Are you fascinated by the intricacies of financial management, auditing, and taxation? Do you have a passion for numbers and a keen eye for detail? If so, pursuing a Master of Accounting degree in Canada might be the perfect stepping stone for a successful career in finance. Canada's renowned universities and robust accounting industry make it an ideal destination for aspiring accountants seeking advanced education and professional growth.
This blog will explore the benefits, career prospects, and admission requirements for a Master of Accounting program in Canada.
Why study Master of Accounting in Canada?
- Provides a pathway for international students to be registered as a CPA in Canada
- Rigorous training and learning opportunities due to increasing demand for students with a MAcc degree in Canadian multinational companies
- Experiential learning opportunities through internships and co-ops.
- Accredited programs
- Canadian University offers programs fulfilling a CPA professional education program requirement.
Master of Accounting in Canada: Universities
Given its numerous job prospects, scholarship chances, and world-class educational institutions, Canada is the best place to study accounting. A degree from a top Canadian university qualifies you for work chances in Canada and worldwide.
Some of the top universities offer a master's of accounting in Canada. There are nuances in the program offered by different universities. However, most programs make graduates eligible to sit for the licensure examination to be a Certified Public Accountant.
The following is a list of top Canadian universities that provide excellent accounting and finance programs:
Universities |
Program |
Course Duration |
University of Toronto |
Master of Accounting and Finance |
16 months |
University of Alberta-Alberta School of Business |
Master of Accounting |
2 years |
Master of Accounting (MAcc) |
8 months |
|
MSc in Accounting |
1 year |
|
Simon Fraser University |
Master of Science in Accounting with Cognitive Analytics |
20 months |
University of Saskatchewan |
Master of Professional Accounting (M.P.Acc) |
1.5 years |
York University-Schulich School of Business |
Master of Accounting |
1 year |
University of Guelph |
Master of Management and Professional Accounting |
1.5 – 2 years |
Université du Québec |
Master of Accounting |
|
|
Master of Accounting in Canada: Requirements
University of Toronto
- Appropriate undergraduate degree
- Documentation of the assessment of your education by the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) association to ensure that the applicant meets the requirement to take on the program
- For English language proficiency: IELTS score of 7.0 overall or TOEFL score of 100 overall
- Applicants must have completed a four years bachelor's program with at least 75% in Bachelor of Accounting, Bachelor of Math, or Bachelor of Science program.
- A TOEFL score of 90 overall with at least 25 in writing and speaking or an IELTS score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in writing and speaking or a PTE score of 63 overall with at least 65 in writing and speaking
Mc Master University
- Honours (4-year) bachelor's degree or equivalent in any discipline with a minimum B+ average (equivalent to a McMaster GPA of 8.5) from an accredited university
- Prefer at least one term for university-level calculus, algebra, and statistics.
- Minimum GMAT score of 600 or the GRE equivalent.
- IELTS Score 6.5 minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening)
University of Saskatchewan
- A four-year undergraduate degree with no less than 70% in the final two years of study
- Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in Canadian accounting principles by completing university-level courses as indicated by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants.
- An IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each band, a TOEFL score of 86 overall with no less than 19 in each section, or a PTE score of 63 overall and at least 59 in each section.
Beedie School of Business
- A four-year undergraduate degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0
- Minimum GMAT score of 550. We also accept the GRE (minimum score of 155 in each section
- A TOEFL score of 93 overall with at least 20 in each section, an IELTS score of 7.0, or a PTE score of 65 overall.
Check Complete Guide to TOEFL Exam for Canada Student Visa.
Carleton University
- A four years bachelor's degree with at least 70%
- At least 60% in courses mandated by CPA for entry into the Master of Accounting Program in Canada
- A TOEFL score of 86 overall with at least 20 in listening and reading and 22 in speaking and writing, or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each section, or a PTE score of 60 in each skill.
