HomeBlog
1 min read11 June 2026

Masters in Accounting in Canada: A Complete Guide on Masters in Accounting in Canada for international Students

Summarise with AI
Masters in Accounting in Canada: A Complete Guide on Masters in Accounting in Canada for international Students

Ranking among the most sought-after programs, a Masters in Accounting in Canada holds immense popularity among international students beginning their academic paths in the country. Featuring top-tier universities, extraordinary industrial exposure, and connections with premier global employers, Canada draws international learners from all corners of the world. Earning an accounting master's degree in Canada can lead to a career with an average starting salary of approximately 52,876 CAD per year, comfortably exceeding the annual tuition cost of around 43,000 CAD.

Curious to learn more? Continue reading as we address all your questions regarding pursuing a masters in accounting in Canada as an international student in this post.

Why Study Masters in Accounting in Canada?

The master's degree in accounting in Canada represents a frequently selected path for international students. Let us explore why:

  • Excellent job opportunities: Universities offering a Masters in Accounting in Canada provide both domestic and international graduates with outstanding career prospects upon completion of their studies. The average earnings reported for accounting graduates in Canada reach 52,876 CAD annually.
  • Research centric universities: Offering superior infrastructure, Canadian universities providing a masters in accounting have established a global reputation. Canada is widely recognized for delivering exceptional education paired with practical industry involvement for international students.
  • Outstanding scope: The field of accounting is projected to experience an additional 10% growth in the coming years, thereby offering accounting graduates exceptional long-term value from their MSc accounting degrees in Canada.

Suggested: Know more about Accounting courses in Canada as an international student!

Program Structure and Curriculum for Masters in Accounting in Canada

Masters in Accounting courses in Canada are in high demand among international students largely due to the variety of available options, which include postgraduate diplomas, certificates, and postgraduate degrees. Certain sub-disciplines offered within these programs include:

  • Strategic performance management
  • Integration and team management
  • Taxation
  • Corporate finance
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Corporate governance
  • Accounting for non governmental and nonprofit organizations
  • Information technology & systems

Some of the most popular postgraduate degree programs available at accounting universities in Canada include:

  • MBA in Accounting
  • Masters in Accountancy (MAcc)
  • MSc in Accounting
  • Graduate Diploma in Accounting

Let us outline several key aspects of the masters in accounting program in Canada:

Duration

1.5-3 years

Type

Full-time / Part-time

Mode

Online / Offline

Average Annual Tuition Fee for International Students

20,000 CAD to 50,000 CAD

Top Universities

●      University of Toronto

●      University of Alberta

●      University of British Columbia

●      University De Montreal

●      McGill University

Eligibility and Admission Reqirements to Study Masters in Accounting in Canada

Let us now examine the criteria and admission prerequisites required for international students pursuing a masters in accounting in Canada:

  1. Academic transcripts along with bachelor's degree
  2. English proficiency test scores
  3. GMAT or GRE Scores
  4. Additional requirements

Reviewing the requirements for a masters in accounting in Canada briefly, let us begin with:

1. Academic transcripts along with bachelor's degree

The fundamental prerequisite for international applicants seeking admission to any masters in accounting program in Canada is providing academic transcripts covering all prior education levels. When applying for an MBA in Accounting in Canada or alternative graduate accounting programs, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. Several prerequisite subjects common across most Canadian accounting programs consist of:

  • Mathematics
  • Advanced functions
  • Calculus
  • English

2. English proficiency test scores

As an international applicant, demonstrating English language proficiency through exams like the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent tests is mandatory. The minimum IELTS score typically required to study an accounting master's in Canada is 6.5 or higher, depending on the chosen institution and program.

3. GRE or GMAT Scores

When applying for a masters in accounting in Canada, prominent universities may also request scores from the GMAT or GRE examinations.

4. Additional Requirements

Additional conditions such as an interview, relevant work experience, a statement of purpose (SOP), and a resume or CV may also be requested by the university based on the specific program selected.

Application Process to Study Masters in Accounting in Canada

The application procedure for several prominent accounting institutions in Canada is outlined briefly below:

  • Select your desired course and university to begin your postgraduate accounting studies in Canada.
  • Complete and submit the application form along with the corresponding application fee.
  • Provide all mandated documentation, including academic transcripts, a bachelor's degree certificate if applicable, and any additional materials requested by the institution such as an SOP, resume, letters of recommendation, and verification of work experience.
  • You might also be required to participate in an interview process.
  • Apply for available scholarships or financial assistance offered by the university.
  • Await the official admission decision.

Suggested: How to Apply to Canadian Universities?

