A career in marketing can be exciting and rewarding, especially for people with a uniquely creative and analytic bend of mind. Canada is a preferred destination for a marketing degree owing to its well-ranked courses and universities that attract students worldwide.

The marketing industry in Canada is worth over $8.4 billion and is growing steadily, with a forecasted worth of $10.4 billion by 2025. The steady growth lays a strong foundation for aspirants to mold their skills to begin a promising career in the industry. A graduate marketing program is just the stepson necessary to make this possible.

Master's in Marketing in Canada typically are research-based programs that last for two years. Some universities offer one-year taught programs as well. There are usually three intakes—fall, winter, and summer—but it can vary between universities. Most M.Sc. Marketing programs have a fall or September intake. The tuition fee is an average of $30,000 CAD for the whole program.

Why study Master’s in Marketing in Canada?

The diverse global student demographic in Canada is an advantage as it offers the perfect opportunity to gain exposure to various cultures and behavioral norms—a must-have quality for a marketer. Here are a few more reasons why you should consider Canada for your Master's in Marketing program:

• Quality curriculum that merges research and practical projects for a well-rounded education: Since the majority of the master's in marketing programs in Canada are research-based, you will have an in-depth understanding of important streams under marketing.
• Demand for qualified marketing professionals: After completing a master's in marketing in Canada, jobs are relatively easy to come by due to good demand in the industry for qualified professionals. This is exactly what your marketing program prepares you for.
• Limited communication barriers: With English being the main language of communication for education and work, there are no challenging language barriers to worry about either.

Master’s in Marketing Highlight

A Master's in Marketing is a graduate program that delves deep into the core concepts of marketing and prepares you to enter the marketing industry. Canada's research-based marketing programs are geared towards enabling you with up-to-date marketing theories to conduct large-scale research projects that help you transition into a successful career in marketing and marketing specialist fields of your choice. Here's a quick overview of what you should know about a Master's in Marketing in Canada.

Types of Master's in Marketing in Canada

A Master's in Marketing in Canada can be delivered as a dedicated marketing graduate program or as part of a management or business degree. Both routes include a significant focus on research capabilities, with thesis and research projects being the primary contributor to course completion.

Marketing programs that last for two years are the norm in a majority of the universities in Canada. However, there are a couple of 12-month programs that are tailored depending on the future goals of the students— academic continuation on to the doctoral path or entering the job market. In both cases, the programs are quite competent and competitive and can be an enriching experience for an aspiring marketer.

Best universities for Master's in Marketing in Canada

Canada is home to many universities of repute. Here are some of the top universities for Master's in Marketing in Canada.

Course curriculum of Master's in Marketing in Canada

The course curriculum for graduate marketing programs varies across universities in Canada. Certain universities also offer a choice between two paths—course-based and research-based—that could vary between universities as well. For example, Queen's University has a 'Behavioral Stream' and 'Analytical Stream' under its MSc in Marketing program. HEC Montréal has 'Memory' and 'Supervised' options that students can choose from during their program.

Here are some of the main concepts covered in the curriculum:

• Research Methodology
• Consumer Behavior and Insights
• Marketing Strategy and Management
• Marketing Research
• Marketing Analytics
• Brand Management
• Digital Marketing Strategy
• Advertising and Communication
• Quality Control and Management

Some programs may also require you to complete some pre-course study modules if your prior experience and education did not cover the requisite concepts for the program. Ensure to check the curriculum and prerequisites of each program on the website of the university prior to the application process.

Eligibility criteria for Master's in Marketing in Canada

Here are the important eligibility criteria that you will need to meet:

• A four-year bachelor's degree from a recognized university
• 75% or a minimum 3.0 GPA or a B-average
• GMAT (min score 550) or GRE
• TOEFL (97) / IELTS (7.0) scores
• Two references (at least one academic reference preferred)

Admission requirements for Master's in Marketing in Canada

In addition to the above criteria of eligibility, there are several Master's in Marketing in Canada requirements for admission that you will need to keep in mind before applying for the program. Here is a list:

• Transcripts from your bachelor's degree or the academic equivalent of the same.
• Complete academic history.
• Transcripts and proof of satisfactory performance on the GMAT or GRE. The minimum accepted score for GMAT in most universities is 550.
• Proof of language proficiency with scores and transcripts from IELTS or TOEFL.
• A completed application form with a personal statement, an up-to-date resume, and two references. At least one academic reference is required.
• Work experience or internships, although not mandatory, are recommended to strengthen your application. Students with a three-year bachelor's degree are required to have post-graduate work experience to be considered for admission.

