Opting for your master’s in artificial intelligence Canada is a smart move, considering the flourishing job prospects in the field here. Canada is known for its growing tech industry and increasing AI-based applications in various business sectors and industries.
Market demand has consistently gone up for those completing masters in artificial intelligence in Canada over the last few years, especially in fields like robotics, machine learning, data science, and more. Average course fees usually hover around CAD 18,000-36,000 or roughly INR 10.56 lakh to INR 21.12 lakh approximately. After completing their courses, aspirants can earn up to CAD 81,265 per year, based on their skills and experience. This works out to around INR 47.64 lakh as per estimates.
Best universities for masters in artificial intelligence Canada
Here are the best universities in Canada for MS in artificial intelligence:
Name of the Institution
Name of the Course
Costs (CAD)
Course Tenure
University of Waterloo
Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
39,996 (INR 23.44 lakh)
1 year (full-time); 3 years (part-time)
University of Waterloo
Master of Mathematics in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
39,996 (INR 23.44 lakh)
1-2 years
University of Alberta
(Thesis-Based Courses)
Master of Science in Computing Science – Artificial Intelligence
Master of Science in Computing Science – Machine Learning
17,400 (INR 10.20 lakh)
1-2 years
Lakehead University
Master of Science in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
48,000 (INR 28.14 lakh)
One year (Course); 2 years (Thesis-based)
York University
Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence
80,150 (INR 46.99 lakh)
One year
Queen’s University
Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence
87,390 (INR 51.23 lakh)
One year
Disclaimer! All course fees and salaries are approximate amounts subject to change depending on various conditions.
How to apply for a master’s in artificial intelligence Canada?
Applying for an artificial intelligence master’s in Canada is quite simple. Multiple programs at the graduate level are available across leading Canadian colleges, many of them provided as specializations along with other course types, including data science, computer science, and machine learning. All universities in Canada take applications online for their courses. You must visit the university portal and apply directly with all your documents.
Some universities may also require sending documents separately via post. Some universities also accept paper-based applications. In this context, you must just download the PDF version of your application form and send it along with all supporting documents.
MS in Artificial Intelligence in Canada- Eligibility Criteria
Here are the eligibility criteria for MS in artificial intelligence Canada:
You should have a three or four-year bachelor’s degree in subjects like computer science, data science, robotics, machine learning, computer science, mathematics, or any other field. The minimum average marks should be at least 70%.
You should have experience in statistics and computer science, as numerous institutions require.
Professional experience is strongly recommended, especially for master’s programs in AI.
Valid GMAT/GRE scores are also needed.
IELTS or TOEFL scores (English language proficiency tests).
Admission Procedure and Documents Needed
You will need the following documents:
Academic mark sheets and transcripts.
Updated CV/Resume.
Two reference letters.
GRE/GMAT score sheets.
Essay if required.
Here are the application timelines for admissions at many well-known institutions:
Name of the Institution
Intake Timeline)
York University
September
University of Waterloo
January (Masters of Math in Comp Science – Artificial Intelligence);
September (Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence)
Queen’s University
January
Georgian College
January
University of Alberta
September
St. Francis Xavier University
January
Fleming College
January
Lakehead University
September
Reasons for studying MS in Artificial Intelligence in Canada
Here are the chief reasons for studying MS in artificial intelligence in Canada:
Canada is one of the flourishing markets for AI-related job roles in various business sectors. The country is expected to witness billions of dollars in investments towards the development of artificial and cognitive intelligence over the next few years.
More than half of IT and ITeS companies in Canada are reportedly planning to scale up AI investments while hiring more skilled professionals in the field.
The number of AI specialists and firms has doubled over the last few years, leading to more job creation in the sector.
Health and other sectors are fast witnessing the adoption of AI-based technologies for service delivery and more efficiency, leading to higher job opportunities and rapid growth of this sector.
Cost of studying for masters in artificial intelligence in Canada
The cost of studying for your master’s in artificial intelligence will range between CAD 17,900-35,000 or roughly INR 10.49 lakh to INR 20.52 lakh for aspirants. Accommodation costs will hover between CAD 1,400-2,300 or INR 82,000 to INR 1.35 lakh per month. You will also have to budget for food, health insurance, transportation, and costs of purchasing books, stationery, and supplies.
English Proficiency Test for International Students
International students will have to submit scores in IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic at Canadian institutions. Here are some minimum score thresholds at leading universities:
Name of the Institution
IELTS Cut-Off
TOEFL iBT Cut-Off
PTE Academic Cut-Off
University of Waterloo
7.0
90
63
University of Alberta
6.5
90
61
Queen’s University
6.5
88
60
Georgian College
6.5
89
58
York University
7.5
100
65
St. Francis Xavier University
6.5
90
60
Fleming College
6.0
91
58
Lakehead University
7.0
80
58
Scholarships for MS in Artificial Intelligence in Canada
Here is the list of available scholarships for aspirants:
Name of the Institution
Name of the Scholarship
University of Waterloo
Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MDSAI) Graduate Scholarship
University of Alberta
University of Alberta Master’s Entrance Scholarship
Queen’s University
Vector Scholarships in Artificial Intelligence (VSAI)
Lakehead University
Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s
Georgian College
Georgian Scholarship
York University
Vector Scholarships in Artificial Intelligence (VSAI)
University of Waterloo
Waterloo Graduate Scholarship
University of Alberta
Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship
Jobs for MS in Artificial Intelligence in Canada
Successful graduates in artificial intelligence can expect jobs with several leading companies like Labatt, Deloitte, Bell, KPMG, Accenture, GALE, Teranet, and many others. Average salaries usually range between CAD 55-86,000 or roughly INR 32.24 lakh to INR 50.42 lakh in job roles like data scientists, machine learning engineers, operations analysts, and also software developers, to name a few.
AI is one of the fastest-growing fields in Canada, generating steady employment for skilled professionals at leading technology and other companies. Graduates are finding employment in fields like teaching, academics, electronics, AI, robotics, engineering, and computer science while simultaneously pursuing research. An AI degree is useful in the biomedical sector as well.
Which institutions are best for AI in Canada?
Here are some of the best institutions for studying computer science (of which AI is a sub-field) and related fields as per the 2021 QS World Rankings for the field.
1. The University of Toronto- QS Rank 11 2. The University of Waterloo- QS Rank 23 3. The University of British Columbia- QS Rank 25 4. McGill University- QS Rank 49 5. The Universite de Montreal- QS Rank 61 6. The University of Alberta- QS Rank 109 7. Queen’s University at Kingston- QS Rank 132 8. Simon Fraser University- QS Rank 136 9. The University of Ottawa- QS Rank 151-200 10. McMaster University- QS Rank 201-250
What can you do with a master’s in artificial intelligence?
You can find work as an operations engineer, analyst, data scientist, machine learning specialist, and business intelligence developer. You can work in varied technological and business sectors as an AI data analyst, research scientist, AI engineer, or product manager.
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence or AI is the capability of any robot or computer to perform tasks normally conducted by human beings since they require intelligence and the ability to make decisions. The branches of AI include artificial general intelligence, artificial superintelligence, and artificial narrow intelligence.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, France, and Germany. Her background includes founding a startup and working with early-stage educational ventures, giving her a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these educational landscapes. Additionally, Rakhee specializes in helping students craft compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for studying abroad, leveraging her insights into different education systems to guide students in articulating their academic and professional goals effectively. Her comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach make her a valuable resource for students navigating their educational journeys and financial planning.