Brock University - Goodman School of Business
- Completion of bachelor of accounting at Goodman School of Business at Brock University with a GPA of 75%
- An IELTS score of 7.5 overall with at least 6.5 in each section or a TOEFL score of 105 with at least 21 in reading, listening, and speaking and 24 in writing or a PTE score of 72 overall with at least 60 in each skill
York University-Schulich School of Business
- International applicants with a bachelor's degree from a university outside of Canada must complete a Diploma in Intermediate Accounting program of 8 months before entering the Master of Accounting Program.
- GRE or GMAT score is required
- An IELTS score of 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each section or a TOEFL score of 100 overall with at least 23 in each skill.
Master of Accounting in Canada: Tuition Fee
A year's tuition at one of Canada's best colleges ranges from $10,000 to $44,000. The tuition cost covers the entire program period when a program lasts less than a year.
Universities |
Fee per year (CAD) |
University of Toronto |
$58,160 |
University of Alberta-Alberta School of Business |
$25,704 |
$43,426 |
|
Mc Master University |
$53,694 |
University of Saskatchewan |
$20,000 |
York University-Schulich School of Business |
$59,500 (Est Program Total) |
Beedie School of Business (SFU) |
$50,111 |
Carleton University |
$28,000 |
Brock University - Goodman School of Business |
$30,870 |
Master of Accounting in Canada: Scholarships
Many scholarships are offered to pursue the best universities for accounting and finance in Canada, including many university-specific, privately supported and government-funded scholarships available for international students.
It should be noted that Scholarships for international students interested in studying in Canada are limited, very competitive, and broadly accessible at the postgraduate level.
The following table shows a glimpse of scholarships and awards to international students in Canada.
University |
Scholarship |
Amount |
University of Toronto |
Dean’s List |
Varies |
Graduation Award |
||
University of Alberta-Alberta School of Business |
KPMG Jim Walker Memorial Scholarship in Accounting |
$2000 |
Michael Maier Graduate Scholarship in Accounting |
$1800 |
|
International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) |
$2500 |
|
Entrance Scholarship |
Varies |
|
Simon Fraser University |
Major Graduate Entrance Scholarship |
NA |
University of Saskatchewan |
Master of Professional Accounting Scholarship |
Up to $5000 |
York University-Schulich School of Business |
Schulich International Grant |
Varies |
Master of Accounting in Canada: Job Scope
After earning a master's degree in finance, you can find several work prospects in Canada. If you are an international student interested in pursuing a Master of Finance degree, Canada is one of the most popular places to study.
Role |
Range of Salary |
Average Salary |
Senior Accountant |
$51,000 - $81,000 |
$63,956 |
Financial Analyst |
$50,000 - $84,000 |
$65,646 |
Accountant |
$40,000 - $73,000 |
$54,208 |
Financial Controller |
$61,000 - $113,000 |
$83,965 |
Senior Financial Analyst |
$59,000 - $96,000 |
$76,858 |
Chief Financial Officer |
$106,000 - $237,000 |
$156,874 |
Staff Accountant |
$36,000 - $60,000 |
$46,908 |
Accounting Manager |
$53,000 - $99,000 |
$72,658 |
Senior Auditor |
$51,000 - $93,000 |
$67,861 |
Finance Manager |
$58,000 - $108,000 |
$81,516 |
Tax Manager |
$70,000 - $110,000 |
$87,543 |
Certified Public Accountant |
$47,000 - $89,000 |
$63,816 |
Corporate Controller |
$80,000 - $146,000 |
$110,049 |
Forensic Accountant |
$53,000 - $131,000 |
$82,966 |
Property Accountant |
$45,000 - $71,000 |
$56,315 |
|
FAQs
How long does it take to complete a Master of Accounting in Canada?
A Master of Accounting program in Canada typically ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on the university and whether it is pursued full-time or part-time.
What are the admission requirements for a Master of Accounting in Canada?
Admission requirements vary among universities but typically include a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, a competitive GPA, letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and English language proficiency test scores (if applicable).
What career opportunities are available after completing a Master of Accounting in Canada?
Graduates of a Master of Accounting program in Canada can pursue various career paths, such as becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), a financial analyst, an auditor, a tax consultant, or a corporate accountant. The degree provides a strong foundation for roles in accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, and financial institutions.