International students will require a valid study permit to complete their admissions process to the university. As the duration for securing a visa /study permit can vary and may take anywhere between one to five months, students should submit their university applications well ahead of the deadline to allow time for further visa proceedings.

Once you receive your letter of acceptance from the university, you will be able to apply for the study permit. Keep in mind that only a university with a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) status is recognized by the Canadian government to issue a study permit.

Documents required to apply for a study permit:

• Acceptance letter from the university
• Proof of identity
• Proof of finances
• A letter explaining your reasons for studying the course in Canada
• Documents of medical exam
• A Quebec Acceptance Certificate (QAC), if you are going to study in Quebec
• A Custodian Declaration, if you are a minor

Admission process for Master's in Marketing in Canada

The Master's in Marketing in Canada admission process includes many pre-application and post-application steps:

• Identify the program on the university website and check all the admission requirements. Each university has specific program requirements that need to be met before application.
• Complete the online application form with all the required details and submit essential documents and references. Ensure to check specific requirements that may vary between universities.
• Wait to receive your letter of acceptance from the university.
• Apply for a Canadian study permit.

Take care to find out the exact deadlines for your course of choice and meet any additional requirements needed for the course. If you have only been granted a conditional offer and asked to complete certain learning modules, complete them before applying for your study permit. If you need more information or support during your admission process, contact the admission center of the university for the most recent updates.

Cost of studying for Master's in Marketing in Canada

There are a few costs you will incur throughout your admission process. Application fees usually cost around $150 for each university and can be paid on the online portal using a credit card. Other costs include tuition, tests, visa processing, travel, accommodation, and living expenses once you arrive in the country. It is recommended that you identify a practical source of financing before beginning your application process.

Master's in Marketing in Canada fees:

Tuition fees form the biggest chunk of expenses, with an average cost of $30000 for a two-year MSc in Marketing. If you opt for the specialized 12-month program from York University, the tuition fee stands at $84000 approximately. Marketing specializations that are part of a full-time MBA could cost around $100000.

Here are some more costs you will need to bear:

• Exam costs
• GMAT - $275
• GRE - $228
• TOEFL - $195
• IELTS - $200
• Visa fee - $150
• Insurance - $650
• Flights and living expenses - $8500

Do note that all these costs are subject to change and can vary from year to year. It is always recommended to find out the most updated costs in the year of application to the course. There are a wide array of loans, internal and external scholarships, and need-based financial support that universities offer to help you fund your Master's in marketing in Canada.

Scholarship for Master's in Marketing in Canada

Funding your Master's in Marketing in Canada is possible with financial aid opportunities from the university and other general scholarships available. Research and graduate assistantships are also available with a stipend at most universities. You may need to apply for these with help from your professors once you enroll in the program, as there may be limited positions available.

Here are some of the best scholarships to look out for:

Refer to the university website for specific awards, grants, and funds that are offered for graduate students. Universities often offer need-based funding as well for students who can show proof of financial need.

Job scope for Master's in Marketing in Canada

Canada’s job market offers many advantages for graduates of Master's in Marketing. The emphasis on research and data gives graduates the perfect set of skills required to get their foot in the door in their interested path. Canada’s growing marketing industry has many opportunities for skilled professionals with research and analytics experience like the one the graduate marketing program in Canada offers. From marketing research to digital marketing roles, here are some of the jobs that you can pursue after your program.

Canada is a prominent advertising market with many jobs available for aspiring marketers. With a master's in marketing in Canada, the scope for finding your preferred marketing positions increases significantly. Here are some other roles that you can explore in addition to the ones above:

• SEO specialist
• Copywriter
• SEM manager
• Digital advertising specialist
• Marketing consultant
• Performance marketing manager
• Email marketing manager
• Marketing communications
• Product marketing manager
• Digital engagement manager