Top Universities to Study Masters in Accounting in Canada

Postgraduate accounting education in Canada can be characterized as innovative, rewarding, and rich in practical experiences. We have compiled a list of the premier universities in Canada for studying a masters in accounting below:

Universities

QS World University Ranking 2022

Popular Programs Offered

Average Tuition Fee for International Students (in CAD)

University of Toronto

26

Masters in Accounting and Finance

Master of Management and Professional Accounting

Master of Forensic Accounting

 

35,000/ year

University of British Columbia

46

Masters in Accounting

20,000-30,000/ year

McGill University

27

Graduate Certificate in professional Accounting

 

40,000-59,690 (Total)

York University

494

Master of Accounting (MAcc)

Post Graduate Certificate in Accounting

Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Professional Accounting

18,000/ year

McMaster University

140

Graduate Diploma in Financial Accountancy

10,000-15,000 CAD/ year

University of Saskatchewan

458

Masters of professional accounting

54,300 (total)

University of Alberta

126

Master of Accounting (MAcc)

25,200/ year

Difference between PG Diploma and Masters in Accounting in Canada

Although a postgraduate diploma requires a lower financial investment than an accounting master's degree and typically spans 1 to 1.5 years, a postgraduate diploma in accounting in Canada carries less academic and professional weight than a full masters in accounting degree.

In short, pursuing a master degree in accounting provides broader access to outstanding career prospects and superior salary packages than a postgraduate diploma in accounting in Canada.

Cost of Studying Masters in Accounting in Canada

Expense of Pursuing a Masters in Accounting in Canada

Tuition fees for a master in accounting in Canada vary based on the specific program and institution you select. Postgraduate diploma and graduate certificate programs in accounting typically cost between 5,000 CAD and 20,000 CAD per year, whereas postgraduate degree programs such as an MSc in Accounting in Canada generally range from 30,000 CAD to 40,000 CAD annually.

Recommended: Learn more regarding the expenses of living in Canada for foreign students!

Scholarships to Study Masters in Accounting in Canada

Financial Aid for Pursuing a Masters in Accounting in Canada

A wide variety of financial awards are accessible when attending top accounting institutions in Canada, featuring numerous institutional, private, and government-sponsored grants for international students.

Listed below are several financial awards to support your accounting education in Canada:

Scholarships

Eligibility

Award (in CAD)

C.Douglas Mellor Prize, McGill University

●      Graduate certificate in financial accounting student

●      Outstanding academics

2,200

Kenneth F Byrd Prize, McGill University

●      Graduate certificate in financial accounting student

●      Outstanding academics

250

Principal’s Scholarship, Queen’s University

International Applicants showing high academic performance

4,000

Edward School of Business MPAcc Office, University of Saskatchewan

●      International applicants

●      Academic achievement or financial need 

5,000

Ontario Graduate Scholarship, University of Toronto

●      Full time students

●      Scored grade A 

5,000 per session

Job Opportunities after Studying Masters in Accounting in Canada

Employment Prospects Following a Masters in Accounting in Canada

Completing a masters program in accounting in Canada qualifies you to secure positions at major multinational corporations such as Deloitte, Accenture, Microsoft, Google, and Apple, among others. Let us also examine several professional pathways available after completing postgraduate accounting studies in Canada:

  • Advanced studies in diverse areas including taxation, auditing, and banking
  • Obtain the Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) designation
  • Secure employment with major corporate enterprises
  • Launch an independent enterprise or business
  • Work as an instructor within the accounting discipline
  • Work as an auditor, accountant, financial analyst, tax expert, or consultant

To provide a clearer picture of professional paths following various postgraduate accounting programs in Canada, we have organized prominent accounting roles and their mean salaries in Canada into a table:

Job Profiles

Average Salary (in CAD)

Management Accountant

50,210

Government Accountant

43,250

External Auditor

41,400

Internal Auditor

46,450

IT Auditor

50,260

Recommended: Procedures for Obtaining a Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada!

Earning a master degree in accounting in Canada can certainly help you secure your ideal position and unlock numerous opportunities within both corporate finance and business administration. Furthermore, international students have access to a wide array of funding opportunities across Canada!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the top masters in accounting universities in Canada?

<p>The top institutions offering a masters in accounting in Canada include: 1. University of Alberta 2. University of Toronto 3. York University 4. McGill University</p>

What is the cost to study masters in accounting in Canada?

<p>Graduate certificate and diploma courses generally require between 5,000 CAD and 20,000 CAD yearly, while master degree programs typically cost from 20,000 CAD to 50,000 CAD per year depending on the selected institution.</p>

What are some career prospects after pursuing masters in accounting in Canada?

<p>Potential career paths involve: 1. Continuing education at the PhD level 2. Launching an independent accounting firm 3. Securing a role as an accountant, consultant, or auditor</p>

You Might Also Like