Psychology is one of the top arts and humanities programs international students prefer to pursue abroad. Canada is one of their top choices due to the country’s curriculum, resources, facilities, and career opportunities.
Psychology in Canada is a well-established and highly esteemed field. What’s more, the best universities for psychology in Canada are amongst the highest ranking in the world. So, if you aspire to study psychology at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, Canada is the best place.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the wealth of prestigious psychology programmes in famous Canadian institutions. We will also discuss the rankings, facilities, and the various psychology degree courses they offer.
Table of Contents
- Highlights of psychology courses in Canada
- Why study psychology in Canada?
- Student eligibility for pursuing psychology in Canada
- Documents required to pursue psychology in Canada
- Cost of studying psychology in Canada
- Best universities to study psychology in Canada
- Career opportunities for psychology in Canada
- Frequently asked questions
- What is the cost of studying psychology in Canada for Indian students?
- What are the requirements to study psychology in Canada?
- Is studying psychology in Canada worth it?
- How long is a psychology degree in Canada?
- What are some of the best universities for psychology in Canada?
- Where could studying psychology at one of the best universities in Canada lead?
- Is psychology in Canada a cutting-edge discipline?
- Embark on a global academic adventure with Edvoy!
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Highlights of psychology courses in Canada
| Course-type | Full-time, part-time |
| Course duration | Undergraduate degree: 3-4 years Postgraduate degree: 1-2 years |
| Course entry requirement | Undergraduate degree: An international student with a subject background in maths, physics, chemistry, and biology with an overall score above 65%. Postgraduate degree: An international student with an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related specialisation with a GPA over 3.0. |
| English proficiency |
|
| Entrance exam | GRE: 300 |
| Top universities in Canada for Psychology |
|
| Fees range | CAD $4,000-$48,000 |
| Visa | Canada Student Visa |
Data updated as of January 2024
Also read: How to study abroad: Choosing the right country, university, and course for you
Why study psychology in Canada?
Opportunities
The field of psychology in Canada has several specialisations across the global market, like education, sports, and general workplace training to enhance a person’s memory, attention, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Quality education
Canada is well-known for its globally recognised psychology courses. These programs are structured to provide students with excellent knowledge and skills.
Scope in the country
The country has impressive resources and facilities that support mental health, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and contribute better to the field of psychology.
Career prospects
The demand for psychology is increasing, offering several employment opportunities for international students. Psychology graduates are also high-paying professionals in the country. Canada and North America have been at the forefront of psychological research and development for decades.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that jobs in the field of psychology will grow by 6% by 2032.
Specialisations in psychology
- General psychology
- Sport psychology
- Social psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Child psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Experimental psychology
- Clinical psychology
- Counselling psychology
- Industrial-Organisational psychology
Also read: Fall intake in Canada 2024
Student eligibility for pursuing psychology in Canada
When you apply for any program abroad, universities will require you to satisfy the eligibility criteria before sending your application for admission. While the requirements vary with every specialisation and university in Canada, here are the standard eligibility criteria for psychology courses in the country.
Admission requirement for psychology in Canada
| Factor | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|
| Educational qualifications |
|
| English proficiency |
|
| Entrance exam | GRE: 300 |
| Visa | Canada Student visa |
Data updated as of January 2024
Note: The eligibility requirement varies with every psychology program and university. Ensure you check the course page for the requirements before submitting the application.
Documents required to pursue psychology in Canada
After satisfying the eligibility criteria, international students should send certain documents to universities to proceed with their admission. While the requirements vary with every institution, here are some mandatory documents you should submit to pursue psychology in Canada.
- Academic transcripts
- Application form
- Current passport
- Admission test results
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- English proficiency test scores
- Financial aid documents
- Medical test results
Also read: How to work in Canada after graduation?
Cost of studying psychology in Canada
Psychology programs for international students are affordable in Canada compared to other study destinations. A psychology degree costs between CAD $4,000 and $48,000.
Cost of living in Canada for international students
The average annual cost of living for an international student in Canada is between CAD $10,000 and $15,000.
Also read: How to apply for university in Canada?
Best universities to study psychology in Canada
| University name | QS World University Ranking 2024 | Undergraduate course | Postgraduate course |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 21 | BSc in Psychology | MA Psychology (clinical & experimental tracks) |
| McGill University | 30 | BA Psychology BSc Psychology BA & BSc Combined Programme in Psychology | Master's in Psychology (clinical & experimental tracks) |
| University of British Columbia | 34 | BA Psychology BSc Behavioural Neuroscience | Masters in Psychology (various tracks) |
| University of Waterloo | 112 | Major, minor, or honours in psychology | MA Psychology MASc Psychology PhD Psychology |
| Simon Fraser University | 318 | Major, joint major, minor, extended minor, honours & cooperative education program | MA Psychology PhD Psychology |
Data updated as of January 2024
University of Toronto
| Acceptance rate | 43% |
| Employability rate | 90% |
Course fees (Per annum) | Undergraduate degree: CAD $20,000 Postgraduate degree: CAD $28,900 |
Data updated as of January 2024
- Ranking 21st in the QS World University Rankings 2024, the University of Toronto is one of the top universities in the higher education sector, specialising in psychology.
- The University of Toronto’s undergraduate program offers students a comprehensive foundation in psychology, keeping pace with evolving research and emerging challenges.
- The university provides various joint major programs so you can study psychology alongside another discipline.
- Toronto’s postgraduate courses are robust. They offer clinical and experimental tracks with hands-on research and experience emphasised. Moreover, the university’s impressive campuses and extensive libraries enhance the student experience.
