If you plan to do your masters in psychology in Canada, you should consider applying for the full-time, one to two-year program. The scope of psychology in Canada is vast, especially if you consider the varied study and research areas such as clinical psychology, child psychology, cognitive science, and psychoanalysis. The costs of studying the course are roughly around INR 30-33 lakhs per year for Indian students, although there are scholarships available to reduce the load.
A master’s degree in psychology in Canada will open up doors for exciting career prospects in the educational, healthcare, and wellness sectors.
Average salaries for graduates are lucrative in Canada and ensure a high quality of life.
Canada is home to the world’s leading universities for studying psychology.
The country also offers an excellent scope for future research and learning.
Best Universities in Canada for Masters in Psychology
If you want to study abroad, then Canada might be the right place for you. Here are some of the leading institutions for studying psychology in Canada:
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Course Description for Masters in Psychology in Canada
Here is the average scope of psychology in Canada from a course-content perspective:
Parameters
Course- MS in Psychology
Course- MSc in Psychology
Course- Master of Applied Psychology or MAP
Main Type of Course
Broad knowledge acquisition for students, and they learn to offer services in the domain while also diagnosing and assessing issues for therapy.
The curriculum is more focused on research, encompassing courses and the submission of a thesis at the end of the course.
Foundational skills in scientific methods, statistics and other fields. Psychology is majorly taught for evaluation and research purposes.
Research Area
Clinical and counselling psychology
Health, Cognitive, Developmental, Neuroscience and Perceptual Psychology.
Social, Applied, and Child Psychology.
Tenure
Two years
Two years
One-year
Scope
Clinical Psychologists and Counsellors or Psychotherapists
Clinical Therapists or Clinical Research Coordinators
Educational Psychologists or Psychometrists. Other roles include behaviour consultants.
Cost of Studying MS in Psychology in Canada
Studying for an MS in Psychology in Canada entails various costs that include Initial setup costs include a rent safety deposit of CAD 1,182 (₹72,096), apartment setup at CAD 1,000 (₹60,900), and iMED Health Insurance at CAD 236 (₹14,421).
Regular annual expenses are significant, with tuition at CAD 16,626 (₹10,14,205), student fees at CAD 590 (₹35,983), extended health insurance at CAD 346 (₹21,142), and textbooks costing CAD 564 (₹34,396).
Monthly costs include rent at CAD 2,900 (₹1,77,457), high-speed internet at CAD 61 (₹3,751), heat/electricity at CAD 54 (₹3,287), cable TV/streaming at CAD 37 (₹2,245), mobile phone packages ranging from CAD 30 (₹1,872) to CAD 73 (₹4,484), public transit at CAD 55 (₹3,372), and groceries at CAD 662 (₹40,388). Total annual expenses reach approximately CAD 55,000 (₹33,30,371).
Masters in Psychology in Canada: Courses
There are more than 100 courses in Psychology for master’s degrees that are offered by Canadian universities for international students.
Some of the popular masters in psychology courses, along with the best universities in Canada, are listed below:
Programme
University
THE World Rank 2024
Special Master of science in Psychology
University of Victoria
351-400
MSc in Experimental Psychology
Memorial University of Newfoundland
501-600
Master of Arts in Cognitive Psychology
The University of Waterloo
158
Master of Arts in Psychology-Social Personality
Brock University
NA
Master of Education in Human development, learning and culture- Social and Emotional Learning
University of British Columbia
41
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Windsor University
501-600
Master of Arts Counselling Psychology
Trinity Western University
NA
Master of Arts in Psychology- Culture, Health and Health development
University of Saskatchewan
351-400
MSc in Kinesiology and Health Studies -Sports Psychology
Queen's university
251-300
MSc in Psychology- Comparative Cognition and behaviour
University of Alberta
109
Source: IDP
Requirements for Admission
The application deadlines are usually between December and February every year. Apply well in advance, since universities do not check late applications. In most cases, admission decisions are usually confirmed by the first week of April. Keep checking the official websites of Canadian universities for more information on the updated and specific application deadlines.
Masters in Psychology in Canada Application Deadlines 2024
The application window for Masters in Psychology in Canada opens in the month of January. There are a lot of universities which release applications in the months of November – December.
Eligibility Criteria for a Master’s in Psychology in Canada
The requirements include 16 years of education in the 10+2+4 format and an undergraduate degree in either psychology or any related field.
Minimum 75-80% of marks in the UG course.
Completing a research thesis with an advanced major in statistics in psychology or related fields is ideal.
A or B+ grades in the primary subject are compulsory in most cases.
GRE scores have to be submitted along with IELTS or TOEFL scores.
Documents Required for Master’s in Psychology in Canada
You can always apply for your visa online or offline. In the latter method, you will have to submit all your documents to the visa application centre nearest to you. In the former method, you can submit all documents online while applying and visit the centre to submit your biometric details.
You will be called for a personal interview once your application is processed. The important things that you should not neglect are your proof of funds and your English language proficiency scores. Medical tests are also needed before landing in Canada.
Masters in Psychology in Canada Without GRE
Master's programs in Psychology that do not require the GRE, offer relief to students who wish to further their educational goals without spending money on an expensive and difficult test.
