customer.
2. Can Indian students pursue a Master’s in Supply Chain Management in Canada without a background in business or management?
Most Canadian universities generally prefer applicants to MS in SCM courses with some background in a related or relevant field of study, preferably a Bachelor's in SCM or another related subject. This helps students prepare for focused and in-depth study in the area as part of their Master's program. However, different universities may have different requirements in this regard. Hence, it is better to check with the specific applied university during the application process.
3. What kind of skills can international students develop during a Master’s in Supply Chain Management in Canada?
International students pursuing MS in Supply Chain Management at a Canadian university can expect to gain a fair understanding of data modelling, data crunching, forecasting, negotiating, and problem-solving.
4. Is work experience important for pursuing an MS in Supply Chain Management in Canada?
Different universities have different specifications about the applicants' prior work experience. Some may require while some do not mandate it. It is, therefore, advisable to check with your applied university in this regard.
5. How is a Master’s in Supply Chain Management different from an MBA in Supply Chain Management?
An MBA focuses more on managerial skills and inculcating leadership skills in the students. A Master’s degree would cover the technical aspects of the course pertaining to Supply Chain Management.