McGill University
| Acceptance rate | 39% |
| Employability rate | 98% |
Course fees (Per annum) | Undergraduate degree: CAD $25,000 Postgraduate degree: CAD $21,973 |
Data updated as of January 2024
- The oldest university in Montreal and one of Quebec's three English-speaking higher education institutions, McGill has a rich history.
- It is one of the best universities in Canada for psychology, as the discipline at McGill dates back to 1850.
- The university also provides joint programs combining elements of both bachelor's options. Graduates can explore a wide range of modules, including topics like bilingualism, health psychology, and hormones.
- Finally, the graduate program at McGill is highly prestigious. Acclaimed as one of the best psychology courses in Canada, it admits just 100 students each year.
Also read: Student Accommodation in Canada
University of British Columbia (UBC)
| Acceptance rate | 70% |
| Employability rate | 81.2% |
Course fees (Per annum) | Undergraduate degree: CAD $42,400 Postgraduate degree: CAD $19,000 |
Data updated as of January 2024
- The University of British Columbia is a prominent Canadian university. A powerhouse of research prowess, it ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide in 2024.
- UBS excels in clinical neuroscience and various psychological subdisciplines. The university offers some of the best psychology programs in Canada.
- The university offers BA and BSc degrees with diverse specialisations such as learning enhancement and behavioural neuroscience.
- If you’re looking to further your studies, UBC offers a comprehensive 24-month master's degree in psychology.
- As one of the best universities in Canada for psychology, it’s no surprise that UBC plays host to an experimental psychology laboratory. Plus, the department’s annual psychology fair (Psychfest) is famed worldwide.
University of Waterloo
| Acceptance rate | 53% |
| Employability rate | 94.8% |
Course fees (Per annum) | Undergraduate degree: CAD $39,000 Postgraduate degree: CAD $16,000 |
Data updated as of January 2024
- As one of the top 150 institutions worldwide (QS Rankings 2024), the University of Waterloo boasts one of the finest psychology programs in Canada.
- Undergraduates have the flexibility to pursue psychology as a major or minor. Students can opt for either a three-year or a four-year study programme.
- Waterloo’s psychology course stresses the importance of experiential learning. Actively, the department encourages students to gain practical experience. They also promote work placements, research projects, and volunteer opportunities.
- The faculty is very well-equipped. The department has ERP (Event-Related Potential) equipment, digital video recording and streaming capabilities, psychophysiological measurement tools, eye-movement recording devices, and access to MRI scanners.
- With its innovative approach and cutting-edge equipment, it’s easy to see why Waterloo has one of the top psychology departments in Canada.
Simon Fraser University
| Acceptance rate | 59% |
| Employability rate | 81% |
Course fees (Per annum) | Undergraduate degree: CAD $31,450 Postgraduate degree: CAD $12,400 |
Data updated as of January 2024
- Simon Fraser University, established in 1965, has a globally acclaimed psychology department.
- The university provides a variety of academic programmes, including major and minor streams, an honours degree, and a cooperative education programme.
- Furthermore, Simon Fraser University offers opportunities for joint majors in partnership with other departments. These span criminology, gender studies, women's studies, and even business administration.
- In short, the university’s commitment to research excellence positions it as a major institution in the educational landscape, as well as one of the best universities in Canada for psychology.
Also read: Your step-by-step guide to finding an internship abroad
Career opportunities for psychology in Canada
Psychology is a high-paying profession with various specialisation options.
The average annual salary of a Psychologist in Canada is CAD $104,100. Fresh graduates earn around CAD $85,131 in entry-level roles, while experienced employees can earn up to CAD $127,917 a year.
What are the career options for psychology graduates in Canada?
- Psychologist
- Therapist
- Educational Psychologist
- Neuropsychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Academic Lecturer
- Industrial and Organisational Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Addiction Counsellor
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of studying psychology in Canada for Indian students?
A psychology degree in Canada costs between CAD $4,000 and $48,000 for Indian students.
What are the requirements to study psychology in Canada?
| Educational qualifications | English proficiency |
Undergraduate degree: An international student with a subject background in maths, physics, chemistry, and biology with an overall score above 65%. Postgraduate degree: An international student with an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related specialisation with a GPA over 3.0. | IELTS: 6.5-7.5 TOEFL: 86-100 PTE: 68-73 Duolingo: Above 120 |
Entrance exam GRE: 300 | Visa Canada Student Visa |
Is studying psychology in Canada worth it?
Psychology is one of the top referred arts and humanities course programs for international students aiming to pursue higher education in Canada. The courses offer an excellent curriculum, resources and facilities, and employment opportunities for a remarkable career abroad.
How long is a psychology degree in Canada?
An undergraduate psychology course has a duration of three to four years, while a postgraduate degree lasts one to two years.
What are some of the best universities for psychology in Canada?
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Waterloo
- Simon Fraser University
Other best universities in Canada for psychology include the University of Calgary, the University of Regina, the University of Victoria, and Western University.
Where could studying psychology at one of the best universities in Canada lead?
Psychologists are in-demand and highly paid professionals, especially in Canada. The country welcomes international students and offers opportunities to stay after your degree. Enrolling in one of the best psychology programs in Canada will put you in good stead in any profession.
Is psychology in Canada a cutting-edge discipline?
- Canada offers some of the best psychology degree programs in the world. It is an ideal destination for ambitious international students wishing to forge a career in psychology.
- The universities act as stepping stones to a rewarding and impactful career in psychology. So, if you're considering this exciting path, studying psychology in Canada offers an inviting, world-class environment to help you achieve your goals.
Embark on a global academic adventure with Edvoy!
Edvoy paves the way for an exceptional academic experience for international students to study abroad. From researching your study options to submitting your application, we strive to offer remarkable assistance and guidance throughout your journey. Explore options, connect with an Edvoy Counsellor, and begin your journey today!