Given below is a table that lists the top universities in Canada for masters in psychology without GRE:
University
Programme
Sacred Heart University
Master of Science in Applied Psychology – Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Master of Science in Applied Psychology
North central University
Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology
Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Vanguard University
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Master of Science in Organizational Psychology
Grand Canyon University
M.S. in Psychology: General Psychology
California Southern University
Master of Arts in Psychology (MA)
Walden University
Master of Science (MS) in Psychology: Social Psychology
Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Psychology: Family Violence
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago
M.A. International Psychology
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Available Scholarships
There are several scholarships available in Canada for students in this field. Some of them include the following:
The University of Northern British Columbia Arts Faculty Graduate Assistantship annual grant.
Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research Terms of Reference Jillings Award.
University of Alberta Scholarships- Dr. Brendan Gail Rule Graduate Scholarship, ISSBD Graduate Scholarship, and Dr Jane Silvius Graduate Scholarship.
Queens’ University Psychology Department Scholarship.
Concordia University Scholarship for master’s students.
McMaster University’s Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour Scholarship.
Job Prospects After Master’s Course in Psychology in Canada
After doing an MS in Psychology, almost 1/3rd of students apply for further research and studies, along with PhD programs. The rest usually find employment in Government agencies, wellness centres, healthcare centres, private organisations and educational institutions.
Top Companies Recruiting Masters in Psychology graduates in Canada
Alberta Health Services
University of Toronto
Vancouver Coastal Health
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Fraser Health
Toronto District School Board
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Hamilton Health Sciences.
Salaries for Graduates
Here's a table detailing some of the top roles in psychology in Canada, along with their average salaries:
Embarking on a Masters in Psychology in Canada opens a gateway to diverse career opportunities in education, healthcare, and beyond. The country's top universities, renowned for their excellence in psychology education, offer a robust curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Aspiring psychologists benefit not only from high-quality education but also from a supportive research environment and ample job prospects. With competitive salaries averaging around CAD 103,000 annually for roles like Clinical and Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, graduates enjoy a fulfilling career path. Moreover, Canada's welcoming atmosphere and vibrant research community ensure a rewarding academic journey.
Whether pursuing further studies or entering the workforce, a Master’s in Psychology from Canada equips graduates with skills that resonate globally in the field of psychology.
FAQs
What can I do with a master’s in psychology in Canada?
You can always venture into further studies and research through a PhD program or any other higher-study course. You can also take advantage of attractive employment prospects at Government and private healthcare and wellness centres along with educational institutions.
You have the opportunity to work in various business sectors, mental health and research fields, and schools.
Is Canada good for psychology?
Canada is one of the foremost destinations to study psychology worldwide. It is home to some of the best global universities for the subject and offers a conducive environment for research and further study.
The country also provides plentiful employment prospects for skilled graduates in the public and private sectors. Several studies have ranked psychology as one of the top- 100 professions in the country too.
Is GRE required for masters in psychology in Canada?
The GRE is mostly required for admission into master’s courses in Canada, and psychology courses are no exception. Most universities will need your GRE scores for admission into masters in psychology programs.
However, there may be exceptions, but they are rare. It is advisable to prepare well beforehand and obtain a high score on the GRE before applying.
What is the salary of a psychologist in Canada?
Psychologists can earn handsome salaries up to CAD 103,000 per year or INR 63 lakh in Canada. Entry-level positions may pay slightly less, although it can go up to this threshold with some knowledge and experience.
Senior psychologists can earn handsome amounts going upwards of CAD 120,000 annually, or roughly INR 73 lakh.
What is the scope of psychology in Canada?
Psychology has vast scope in Canada, especially with its future prospects for aspirants. They can obtain admission into reputed PhD programs after their master’s courses or venture into professional employment with leading organisations in both public and private sectors.
They can also work at schools and other business organisations in various capacities. Psychologists also earn handsome salaries in Canada.
Can I work as a psychologist in Canada?
Yes, you can work as a psychologist in Canada, although you must abide by some requirements. Psychologists have a vast scope of work in Canada, earning handsome salaries and generous benefits like retirement plans, health insurance, and paid holidays, among others.
You will have to complete your doctoral degree, or PhD, to become a professional psychologist in Canada. The CPA will be endorsing the same for helping you prepare for professional work and employment.
Like other healthcare professions, psychologists also require suitable licensing. Various regulatory bodies (depending on the province) provide these licenses.
Is psychology a good career in Canada?
Psychology is an excellent career choice in Canada, offering attractive starting salaries. Aspiring psychologists can study at the best institutions in the world for the subject while embarking on advanced research and study programs after completing their master’s courses.
They can also expect handsome remuneration for their work in various sectors, including government agencies, private healthcare centres, schools, etc.
Can I do MSc Psychology after BA Psychology in Canada?
Yes, you will have eligibility for doing your MSc in Psychology in Canada if you have completed your BA degree successfully in Psychology. You will have eligibility since you have completed your Bachelor’s degree with a specialisation in Psychology.
You will have to meet the other eligibility criteria through your GRE score and your score on an English language proficiency test like TOEFL/IELTS.
How long does a master’s in psychology degree take in Canada?
A Master in Psychology is a research-intensive program that is offered as a full-time course for a maximum duration of two years in Canada.
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