Studying in a Master's program in Canada is an excellent opportunity for students to deepen the knowledge in the professional field and take the first step towards building a successful career. Canadian diplomas are valuable in the international labor market no less than English or American, but the cost of education is much lower than in many other English-speaking countries.

The master's degree in Canada resembles the Russian post-graduate course: students do not attend lectures and practical classes, but they independently engage in research work on the basis of the university.

Universities of Canada offer 3 types of academic degrees:

• Master's degree that is based on the curriculum. This type of academic degree assumes the successful completion of a specific master's degree program at the University of Canada. The duration of study is 1-1.5 years.

• Research degree of the master. This kind of academic degree requires not only the successful completion of a master's degree program but also the writing of a master's thesis. The duration of education in Canada for this type of program is 2 years. Typically, students choose topics for writing a dissertation in consultation with the supervisor, but many Canadian universities require the direction of research to be specified in the documents even when enrolling for training!

• The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the completion of original research and the defense of a dissertation that will make a significant contribution to the development of knowledge in the chosen field. Usually for Ph.D. 2-3 years of full-time education are sufficient, although there may be longer periods.

Continuing education in Canada

For admission to the Master's program, which is regarded as a second higher education, most Canadian universities require a bachelor's degree and a certificate of language skills. Some universities require the passing of an examination in the main specialty of a bachelor, especially if the master's program is a continuation of studies in this field. It is possible to change the first specialty, which is practiced quite often. Canadians most often aspire to the magistracy with a tendency to scientific work and teaching.

Master's education is not practiced by all Canadian higher schools. Standard Master's studies last two years, for foreigners — almost always paid. Payment may vary significantly (CAD 20000 — CAD 50000). Graduate the master's thesis, which can be built on the results of practical, research work. Most foreign students choose the academic course "Postgraduate Program" to continue their studies, which implies a change of profession. "Master's Program" — a course of in-depth study of the chosen specialty.

After the Master's program, there is an opportunity to continue to scientific research. Successful academic work at the university, scientific research, publications bring the degree of Doctor of Science.

The best universities

According to many sources, the University of Toronto is recognized as a leading in economic sciences, medicine, and employment of graduates. The cost of education starts from 25000 CAD. Studies in the Master's program are held at fourteen faculties, in hundreds of specialties. For Russians, the most interesting are the faculties of economics, design, information systems, MBA. The University of British Columbia is one of the three best universities in Canada. The total number of students reaches 50,000.

Among the twelve faculties, the most authoritative are the faculties of law, forestry, education, medicine. The University of Dalhousie, among other master programs (in law, architecture, computer science, marine biology, commerce), has a high authority in the study of oil-producing technologies. Unique master's specializations in this field have been developed.

Perspectives of work in Canada

Legislative restrictions enable foreigners to work in Canada after a magistracy of up to three years, further depending on a professional success. Canadian master's degrees are authoritative in all English-speaking countries and also in the third world.

Admission to the magistracy

For admission to Canada for a master's program, you must have a certificate (diploma) for higher education. You must have a TOEFL or IELTS certificate, which confirms your level of English. Studying in the Canadian Master's program is possible in two versions: in English and French and completely in French. If the master's program is chosen entirely in French, it is necessary to pass a test for knowledge of French or to provide a certificate of passing an international exam such as DELF, DALF, TCF. Some universities also require the passing of GMAT or GRE exams.

The procedure and deadlines for submitting documents to universities in Canada

The academic year in Canadian universities starts either in September or in January. Acceptance of the applications, as a rule, ends 7-9 months before the start of training. Usually, admission commissions consider the applications as fast as they are received. In addition, many universities have quotas for students from certain countries. Therefore, the earlier you apply, the more chances you will have to “make it”, and the less will be the actual competition for a place. In your calendar plan, you need to make three main dates: the deadline for submitting documents to universities, the deadline for submitting documents for scholarships and the deadlines for passing the tests (TOEFL, DALF, GRE).

The application form can be filled in on the university's website or sent to the university by registered mail. As a rule, the following documents are attached to the questionnaire:

• a copy of the diploma and an academic statement with grades,

• motivational letter in which you explain why you are a suitable candidate for the program and talk about your professional and scientific plans,

• recommendations from teachers, employers, and colleagues,

• results of standardized tests.

Full or partial funding of a Master's program in Canada

Each year, the Government of Canada provides scholarships to foreign students (Government of Canada Awards / GCA — Bourses du Gouvernement du Canada). It should be noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada does not provide scholarships for undergraduate, medical and dental education (at any level), as well as for MBA programs.

Foreign students can apply for a scholarship when studying for Master's or Doctoral programs (this is magistracy and postgraduate study). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in charge of the scholarships in Canada. Grants are allocated for studying in such areas as multiculturalism, bilingualism, maritime law, telecommunications, the nature of the north and transport.

Basically, each scholarship includes payment of the registration fee for enrollment, the cost of study and, most importantly, personal expenses — 1200 Canadian dollars per month. The scholarship can be extended for another year if a student shows a good performance. For this, reconciliation with the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be required again.

Permanent residence

According to the Canadian legislation, any foreign people, who have been studying in Canada and has worked in the country for at least 1 year on a specialty that was obtained at a university can apply for a Permanent Residence under the Canadian Experience Class program. If you consider on a paid magistracy in Canada, the cost of a year of study, depending on the institution will cost you 7000-35000 Canadian dollars. If you become a happy holder of a scholarship, studying a master's program in Canada is still worth a fortune. So, you will have to pay for your own living and food out of your own pocket. Plus for most of the courses, you will have to buy special books.