- Many degree programs require a bachelor’s degree or prior experience or education but can be completed in a year or less.
- Canadian universities offer master’s degrees and other accreditations in disciplines such as engineering, public health, computer science, and business.
- Gaining advanced degrees from Canadian universities can help Indian students access better employment and career progression opportunities.
Many Indian and international students prefer studying in Canada for advantages such as affordable tuition and a high standard of living, but students wanting to quickly enter or advance in their profession can also access fast-paced degree programs.
These programs are designed for students who generally already possess experience and education in their field. Check out Canadian universities where Indian students can get a degree in a year or less.
Types of Programs and Accreditations
Canadian universities and colleges offer different levels of academic study. Bachelor’s degree programs generally entail four years of study at the undergraduate level. A master’s degree is a graduate-level degree that usually involves one or more years of study.
Master’s degree programs are designed for students who already possess advanced education, experience and skills in their profession or area of study and generally require students to have a bachelor’s degree to gain admission. You can prepare for highly specialised fields or higher-level positions in as little as under a year with master’s programs focused on:
- Computer science;
- Public health;
- Finance;
- Marketing;
- Human resource management;
- Economics;
- Pharmacy;
- Electrical engineering;
- Software engineering;
- Civil engineering;
- Psychology, or;
- International relations.
Benefits of Earning a Degree in Canada
Canada is one of the most developed countries in the world, with a high standard of living and education, making it a preferred destination for Indian and other international students. In addition to strong advocacy for diversity and multiculturalism, many universities and colleges offer scholarships, grants, and other student resources to support students from around the world.
Studying in Canada also provides benefits, such as:
- Affordable education;
- Internationally ranked universities;
- Immigration and permanent residence opportunities;
- Career opportunities, and;
- Safe cities and low crime rates.
Admission and Immigration Requirements
Canada is one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students, making the admissions and immigration process highly competitive. Most universities have international student offices that can help guide and support you through the application, admissions, and study permit process.
Once you’ve selected your preferred program, you’ll need to ensure you satisfy the entrance requirements. To gain admission to a master’s degree program, applicants must generally possess a related undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA or an international equivalent, pass an English proficiency exam and provide test scores for GMAT or GRE.
After you accept your admissions offer, you can apply for a study permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
University of Toronto
Located in Toronto, one of Canada’s most advanced metropolitan hubs, the University of Toronto is a global leader in research and education with diverse and extensive study opportunities. It offers more than 70 graduate programs across a wide variety of specialisations and interdisciplinary subjects and is ranked in the top 10 universities in the world for employability of its grad students.
Some of the University of Toronto’s one-year degree programs include:
- Master of Engineering in Cities Engineering and Management;
- Master of Science in Community Health;
- Master of Arts in Economics;
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (12-Month Advanced Option), and;
- Master of Public Health.
University of British Columbia
Since its founding in 1915, the University of British Columbia (UBC) has become a global centre for education, innovation and opportunity and is consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. UBC has one of Canada’s largest graduate student populations, with about 6,200 students, approximately 30 percent of whom are international students.
Master’s degrees are either offered via course-based or research based-programs. Some of UBC’s one-year master’s programs include:
- Master of Engineering Leadership in Advanced Materials Manufacturing;
- Master of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering;
- Master of Management;
- Master of Business Analytics;
- Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering;
- Master of Arts in Economics, and;
- Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
McGill University
Founded in 1821, McGill University is one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious universities, and over 11,000 international students represent 30 percent of the total student population. It’s recognized internationally for its research and teaching programs and is known as a hub for technology and innovation.
McGill offers several graduate programs that you can complete in a year or less, including:
- Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering;
- Master of Business Administration General Management;
- Master of Management in Finance;
- Master of Management in Analytics, and;
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.
Western University
Located in London, Ontario, Western University boasts a network of more than 4,493 international students from over 129 countries, as well as quality education, international student services and hundreds of degree programs. Western University’s graduate degree programs equip students with creativity, innovation, and knowledge to carry into professional roles.
Many prestigious programs at Western University have expected durations of one year or less, such as:
- Master of Clinical Science;
- Master of Business Administration;
- Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering;
- Master of Science in Medical Biophysics;
- Master of Arts in Economics;
- Master of Studies in Law, and;
- Master of Public Health.
University of Calgary
Based in the technologically innovative and fast-growing city of Calgary, the University of Calgary has impressive figures such as over 33,000 students, a 94.1 percent graduate employment rate, and more than 250 programs across 14 faculties. It also has one of Canada’s highest international enrollment rates, with over 1,900 international students representing 6,800 graduate students, most of whom are from India.
You can access advanced research and education opportunities through one of the University of Calgary’s one-year graduate programs, such as:
- Master of Engineering in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering;
- Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering;
- Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering;
- Master of Engineering in Geomatics Engineering;
- Master of Laws, and;
- Master of Management.
University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba is based in Winnipeg, home to vast grasslands, a charming downtown and a commitment to meaningful research and action. Established in 1877, the University of Manitoba hosts over 31,000 students, 21.9 percent of whom are international.
The university delivers more than 140 graduate programs from its combination of historic and modern facilities. Many of these programs have one-year expected durations, including:
- Master of Engineering in Biosystems Engineering;
- Master of Finance, and;
- Master of Business Administration.
McMaster University
Founded in 1887, McMaster University is a globally recognised institution that advances human and societal health through medical-doctoral and research-intensive programs. Based in Hamilton, Ontario, McMaster University has campuses in downtown Burlington, Kitchener-Waterloo and Niagara and has a student population of over 33,000.
McMaster University offers graduate degrees in more than 100 programs across six faculties. Some programs are offered either online or in-person, and degrees with expected durations of one year or less include:
- Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering;
- Master of Business Administration (Accelerated MBA);
- Master of Engineering in Computing and Software;
- Master of Arts in Economics, and;
- Master of Science in Global Health.
University of Montreal
The University of Montreal is a public research university located in Montreal, Quebec and a leader in higher education in the province. Of its total 69,172 student population across multiple campuses, 27 percent are enrolled in graduate studies. It also has over 9,000 enrolled international students, placing it third among other Canadian universities, and has over 450,000 alumni around the world.
From specialised graduate diplomas to master’s degrees, the University of Montreal offers one of the widest ranges of program and discipline choices. Programs that you can complete in one year or less include:
- Master’s Degree in Law;
- Master of Science in Economics, and;
- Master of Science in Mathematical and Computational Science.
Royal Roads University
Located in Victoria, British Columbia, Royal Roads University is a publicly funded research university founded in 1995. Royal Roads University’s vision includes equity, diversity, and sustainability, and many of its programs consequently focus on innovation and progressive change. When you’re not attending classes with one-on-one faculty support in gardens and living laboratories, you can enjoy the campus gardens and hiking trails.
Royal Roads offers a variety of graduate degree and certification programs that you can complete in a year or less, including:
- Master of Global Management;
- Master of Arts in Global Leadership;
- Graduate Certificate in Business Development and International Education, and;
- Graduate Certificate in Corporate Social Innovation.