Master’s and PhD in Canada for international students: tuition, funding and permits in 2026

How much does a master’s or PhD cost in Canada?

Statistics Canada published 2026/2027 tuition averages for graduate programs on September 16, 2026. International graduate students paid an average of $24,693, compared with $8,106 for Canadian students. That is about 3 times more. For undergraduates the gap is bigger: $42,062 vs $8,021, about 5.2 times.

Source: Statistics Canada, table 37-10-0045-01, weighted averages. The international average rose about 3.6% from the 2025/2026 figure of $23,838 in the same table. Averages hide big differences: professional master’s degrees (such as an MBA) usually cost far more than research degrees. See tuition fees in Canada for undergraduate averages.

Research or course-based: why the difference matters

Canadian graduate programs come in two main types:

• Research-based (thesis master’s, PhD): you work with a supervisor. These programs are often funded through teaching assistant (TA) jobs, research assistant (RA) pay and awards.
• Course-based or professional (many MEng, MBA, MPP programs): you take courses and sometimes a co-op. These programs are usually not funded, and fees are often higher.

A real example from the University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science for 2026-27 shows how big the gap can be. Incoming international MSc students pay $36,700.39 in fees, while incoming international PhD students pay $9,570.39. That is about 3.8 times less for the PhD. Both figures include incidental and ancillary fees.

How does PhD funding work?

Many universities guarantee a minimum funding package to full-time PhD students for a set number of years. The package usually combines TA work, RA pay and scholarships. Tuition is usually paid out of the package.

Worked example: U of T international PhD, 2026-27

• Arts & Science minimum package: $41,122
• Minus incoming international PhD fees in Computer Science: $9,570.39
• Left for living costs: $31,551.61 a year
• If UHIP is charged on top of these fees, subtract $948 more: $30,603.61

Computer Science says its enhanced package gives a take-home living allowance of $39,500 after tuition and incidental fees. Always ask the department for the funding letter in writing. Compare living costs in student cost of living by city.

Do graduate students need a PAL in 2026?

No, in most cases. From January 1, 2026, students in a master’s or doctoral degree program at a public designated learning institution (DLI) do not need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). IRCC expects about 49,000 study permits for this group in 2026.

• Master’s and PhD programs at private schools still need a PAL/TAL.
• Graduate certificates and diplomas (post-graduate diplomas at colleges) are not master’s degrees. They still need a PAL/TAL.
• In Quebec, you still need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). See studying in Quebec and the CAQ.

More detail is in the study permit cap and PAL guide.

Faster processing for PhD students

IRCC aims to process study permit applications from doctoral students in 2 weeks. This also covers a spouse, partner or dependent child who applies at the same time. Conditions apply: you apply online from outside Canada, give biometrics within 2 weeks of the instruction letter, and your school confirms your letter of acceptance. The clock starts after those checks. Master’s students are not included.

Can I work during and after a graduate program?

During your studies: IRCC says there is no limit on on-campus work hours. TA and RA jobs count as on-campus work, even when an RA job linked to a research grant takes place in a hospital or research facility. Off-campus hours are limited; see work while studying.

After graduation: the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) length depends on your program. IRCC says a master’s graduate can apply for a 3-year PGWP even if the program was shorter than 2 years, as long as it was at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec programs) and all other rules are met. Master’s and doctoral degrees are exempt from the PGWP field of study requirement.

Your spouse: since January 21, 2025, spouses can get an open work permit if you study in a master’s program of 16 months or longer, or in a doctoral program.

Common mistakes graduate applicants make

• Assuming every master’s is funded. Most course-based and professional master’s programs are not. Check the funding letter, not the program page.
• Counting the full package as take-home pay. Tuition and fees usually come out of the package first.
• Applying for a graduate certificate and expecting no PAL. The PAL exemption covers master’s and doctoral degrees at public schools only.
• Forgetting the CAQ for Quebec. Quebec still needs it, even with no PAL.
• Choosing a master’s shorter than 16 months when your spouse needs to work. Spouse work permits need a master’s of 16 months or longer.
• Paying someone to “guarantee” a supervisor or a funded place. Only the university decides.

How to apply: a simple timeline

1. 12 to 18 months before: shortlist programs. For research degrees, read faculty profiles and contact possible supervisors if the department asks you to.
2. 9 to 12 months before: take language tests and order transcripts. Many deadlines for September start are between December and February.
3. After an offer: read the funding letter. Check what it covers, for how many years, and what work you must do.
4. Study permit: apply with your letter of acceptance and proof of funds. A funding letter can count as proof. See study permit proof of funds.
5. Before you travel: plan your health insurance and the first months of rent.

More on choosing a university: official counts of international students by university and how university rankings work.

Common questions

Sources

• Statistics Canada: Table 37-10-0045-01, Canadian and international tuition fees by level of study
• Statistics Canada, The Daily: Tuition fees for degree programs, 2026/2027 (September 16, 2026)
• UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies: Minimum funding policy for PhD students
• UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies: International students
• University of Toronto, Computer Science: Funding, tuition and awards 2026-27
• IRCC: Provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)
• IRCC: 2026 provincial and territorial allocations under the international student cap
• IRCC: Doctoral degree students, get faster processing
• IRCC: Work on campus
• IRCC: About the post-graduation work permit
• IRCC: PGWP field of study requirement
• IRCC: Open work permits for spouses of students

Checked against these sources on October 10, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.